#LifeHacks: Homemade Holiday Gifts!

Homemade Holiday Gifts

Holiday shopping can be difficult, whether you’re shopping for family members, friends, coworkers, or neighbors. Additionally, gifts for everyone can add up! This year, consider making homemade Christmas gifts. Not only will these save you a little money, but taking the extra effort and time shows a person how much you truly care about them. More thought is put behind homemade holiday gifts, and whoever receives it will be extra thankful! Not sure where to start? Don’t worry! Check out these do-it-yourself homemade holiday gifts to try this holiday season.

DIY Agate Coasters

These beautiful coasters by Jen Woodhouse make the perfect gift for home and apartment owners, as they are very trendy and useful! This gift will be greatly appreciated and is also half the cost of buying it in-store. Additionally, you can make them any color you want! Think of your friend or family member’s favorite color, and simply buy those shades of acrylic paint. Not much of a painter? That’s okay! For these coasters, perfection is not necessary. Mix up your colors and add some water for a unique, homemade look. These are perfect, easy gifts to give away that require extra thoughtfulness and creativity.

Mason Jar Candles

You can never have too many candles! What’s even better, is these are homemade and make for the perfect Christmas gift. This DIY Peppermint Candle by a Pumpkin and a Princess will put anyone right into the holiday spirit. They are also easy to make! All you need is soy wax, mason jars, tea light cups, candlewick, and peppermint essential oils. Decorate your mason jars however you please, and they are ready to distribute! If you thought this was easy, you can even try making them with different scents and decorations for different friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

DIY Hanging Grill Tool Display Sign

For the cooks in your family, the DIY Hanging Grill Tool Display Sign is the perfect, handy gift by the Rustic Willow. It is both functional and decorative. You can gather all of your supplies from the nearest home improvement store. Customize it to say whatever you want, as you can paint on the letters! Whether it’s for a family member or a friend, your loved one will enjoy using this awesome and crafty gift when they’re grilling.

Stamped Keychain or Necklace

This unique idea from Kojo Designs is perfect for, well, anyone! You can customize it to say anything you want, and you can either make keychains or necklaces. Although it does take a couple of practice rounds, once you have the supplies and the moves down correctly, you will be on your way to success. The necessary supplies are metal brass discs, key rings, a metal stamping set, and a jump ring if you are making a keychain. Additionally, you will need a hammer, black permanent marker, a piece of steel wool, and a drill and a small bit tool. Once you have all the supplies, it is easy to make these as gifts year-round! Give it to your special someone as a necklace, or your best friends as a friendship keychain. The opportunities for creativity here are endless!

Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar

For an easy and tasty gift, try these Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar idea by Crazy Little Projects. This gift is perfect for the holidays, because who doesn’t love baking cookies during this time? You can also decorate the jar however you like. If you have a lot of people you need to get gifts for, like neighbors or teachers, you’ll want to give these a try. You can switch up the recipes you use to cater to your friends’ tastes. Whether it’s chocolate peppermint cookies or double chocolate and toffee cookies, your friends will love them!

The holidays are the most wonderful time of year, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the shopping and thinking of new gift ideas. With these homemade holiday gifts, you will save a lot of money, while also putting more thought, time, and effort towards your gifts instead of simply purchasing them from the store. Your loved ones will appreciate knowing that you care so much about them to make them their own gift!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#LifeHacks: 5 Ways to Give Back This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great time to spend with family and friends. Take a moment  to reflect upon everything you are thankful for. With that being said, Thanksgiving is also a great opportunity to stop what you're doing and give back! Here are five ways that you can help someone in need during this Thanksgiving.

Donate your time: Volunteering is the best way to get involved with your community and also help families in need. Shelters are a great place to volunteer during the holidays. Many of them need the support to! Check our your local community centers and sign up to help out.

Donate food:  Food is one of the essential parts of Thanksgiving! Take your unexpired canned goods and non perishable food items to organizations that are doing Food Drives or that are accepting donations.

Sponsor a family: In addition to donating time and food, a good way to give back is to sponsor a family for Thanksgiving. You can buy their Thanksgiving groceries or simply make double of what you will be serving for on Thanksgiving Day!

Donate blood: Many people will have to spend the holidays in the hospital, a good way to give back to them is to donate blood. Make sure you check out your local blood banks to see what are the requirements to donate.

Write letters to troops: As Thanksgiving day is two weeks shy from Veterans day, it's always good to give thanks to the people who volunteer everyday to fight for our country. Get the family together to make heartwarming letters!

Remember its always great to GIVE! 

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#LifeHacks: How to Transition Your Summer Clothes into Fall!

