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How to Tell if You Have Hard Water in Your New Apartment

You’re all moved into your new apartment. The layout is excellent, the work commute is a breeze, and the kitchen is impressive. But after taking your first shower in your new home, you notice that your skin and hair feel drier than ever! And why did your dishwasher leave a cloudy residue on all your glassware?

If these things sound familiar, your new apartment may have hard water. Learn what “hard water” is, how it stacks up against softer water, and tips for dealing with it in your new space.

What is Hard Water

Hard water is merely a form of H2O with a higher than average mineral content — typically, a larger calcium and magnesium concentration.

Before our drinking water ever makes it to the tap, it comes from lakes, rivers, and other waterways. As it flows, it picks up additional minerals from rocks and soil, and if too much is collected, hard water can form. Although you may want supplemental magnesium and calcium in your overall diet, hard water can cause some complications in your home.

Hard vs. Soft Water

Hard Water

Minerals found in hard water are natural and generally safe to consume. However, there are a few negative concerns associated with hard water in an apartment, too.

  • White residue on dishes, shower walls, coffee makers, and other surfaces
  • Limescale buildup
  • Reduced efficiency of household appliances, plumbing systems, and water heaters
  • Lower water pressure
  • Damaged and quickly worn clothing due to the harshness of hard water
  • Poor soap performance
  • Skin irritation from soap scum that can become trapped in your pores
  • Drier skin and hair after showering

Due to many of these issues, your utility bills can increase from excess water used to rewash dishes, clothes, and other items, along with buildup in your plumbing systems.

Soft Water

After the long list of issues caused by hard water, it may seem that soft water is the better option. With its better soap performance, contribution to longer-lasting clothing, optimal water pressure, and other benefits, it still has a few faults of its own.

Soft water may have higher sodium levels, leading to a slightly salty taste.
It’s more corrosive and can slowly deteriorate your plumbing system’s useful life, which can cause high lead and copper levels in your drinking water.

How to Tell if You Have Hard Water

If you notice any of the issues listed above for hard water, you may want to test it in other ways as well. Here are a few methods for evaluating the quality of the water in your home:

DIY Soap Test

Test for hard water with a bar of soap and a bowl of water from the tap. Rub the soap between your hands in the bowl. If it lathers quickly, you likely have softer water. If getting a few suds to form proves challenging and the water becomes cloudy, hard water may be the culprit.

Perform a Wet-Strip Test

You can purchase these from many home improvement stores, but make sure the one you buy also tests for hard water. Fill a container from the tap and immerse the paper test strip in the water. Then, compare the strip’s final color with the kit’s chart.

Tips for Dealing With Hard Water

Since you likely won’t have the same access to your overall plumbing system as you would in a house, it may take a little craftiness to deal with the hard water in your home. Try these tips:

  • Soften your water by boiling it to remove and evaporate some of the minerals. (Note: This will usually work on temporary hard water only. Permanent hard water has a slightly different chemical makeup).
  • Remove hard water stains and limescale with white distilled vinegar. You can also use vinegar as a rinse agent in your dishwasher.
  • Get rid of soap scum with commercial products such as Kaboom or a homemade mixture of water, dish soap, and vinegar.
  • Install a home water softening system for your faucet. If you have a health condition in which higher sodium levels could prove harmful, try salt-free alternatives.

Whether it’s the water quality or the noisy upstairs neighbors, there are plenty of reasons to want to move on to the next place. Find an apartment that fits your needs and budget with ApartmentSearch, where you can filter available rental properties by price, layout, amenities, and more!

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

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Safety Tips When Finding a New Roommate | ApartmentSearch

Moving can be an exciting process! This is especially true if you’re looking forward to meeting new people and making new connections. To ensure a purely positive experience, we suggest erring on the side of safety when choosing a potential cohabitor. Before you split your bills with just anyone, do your due diligence when learning how to find a roommate safely by leveraging these four safety tips.

1. Stay Off the Internet (If You Can)

Are you asking yourself the question, “where can I find a roommate?” If so, your search may be shorter than you think. The safest way to find a new roommate is through a mutual friend or trusted connection. It’s reassuring to know that your roomie is vetted by a reliable source!

If real-world pairings don’t pan out, proceed online — with caution. Craigslist roommate finder is a commonly used tool for meeting your match. However, this method depends solely on surface-level interaction and intuition. Furthermore, scammers love to surf the waters of the World Wide Web, so make sure to never share bank information, passwords, or personal data to an alias on the internet.

