#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.

#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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

2018 Most Popular Apartment Resident #LifeHacks

Favorite 2018 Tips for Apartment Residents

With the 2018 year ending in less than two weeks, this will be the last Apartment Resident #LifeHacks post of the year!  Thank you to those who read and enjoyed the blog this year.

For this post, the Apartment Resident #LifeHacks team shares three of the most popular posts from the last year:

1) The Benefits of Renters Insurance: This post, published in February, details several reasons why renters should obtain renters insurance.

2) Three Time Saving Tips for Apartment Residents to Remember: In this blog post, published in January, renters are provided with several tech savvy ways to save time, such as submitting service requests online.

3) Five #LifeHacks for Living With Pets in an Apartment: This post, published in February, includes ways to care for cats and dogs in shared apartment communities.  

 Visit Apartment Resident #LifeHacks in 2019 for new tips and posts specifically for apartment residents.

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 Tips When Lighting Candles This Winter

Ensuring Candles Are Used Appropriately This Season

The winter season will begin in less than three weeks!  This season, many apartment renters may be interested in lighting candles in their home to add some cozy decor and lighting.  That being said, renters need to understand that many leases contain notices about the "responsible use of candles" that renters sign prior to their move in to their homes and/ or communities.  Below are three ways to ensure the responsible use of candles:

The most important tip for renters is to ensure to never leave candles unattended.  Renters should not leave the apartment if a candle is burning, even if it is a quick trip to the laundry room, trash room, or leasing office.  This also includes only lighting candles in rooms currently occupied.  When using the television in the living room, for example, don't leave a candle burning in the bedroom or kitchen.  The candle/ candles being used should always be within eyesight. 

In addition, never leave candles burning near any item or decor that could potentially catch flame.  This can include drapes, tapestries, and more.  Always watch children and/ or pets when candles are lit, too.  Some pets may need to be secured when candles are lit to avoid potential collisions. 

Last, renters should make sure to maintain candles.  Candles should be thrown away when two or less inches of wax remain.  The candle wicks should be trimmed regularly to ensure the wicks can easily be lit.  When extinguished, the candle lid should be placed firmly on top to ensure the flame fizzles out completely. 

Before purchasing and/ or using candles, check in with the landlord or apartment community team to learn any additional candle rules and regulations.

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 Prepare and Serve a Holiday Meal in an Apartment

Three Simple Steps to Cooking and Serving a Delicious Holiday Meal in an Apartment Community

With Thanksgiving only two days away, the 2018 holiday season will soon begin! 

Many apartment residents may be getting ready to host friends and family members for Thanksgiving or other, upcoming, holiday festivities.  For some residents, this may be the first time they are hosting guests at their apartment communities.  There are some simple ways to ensure your holiday festivities are enjoyable to both attend and host:

1) Preparing the meal: The first step in preparing a holiday meal is to ensure that the kitchen appliances are in working order.  Test the oven, stove, and microwave now, at least 48 hours before holidays, to make sure the appliances work before the morning of the holiday.  If anything needs to be adjusted, submit a service request as soon as possible so the community maintenance team can ensure everything is working for meal preparation. 

2) Organizing the apartment: Once the kitchen is set up for the holiday meal, it is time to prepare the rest of the apartment.  Begin cleaning and organizing at least 24 hours in advance of when guests will arrive.  Run the dishwasher and take out the trash and recycling.  Set out extra soap and toilet paper in the bathroom so guests do not have to hunt for those items the day they arrive.  Since apartments tend to be smaller than single family home and/ or townhouses, it is necessary to ensure everything is put away in designated places to provide for ample seating areas.  Hang jackets and fold and store blankets in closets to ensure there is enough room for guests.

3) Entertaining the guests: Once family and friends arrive to the holiday celebration, things will become a lot more fun but also a lot more hectic.  Offer to take coats, scarves, an outwear and put in the bedroom or linen closet to remove excess clutter.  Before the main meal, scatter plates of appetizers like cheese and crackers and fruit throughout the apartment so people all do not gather in one central place.   Make sure to set out place settings with names so everyone knows where to sit and can easily identify their place when the time comes to begin the meal.