In a perfect world, we could all get a new wardrobe each time the season changes. However, that would all add up pretty quickly! Purchasing a whole new wardrobe when the first leaf hits the ground in the fall might be out of the question. However, who's to say you can't wear your summer outfits in the cool weather? Here's how to transition your summer clothes into fall with a few simple steps. 

Just Add a Scarf!

Don’t be afraid to add a scarf to your summer tops and blouses. Scarves add a little spice to what could be a plain outfit. A scarf will keep you warm and complement the season, while allowing you to get additional use out of your summer apparel!

Try Tights

Not ready to stop wearing those summer dresses? You don’t have to! Just add tights to your outfit to add warmth, while creating more of a fall look.

Layers are Your New Best Friend

A simple way to stay both warm AND cool in the fall is layering. Mornings can be chilly, but once the sun comes out you could be warm by the afternoon. Avoid the temperature and outfit confusion by layering tops, whether it’s with a cardigan, denim jacket, tunic, or other warm apparel.

Change Up the Colors

Whether you’re wanting to wear a summer dress, top, or skirt, pair it with the deeper fall colors. By doing so, you can keep your pastel summer colors, but with a deeper fall color in the mix, it’s basically a fall outfit! Fall colors include burnt orange, mustard yellow, maroon, olive green, and deep mocha. Consider finding the fall colors in statement pieces like a jacket, necklace, or scarf.

Buy Yourself Some Boots

Boots are the perfect footwear for fall. Whether they’re riding boots, booties, or combat boots, they’ll transform any outfit into a cozy, cute fall one. Don’t let your feet get cold in those open-toed shoes —buy yourself some boots!

We all love fall, but don’t feel like you need to splurge a ton to change your style with the season. With these tips on how to transition your summer clothes into fall, you’ll be fashion-forward in no time — all while saving money!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#ApartmentHacks: Trick or Treating Tips for Apartment Living!

Living in an apartment has so many perks! Apartment buildings aren't only beneficial for adults but also for children. If you think about it- apartment buildings are the perfect places to go trick-or-treating: You get all the candy without having to brace the cold! Here's why you should be convincing the other parents to join in on the fun!

Dress up your door: Trick-or-treaters might not stop to knock on your door if they don't think you're home- so be inviting and festive! You can go the traditional route and get a jack-o-lantern outside. Or add cobwebs on the door frame! To get extra spooky add some flickering lights or a hanging ghost from the door!

Get in the spirit yourself:  Picture this- you knock on someone's door and yell "Trick or treat!" and receive candy from someone dressed in a t-shirt and jeans. What a letdown! Don't be boring on this exciting day. Plan to dress up in a creative costume that they won't expect.

Don't neglect the inside: In addition to your outdoor decorations, you have to spice up the inside as well! While trick-or-treaters might catch a glimpse of inside- they should be wowed by what they see! Add a nice spooky touch that they won't sure to forget.

Spread the word: Trick or treating in your apartment building won't be half the fun if you still have leftover candy sitting in your bowls! Reach out to your leasing office and see what they have planned for the holiday. Make sure you get involved to spread the spirit of fun to everyone in your building. Let your neighbors know you'll be passing out candy so they can stop by with their children!

Remember to have fun! Spooky season is here. 

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#ApartmentLiving: 4 Must Haves For a Football Party in Your Apartment!

The arrival of fall brings crunchy leaves, cooler temperatures and...football season! Want to invite some friends over to watch the next game? Here are four must-haves for a successful football party in your apartment!

TV: You can't watch the game without a TV. The longer the screen, the better!

Food and Drinks:  Make sure you have plenty of food and drinks to go around. One idea is to have everyone bring a snack, drink, side or dessert to supplement the food and drinks you're already supplying.

Seating: In addition to your couch, place extra chair and stools around your apartment with a visible view of the TV. Borrow some chairs from your neighbors or friends if your're short/.

Friendly Competition: Ask the folks you invite to show their spirit by wearing their favorite team's colors.

Now, sit back, relax and enjoy the game!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#ApartmentHacks: Keeping your Home Smelling Fresh!

The aroma of your home is one of the first things you encounter once you walk inside. This pleasant feeling of a fresh home can instantly change your mood- for the better! Living in close quarters makes it easy for odors from one apartment to be smelled in another. Here are a couple tips for combating those stubborn smells, so all residents can enjoy their community!

Open the windows when you cook: This may seem like common sense, but a little fresh air can make a big difference when it comes to minimizing food odors. When you cook be sure allow the smells to leave your home and not become stagnant inside.