2. Implement an Interview Process

If an internet search is your only option, implementing a roommate interview process will help to ease your mind. Before meeting up with a potential cohabitator, take the time to compile a list of thoughtful questions.

These can and should cover a wide range of topics, from practical questions to personal inquiries. The goal is to get a better sense of who your future roomie is as a person, as well as how they interact with other people and exist within their space.

P.S: Don’t forget your manners! To start on an even playing field, invite your interviewee to pose their own questions as well.

3. Hire a Professional

Using a professional service can be another way to ensure roommate safety. Conduct a quick online search, and you’ll find several roommate finder websites and agencies that take the guesswork out of this daunting task.

Some of these services even require background checks and provide matchmakers to facilitate first meetings. The caveat is that the more professional the service, the higher the price tag — a small price to pay for feeling safe in your home!

4. Make Nice Before You Move In

In addition to wondering how to find a good roommate, make sure you’re setting a good example as well! Meeting up before moving in accomplishes two things. One, it will help you and your roomie establish a friendly and respectful relationship before inevitable issues arise. Two, it will give you a last-minute opportunity to feel at peace with your move towards the future! We highly suggest this cautionary step.

ApartmentSearch May Provide an Alternative

You can count on ApartmentSearch.com to be a trustworthy companion throughout your moving experience. With its smart searching capabilities, you may even be able to find an affordable studio or one-bedroom that lets you skip a roommate situation altogether!

Get a broader sense of your options by checking out ApartmentSearch.com. Through browsing all of your new home possibilities, you’ll feel confident in the safety and certainty of your decision.

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

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How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths Forever | ApartmentSearch

These days, it seems like every time you reach into the pantry for a bag of chips, you have to swat through a cloud of moths to get it. Pantry moths are no joke, and yet, they’re also pretty common. Tons of people encounter these pests every year but don’t know how to get rid of them for good. Fortunately, our team at ApartmentSearch has compiled some tried-and-true steps to help you knock out this insect infestation once and for all.

What are pantry moths?

A pantry moth is a small, gray or brownish bug that can appear in a kitchen pantry, cabinet, or cupboard. This tiny creature is likely from the Plodia interpunctella species and is also known as the Indianmeal moth, the flour moth, and the grain moth. These pesky creatures are one of several insects known for feeding on stored grains and other dry foods. And their modest size — only about half an inch in length and wingspan — can make them very easy to overlook.

However, if adult moths are present, there’s a good chance your pantry has also become home to eggs, pupae (caterpillars), and pupal shells. And since a single female moth can lay anywhere from 100 to 300 eggs, you probably have a bigger infestation on your hands than you realized. Talk about an unappetizing situation, right?

Where do pantry moths come from?

Pantry moths are found nearly everywhere in the United States and most often feed on grain products, cereals, pasta, and pet food. These insects typically gain entry to your home through dry goods that were contaminated at some point during the production process (i.e., at a food processing facility or packaging plant). While frustrating and unfortunate, this also means pantry moths are in no way an indication of poor hygiene or housekeeping efforts.

4 steps for how to get rid of pantry moths

Although they’re an undisputed nuisance, pantry moths are relatively harmless compared to other potential pests. With that said, there’s no doubt you’ll want to get rid of pantry bugs as soon as they appear. If you’re currently dealing with a moth problem in your own home, read on for our best tips and tricks to get your kitchen bug-free and back to business as usual.

1. Inspect the situation

The first step in getting rid of pantry pests is to inspect all the food in your cabinets and look for signs of infestation. Carefully check your food packaging, and keep an eye out for larvae or webs near your pasta, cereal, and baking mixes, as well as your nuts and sweets (which moths love). You might also find tiny larvae tucked along the edge of canned foods or spice jars, or hanging around your cat or dog’s food, too.

Toss out any grain or nut products that have been compromised — but be sure to take them to your outdoor trash so the problem doesn’t spread inside your home. If you feel comfortable keeping the affected cans, they can be wiped down with undiluted vinegar to kill the larvae.

2. Do a proper deep clean

After you’ve done a full inspection and thrown away your infested dry goods, it’s time to do a proper deep clean of your kitchen. This means pulling out all your shelf liners and replacing them if they can’t be thoroughly washed. Use your vacuum to clean out tight spaces like cupboard corners, shelf brackets, and hardware components (hinges, knobs, handles, etc.).