The Grady Management team wishes you a happy and healthy holiday 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.

Three Ways to Make the Most of a Studio Apartment

Simple Tips To Maximize The Space In a Studio

A studio apartment, sometimes called an "efficiency", is an apartment in which the bedroom, living room, and kitchen area fits into one central room/ space.  For a renter that may have many belongings, it is necessary to make the most of the space available in a studio to maintain a pleasant living environment.  

Several ways to make the most of a studio apartment include:

1) Utilize storage wherever possible: Creating storage space in a studio or smaller apartment is a necessary step to tuck away belongings that are not often used.  Create an organized storage system under the bed and in the closet to pack seasonal wear, boots, shoes, and more.  Consider adding storage to the decor as well.  Utilize hanging shelves to display knickknacks on the walls.  Use hollowed out ottomans to create accent pieces that can also store additional items.  

2) Create distinct spaces using furniture: Even though a studio is one room, renters can transform the space and create distinct living areas using furniture pieces.  Utilize furniture like book cases, desks, and tables to form distinctions between the bedroom, living space, and kitchen.  In addition to furniture, lighting can really transform a space, so invest in multiple lamps for the studio.

3) Clean and organize often: It is necessary to organize the studio space often to avoid clutter.  Invest in a trash can that can fit in a drawer to tuck away dirt and debris and throw away garbage and deposit recycling frequently. 

How do you organize your studio?  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 #LifeHack: Three Shopping Cart Hacks

The Folding Shopping Cart is One of the Most Useful Tools in an Apartment Community

For apartment residents that are constantly on the go, try investing in a folding shopping cart!  Small, compact, and portable- the folding shopping cart can assist those who live in apartments in multiple ways, including:

1) Grocery shopping: For those who live near grocery stores or shopping centers, spend nice days walking over with the cart and, subsequently,  save on gas.  Carts come in various sizes and are perfect for picking up several odds and ends at the local grocery or  drugstore.

2) Moving larger items into an apartment: Want a simple way to move bulkier items into an apartment building?  Investing in a folding shopping cart can alleviate moving stress.  Simply load any big items or boxes onto the cart and push into the elevator or down the hallway.

3) Doing laundry: For apartment buildings or communities with laundry rooms, don't overlook the value of a personal shopping cart.  Load dirty clothes and/ or hampers right into the cart to wheel into the laundry room or fold clothes right from the dryer and stack into the cart for easy transportation.

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: Eight Tips That Promote Healthy Sleep Routines

Get A Good Night's Sleep

Sleep hygiene may sound unimaginative, but it just may be the best way to get the sleep you need in this 24/7 age. Here are eight simple tips for making the sleep of your dreams a nightly reality:

1) Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, Nicotine, and Other Chemicals that Interfere with Sleep

 As any coffee lover knows, caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake. So, avoid caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, and some pain relievers) for four to six hours before bedtime. Similarly, smokers should refrain from using tobacco products too close to bedtime.

 Although alcohol may help bring on sleep, after a few hours it acts as a stimulant, increasing the number of awakenings and generally decreasing the quality of sleep later in the night. It is therefore best to limit alcohol consumption to one to two drinks per day, or less, and to avoid drinking within three hours of bedtime.

2) Turn Your Bedroom into a Sleep-Inducing Environment

 A quiet, dark, and cool environment can help promote sound slumber. To achieve such an environment, lower the volume of outside noise with earplugs or a "white noise" appliance. Keep the temperature comfortably cool—between 60 and 75°F—and the room well ventilated. And make sure your bedroom is equipped with a comfortable mattress and pillows. (Remember that most mattresses wear out after ten years.)

 Also, if a pet regularly wakes you during the night, you may want to consider keeping it out of your bedroom.

 It may help to limit your bedroom activities to sleep. Keeping computers, TVs, and work materials out of the room will strengthen the mental association between your bedroom and sleep.