Freshly ground coffee acts as a deodorizer:  Try placing a cup of ground in the area where you need to absorb odors. This is also a helpful tip to get rid of insects! 

Boil cinnamon sticks or cloves: In a pot of water on the stove and let it stand. This will create a pleasant fragrance in your apartment. Similar to lighting a candle!

Remember to take your trash out often: Organic waste like banana peels and apple cores have strong odors so get them out of your apartment as soon as possible!

How do you recreate that "new apartment smell"?  Let us know in the comments!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#LifeHacks: Celebrate National Make your Bed Day!

*Yawnnn* Happy National Make Your Bed Day! We all love that moment when we come home from a long day of work or school the first thing you want to do it lay down in bed for a nap- or sleep all together! Here are some tips on how making your bed after that wonderful sleep can actually benefit your sleep pattern in the long run!

A great night's sleep can sometimes be hard to come by constantly. However the comfort you feel in your bedroom environment ultimately starts with the way your bed is made each morning.

Studies have shown that people who make their bed daily are more likely to have a better night's sleep. The sight of a nicely made bed will create comfort in your brain without you even laying down yet. Freshly fitted sheets, pulled comforters and fluffed pillows also play a factor in mastering elevated sleep comfort.

Besides the comfort aspect, the visual appearance invited us to a nice slumber- one that you can take without even having to make yourself feel comfortable first or even having to get to that right spot of the bed.

Being faced with crumpled sheets, twisted blankets and soggy pillows at the end of an already long day can cause frustration.

But don't you worry- here on National Make Your Bed Day we are challenging you to make this habit stick! Make your bed as a morning routine of yours each day. Set aside 5 minutes in your morning routine before you head off to work or school to make your bed. Start with the sheets and tuck them in. Then cover your bed with your comforters and lastly fluff your pillows and sit them face sided up! Wa-la! You have now celebrated National Make Your Bed Day.

Encourage your entire family to use this day as an opportunity to start another healthy habit. Get your children involved as well! Creating these healthful habit early in life can last a lifetime.

Remember to always get a good nights rest each night!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#ApartmentHacks: 10 Apartment Move In Do's & Don'ts!

You've finally made the decision on the apartment you wanted- yay you! Once you have signed your lease and started packing your bags and boxes for your big move consider these 10 do's and don'ts when it comes to moving into your brand new apartment!

1. DO Inspect the unit carefully upon move-in: On your first day in your new apartment, you'll be full of excitement for the actual move in! But make sure you take a moment to do some inspections on the spaces before adding your boxes and furniture inside. Making sure the outlets, light switches, and doors lock is a helpful thing to do first. Once you have established what works and what doesn't- you can notify your leasing center to send a request for these to be fixed!

2. DON'T be a bad neighbor:  When moving into your new apartment, you'll have a couple of neighbors either beside you or across from you and even throughout the entire building! What does this entail? It's more than just giving a smile when you run into someone in the hallway. Being 

3. DO coordinate deliveries: Since you're moving into an apartment, you might have acquired furniture from your last place or buying brand new items such as a couch, bed, mattress or TV. Some apartment buildings have guidelines on big deliveries, so aim to have all your items come around the same time so that you can have all your items in your apartment on the same day you move in!

4. DON'T forget to organize: Whether you hire movers or simply ask your family and friends to help, organizing the time, location and what they should do is important. Create a schedule for everyone and notify them of their tasks. This creates less confusion and a smooth move-in! 

5. DO read the rules: Does your new place have an elevator that needs to be requested to move larger objects? Are you expected to move within a time-frame? Read your lease or talk to your leasing consultants before you move so that you know exactly where to go and who to talk to when you arrive on moving day with a truck full of of furniture.

6. DON'T wait to report maintenance issues: Issues with your water, electricity, heating/cooling, and pests will only get worse the longer you let them linger. It's always better to report problems as soon as they arise so that maintenance can come fix any issues.

7. DO engage in regular cleaning: The chore list doesn't stop just because you've moved into a new clean place! You must maintain the cleanliness of your home on a daily basis. Get into the habit of washing your dishes every night, making your bed, and taking the trash out once it gets full. It will change the overall appearance of your apartment just like the first day you moved in!

8. DON'T put off packing: We all know what a drag packing can be. But one of the key ways to remain organized (and sane) while preparing for your big move is to pack early. Start gathering nonessential things first and then move on to the important things. By dividing the packing into shifts, you will feel less overwhelmed and have more time to relax at the end when you're finished!

9. DO make it your own: Just because it's a rental doesn't mean it can't feel like home! Make those most of apartment living by putting your own personality into your new unit. If your lease allows it- things like painting the walls, hanging wall decor, etc can add a personal touch in the place you live in.

