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Source: blog.apartmentsearch.comapartment-decorating
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Source: blog.apartminty.com
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Source: blog.apartmentsearch.comapartment-decorating
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Source: blog.apartminty.com
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Moving is never anybody’s idea of fun, but doing it with plants can add a layer of complication and risk to your relocation. Moving plants can be stressful and daunting, but there are ways around it. People often think plants cannot survive on their own during transport. When you pack up your stuff, don’t forget the importance of packing up your plants too.
Before you start packing your plants, take inventory of how many you have and the light conditions they are currently in. Do a walkthrough of your new apartment space and be sure that you can provide your plants with a similar environment. If you cannot, it may be time to find your plant baby a new home. For plants that need a humid environment, chances are your new apartment won’t provide the same level of humidity. If you hold on to them they will most likely die a slow and painful death as a result.
You’ll want to take some time going over each plant’s needs and requirements beforehand so you can plan accordingly.
There is no single correct way to do it, but here’s what you need to know: plants should be packed in such a manner that they won’t dry out or topple over during transport.
You don’t want plants with long leaves, like Dracaena and Yucca plants, to be in direct contact with the sides of a box or they might break. So when packing plants that have long leaves scrunch them into tight bunches and tie each bundle with string so they won’t fall apart when you unpack them at their new home.
Even plants like Peace Lilies, which don’t have long leaves, can topple over during a move.
To prevent this don’t pack plants with large surfaces flat against the box. Leave them at an angle so water won’t collect in their crowns and cause rot or mold to form.
Water plants thoroughly before you start packing them up for transport. This allows plants to store more water in their leaves and stems, which they will use as the soil dries out during transport.
How to Pack Your Plants
If you’re moving plants yourself, your options are to pack plants in boxes or bubble wrap them for safe transport. If plants are small enough they can be packed into boxes along with other things. If plants are larger, you might consider buying plants in pots that are already contained or covering plants with bubble wrap.
Two plants can be strapped to the top of a moving truck using bungee cords.
Moving plants in pots is easy – just pack them in boxes along with your other belongings, being sure not to put them on the bottom level so they don’t get squished.
When moving plants, the goal is to make sure you pack them well enough so they stay healthy and don’t arrive in poor condition. Moving plants are delicate creatures that need special attention when being transported from one place to another.
If you are moving a long distance, consider having your plants shipped to your new address using FedEx or UPS because it’s relatively inexpensive and plants tend to get handled with care when they are transported via these services.
For plants that need bright light, pack them in such a way so they can see some sun during transport. You don’t want the plants to be in the dark for very long. If you are taking plants with lots of airy foliage, pack them in such a way that they can get some fresh air during their travels.
You should also invest in plants boxes/containers to use while moving plants around. They are usually made out of corrugated cardboard and will last you longer than just this move.
Be sure to give your plant babies some time to adjust to their new environment before placing them back into your home or office. Keep plants in the garage or outside for a few days, if possible, so plants can adjust to being back at home.
After plants have adjusted, introduce them to their new environment slowly by placing plants in a shady area of your home or office for a week so they can get acclimated. Be sure plants are close enough to an electrical outlet so you won’t have any dark days during the winter months.
We know plants rely on us to take care of them and provide a new environment, which they can thrive in. Our plants deserve the best and we don’t want to disappoint them!
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Source: blog.apartminty.com
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If you are in the market for a new apartment, this is the absolute best time to secure a new place. Apartments and neighborhoods where you never were able to get concessions are now giving away up to two months free. This is of course due to the fact that while many people were able to work from home, they took that opportunity to leave their Washington, D.C. apartments and move out to the suburbs or home with mom and dad or become digital nomads. That left many apartment buildings with vacancies to fill and that’s where your luck begins!
Last month we highlighted apartments with move-in specials. This week, we are highlighting DC Studio Apartments offering two months free. You’ll see there is a wide range of offerings from rent control apartments in Northwest DC to brand new luxury apartments in SE neighborhoods like Capitol Riverfront.
Act quickly, as soon as the summer heats up and there are more signs of movement in the District, you will see prices start to rise and rent specials dry up.
Hilltop House
1475 Euclid Street NW Washington, DC.
844-259-7670
Hilltop House is in the Adams Morgan neighborhood in NW Washington, D.C. The building has mostly studios, but on occasion, a one or two-bedroom apartment comes available. The building is within walking distance of Safeway and Harris Teeter and many restaurants. All utilities are included in your rent price.
The Shawmut
2200 19th Street NW, Washington DC
844-300-2186
The Shawmut is a pet-friendly community in the Adams-Morgan | Kalorama Neighborhod. The building is in walking distance of many restaurants, grocery stores, and shops.