3) Establish a Soothing Pre-Sleep Routine

 Ease the transition from wake time to sleep time with a period of relaxing activities an hour or so before bed. Take a bath (the rise, then fall in body temperature promotes drowsiness), read a book, watch television, or practice relaxation exercises. Avoid stressful, stimulating activities—doing work, discussing emotional issues. Physically and psychologically stressful activities can cause the body to secrete the stress hormone cortisol, which is associated with increasing alertness. If you tend to take your problems to bed, try writing them down—and then putting them aside.

4) Don’t Be a Nighttime Clock-Watcher

 Staring at a clock in your bedroom, either when you are trying to fall asleep or when you wake in the middle of the night, can actually increase stress, making it harder to fall asleep. Turn your clock’s face away from you.

And if you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep in about 20 minutes, get up and engage in a quiet, restful activity such as reading or listening to music. And keep the lights dim; bright light can stimulate your internal clock. When your eyelids are drooping and you are ready to sleep, return to bed.

#LifeHacks: Three Resources Every Resident Should Know

Apartment residents are familiar with this scene: it's move in day, and a once empty apartment is now filled with boxes, furniture, and more.  Now is the time to decorate and personalize the apartment!  But where to start?  And how to make the space both organized and unique?

Residents looking for apartment specific decor and cleaning #lifehacks can always read this blog for tips and ideas.  But, residents may want additional advice.  This week, Apartment Resident #LifeHacks wanted to feature several additional online resources specifically for renters:

Apartments.com blog: The Apartments.com blog features regular posts about apartment decor and organization specifically for renters.  The blog also details money saving advice and moving strategies for those looking to relocate to an apartment community.

Apartment Guide Blog: The Apartment Guide blog features weekly posts about topics such as moving into apartment communities, decorating various floorplan options, and cleaning appliances and features in apartments.

Apartment Therapy: Apartment Therapy is an online resource that focuses on decor and design tips for apartment residents.  The tips featured in this blog span across a variety of topics such as "DIY" design strategies and ideas to decorate studio apartments.  Apartment Therapy also runs an active Pinterest page with additional design ideas.  

Are other digital resources great for apartment residents?  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 Cleaning Hacks You Need to Know

Apartment Resident #LifeHacks compiled a list of apartment cleaning hacks and house cleaning hacks that will help you keep your home immaculate, without forcing you to waste any elbow grease. Just make sure that you check with the leasing office if you have any questions regarding proper cleaning techniques for specific items in your apartment home.

Buff away water spots with used dryer sheets

There’s something about the texture of a used dryer sheet that makes it perfect for buffing away water spots and rings. Keep your used dryer sheets handy and use them whenever you want to give your smooth surfaces a nice shine.

Use spare jar lids to keep jars from leaking onto refrigerator shelves

Dirty refrigerators have a way of lessening the appeal of any food contained therein. So, when jars start to leak their contents onto refrigerator shelves (or even in cupboards or cabinets), use clean spare lids from previously discarded jars, and place the leaking jars on top of the bottom-side-up lids. This will give the jars a nice, contained area in which to leak, thus saving your surfaces from unnecessary gunk.

Use bleach and cotton balls to clean between bathroom tiles

Mildew and mold hate bleach, which makes it the perfect substance for cleaning bathroom tile. So, get some cotton balls, soak them in bleach, and place them liberally on difficult-to-clean bathroom areas (such as between tiles and on grout). Let them sit for about 24 hours, and then remove the cotton balls, and wash the area with soapy water. Make sure to wear gloves when handling bleach, and don’t let it come into contact with your skin or clothes; after all, cleaning bathroom grout isn’t worth risking your health.

Clean shower heads with vinegar and a plastic bag

Cleaning shower heads not only makes your bathroom look nicer but may also help unclog the shower head of mineral deposits, thus allowing the water to flow more smoothly. To get your shower heads looking like new, just pour distilled white vinegar into a plastic bag, and then fit the bag around your shower head. Secure it with a rubber band, so that the shower head is submerged in the vinegar. Leave the showerhead to soak for an hour, and then remove the bag. Wipe the shower head with a damp cloth.

#MaintenanceHack: What to Do When You Have a Maintenance Request

One of the perks of renting an apartment is that you generally don’t have to deal with the hassles of repairs and regular maintenance. If something breaks or goes wrong, a simple email or call to your landlord usually gets the problem fixed.