10. DON'T forget the basics: The first night in your apartment you might be tired to unload every box! Make sure you keep a small box with basic items like a plate, cup, food, towels etc that can get your through the night until the next day!  

Sure moving can be stressful- especially if it is your first apartment- but try not to let the stress overtake the excitement. So have fun!

How do you make the most of your apartment community?  Let us know in the comments!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#ApartmentHacks: Utilizing Apartment Amenities!

Making the decision about where you will call home comes with a lot of thought. With considering many factors, you must evaluate the pros and cons of each community then decide which is best for you or what meets most of your needs. Often one of the factors that comes a renters mind is what amenities that are offered in your new home. Here we will detail benefits of amenities in apartment communities.


Parks: Having a park footsteps away from you is everyone's dream. You can take a stroll anytime you like especially with it being so close. Children would also benefit from having somewhere to play when they need some entertainment. If you have pets it is a nice convenient way to walk them and not have to travel all the way to a dog park.

Fitness Centers:  Forget the gym membership when you have access to a gym in your own building! Working out in your own home beats having to take a trip to the gym. And you'll also cut the cost on having to pay for a membership somewhere else. 

Pools: A family favorite: Swimming pools. However, pools are work! From keeping chemicals right, cleaning plus opening and closing them, your apartment community will take care of all of that! All you need to do is bring your your family and neighbors and simply enjoy. Relaxing just steps away from your home is always the way to go.

Garages/Parking: Whether you drive a truck, van or ride your bike, parking is essential when living at at community. Designated parking spots allow you to always have a spot in the same area for your vehicle and not have to worry about space. Garages help when the weather outside isn't always sunny! 

It might seem impossible to find an apartment community with every available amenity, but the worth of several amenities will prove to be valuable for the right renter! Looking for that perfect apartment? Come visit us at www.gradymgt.com where you can see a list of our communities and their amenities! 

How do you make the most of your apartment community?  Let us know in the comments!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#ApartmentHacks: The Benefits of E-Renters Insurance!

You have been looking for the apartment of your dreams. You take a tour of it and fall in love! Now you're in the Leasing Center about to sign your paperwork for your brand new place! But wait! Did you forget something? Renting an important is a huge step in anyone's life so you want to make sure you have the right and proper coverage for your new home! Here we will tell you the importance of having E-Renters insurance for your apartment.

Grady Management has taken steps to ensure your property by requiring liability insurance from residents. Requiring renter's insurance protects residents. They will have the opportunity to purchase personal property coverage. With eRenterPlan, residents will have a continuous policy, options for additional overages, a variety of payment methods and payment frequency options.

Benefits: The benefits of eRenters Insurance include:

• Same day coverage-less than 3 minutes after you sign up.
• Up to 5 roommates can be included on 1 policy at no additional charge. 
• There are no rate increases once you file a claim. 
• Cover water damage to resident's unit and all other impacted units.
• Replacement cost value. 
• Theft (forces entry not required)
• Premiums are by state (or territories within state), not individual 
• No credit checks. 

Real life scenarios: Life happens every so often. It is imperative that residents purchase an eRenters insurance policy in case one of these events happen to you. Here are are list of events that can occur where renters insurance would prevail.

Resident overflows a toilet or breaks a pipe in their apartment and floods their own unit and multiple other apartments in their building.  Apartment owner and other residents sue them for damages.

Solution:  Purchase renters insurance with liability insurance in an amount that will cover them for other people’s damages and any legal fees they will incur defending such claims.

Resident’s children while engaged in a pillow fight, break a sprinkler head in the ceiling and their unit and multiple other apartments in the building are flooded. Apartment owner and other residents sue them for damages.

Solution:  Purchase renters insurance with liability insurance in an amount that will cover them for other people’s damages and any legal fees they will incur defending such claims.

Resident causes a fire that destroys their own apartment and multiple apartments in their building.  Apartment owner and other residents sue them for damages.

Solution:  Purchase renters insurance with liability insurance in an amount that will cover them for other people’s damages and any legal fees they will incur defending such claims.

Harsh storms cause drainage ditches to overflow and water and sewage enters apartment and damages personal belongings. Apartment owner will not reimburse for damages to personal property.

Solution:  Purchase renters insurance with a flood insurance rider to cover seepage of underground water and sewage to reimburse for damages to personal property. Flood insurance may not be available through ERenters insurance program. Flood insurance may have to be obtained from another insurance carrier.

Resident returns home to find their apartment has been broken into and their personal property has been stolen and/or vandalized.

