#LifeHacks: Moving to Your First Apartment!

 

 With the new year brings new opportunities, goals, and adventures. A lot of people will become first time renters in 2021- yay! Before packing up your things, you should be aware that moving to a first apartment comes with a great deal of responsibilities. To get you started; we have complied a list of helpful apartment you should know when choosing your very first apartment to live in. Good luck and happy moving!

• Figure out your mail situation – Does your apartment building have a community mailbox center where you pick up your mail? Or does your individual apartment have its own mail slot in the door? Does a doorman store packages when you’re away? Or will you need to ask a neighbor to pick them up? You’ll also want to check to see if mail and packages are left outside your building. This will help when you are planning large deliveries to your home.

• Purchase new décor – Give your apartment a fresh look! Purchasing a new living room and bedroom set will give your new home  The new "home" smell will be surely to make you feel amazing.

• Change your address – When moving to your first apartment, remember to let your bank and post office know as soon as possible. Be sure to update credit card information with your new billing address. Also, don’t forget to let friends and family know you’ve moved. To ensure that you receive your mail, contact your post office and choose the date you wish to begin forwarding your mail.

• Tour the amenities – With a new apartment comes new amenities. Some apartments feature amenities that include gyms, playgrounds, computer areas etc. Touring these amenities before you move in will help you navigate where there are located and when they open/close. 

• Explore your neighborhood – Get out of the house and explore your new neighborhood! Walk, drive or bike around the area to get a good sense of where you are and what’s around you. Make a point to locate nearby grocery stores, parks, schools, museums, libraries, hardware stores, hospitals and pharmacies. Discover more about your neighborhood through your county's website or social media pages.

Please remember to enjoy this experience! Due to the global pandemic- the traditional move in process may be a little different. Continue to wear a mask social distance while moving in common spaces in your apartment building.

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 Celebrate Halloween this Year

 

What an unpredictable year this has been! With the concerns of the current pandemic the world is in, it is important to stay extra careful during the upcoming Holidays. Montgomery County officials are offering advice on how to minimize risks as Halloween approaches. We have gathered a list of ways to navigate during this fun filled holiday! 

Here are some fun ideas for a day and night full of celebration:

• Online parties/contests- Host a virtual costume contest or a pumpkin carving session. Invite all your friends and family to make this more enjoyable!
  
  
• Decorating homes, yards and neighborhoods with Halloween-themed decorations- Get your creativity going with this one! Hang up spooky decorations and lights for the entire neighborhood to see.
  
  
• Car parades such as:
  • Drive-by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate their vehicles and drive by “judges”.
    
    
  • Drive-in or drive-through events where individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through an area with Halloween displays. Participants can receive a treat bag (limited to commercially packaged nonperishable treats).
    
    
• Halloween movie nights- On Halloween night turn on your favorite spooky movie with the family. Make sure to pop some popcorn!
  
  

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Halloween, it is important to:

• Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home and around others that are not part of your household;
  
  
• Avoid confined spaces. Actively stay away from indoor spaces that do not allow for easy distancing of at least six feet between you and others.
  
  
• Avoid close contact. Stay at least six feet away from all other people who are not part of your own household, especially while talking, eating, drinking.

• Wash or sanitize your hands often.

• Clean frequently touched items regularly.

Please remember to always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds and practice social distancing. 

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: Keeping Your Kids Busy at Home!

With the concern of the spread of COVID-19, many children of all ages have to stay at home due to schools and universities being cancelled. In order to keep your kids on a schedule and maintain their daily activeness and education, here are some tips on how to keep them busy at home:

8:00am-9:00am -  Wake up and eat breakfast. Have your children help with making a healthy and nutritious meal that will help them start their day.

9:00am-11:00am - School work. Create school activities that involve subjects your kids are currently in at school doing. Print out handout sheets, lesson plans and activities that will help them complete their work. Need help finding school work? Log on to your children's school website. 

11:00am-12:00pm - Exercise! No gym? No problem. Have your children stat inside or go outside and do some workout activities. Get their bodies and energy going and make sure you bring water! 

12:00pm-12:30pm - Lunch! Create some crafty meals for lunch that your kids can help make. Make sure to implement a fruit and a vegetable so they can get their daily nutrients in. 

12:30pm-1:30pm - Have your kids complete some daily household chores. Have them pick a room to complete- their room, bathroom or kitchen. 

1:30pm-3:00pm - This is a great time for your kids to either take a nap or have some down time by themselves. Another great way to practice self care is to allow them to do something that makes them feel relaxed. 

3:00pm-5:00pm- Finish some more activities that promote educational growth. This can also include allowing them to use electronics or to watch a show/online webinar that can teach them a new skill!