In addition, you’re wise to vacuum the walls, floors, doors, and baseboards of your cabinets to help cover all your bases. Do your best to remove the vacuum bag or dump the dust compartment in the outside trash (since you don’t want any larvae to grow in there). Lastly, wipe down each shelf with hot, soapy water or vinegar, and mop the floor with the same solution.

3. Switch up your storage

If space permits, you may want to switch up your kitchen storage and keep all your grain and nuts products permanently in the freezer or refrigerator. Since pantry months require a warm environment to breed and thrive, this strategy tends to be pretty effective. But if cold storage isn’t an option, you can also store your new groceries away from other pantry items. This might be a temporary move, too, just until you’re sure the problem has been eliminated.

What’s more, you can transfer your dry goods to mason jars or similarly tight-sealing containers. In doing so, even if you accidentally bring home something that’s been contaminated, the larvae can’t escape once they hatch (so you’ll reduce the amount you have to throw away).

4. Practice pest prevention

The last step toward ridding your home of pantry moths *forever* is to practice pest prevention.

To avoid infestations in the future, mix up your storage methods. You’ll also want to commit to deep cleaning a few times a year so things don’t get out of hand — and to catch any issues early on before they have a chance to hatch into something bigger.

Another great natural option is to fill some sachets with lavender, cedar, or mint, and hide them in your pantry. These scents are known to repel moths and will make your cabinets smell lovely at the same time! But be sure to replace them every few months so they stay effective.

Look for a bug-free home with ApartmentSearch

If you’ve followed our steps for how to get rid of pantry moths and nothing seems to be helping (not even your landlord), it may be time to look for somewhere else to live. Thankfully, ApartmentSearch can help you find a new home — that fits your budget — in no time at all.

Start exploring all the amazing listings from ApartmentSearch today, and get ready to enjoy a more comfortable and pest-free pad ASAP!

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

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What to Know About Apartment Courtesy Patrol | ApartmentSearch

Patrol officer leaning on a railingCourtesy patrols are becoming increasingly common “amenities” at certain apartment properties. To many renters, the extra safety measure represents a little more peace of mind. But to some, having a “security guard” on-site brings up a lot of questions. If the need of a courtesy officer in your apartment complex brings up more insecurity than calmness, put your mind at ease as we explain what courtesy patrols are, why they exist, and how they can help you!

What’s a courtesy officer?

Often times, “courtesy officer” is a marketing euphemism of “security guard.” In other words, like a security guard, your apartment courtesy patrol officer is hired for the main purpose of providing security and helping maintain the quality of living in the community.

Apartment complexes have different ways of employing individuals to perform this job. Sometimes, property management companies hire courtesy officers directly, paying them an hourly wage and giving them steep discounts on rent to facilitate their on-call availability. Other times, apartment properties contract courtesy patrols from private security companies.

In some cases, property management companies may offer free or discounted rent (with or without hourly wage) to patrol officers from your county. In exchange, police officers live at the apartment complex, providing on-call security as they become a part of the everyday community!

Why are courtesy patrols necessary?

Even though crime has no address, courtesy patrols are typically more common in luxury apartments in large metropolitan areas and college towns, likely due to these areas having higher population concentrations and crime rates. In such areas, police departments may be understaffed or overworked, resulting in slower response times to emergency calls and/or assigning low priority to less severe incidents.

Accordingly, apartment complexes hire courtesy patrols to have dedicated help in dealing with security and quality of living issues quickly. Even though many of these guards don’t have the authority to arrest anyone (unless they are also local law enforcement officers), they can detain criminals until the police arrive, reports The Press Democrat. More than helping apartment properties deal with crime, the presence of a courtesy patrol is often enough to help prevent crime!

What can my apartment’s courtesy patrol help resolve?

Though the word “patrol” may lead you to think that courtesy patrols can only help with crime, their job duties encompass much more. They can also help preserve the liveability of your apartment complex by enforcing the community’s rules. Here are just a few things that your apartment’s courtesy patrol can do:

  • Address reports of excessive noise and loud parties
  • Enforce community facility rules (e.g., no glass in the pool area)
  • Remove loiterers or trespassers
  • Enforce parking rules by giving tickets, calling towing companies, etc.
  • Lock community facilities like the pool or fitness center after hours
  • Conduct regular foot patrols
  • Monitor package theft
  • Respond to package theft, burglaries, and car break-ins by reporting incidents to pertinent authorities
  • Keep a tab on an apartment property’s closed-circuit monitoring system and gated access

Where can I find apartments with courtesy patrols?