Solution:  Purchase renters insurance to cover their stolen and/or vandalized possessions.  Note:  Jewelry or high priced items must be itemized and listed with insurance carrier.

Need additional help with eRenters Insursance? Call our 24 hour/7 days a week service number (888)-205-8118 or log on to https://www.erenterplan.com/Home/index

How do you make the most of your apartment community?  Let us know in the comments!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#Apartment Hacks: When In Doubt, Throw It OUT!

This summer along with your closet clean out, decluttering bedrooms and storage spaces, add cleaning out your refrigerator and freezer to your to do-list. Way deep inside your freezer can look like an ice-crusted igloo; scary yes but cleaning this out at least twice a year means more space and a tidier looking kitchen.

Prevent Food-borne Illness.  As soon as you leave the grocery store with your items, you have to start thinking about ways you will store the. Checking the labels will be your first step as food with closer expiration dated should be closer to the front of your fridge in order to be used faster.
Make sure your refrigerator is set at 40 degrees or less and your freezer should be 0 degrees or less. To properly check; put a thermometer inside each compartment.

Food Storage Do's & Don'ts.  Food kept too long or at improper temperatures can become contaminated with bacteria, which can cause illness. Here are tips on how to properly store food in refrigerators or freezers:

• Wrap any food item tightly with at least two layers of freezer wrap before you put it in the freezer to store it.
• Allow eggs to be stored inside the cartons; not inside the refrigerator door.
• For fresh produce, do not wash it until you are ready to use it. Store them inside perforated plastic bags and make sure they're used within a few days.
• For enough air circulation, do not overfill compartments in your fridge or freezer. This will maintain the proper temperatures.
• Leftovers should be stored in covered containers within two hours of cooking. You should eat leftovers within a 3-5 day period. 
• Always remember to check use- by or sell-by dates on food packages. These dates do not apply once the package is already opened.
• Put raw meat on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, in a plastic sealed bag by itself. This will prevent any cross contamination onto other foods. 

Remember: it is also important to keep a regular schedule for refrigerator clean outs. Wiping down spills immediately when they happen to prevent permanent stains. Using a once a week schedule to clean the interior walls, shelves, with cleaning solution will help keep your refrigerator spotless!



Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#LifeHacks: Best Meal Delivery Services

If you could use a fresh approach to getting dinner on the table on time with no fuss, we’ve compiled a short list of some of the best meal delivery services to try. Meal delivery services can be a convenient option for feeding yourself or your family healthy food when you have little time or energy for food prep. Here are 7 different meal delivery services that can save the day at home:

The Best Meal Delivery Services Where You Do the Cooking:

1. Hello Fresh. HelloFresh is known for its ample portions and fresh ingredients. It offers vegetarian, family-friendly, and low-calorie options. You can choose from new chef-designed recipes each week. There’s no commitment so you can cancel anytime or skip weeks.

2. Green Chef. If you want USDA-certified organic foods, Green Chef may be a good option for you. You can choose from paleo, keto, vegan, gluten-free, and other options, and all the meals are delivered in eco-friendly packaging. Meals can be prepared in about 30 minutes.

3. EveryPlate. If you like the idea of getting your meals delivered, but want a more affordable option, Every Plate may be a good fit. Meals average around $5 each, with a discounted rate for students. They feature simple, fresh ingredients and take about 30 minutes to prepare.  When choosing your meals, you can opt for two- or four-person portions.

4. Blue Apron. Blue Apron is a great option if you want to know where the ingredients in your meals originate, because the company is totally transparent about this. Blue Apron was one of the first meal delivery services and it focuses on using foods that are sustainable. For example, it gets its meat from family-run farms that focus on animal welfare. Blue Apron is also known for its easy-to-follow directions, although prep time for meals may be a little longer than with some of the other meal delivery options.

3 of the Best Meal Delivery Services Where You Simply Heat and Eat:

5. Freshly. Freshly delivers chef-cooked meals to your doorstep fresh and cold, but not frozen. You can heat them up in just two-three minutes in the microwave. You can also heat them in the oven, but you must transfer the food to an oven-safe pan or dish first, and then it takes about 25-35 minutes until it’s ready. Choose from over 30 menu items weekly, with gluten-free and sugar-free options.

6. Diet-to-Go. Diet-to-Go is a good choice if you’re looking for delicious meals that can help you achieve your weight loss goals. You can choose from low-carb, low-fat and low-fat vegetarian options, plus choose from two calorie options. You get access to health coaches and nutritionists when you use this service, and the food tastes great too. Epicurious, an upscale food magazine, named Diet-to-Go the best-tasting diet meal delivery service.