With social distancing being a concern please make sure you are staying away from groups larger than 10 people. Always sanitize and disinfect the areas and surfaces you are using. Make this time fun for your kids! Being at home can be a challenge but making each day interesting can help the days go by faster (and more fun!)

Please remember to always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds and practice social distancing. 

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: At-Home Wellness Remedies

At-Home Wellness Remedies

Stuck at home and feeling under the weather? Need something to help you pick you up?Well here are some natural home remedies that can make you feel better in no time!

Salt Water

Experiencing a tickle in your throat can get annoying. To reduce this gargle with a half teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water four times daily. 

Warm Drinks

Hot drinks can relieve your nasal congestion and even prevent possible dehydration. Try a hot tea with honey and lemon to soothe these areas that may feel inflamed. Herbal tea can help when you're trying to sleep as well.   

Hot Showers

Hot and steamy showers will allow your nasal passages to be massaged by the heat. This also can help with relaxing. Even by running a hot shower and sitting by the tub you can experience the hot shower benefits! 

Washing Your Hands 

This may seem like an easy thing to do- since you already do it! But washing your hands regularly helps prevent spreading any germs to any surface or yourself! While you're on the go bring antibacterial hand sanitizer with you if there is no sink near you. 

Get Rest

The last thing you need to do is to get plenty of rest. The body works so much harder when it is well rested. Take time out to spend the day at home in bed where it is nice and warm. You can also get some much needed alone time as well! 

Always remember to consult with a professional for the best results possible and keep in mind to remain warm and hydrated this winter! 

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: 6 Kitchen Appliances for Apartments with Multiple Functions

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances are the key to making a kitchen function like a well-oiled machine! Small kitchen cooking appliances that come with multiple functions are the perfect cooking tools to use. This appliance will be able to replace a few cooking devices you have plus it saves your storage space.
These six multi functional kitchen appliances offer versatility and modern convenience for hassle-free home cooked meals.

Hot Air Fryer

The air fryer is similar to a mini oven. It has a removable cooking basket which is dishwasher safer. Numerous brands have create their own versions of the air fryer, some coming with accessories such as the the baking tray, variety basket, grill pan etc. These accessories greatly expand the cooking capabilities of the frying cooker. Some air fryers come with rotisserie feature which will allow you to roast a whole chicken! The air fryer has become a huge trend of 2019 allowing consumers to grill, bake, fry or roast. But the greatest advantage of the air fryer cooker is its oil less feature. You'll still get the same effect of a juicy chicken or crispy fry just with no oil! 
Pro tip: It's also great for reheating leftover food.

Electric Rice Cooker

The versatile rice cooker comes with so many functions other than making rice. The modern computer-controlled rice cooker has a fuzzy logic feature that will adjust the cooking mode to to type of rice used. You can cook porridge, boil soup, stew, steam and even make cakes and break. It is very easy to operate with its one push operation. 

Electric Toaster Oven

The modern electric toaster oven does more than toasting bread. You can use it to roast,toast and broil. Modern toasters come with digital controls and hourly controls. You can cook bagels, pizza, bread, chicken, frozen snacks etc. You can also fit a whole 12" pizza. The toaster convection oven is truly convenient and versatile. 

Multi Functional Grill/Panini Press 

This machine cooks your breakfast, lunch and dinner in the most fuss-free way. It has a smooth flat surface that is great for making eggs or bacon and even sausages and pancakes for breakfast. The raised ridges of the surface of the grill is great for grilling your steaks and chops for lunch or dinner. It also comes with an adjustable temperature control. Imagine grilling some burgers on this year round!

Slow Cooker

The set-and-forget slow cookers are extremely easy to use. Out in the food ingredients, press a button or turn a knob and the food will cook slowly inside the cooker. You can also use this to make desserts such as bread pudding. Once the food is cooked, it will set to keep warm function. This is easy automatic cooking at its finest! Go got the 6qt capacity slow cooking if you're cooking for more than 5 people. 
Pro tip: If you want to use this, start cooking a few hours ahead of time!

Instant Pot

The instant pot is a programmable pressure cooker. You use 70% less energy and yet cook 2-6 times faster compared to using the traditional pots and pans. It is truly versatile. It can replace your pressure cooker, slow cooker, skillet, pan, etc! That's over 6 appliances. Just think of the space saved. Being fully sealed under pressure, there is no smell or oil vapor escaping from the pot. Your kitchen will become cleaner compared to using the traditional pot. You can cook rice in it, saute your meat, stir fry your vegetables, steam your baby corns, slow cook your stew etc. This is very handy appliance that will take care of breakfast, lunch and dinner! It is very fast, efficient and energy saving. 

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: 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.

#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.

#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.

#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.