Living in a smaller space such as an apartment may pose a challenge when it comes to storing all of your belongings. As you design and decorate your space, there are lots of different things you can do to maximize your storage space. When you take the chance to open your mind and get creative, you’ll realize that you actually have more storage options than you think. Here are 7 easy ideas for adding extra storage space in your apartment.
Choosing furniture that can function as storage space can make your apartment stylish and practical. Try using a storage ottoman as a coffee table for a convenient place to keep blankets in your living room. Another great idea is to use a dresser as a TV stand for more drawers and shelves. Being intentional with your furniture is a great way to make the most out of your floor space.
Don’t skip out on utilizing the space under your bed for storage. It is such a simple option that often has a ton of room, and it also allows you to store your belongings out of sight. You can even find a bed frame with a built-in drawer for maximum storage space or use storage bins that can easily slide under your bed to stay organized.
If there’s anything that can take up a lot of space in your closet, it’s shoes. Even though they are fairly small in size, shoes can be awkward to organize and can get cluttered very easily. You can find all different kinds of shoe racks online, so you’re sure to find one that works for your apartment. You could add shelf style racks in your entryway to organize shoes near the door or try an over-the-door organizer to hide away your shoes in your closet.
Over-the-door organizers can be used for more than just shoes. They are extremely versatile and can be used to store all kinds of things. Organize your favorite snacks behind your pantry door, or even store cleaning supplies on the door of your utility closet. With plenty of options, over-the-door organizers are an easy and affordable idea to maximize storage in your apartment.
Rolling carts are a cute and easy way to add a little more storage to your space. You can choose from many different styles and designs, and they can be placed just about anywhere. Place one in your bathroom to organize your makeup and toiletries or add one next to your desk to store books and office supplies.
Trying some simple closet hacks to organize your closet can really make a difference in using your space wisely. One idea is to use vertical hangers in your closet to hang even more clothes. Hanging cubes are another good option to help you stay organized.
One area for storage that’s often overlooked in homes and apartments is the walls. Adding shelves can work wonders for storing and organizing small objects such as books and knick-knacks that could otherwise contribute to clutter.
When you know how to find creative ways to store your things, keeping your apartment organized and free of clutter can feel much easier. With these easy tricks, you can take your apartment to the next level and design a space that is both practical and stylish.
Indoor plants can do much more than make your apartment home look pretty. They can also boost your mood, reduce stress levels, add soothing scents, eliminate common toxins, and enhance natural air circulation.
In addition to proper maintenance, choosing the right indoor plants is the key to sprucing up your apartment.
The following plants are known to thrive in indoor environments, so they are ideal even for residents who were not born with green thumbs.
This succulent grows best in bright light, so keep it beside a window. Water it whenever the top 2 inches are completely dry, which is about every two weeks.
This low-maintenance plant is great for beginners. It can be placed in bright, indirect light or in low light. It can be grown in dry soil or in vases of water, and it tends to do well in nearly any kind of soil. Water it about every 10 days or when the top one or two inches feel dry.
You can water a Chinese evergreen regularly or once every few weeks. Either way tends to work for this low-maintenance indoor plant. It prefers medium to low light, making it perfect for dimly lit rooms.
Considered a symbol of good luck, a jade plant does need to be watered regularly. Do not let it dry out completely between waterings. It must be placed in an area with an abundance of natural light.
An asparagus fern is thorny, so wear gloves when taking care of it. Watering this plant entails misting the stems daily. You can place it in a sunny or shady area.
A yucca plant prefers bright, indirect light and sandy soil. It shouldn’t stagnate in damp soil for long periods of time, so make sure the pot has proper drainage. Water it once a week.
A peace lily prefers low to bright, indirect sunlight and humidity, making it ideal for corners in darker rooms. It can be grown in a vase, as long as it is suspended or floated near the top of the water. If you choose to grow it in soil, water it once a week.
Aloe plants not only beautify homes with an exotic look, but they can also serve medicinal purposes. An aloe plant needs bright sunlight and lots of water, but make sure the soil dries out before you water it again.
If you want something unique, this is the gem you’ve been looking for. The way this fun plant appears, you would think it belongs on a grapevine. A string of pearl plant prefers bright light and sandy soil. Water it once twice per month.
A calathea ornata can add a burst of color to your home. Keep the soil moist, and place the plant in a humid environment if possible. Don’t let the soil get too dry before watering it. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
What’s not to love about this plant? Its heart-shaped leaves can enhance the character of any home. Do not place it in direct sunlight, as the sun could burn the leaves. Water it every one or two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Snake plants should be placed in indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry before watering this pretty plant. It typically doesn’t need to be watered more than once every two weeks or even once per month.
There’s so much to love about the holidays. Fluffy snowflakes floating all around you, colorful lights on buildings nearby, music in the air.