And problems do happen. The dishwasher leaks, the heater doesn’t heat, or the air conditioner only makes noise. A maintenance request helps ensure that your landlord (or the building’s management company) does something about the issue in your apartment home.

To make sure the issue is addressed properly and in a timely fashion, your maintenance request should contain useful information and be thorough. The more helpful and specific the information, the more likely your maintenance request receives an appropriate resolution.

In an apartment building, the landlord is responsible for looking after and cleaning all tenant common areas. This includes areas such as the lobby, halls, elevators, stairs, laundry and garbage rooms. The landlord also cuts the lawn and shovels the snow.  However, you are responsible for cleaning inside your apartment home.

Your landlord is responsible for repairs in all types of rental housing. This includes repairs to heating, plumbing, electricity and appliances that come with the apartment (for example stoves, refrigerators).
If you or your guests cause damage to the unit or building, you are responsible for repairing it.  The resident needs to keep the house premises clean and should inform the landlord about any damages as soon as possible, and not cause any damages to the premises except for the natural wear and tear.

Report maintenance issues promptly

Call your landlord or property manager shortly after you’ve noticed an issue. Read your rental agreement to ensure you call the right party.  Be sure you have the direct number to the onsite leasing office.  Why not program this number into your contact list for quicker access to maintenance?
If the situation is an emergency, such as a broken pipe causing a flooded bathroom, look for an emergency maintenance phone number on your rental agreement, and call it immediately.   You will want this number than the number you used when you were calling for leasing information.

If it’s not an emergency, let the landlord or site manager know whether the maintenance team can enter your apartment while you’re away. If you prefer to be home when the work takes place, offer a block of several hours in which the work can take place.

You may not see the importance of a leaky faucet, but the affect this has on utility costs can be major.  Don’t ignore these types of maintenance issues as doing so could lead to even bigger issues.

Five Surprising Benefits of Paying Your Rent Online

Are you reluctant to pay your rent online? Well, there are a few benefits of paying your rent online that you might not have considered. All communities managed by Grady Management offer online payment options for renters that give you a chance to take better control of your finances, remove some stress from your day, and even improve your credit score. Check out the benefits below:

Build Your Credit with Credit Reporting

 There are lots of advantages to improving your credit score. A good score can help you get a lower interest rate for financing a car or other large purchases, and even help you buy a home one day. If you’re paying your rent on time every month that’s likely your largest recurring payment, which can make a positive impact on your credit score. Many Grady communities now offer the opportunity to directly report your rent payments when you pay your rent online. There’s nothing else you have to do. This system makes it simple, secure and effective to build your credit.

Reduce Your Stress with Automated Recurring Payments

 To make sure you’re always paying rent on time, building that credit score, and avoiding late charges, online payment solutions offer convenient reminders via email and text. Even better, many systems offer autopay options so you can set it and forget it. With autopay you’ll be paying on time, all of the time and any late fees will be a thing of the past.

Accommodate Your Busy Lifestyle with Mobile Payment Options

 If you’re out and about and receive that text reminder that your rent is due, what do you do? It’s simple. It’ll only take a couple of minutes to click to pay online via a mobile-friendly website or payment app. Most solutions let you pay anytime, anywhere, accommodating renters whether you’re at your desk or on the go.

Five Ways Apartment Residents Can Enjoy Summer At Their Apartment Community

Not planning a large vacation this summer?  Not a problem for apartment residents!  Residents can enjoy summer fun at their communities. Below are five apartment community activities that are perfect for the summer months:

Enjoy a movie night: Not a fan of the heat? Not a problem! Apartment residents enjoy a movie night inside during warm summer months.  Some apartment residents can access a community clubhouse with televisions and/ or professional screening rooms to host a movie marathon.  Others can host movie nights inside their apartments. 

Relax by the pool: For residents trying to soak up the sun, the pool is a great amenity open only during the summer months. Apartment residents may have access to a community pool, a perfect, close-to-home spot to spend a hot summer day.

Grill delicious food for friends and family: For residents with access to grilling stations and/ or outdoor grilling features, it is easy to host a barbecue to celebrate the summer season.