7. Blue Apron. If you’re looking for healthy, fully prepared meals that you can just heat and serve the entire family, Good Kitchen may be the best bet. According to reviewers, the meals do an excellent job of pleasing the palates of both adults and children. It’s easy to customize your meal plan by removing ingredients that some in your family might not like, such as onions, or to accommodate food allergies by eliminating foods like nuts, for instance.

There are so many other services to choose from as well. We hope you find the perfect one to make preparing meals at your homes a little less stressful and time-consuming!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#ApartmentHacks: Keeping Your Home Cool Without Air Condition!

Its that season where we gravitate to finding ways to cool off quick! Air conditioning might be the first idea that pops up in your brain, but what if there were alternative ideas from turning on your air conditioning when you want to cool down? Here are five ways on how to keep cool at home during the summer time without racking up on your electric bill:

1. Keep your blinds closed.  This tip might seem very simple but over 25 percent of unwanted heated comes straight through your windows, and installing shades can save you up to 7 percent on bulls and dramatically lower your indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.

2. Install black-out curtains.  Black-out curtains block out sunlight while naturally insulating the rooms where they are installed. These neutral-colored curtains with white plastic backings can reduce heating gain by upwards to 30 percent.

3. Closing off unused doors.  Air can circulate through an entire room so being smart about your doors is very important. Closing doors will prevent cool air from permeating these areas during the hottest part of the day. You want to capitalize on thee cooler night hours too, by letting air glow naturally through your home.

4. Buy a fan. Utilizing a fan during those warmer months can help cool you down faster. Fans circulate in a particular area of the room and can be controlled by you at any second. Using fan is cheaper in the long run and you can use it year round if need be.

5. Swap your sheets. Not only does switching out your bedding seasonally put a nice twist to your room, but it is also a wonderful way to keep cool. While textiles such as flannel sheets and fleece blankets are perfect for insulation, cotton is a smarter move for the warmer months as it breathes easier and stays cooler.

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#LifeHacks: Staying Fit & Active In Warm Weather!

Now that the weather is warming up exercising outside can present a little challenge. While temperatures rise up, exercisers can experience heat exhaustion and even dehydration staying under the sun's rays. Here are a few tips that will keep you staying fit and active in the warm weather:

Go Outside and Play!  There is plenty of time to be cooped up inside so advantage of the warm weather and get outside! Nature has been proven to have a great impact on our mental and physical health. Activities ranging from riding a bike, rollerblading, hiking, or kayaking. Whatever you may choose, make sure you are doing it outside soaking up Vitamin D and mother nature.

Workout in the Morning.  When living in an apartment community, residents can utilize their community buildings, neighborhood parks and trails for a morning run. So set your alarm a bit earlier and get your workout done first thing in the morning. By doing this, it revs up your metabolism for the remainder of the day, and also gets those happy endorphins flowing. If you keep doing this day-after-day, it can eventually become a habit that will change your life!

Drink lots of Water.  Always remember to stay hydrated while you're out having fun. Drinking several amounts of water in between activities, excising and being under the sun will assure a healthy, balanced body and mind!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Maintenance #LifeHack: What to Do If You Notice a Leak in an Apartment?

A Step by Step Maintenance Guide

No matter in an apartment, town house, or single family home, leaks may occasionally occur inside the home.  When a leak occurs inside an apartment, follow these steps to remedy the situation:

Try to contain the water and identify the source.  If water is all over the kitchen floor, perhaps the sink is leaking.  If it is on the bathroom floor, perhaps it is the toilet or tub.  Try to contain the water to limit water damage and try to determine the source of the leak.

Submit a service request.  When living in an apartment community, residents can and should ask their management team for help and assistance when needed.  A leak is definitely a situation in which a resident should contact the maintenance team, and as soon as possible! 

Contact maintenance again if the problem arises.  Again, don't waste any time reporting leaks.  If you notice the leak again, report it immediately to the maintenance and management team.

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

How to Make the Most of Living in an Apartment Community: Three #LifeHacks

Love Where You Live

Whether moving into an apartment community for the first time or moving back into a community after downsizing, apartment residents can truly love where they live by making the most of their community experience.  Below are three, of the many ways, renters can make the most of their apartment communities:

Talk to the community management team: One great aspect of living in an apartment community is the fact that a management team is onsite to help with maintenance/ service requests, general inquiries, and more.  Introduce yourself to the community team.  This way, you can "put a face to a name" when communicating with the leasing office online.

Attend community events: Apartment communities often will host holiday parties, pool parties, and more for their valued residents.  These events are a great opportunity to meet more residents, fellow neighbors, and socialize outside of the apartment home.