And then there are a few things you might not love so much, like the stress that comes with the season.
But if you take a moment to step back, you can definitely enjoy all the wonders of the holiday season without as much stress. You just have to be mindful of your own needs and listen to your body and your mind when they tell you to just stop.
Here are a few ways you can relieve stress during the holidays … most of which you might not mind so much.
Sleep deprivation can affect you in more ways than you know, including contributing to physical pain, poor concentration, general irritability, and possibly even that notorious holiday weight gain. During the holiday season when we all have so much to do, it may be tempting to skimp on sleep, but it’s important to get those 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night to help you tackle the day.
It will most certainly make a difference in how you feel and how those around you feel.
Here are some ways to ensure that you do get a good night’s sleep:
Allow yourself to be happy.
The operative word there is “allow.” Really think about that. … So many people these days stop themselves from smiling or laughing, but why?
Laugh loudly, express affection toward your loved ones, and show kindness to strangers.
One way to put this stress relief tip in action is to spend an evening watching your favorite holiday comedy with your loved ones. Shut down your devices, cuddle up with your family, and make an effort to laugh at the funny scenes in the movie.
Seriously. Concentrate on laughing. Don’t just watch. Allow yourself to laugh out loud when something is funny. Laughter is a stress reliever and can be contagious, so don’t hold back.
An important way to relieve stress is to live in the moment. This moment is all you have, after all, so don’t worry about what you need to do tomorrow, the day after that, or in 2022. All you can do is what you’re doing right now.
Having that mindset can help you complete one task after another rather than feeling overwhelmed by thinking about them all at the same time — or, worse, trying to do them all at the same time. You know very well that when that happens, nothing gets done, which can make your stress level even higher.
Take at least 15 minutes per day to meditate, exercise, or practice mindfulness techniques. Practice yoga, silently meditate, listen to calming music, or sit quietly and listen to the sounds around you. A simple walk around the block will do as well. If you prefer something more active, do your daily aerobics, lift weights, or play sports if you wish.
When done properly and safely, virtually any exercise or wellness technique will work wonders for your body, mind, and spirit and help to melt away the stress of the day.
You may be tempted to choose unhealthy foods as you’re trying to finish all your errands or socialize with friends, but try to eat healthy when you can. When you eat better, you feel better. That can reduce physical stress on your body, and that in turn will inevitably improve your mood and mental state.
You know yourself. You can probably think of many ways to cut down on the things you don’t really need to do.
Remember to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Consider asking for that help from the children in your life. They might love to wrap those gifts, decorate those cookies, or even help you prepare for a party.
However you celebrate the season, we hope it’s as joyful, peaceful, safe, and stress-free as can be.
Happy Holidays!
Move over Thanksgiving. There’s a new feast in town. Friendsgiving has given November a new meaning in recent years, and it’s making the holiday even better.
Really, why have one Turkey Day feast when you can have two or more throughout the month. After all, the more, the merrier. (You have enough merriment to last through both November and December, right?)
Friendsgiving offers one major bonus over its much older counterpart: less stress. Although you can make it even more extravagant than Thanksgiving if you wish, Friendsgiving can be an easygoing, pretention-free way to celebrate the holiday with friends who may have other commitments on Thanksgiving Day itself.
To truly make your Friendsgiving especially festive and memorable this year, make it all about the fun and casual vibe while making each guest feel truly welcome and valued. Your event may even be the hit of the season and become an annual tradition in your home!
Here are some ways to make your Friendsgiving 2021 outstanding.
Go beyond the basic email or text message and send formal, print invitations. The invitations will add a more official tone to the event while setting the stage of the theme. Follow up with phone calls and texts to make sure people received the invitations and to see whether or not they are planning to attend.
Ask your guests to use the hashtag when they post images of the event on their social media accounts. If all goes well, you might end up using that same hashtag for years, essentially creating a “social media journal” of your Friendsgiving traditions.
This is a good way to avoid 10 variations of green bean casserole. (Does anyone actually enjoy that, by the way?) You may wish to list general categories of dishes you would like to see at your potluck and then ask people to sign up for them. That way, you avoid double-dishes while giving your guests leeway to make the dish as creative as they would like.
For friends who prefer not to cook, don’t forget to include the “other” things that you will need, like plates, napkins, drinks, ice, olives, pickles, and so on.
You may wish to make it BYOB event and let everyone bring what they wish. Otherwise, you can make it a themed party by suggesting a certain beverage color or certain type of beverage. You might even choose to make it a mocktail party, which is especially ideal if children will be attending.
Whatever you do, make sure you have something for everyone. Don’t forget to have enough everyday water, soda, and coffee available.
As the host, you get dibs on the star of the night. So, the turkey is on you! Whether you want to make a full turkey or the turkey breast alone, if you add your own special take on it, the main course is sure to become a fan favorite.