No matter where you live or what you do you deserve to feel safe in your apartment! If you don’t want to invest in an alarm system and would find comfort in having in-person security on-call, talk to your landlord or property manager about hiring a courtesy patrol. And if that doesn’t do the trick, find a new apartment with a courtesy patrol, gated access, and more security measures!

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

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Halloween Safety Tips for Apartment Renters | ApartmentSearch

cat silhouette against full moon The spookiest day of the year is almost upon us! Though horror movies evoke fear of ghosts and apparitions, there are plenty of not-so-supernatural dangers to be scared of on Halloween. This fall, practice these 10 Halloween safety tips to keep yourself, your apartment, and your pets completely safe and completely un-scared.

1. Lock your doors (and windows!).

“Halloween crimes” are a real thing. As reported by the Huffington Post, there’s an increase in break-ins on this dark holiday. After all, burglars know most people are out trick-or-treating with little ones or attending Halloween festivities, so homes are unoccupied and easy targets. Even if you live in a notoriously safe apartment complex, take extra precautions around Halloween and double-check that all doors and windows are locked. 

2. Don’t leave a spare key under the mat.

Sure, leaving a spare key handy makes things easier when friends or family visit from out of town. However, it also makes it easier for thieves to show themselves into your home. You might as well say, “Come on in!” If you’ve got a spare key hidden outside your apartment, now’s the time to retrieve it. 

3. Check to see who’s at the door before swinging it open.

Even if you are one of the lucky apartment dwellers expecting adorable trick-or-treaters, it’s wise to take a peek before opening your door. On Halloween, when alcohol is flowing, crime rates are up, and masked mischief-makers are roaming your town, it’s always better to be overly-cautious.

4. Make sure someone is always home, if possible.

Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up with a horror movie and a personal bowl of Halloween candy? One of the best ways to help prevent a break-in and stay out of harm’s way is to stay home. If you’ve got big Halloween festivities lined up, however, leave your lights and television on to make it appear as if you’ve stayed home.

5. Move any valuables off your balcony or porch.

Do you have a bicycle, grill, or expensive pair of shoes on your apartment balcony? Yes, balcony thefts happen! Bring anything of value inside your unit to prevent someone with sticky fingers from snagging it or a drunken reveler from damaging it.

6. Don’t forget to blow out any candles before leaving your apartment.

Nothing says fall like scented candles. During Halloween, you may also have candles lighting up your beautifully carved jack-o-lantern. Whatever you do, heed to common fire safety advice and don’t leave lit candles unattended! If you’re the forgetful type, it never hurts to add a sticky note to the inside of your front door: “Make sure your candles are blown out!”

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

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What To Do If Your Apartment Is Broken Into | ApartmentSearch

broken window with a view to the outside of an apartment

Few feelings are worse than the one you get when your apartment is broken into. You frantically search for your most valuable belongings. You’re angry and scared. You feel violated and vulnerable. But all isn’t lost. Find out what to do when you experience the worst: an apartment break-in.

Step #1: Stay calm.

It’s important to keep a level head in the event of an apartment break-in, whether it happens while you’re there or you find evidence after the fact.

Step #2: Be extra safe.

Call 911 immediately if you suspect that the burglar is still in your apartment. Do NOT go room to room searching for the thief, even if you think you’re prepared.

Step #3: Report the crime.

Once you know that you, your roommates, and your pets are safe, it’s time to report the apartment break-in to law enforcement. Phone your local police’s non-emergency number and tell them what happened. In the meantime, try not to move anything around.

Step #4: Survey the scene in your apartment.

If you notice anything peculiar in your apartment that might help the police in their investigation, make sure you tell them about it when they arrive at the scene. Some helpful things to know would be possible entry and exit points, items left behind that do not belong to you, and likely sources of fingerprints.

Step #5: Document the damage.

Make detailed notes and take pictures of anything the thieves damaged. This will help your landlord and your insurance company determine the amount and the method that you will be compensated for your lost belongings.

Step #6: Contact your landlord or property manager.

