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.