2800 Woodley
2800 Woodley NW, Washington DC
833-623-4036
Studios starting at $1495
2800 Woodley is a gorgeous building set back in a tree-lined residential neighborhood just four blocks from the Woodley Park Metro. The apartments have shining parquet floors, energy efficient appliances, and all utilities are included with your rent.
Brunswick House
1414 17th Street NW, Washington DC
844-287-1930
Studios starting at $1395
Brunswick House is conveniently located near the Dupont Circle Metro. It is also within a few blocks of Whole Foods Market and a number of restaurants. Brunswick House Apartments have hardwood floors and all utilities are included with the rent.
Meridian Park
2445 15th Street NW, Washington DC
833-233-2513
Studios starting at $1390
Meridian Park Apartments have a fantastic location between Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights. The apartment community is located right next to Meridian Park, walking distance to multiple metro stops and just blocks from two grocery stores.
Avec on H
901 H Street NE, Washington DC
833-715-2382
Studios starting at $1541
Avec on H is a brand new apartment community on H Street. The building has a two-block long rooftop with a pool, grilling areas, community garden, dog park and outdoor living rooms. The community also has a fitness center and clubroom. Right now they are offering two months free on studio apartments.
That’s our round-up of studio apartments in DC offering up to two months free. Want to see more options? Do a free search at apartminty.com and sign up for the mailing list to get notified as more specials come available!
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Source: blog.apartminty.com
Written by: Grace Huxley
As the age-old saying goes “home is where the heart is.” It holds true to this day. Even if you have a rental space, it does not mean that you cannot call it home. After all, it ‘is’ your home. Here are a few steps that can help you make your small rental space become the home you had always dreamt of having all your life:
If your room is small and seems over-furnished, no need to fret, not when you can position your stuff in such a way that it becomes unobtrusive. The thing is, even if you have a really large space, it would still look stuffy if your clothes and furniture are scattered all over the place. You can create a small reading nook that can perform double duty as a means of camouflaging some of the extension cords coming out of the TV and the Wi-Fi box. You can also hide other wiring and light consoles behind a faux olive tree and other odds and ends standing discreetly in different parts of your home.
If you feel that there isn’t enough space in your kitchen for all the pots and pans and other cooking implements in your small studio kitchen, just install some hooks and place them there. This way, you can clear up both kitchen counters as well as shelf space. Moreover, if you don’t love the spiky metal, industrial-looking hooks in your hall or outside your bedroom closet, you can always cover them with a bit of creative artwork. An otherwise ugly wall festooned with hooks can become a highly fashionable display of your art and photographs. If you hang a collage of your favorite and most memorable photographs on these walls, you will be able to conserve space and create a morale booster, every time you look at the walls.
Unfortunately, these ugly but extremely useful boxes are found in every household. However, they can become eyesores in a small rental space. You can choose to hide yours with a favorite portrait or picture. Alternatively, if you have an artistic bent, you can simply paint them with vivid colors so that they become the centerpiece of your home, instead of a place you would want to hide.
Plants and flowers are a surefire method of making any place feel warm, cozy, and welcoming. Not only do they look good they also smell good too. Who would not want to come home to a sweet-smelling home full of fresh flowers? And if your small home is particularly stuffy, plants can offer an additional benefit. They might help clean up all the toxins and CO2 from your home. While most plants look good in any setting, you can plant them in brilliant white pots or even neon colors if you want to make your place particularly bright and cheery. You can also place them in your bathroom and kitchen. In fact, why not go the whole way and grow your own vegetables in your kitchen and on the windowsills?
If you feel that your rental space needs a complete makeover, it might be a really great idea to contact a property management company near where you live. For example, if you live in New York City, you can simply get in touch with an NYC property management company to help you make the most of your rental space. These people are absolute experts in making your rental space become a perfect home. They can decorate the place and even provide the necessities that can help turn a house into a home.
If you have recently shifted from your own home in the suburbs (for instance) to a small rental space, you might be feeling a bit homesick. Under the circumstances, it would be a great idea to try and make your rental space as homelike as possible. You can buy plants and flowers, decorate the walls, and remove the clutter so that your rental accommodation becomes your home sweet home.
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Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com
The days of minimalist interiors and neutral color palettes seem to be behind us… at least for now! The more-is-more approach of maximalism is quickly taking over. Current fashion and home decor trends are trending toward bright colors, loud prints, ornate detailing, and plenty of personality. From maximalist studios to maximalist kitchens, here are our budget-friendly tips for creating the bold and beautiful space of your dreams.
Simply put, maximalism is the go-big-or-go-home of interior design trends. It’s all about creating a space filled with color, pattern, texture, interest, and above all personality. Rather than conforming to style norms, the trend encourages you to tell your story with your space.