Notify your landlord or property manager about the break-in. They may be able to provide temporary residence or other resources to aid in your recovery. Discuss a strategy with them about improving apartment security.

Step #7: Talk to your neighbors.

Contact your neighbors as soon as possible to discover whether they witnessed anything unusual around the time when the break-in occurred.

Step #8: Contact your renters insurance provider.

Once you have a list of damaged or stolen personal property, call your renters insurance company to file a claim. The representative you speak to will most likely request a detailed account of what has been stolen or damaged.

Step #9: Take some time to de-stress.

Break-ins can be traumatic. It’s best to ease yourself back into normal apartment life slowly. If you need help re-adjusting, seek a professional counselor.

Step #10: Reduce your chances of another break-in.

Invest in some added security to make sure this never happens again. Hide your valuables, lock your doors, and keep a light on at night while you’re away. Take some extra precautions before you head out on extended trips. Most importantly, make it difficult for anyone but you to access your apartment.
A break-in doesn’t necessarily mean that you can break your lease, but in some circumstances it does. Talk to your landlord and head to ApartmentSearch to find a new apartment where you feel safe and secure.

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

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Stop! It’s Illegal to Throw Away These 9 Things | ApartmentSearch

Two girls throwing stuff away in a dumpsterWait! Don’t throw that in the trash! You might be breaking the law. Some things in your apartment can’t go out with your regular garbage–even if they fit in the apartment complex’s dumpster or trash compactor. Find out what these items are (they’re more common than you might think!), why they can’t go in your trash can, and how to dispose of them properly.

You’re not allowed to throw away…

#1: Batteries

Though there are several different types of batteries, almost none of them can go out with your regular trash. Batteries contain toxic chemicals like mercury, cadmium, and nickel which leak into the soil and water system if left in a landfill.

How to Dispose of Batteries Properly

Take your rechargeable batteries to a retail collection point like those found at IKEA, Walmart, Staples, or similar stores for proper recycling. For lithium, silver oxide, alkaline, or zinc-carbon batteries, you’ll need to dispose of them at your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility.

Note: The EPA offers a list of HHWs in your area.

#2: Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Regular incandescent light bulbs contain no toxic chemicals and may go out with the rest of your trash. Fluorescent light bulbs are a different story. Though much better for the environment, fluorescent bulbs contain a tiny amount of mercury (5 milligrams, to be exact) which makes them a hazard if broken.

How to Dispose of Light Bulbs Properly

Recycle your expired light bulbs at your local HHW. Stores like IKEA and Home Depot may also accept fluorescent light bulb drop-offs.

#3: Paints

Oil-based paints, primers, coatings, and varnishes are not good for the environment. They can also be harmful to humans and other animals. Water-based paint tends not to pose a threat, but keep it away from pets and kids.

How to Dispose of Paints Properly

Consider donating your extra paint to local schools, theater groups, or a non-profit like Habitat for Humanity. Otherwise, take your paint cans to the HHW.

#4: Electronics

Old laptops, TVs, DVDs, CD players, VCRs, iPods, cell phones, digital watches, alarm clocks, printers, video game consoles—none of these electronics should go in your trash can. According to FMC Landfill, although electronic waste accounts for just 1-4% of typical municipal waste, “e-waste” accounts for roughly 75% of the heavy metals and 40% of the lead waste found in landfills—which is not good!

How to Dispose of Electronics Properly

Many programs exist to help you dispose of your electronics. You could always donate your gadgets for reuse. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, your local government probably has a drop-off center. Some manufacturers even offer mail-in or trade-in recycling programs for certain products like cell phones. You might even make a little bit of money for recycling your electronics!

#5: Motor Oil

If you’re the D.I.Y. type, you might change your car’s oil. But in most states, it’s illegal to even pour motor oil on the ground, let alone down a drain. That’s because wastewater treatment can’t function properly if it’s mixed with motor oil. Used motor oil from one oil change, according to the EPA Archives, can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water—a year’s supply for 50 people.

How to Dispose of Motor Oil Properly

The only legal way to dispose of motor oil is by sealing it in a plastic container and bringing it to a recycling center, automotive parts store, or car service station.

#6: Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors come in two basic types: photoelectric or ionization chamber. If your smoke detector is the ionization chamber type, it contains a small amount of radiation that helps detect the presence of smoke, which classifies it as a hazardous substance according to the Fire Protection Agency.