Enjoy community amenities: Unlike traditional single family homes or townhouses, apartment communities and apartment buildings often contain a variety of different amenities such as game rooms, fitness centers, pools, and more.  As a resident, you can enjoy these amenities when available.

How do you make the most of your apartment community?  Let us know in the comments!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Three Ways to Bring Spring Cheer Into Your Apartment

Seasonal Tips for Renters

Believe it or not, it is almost the spring season!  For some renters, it may be a priority to bring seasonal cheer into their apartments with some decorations and DIY projects.

Below are simple and effective ways to add a seasonal, springtime twist into your apartment:

Add plants and flowers.  Nothing says "springtime" quite like some beautiful plants and flowers.  To bring some springtime cheer into the home, add a few potted plants in the living areas of the apartment. Some plants, like spider plants, thrive best indoors with little upkeep needed.  If the apartment has a patio or balcony, that provides another area to place a garden box or some potted plants around the home.  Pet owners should note: not all plants and flowers are healthy for four-legged roommates.  Always research plants and flowers to see if they are healthy for animals prior to bringing indoors.

Practice some spring cleaning.  A great part of the spring season is the annual spring cleaning: a chance to get rid of excess waste.  Try to ready the apartment for spring by doing a massive cleaning of clothes, decor, kitchen appliances, etc.  Make sure to research local non profit organizations to see if donations of clothes, home furnishings, and more can be accepted to reduce waste and practice some "in kind" giving back.

Let the sunshine in[to your apartment]. The winter is a time of cold mornings and early evenings.  Now that spring is almost here, it is time to embrace the sunshine!  Remove any drapes and curtains from the apartment and pack/ store them in the linen closet until next year.  Letting some natural light into the apartment is not only a simple and effective way to transform the space but also a certain way to introduce some spring cheer.

Have a great spring season!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

The Benefits of Renters Insurance: March 2019

Renters insurance is a good idea for just about anyone who rents. That’s because your landlord’s insurance policy won’t cover your personal liability or put a roof over your head if your place becomes uninhabitable.

If you've never taken inventory of your belongings, even just mentally, and assigned a price tag to what you own, you might be surprised at the tally. Even if you feel like you don't own anything of value, even simple possessions can add up to a dollar figure that might pose a huge burden if you were forced to replace it all at one time.

This alone should give you cause to look deeper into obtaining renters insurance. Fortunately, renters insurance isn't particularly expensive, and compared to writing a check to replace all your possessions it becomes a fairly insignificant monthly cost.

Getting the Insurance You Need

When considering purchasing renters insurance, there are a few steps you should take and some things you should keep in mind along the way.

• Get Online Quotes

Shopping online is a great way to get the insurance you need. Many websites give you the ability to customize your insurance policy, giving you the power to determine for yourself how much insurance you want from the privacy of your own computer.

Apartment Living: Three Tips When Experiencing Ice Storms

Winter Weather Advice for Residents

Even though weather can be unpredictable, winter weather is on its way for many cities in Maryland, Virginia, and beyond.  Apartment residents can enjoy light snowfall because building management will schedule snow removal and cleaning.  But what should residents do during ice storms and other winter precipitation, such as sleet, that can freeze?  Below are three tips for apartment residents to keep in mind during ice storms:

1) Building management and maintenance will treat:  When winter storms are forecast, most apartment management companies and/ or teams are planning in advance for the snow and ice.  That includes pre-treating parking lots, walkways, sidewalks, and more with ice melt products.  Residents should notify their apartment building team if they notice areas that are not treated or areas that need to be treated once winter weather begins.  Treating apartment buildings and communities during winter storms is an ongoing process until the storm itself ends, so residents should remain vigilant and patient.  Residents can also reach out to their management team with any questions or comments.

2) Rethink traveling outside (if possible): During severe winter storms, it is always encouraged to stay indoors.  That being said, some residents may need to leave their apartment and their community for work or other engagements.  Residents should remain vigilant when outside.  Ice is much different than snow and oftentimes cannot be easily detected or seen.  In addition, sleet can freeze upon contact with surfaces, so new ice may freeze and form throughout the storm.  Residents are encouraged to wear winter footwear, dress in warm clothes, and bring along items like flashlights and blankets if driving and traveling during storms.

3) Remember to use resources: Winter weather forecasts may change and update on an hourly basis.  Residents are encouraged to use resources, such as local weather apps and websites, to track winter storms.  This will assist residents in knowing when to leave their apartments and communities.  Most management companies also host online resident portals service requests and contact forms to allow residents an easy way to reach their community team with any questions or comments.  Grady Management offers to following Contact Us form specifically for residents.