Maximalist interior design typically incorporates:
The key to creating a cohesive maximalist space is to mix and match while maintaining consistent colorways, motifs, or themes.
Armed with the basics of maximalism, it’s important to keep in mind what maximalism isn’t.
Maximalism is not:
This fun trend works for spaces big and small! One of the most popular arguments for minimalism vs maximalism is that minimalism will help make a space look larger while maximalism will overpower a small space.
However, maximalism is a great option for small spaces, too. The trend can help add depth and interest to any space. Bright colors, bold patterns, and eye-catching decor can be strategically placed to help draw your eye upwards or outwards, making a space look larger. So, as long as you design your space intentionally, you can incorporate maximalist trends into any room.
Filling your space with personality and decor doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Use these budget-friendly tips to create an on-trend maximalist apartment!
Get the most bang for your buck by choosing bold accessories, bedding, and linens. A few colorful patterned throw pillows and intricately designed curtains can quickly transform your living or bedroom from blah to bold. Meanwhile, a textured shower curtain and funky decorations can quickly jazz up a bathroom.
Not to mention, pillows, duvet covers, lampshades, and other home decor are relatively easy to swap out — so if you tire of your bold space, you’re not too financially invested.
Short on cash and big on style inspiration? Turn to secondhand stores, estate sales, furniture outlets, and online marketplaces to find your larger furniture items — and keep an eye out for mirrors or decor.
Maximalism is the perfect way to fuse vintage with modern, and by shopping second you’ll be able to source quality, well-made furniture items at a fraction of the price. Not only will shopping secondhand help you achieve a curated look, but it’s also a more sustainable option for the planet, too.
Hard finishes are a must for bold interiors — you want to keep things looking creative without looking chaotic. Hard finishes will give the eye something to anchor to, so refrain from covering every surface with decor.
You can incorporate hard surfaces with end tables, coffee tables, and even your current hardwood floors. If you’re truly going wild with color and pattern, select natural wood finishes to help ground your space.
Have a piece of furniture you just can’t bear to part with? Spot a dresser at an estate sale that just isn’t the right hue for your space? Don’t be afraid to DIY!
In order to make your space cohesive, you may need to paint or refinish your furniture items. You can strip, sand, and restain wood items, or layer on the lacquer when needed.
Even small items, like picture frames, can be given a maximalist lift with a can of metallic spray paint. Don’t be afraid to tackle smaller projects, like simple reupholstering, painting walls (where allowed), or creating your own art.
Your creativity is the only limitation in place with this style trend, so prepare to layer, stack, and curate. One of the best places to get started is with decorating your shelving. Mix ornate decor, like gold home accessories, with meaningful mementos. Place your items on a bookshelf to create a dazzling display, mixing in a few of your favorite decor items, photos, and art prints. Then, incorporate faux plants to pull the look together while adding interest and height.
Don’t shy away from layering different textures, patterns, and colors. Wondering how to mix patterns in a living room? Embrace the art of layering rugs. Select two large differently textured or patterned rugs that play well with your selected color scheme. Then, place them so that they’re just overlapping. Layering multiple patterned rugs will help you create an eccentric, bohemian space while still providing a cozy touch.
With a few simple tricks, you can transform your boring white walls in a snap. Wallpaper is a quick and simple way to incorporate pattern, texture, or color into your space, but isn’t always renter-friendly. As a renter, you can achieve the look of wallpaper throughout your home with paint-safe peel-and-stick wallpapering options.
Once your faux wallpaper is in place, create a gallery wall or use salon-style wall hangings to make your space pop! For a truly interesting touch, mix modernist art with abstracts. Try mixing and matching frames, incorporating textured wall decor (like tapestries), or combining artwork with photographs and decorative mirrors.
There are no hard and fast rules: maximalism is all about freedom of expression and can be incorporated into spaces big, small, long-term, or short-term. ApartmentSearch can help you find your dream apartment to decorate! With advanced search features and custom filtering options, you can find a space that fits your budget and your design dreams.
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Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com
Some days, you’re bursting with energy and ready to greet the world with a smile. On other occasions, all you want to do is sit on your patio wearing PJs with your favorite drink in one hand and a good book in the other. It’s called balance, for goodness sake!
However, enjoying the peace and quiet of your apartment or condo’s outdoor space is difficult without privacy. Protect your outdoor haven from your neighbors’ prying eyes and probing questions with these easy patio privacy ideas.
When it comes to outdoor patio privacy ideas, know that you can get creative! For example, there are several ways to use greenery to shield your outdoor space from passerby’s eyes: two of the most renter-friendly solutions are potted trees or living walls.
Tall potted plants = patio privacy, and potted trees offer the advantage of being relatively easy to move. However, they also mean you’ll often have to clean leaves and sap off your outdoor living space and regularly deal with tree care and pruning.