How to Dispose of Smoke Detectors Properly

First, figure out which type of smoke detector you have. If it’s a photoelectric smoke detector, you can recycle it the same way you’d recycle electronics (see #4). If it’s a smoke detector containing radiation, you have two options:

  • Take it to an HHW or recycling center in your area.
  • Mail it back to the manufacturer by ground delivery (air delivery of radioactive substances is not permitted).

#7: Garden Chemicals

If you like to maintain a garden on your apartment patio or balcony, chances are you have a few chemical bottles lying around filled with herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Don’t throw these bottles away in the trash, unless you want to break the law.

How to Dispose of Garden Chemicals Properly

Take your garden chemicals to an HHW. Or, if you no longer have a use for them but they aren’t empty, donate them to a neighbor.

#8: Mercury Thermometers

Cleaning out your medicine cabinet? It’s illegal to throw away old mercury thermometers for the same reason it’s illegal to throw away some batteries: mercury is toxic to humans and the environment.

How to Dispose of Old Thermometers Properly

Some schools and universities have exchange programs that allow you to drop off your old mercury thermometers for new electronic ones. Otherwise, find a waste collection program or HHW in your community.

#9: Tires

Tires are illegal to throw away in your weekly garbage because they contain steel belts which can puncture the liners in landfills and cause ground contamination.

How to Dispose of Tires Properly

Most tire retailers and used car dealerships will take your old tires, but you’ll probably have to pay. Want to support a good cause? With Rethink Tires, you can drop off your used tires for free. Rethink tires will turn them into innovative recycled rubber products. Drop your old tires off at any registered collection site.

When you buy new tires and get them installed, your auto service station should dispose of your old tires for you.

It’s a hassle to throw away a lot of these items, especially if you don’t live near a recycling center. Find the perfect apartment with on-site recycling amenities on ApartmentSearch and never worry about inconvenient waste disposal again. We’ll show you hundreds of environmentally-friendly or green technology apartments, then match you with the best ones for you and your budget.

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

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Does Your New Apartment Have Hard Water? | ApartmentSearch

Person filling up a water bottle with kitchen faucet

You’re all moved into your new apartment. The layout is excellent, the work commute is a breeze, and the kitchen is impressive. But after taking your first shower in your new home, you notice that your skin and hair feel drier than ever! And why did your dishwasher leave a cloudy residue on all your glassware?

If these things sound familiar, your new apartment may have hard water. Learn what “hard water” is, how it stacks up against softer water, and tips for dealing with it in your new space.

What is Hard Water

Hard water is merely a form of H2O with a higher than average mineral content — typically, a larger calcium and magnesium concentration.

Before our drinking water ever makes it to the tap, it comes from lakes, rivers, and other waterways. As it flows, it picks up additional minerals from rocks and soil, and if too much is collected, hard water can form. Although you may want supplemental magnesium and calcium in your overall diet, hard water can cause some complications in your home.

Hard vs. Soft Water

Hard Water

Minerals found in hard water are natural and generally safe to consume. However, there are a few negative concerns associated with hard water in an apartment, too.

  • White residue on dishes, shower walls, coffee makers, and other surfaces
  • Limescale buildup
  • Reduced efficiency of household appliances, plumbing systems, and water heaters
  • Lower water pressure
  • Damaged and quickly worn clothing due to the harshness of hard water
  • Poor soap performance
  • Skin irritation from soap scum that can become trapped in your pores
  • Drier skin and hair after showering

Due to many of these issues, your utility bills can increase from excess water used to rewash dishes, clothes, and other items, along with buildup in your plumbing systems.

Soft Water

After the long list of issues caused by hard water, it may seem that soft water is the better option. With its better soap performance, contribution to longer-lasting clothing, optimal water pressure, and other benefits, it still has a few faults of its own.

Soft water may have higher sodium levels, leading to a slightly salty taste.
It’s more corrosive and can slowly deteriorate your plumbing system’s useful life, which can cause high lead and copper levels in your drinking water.

How to Tell if You Have Hard Water

If you notice any of the issues listed above for hard water, you may want to test it in other ways as well. Here are a few methods for evaluating the quality of the water in your home:

DIY Soap Test

Test for hard water with a bar of soap and a bowl of water from the tap. Rub the soap between your hands in the bowl. If it lathers quickly, you likely have softer water. If getting a few suds to form proves challenging and the water becomes cloudy, hard water may be the culprit.