If your event is super casual or you don’t have space in your home for a full dining table, feel free to set everything out and have guests eat on the couch in front of the TV or while standing around the kitchen. Gather some bean bags, pillows, and blankets so people can even sit on the floor if they choose.
If you are looking for a more elegant party, create place settings for each guest. Pinterest offers endless ideas for beautiful Friendsgiving place settings.
For example, this simple touch can make your guests feel warm and welcome. Make sugar cookies by hand, and use icing to place each person’s initials on one of them. Tuck each one into a mini gift bag and seal it. Slightly decorate the bag with a Thanksgiving-themed touch, and place the cookie on the top plate to decorate each person’s place setting.
Add Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving-themed décor throughout your home as well to enhance the festive vibe.
Your company is the best! It’s doubtful anyone will need anything other than delicious food, drinks, and laughter with you and your other guests. But … you know, just in case … you should have some other fun things to do for the rest of the evening.
Combine Friendsgiving and Game Night, for instance, or have a classic Thanksgiving movie playing in the background. (“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” anyone?) Consider a casino-themed Friendsgiving and make it a Poker Night. Remember to also have games and toys available for young children if they’re expected to attend.
Just to make sure your guests add a little zing to their dishes and enjoy your Friendsgiving event even more, offer a small prize for the top chef. Create secret ballots ahead of time that people can use to vote for their favorite dish of the evening.
Alternatively, create a contest for a particular food or drink item, such as hot chocolate, and have your guests sample each one to see which one takes the cake.
While you’re buying those bags, invest in a few larger ones that you can use as goodie bags. Fill them with various treats such as homemade cake pops and candies, and personalize each one.
Think you’ve had enough of the food for one day? Instead of snacks, send your guests away with a mini mani/pedi kit, cooking utensils, a deck of cards and a pair of dice, or whatever else you think your guests would enjoy and that fits the theme of your party.
However you plan your Friendsgiving 2021 event, we hope it’s filled with lots of fun, love, and laughter. And just think, you get to do it all over again on Thanksgiving!
Have an amazing November!
The wind whistles in the night. Fallen leaves make scratching sounds as they flutter along the sidewalk. The moon casts an eerie light on the world beneath it, and ghosts, scarecrows, and skeletons sway in the breeze.
Halloween is the best, isn’t it? … As long as visions of demons don’t dance in your head.
Michigan homeowners look forward to decorating their homes, trick-or-treating, and going to those haunted houses and hayrides all year long.
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2019 survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, total spending for Halloween was expected to reach $8.8 billion, with $2.7 billion of that for decorations. Among those celebrating the holiday, 49 percent planned to decorate their home or yard.
Despite COVID-related restrictions for Halloween 2020, homeowners found innovative ways to decorate their homes and celebrate with their friends and neighbors outdoors. In some ways, it was one of the most memorable Halloweens yet here in Michigan.
Did you have such a blast last year that you want the trend to continue? Are you looking for unique ideas to keep the spirit alive? Don’t forget about these inspirational innovations:
Outdoor Halloween Tents: Celebrate safely outside, and play Halloween music softly in the background to contribute to the aura of the night.
Candy Chutes: Last year, Michigan homeowners created 6-foot or more long chutes to slide treats down to trick-or-treaters. Ironically, the fun social distancing technique made trick-or-treating even more of a treat.
Goodie Tables: Up and down the block, homeowners set up outdoor tables with treat bags and loose candy, allowing passersby to pick up what they wanted and head on their way.
But that’s not what happened. What did happen was even better. People stayed and mingled with each other, creating a greater sense of community.
That’s an especially smart idea for apartment communities, so you can get out, get to know your neighbors, and maybe make a new friend or two. … Or you can kindly scare them away if you prefer. It doesn’t make a difference to us. You do you.
Masks with a Purpose: Kill two monsters with one stone. Remember to mask up, especially if you’re not vaccinated or plan to party indoors. Make your mask a part of your costume, and there are so many ways to do so. The teeth of a skeleton? The creepy smile of a jack-o-lantern? Funny faces? With a little imagination and inspiration, a simple COVID mask may be all you need this year.
Trunk-or-Treat: It’s nothing new, but trunk-or-treat took on a greater role last Halloween. Tailgating meets trick-or-treating? Yes, please!
Whether it’s in front of your building, in your apartment, at a local hayride, in a haunted house, or out of the trunk of your car, Halloween is what you make it. So make it creative, fun, and, most important of all, safe.
Happy Halloween, Everyone!
Dogs and cats are welcome with prior written permission of management; limit 2 pets per apartment. PET REQUIREMENTS:
Dogs Allowed: Non-Aggressive Breeds Only, please call for list.
$350 Deposit
$25 Monthly Pet Rent
2 Pet Limit
Cats Allowed
$350 Deposit
$25 Monthly Pet Rent
2 Pet Limit