In search of fun patio privacy wall ideas? Living walls — which involve growing vines along the surface of screens or trellises — are typically lower maintenance but harder to move with you at the end of your lease.
A few commonly used potted shrub varieties include bay laurels, weeping figs, and dwarf cypress trees. On the flip side, Boston ivies, bougainvilleas, and royal trumpet vines are among the most popular choices for growing along privacy screens and trellises.
Consider the pros and cons of each of these plant-based outdoor patio privacy ideas before going all out at the plant nursery. Additionally, make sure to consult with local experts to determine the best type of greenery and surface or pot for your area, space, and needs.
Don’t want to deal with the hassle of real plants? Use faux plants instead!
Patio shades and curtains are another easy way to add shade and privacy to your patio! There are various types, sizes, and technologies available, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
When it comes to patio privacy curtains, renter-friendly options include roll-down shades and retractable awnings. Like string lights, they are relatively easy to install and operate. Roll-down shades can easily be mounted across pillars and along doorways or windows. Just make sure to measure the space where you want them carefully before purchasing yours.
If there are no vertical surfaces to mount roll-down shades on your patio, consider a retractable awning with a built-in privacy screen. These handy gadgets attach to the side of your home. You can quickly crank them open and shut on-demand to transform your space in a snap!
Last but certainly not least, consider a patio divider for privacy. Foldable screens offer the ultimate patio privacy solution for renters! Not only do they come in a range of sizes and styles, but they also range in price to accommodate any budget. They are also easy to install or take down and fold flat for convenient storage. However, portable screens have their downsides. They require frequent cleaning and can present a tipping risk when the weather gets rough. When in doubt, you can also find tutorials to help you create your own DIY patio privacy screen.
Whether your apartment is in a bustling city or a tranquil suburb, cultivating a private oasis to relax in is sure to elevate your space. While these backyard patio privacy ideas can help, if you’re genuinely looking for an apartment upgrade, ApartmentSearch has your back. Before your next move, use our advanced filtering options to sort apartments by rent price, square footage, and amenities, and find the perfect space, with an ideal patio, to boot!
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Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com
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Moving to a new house is one of the most stressful experiences you will likely ever go through. However, with a proper plan in place, you can avoid all the last-minute worries and make the whole process more organised for yourself.
To help with this, we’ve put together a comprehensive moving house checklist. This will help you if you’ve been asking yourself how can I sell my house quickly? or are just wanting to get yourself organized before the big moving day.
The best advice we can give is to start early. Two months before your moving date is a good starting point, giving yourself plenty of time to get all the little details in order. Here are the key things to focus on at this stage:
1. De-clutter: Work your way through your house and decide what you don’t want to take with you to your new home. This will speed up both moving and making your new house feel like a home when you move in.
2. Research: Visit your new area for some exploration and find out where all the local amenities are. This will make the move a lot more relaxing on the day, particularly if you need to pick up a few things from the shops. In addition to researching the local area, consider looking into your options for the best moving companies to help you while you move. This can definitely be a stress-reliever while planning a move, especially long-distances.
3. Packing: Start packing early. Two months before the move may seem premature, but if you do a small amount a week at a time, starting with areas such as storage cupboards and sheds, this will make you feel much more prepared in the couple of weeks before the move.
4. File Key Documents: File all your documents, such as car ownership, passport, birth/marriage certificates etc., in one place so they’re easy to find in your new home.
5. Removals company: Removal companies book up quickly, so find yours well in advance and secure the date with them.
6. Changing details: Speak to your new local council to tell them your new address and when you are moving. Also, make sure you contact friends and family and any other companies that will need your new address. You will also need to set up a mail re-direction to send any mail going to your current address to your new address after your moving date.
Two weeks before the move is when the real important work kicks in. By following the below checklist, you can make sure you have everything covered.
1. Cleaning: Arrange a cleaner for the period before you move into your new house. Also start cleaning your own house two weeks out, as this is always a bigger job than you think.
2. Child & pet care: If you have children or pets, arrange care and transport for them on moving day.
3. Settle bills: If you have any outstanding accounts with electricians, window cleaners, broadband or any other local services, give them a call and make the final payment.
4. Rest of packing: For the remainder of the packing, begin a good two weeks in advance, so it’s all done well ahead of moving day.
5. Dismantle furniture: Begin dismantling and packing furniture and take any pictures down off the walls while you are at it.
6. Key handover: Arrange a time to give the keys for your property to the buyer’s estate agent and collect the keys for your new house.
We hope you find this checklist helpful for your move! Follow this and it will take a great deal of stress out of the whole process for you.
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Source: blog.apartminty.com