Perform a Wet-Strip Test

You can purchase these from many home improvement stores, but make sure the one you buy also tests for hard water. Fill a container from the tap and immerse the paper test strip in the water. Then, compare the strip’s final color with the kit’s chart.

Tips for Dealing With Hard Water

Since you likely won’t have the same access to your overall plumbing system as you would in a house, it may take a little craftiness to deal with the hard water in your home. Try these tips:

  • Soften your water by boiling it to remove and evaporate some of the minerals. (Note: This will usually work on temporary hard water only. Permanent hard water has a slightly different chemical makeup).
  • Remove hard water stains and limescale with white distilled vinegar. You can also use vinegar as a rinse agent in your dishwasher.
  • Get rid of soap scum with commercial products such as Kaboom or a homemade mixture of water, dish soap, and vinegar.
  • Install a home water softening system for your faucet. If you have a health condition in which higher sodium levels could prove harmful, try salt-free alternatives.

Whether it’s the water quality or the noisy upstairs neighbors, there are plenty of reasons to want to move on to the next place. Find an apartment that fits your needs and budget with ApartmentSearch, where you can filter available rental properties by price, layout, amenities, and more!

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

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7 Things Renters Insurance Does NOT Cover | ApartmentSearch

Woman sitting with phone and laptopBanking on your renters insurance to cover you in case anything happens to your apartment? Don’t! While you’ve probably given thought to what is covered under your renters insurance, it’s equally important to ask, “What does renters insurance not cover?” Learn which items are excluded from most renters insurance policies, so you can better protect your stuff and your wallet.

1. Losses from (certain) natural disasters

Oddly enough, renters insurance covers some natural disasters, but not others—so it’s essential you consider which ones you’re at risk for in your area.

Generally, renters insurance won’t cover flooding, earthquakes, or sinkholes, so if you’re in an area that’s susceptible to any of those things, it’s advisable to look into getting separate coverage for that. On the other hand, renters insurance does typically cover tornados, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions, but it’s always best to double-check with your provider if you live in an area that’s prone to these weather events.

2. Pricier items

It’s important to scope out the details on your policy when it comes to your most expensive belongings since many insurers will cap their coverage to a specific price point per item. For example, electronic items valued over $2,500 and jewelry over $1,500 are typically excluded from renters insurance plans. If you’ve got expensive possessions in your rental unit, it’s wise to purchase additional coverage.

3. Things you (or your pet!) accidentally break or ruin

Just because your renters insurance covers something doesn’t mean that they’ll replace it in any scenario. Let’s say you have a nice rug in your living room. If a thief breaks in and steals it, it’s covered. If it gets destroyed in a fire, it’s (generally) covered. If your pet pees on it or you drop a plate of spaghetti, it’s not covered. In other words, being careful and tidy is your responsibility!

4. Items you haven’t correctly documented

Getting your insurance to cover specific items without a proof of ownership or proof of value can be difficult. For example, if your bike gets stolen out of your apartment balcony, but you have no way of proving you owned that bike in the first place—your insurer might be apprehensive about replacing it!

When your property has been damaged or stolen, the last thing you want to spend your time doing is fighting with your insurance company. To avoid any potential issues, get into the habit of saving your receipts, and photographing your items. If anything winds up happening, the more documentation you have, the better.

5. Belongings damaged by pests

Finding out you’re sharing your space with mice, termites, or other creepy-crawlies is bad enough! But what’s worse is discovering that your renters insurance doesn’t protect you from the liability of pest-related damage.

In the case of pests, the best thing you can do is to take proper precautions against any sort of infestation, like keeping your kitchen clean, throwing away clutter, and sealing potential entry points.

6. Your roommate’s stuff

Unless your roommate is your legal relative or spouse, your renters insurance policy will not cover them if something happens. It’s crucial that if you’re living with roommates, you advise them to invest in their own coverage. Otherwise, if they find themselves in a pickle, you’ll be forced to say, “I told you so.”

7. Your car

You scraped against a pole in your apartment complex’s parking garage, and now you’re left wondering, “Does renters insurance cover car damage?” Or maybe something even worse has happened, that’s left you questioning, “Does renters insurance cover car theft?”