Stay safe and warm during any upcoming winter weather!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

#DIY: Make The Most Of Your Apartment Kitchen

Organization Ideas for Small and/ or Narrow Spaces

For those living in an apartment building, kitchen sizes may vary.  Some, in studios and junior one bedrooms, may experience smaller kitchens.  Others may experience narrower, referred to as "galley," kitchens which are common in some apartment buildings.

No matter the size of the kitchen, residents can make simple, temporary, design changes to maximize the space:

1) Implement a peg board: Hanging a peg board or propping a peg broad behind the kitchen sink can open up a number of storage and organization possibilities.  Use a peg board to hang things like spatulas, ladles, and other large scale cutlery that may not fit inside drawers.  Peg boards are also a great place to hang pots, pans, mugs, and cutting boards.

2) Hang the recycling bin: In smaller kitchens, floor space is a desirable commodity.  It is best to not take up excess floor space by placing garbage or recycling bins.  Put up some nails and hang the bins on the wall.  Not only will this help with remembering to recycle, but it will free up some additional space.

3) Add tension rods to cabinets:  Tension rods can help divide up cabinets and provide a place to hang items like cleaning supplies that some prefer to tuck away from sight.  This is especially useful in kitchens with limited cabinet and/ or storage space.

4) Use shelves: Hanging shelves on the kitchen wall can provide additional space for keeping often used items like coasters, mugs, drink-ware, and more.  Shelves are also an ideal place to keep and store cookbooks. 

5) Utilize baskets of various sizes: Baskets are a great resource for any kitchen!  Baskets can be added inside cabinets to store canned and non perishable food items.  Similarly, baskets can be placed inside the fridge and freezer to create food categories.  Baskets can also be hung from the wall to hold fresh produce.

What are other ways to organize a kitchen?  Let us know in the comments?

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Three Great Ways To Enjoy An Apartment Community Clubhouse

Fun and Games Within A Community

One great aspect about living in an apartment building and/ or apartment community is the access to the numerous resident amenities available in many of these communities. In the summertime, residents at some communities can enjoy a refreshing swim at a community pool or grill a delicious meal at a grilling station.  Those interested in fitness can work out in the community fitness center and save money on additional gym fees. 

Another amenity many apartment residents enjoy is the community clubhouse or club room.  Residents who live at a community with a clubhouse can utilize this amenity in several ways, including:

Community game night: Who doesn't love a good game night?  When gathering a large group to play some classic board games, it is best to have ample space to play.  Most clubhouses contain wide open spaces with features such as plush couches and chairs, gaming tables, and more: a perfect spot for a game night.  Game nights can also provide residents a chance to meet and socialize with their neighbors!

Birthday party and/ or social gathering: Trying to find a perfect venue for a large scale event such as a milestone birthday, anniversary, or reunion?  The community clubhouse may be the perfect place!  Some clubhouses feature caterer's kitchens to facilitate events with food.  Be sure to contact the community team and/ or management company to ensure it is possible to reserve the clubhouse prior to any event.

Reading and studying: Trying to find a creative space to cram before tests or prepare before a big meeting or presentation?  Sometimes it is best to change scenery when studying or working.  The clubhouse may provide the most comfortable, "home away from home," location for late night study and work sessions.  Oftentimes, the community clubhouse will contain WiFi access as well.

The clubhouse is one of several popular resident amenities!  When searching for a new apartment, it is important to keep in mind apartment amenities to ensure the community fits all needs. 

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Apartment Living During a Snow Storm

What to Do During Inclement Winter Weather

Happy 2019!  As it is only a few days into the new year, it is a good time to focus on winter weather preparedness since winter weather may be on its way.  When living in an apartment community, apartment renters may experience snow, ice, and other forms of winter precipitation differently then those who own a home.  Keep the following tips in mind when living in an apartment community this winter season:

1) Don't worry about snow removal and ice treatment: One benefit of renting an apartment is that the apartment community management company and/ or maintenance team takes care of snow and ice removal.  That saves apartment residents a lot of time and aggravation.  During snow storms, residents need to ensure that they check their emails to see if their apartment community teams are reaching out regarding snow shoveling and/ or snow plowing plans. 

2) Contact the apartment community team: During snow storms, apartment community maintenance team members may reach out to residents about snow removal schedules and about moving cars to plow parking lots and streets.  Reach out to the apartment community teams with any questions or comments regarding snow removal. 

3) Remain vigilant: When walking around and/ or driving home, residents should report any unmoved/ non disturbed ice and snow at their communities to their apartment community team so the snow and ice can be treated. 

Have a happy and healthy winter season!

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.