Many renters have the false belief that if their car is damaged or stolen within the limits of their rental property, it’s covered by their renters insurance. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While renters insurance covers your items inside your vehicle, it doesn’t cover your actual vehicle—that’s what comprehensive car insurance does!

Even though renters insurance isn’t legally required, it’s one of the smartest decisions a renter can make, according to Intuit’s Mint. However, it’s essential to understand what exactly applies, and which items will need additional coverage.

Does your renters insurance policy leave a dent in your wallet? Help your bank account recover by finding an apartment with cheaper rent.

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

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How to Prep Your Apartment Before a Long Trip | ApartmentSearch

Girl with yellow suitcase packing for trip and preparing her apartmentYou probably (hopefully!) aren’t braced for a flood, a fire, or a burglary at any moment. In fact, we all like to assume, “It won’t happen to me!” The sad truth, however, is that a disaster or accident can happen to anyone. While you can’t protect yourself from everything, you can certainly take measures to prevent those things from happening while you’re away.

Whether you’re gearing up for holiday travel, a summer vacation, or even a quick weekend getaway, don’t forget to prepare your apartment for your departure! Before you leave, use these helpful tips to prevent accidents, weather damage, and burglaries in your apartment.

1. Put a few lights on timers.

Burglars are more active during the holiday season because they know that many families are traveling. If your windows are constantly dark, that’s their first sign that you’re gone – and your home becomes an easy target! Trick thieves into thinking you’re home by setting a few lamps on automatic timers before you leave. That’ll give the appearance that someone is still inside (and protecting!) your apartment.

2. Arrange for someone to pick up your newspaper or packages.

Potential burglars will take note if they see packages or newspapers piling up outside your vacant apartment, so ask a neighbor to bring them inside for you. For even more safety and peace of mind, leave a key with a trusted neighbor or nearby friend who can check your apartment every few days. Not only will they deter burglars who may be watching your apartment, they’ll also make sure nothing has gone awry since you left!

3. Unplug small appliances.

Yes, we know – unplugging those appliances behind your television requires some complex acrobatic moves, and your toaster is probably fine… but better safe than sorry. It’s a good idea to unplug as many appliances or electronics that you can before you head off. Unplug everything but your refrigerator, stove, washer, and dryer. This will not only prevent a potential fire, but it can also save you some money! Even when you’re not home, some appliances can still eat up electricity. Unplug, prevent a fire, and save a few bucks on your electric bill!

4. Make sure your renter’s insurance policy is up to date.

Renter’s insurance is a lifesaver if a disaster strikes while you’re away. Double check your renter’s insurance coverage and make sure your policy is up-to-date. You might be surprised what is and isn’t covered!

5. Check your faucets and exterior openings for leaks.

Have you been ignoring that leaky faucet for a couple of weeks? Ignorance is not bliss! Small leaks can turn into big problems while you’re gone, so call your apartment community’s management to get leaks properly repaired. It’s also a good idea to run your dishwasher a day or two before you plan to leave (especially if you don’t use it often) to make sure there aren’t any leaks within its pipes and systems. Check your windows and doors too, and change out old weather stripping or a worn-out window seal that could let rain into your apartment and leave you with a flooded mess when you return.

6. Clean up around your apartment.

Okay, so this might not prevent real danger… but do you really want to come back to a smelly apartment? Take a few minutes to clean up, take out the trash, dispose of old food in your refrigerator, and clean your kitchen garbage disposal if you have one. Wash any dirty dishes, and make sure there isn’t wet laundry in your washing machine when you leave.

7. Set up a security camera.

If you’re concerned about security while you’re gone, invest in and set up a security camera. There are many affordable options on the market, and some security apps even let you use an old camera phone or another device to send a live stream right to your phone. If you live in an area where holiday break-ins happen frequently, it may be worth the peace of mind to set up a camera system.

8. Do a safety check.

Old windows or locks could put you at risk for a break-in, so walk through our apartment safety checklist prior to leaving for your trip. Address any issues with your apartment community management so that your apartment is safe and sound while you’re gone.

Preparing your apartment can take a bit of time, but it can save you some headaches once you return home from your travels. And if you’re sick of traveling so much? Maybe it’s time to move closer to the activities and people you love most! If you’re ready for a change, find apartments for rent with ApartmentSearch. Our apartment locator tools can help you find just the place so you can start the year exactly where you want to be!

Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com