1. Stick to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Have you ever thought about the ingredients that are in the cleaning products you use in your apartment each day? If you're like many consumers, you probably haven't. However, people are becoming more conscious of the everyday products they're using in their homes, as well as the impact these products can have on the planet.

Many store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals and toxins that can not only be damaging to the environment, but to your indoor air quality as well. To cut down on potentially harmful fumes, consider making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products. You might even try swapping out some of your "typical" cleaning chemicals with all-natural solutions. White vinegar, for example, can be effective and useful for cleaning windows and even removing stains from furniture.

2. Practice Water Conservation

Cutting down on your water consumption can also play a vital role in protecting the planet's resources. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family can waste 180 gallons of water per week! Fortunately, there are plenty of small changes you can make to conserve water.

Do you tend to leave the faucet running while you brush your teeth? If so, then you could save several gallons of water per day by simply shutting off the water while you brush. That may not seem like much, but over the course of a few months or even a year, that's a huge amount of water saved.

You can further conserve water by making more conscious decisions about when you run your dishwasher or even how often you wash your clothes. Consider, for instance, waiting to run your dishwasher until it's full rather than running a cycle each night. The same goes for your clothes; hold off on doing laundry until you have a full load to wash. This will prevent unnecessary water use and cut down on waste.

3. Wash Clothes with Cold Water

Speaking of laundry, there's another small change you can make to save not on water—but on energy use. By washing your clothes in cold water instead of warm or hot water, you can drastically cut down on the amount of energy needed to wash a load of laundry. Many people don't realize that a great deal of energy is needed to heat enough water to wash a load of clothing in hot water.

Likewise, most garments don't need to be washed in warm or hot water in order to be properly cleaned. This is especially true if you use a laundry detergent that's specifically formulated for use with cold water. In fact, studies have shown that washing four out of five laundry loads in cold water can cut up to 864 pounds of CO2 emissions per household each year.

4. Cut Down on Single-Use Plastic

One of the worst contributors to pollution across the globe is single-use plastic. From plastic bags and cutlery to straws and cups, these plastic items are typically used only once before being tossed in the trash. Sadly, it is estimated that about half of the planet's annual plastic production is designated for single-use—and more than 91% of it doesn't get recycled.

The good news? You can reduce your dependency on single-use plastics by making a few small changes to your everyday shopping habits. Consider, for example, committing to using a refillable and reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water from the grocery store. Ditch plastic straws for reusable stainless steel or silicone options. These swaps may not seem like much, but they can add up to make a huge difference.

5. Reduce Energy Consumption

Last but not least, explore some renter-friendly ways to cut down on energy consumption in your apartment home. One of the easiest things you can do is to unplug your electronics and other small appliances (such as hair dryers, phone chargers, and lamps) while they're not in use. Many people don't realize that small electronics continue to draw electrical power while they're plugged in—even if they're not actually turned on.

Many renters find it convenient to plug electronics (such as televisions and cable boxes) into power strips. Not only does this protect them from electrical surges, but these power strips are equipped with an on/off switch that makes it possible to shut off power to multiple devices at once when not in use.

Find Your Next Apartment Home

As you can see, living a more eco-friendly lifestyle as a renter doesn't have to mean making drastic lifestyle changes. In fact, if everybody implemented just a few of these eco-friendly living tips, the world would be better off for it. So, which of these will you try?

If you're still on the hunt for a beautiful apartment home that suits your lifestyle in the Kansas City or Dallas-Fort Worth areas, Price Brothers is here to help. With 39 welcoming communities and a history that dates back more than 100 years, we take a lot of pride in the apartment homes we have to offer. Reach out today for help in finding your next place!

The post 5 Environmentally Friendly Tips for Apartment Living appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

1) Decorate With Reflective Materials

Reflective materials, such as mirrors, are a great way to strategically create the illusion of more space while brightening up any room. The best part? You don't necessarily have to hang mirrors from the drywall to take advantage of this decor strategy. Even leaning a floor mirror up against a wall can go a long way in reflecting natural light and opening up any space.

And of course, your options here aren't just limited to mirrors. Other reflective decor (such as metallic accessories or anything shiny) can go a long way in achieving the same goals. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a little bling in their living space?

2) Incorporate Some Greenery

A little greenery can also make a huge difference when it comes to the look and feel of your space. Whether you opt for faux plants or prefer the real thing, flowers and plants are a great way to bright up any room with minimal effort.

Many renters prefer faux plants because they'll last forever and don't require a specific amount of sunlight or care. This makes them easy to place anywhere in an apartment (even in spaces that may not have windows, such as bathrooms or entryways).

Plus, there are some unbelievably realistic-looking artificial plants available today; check your local craft stores and you may be amazed at what you find! You can even swap out your "greenery" seasonally to keep things fresh. If you have an eye for it, you can even create your own fake floral arrangements for different areas of your apartment.

Of course, if you prefer real plants, there are plenty of rental-friendly greenery options to consider. Some examples of house plants that require little sunlight include succulents, spider plants, and bamboo.

You can also think outside the box a bit when it comes to incorporating "greenery" into your home. In lieu of house plants, for example, you might consider setting up your own windowsill herb garden. Even setting out a bowl of fruit in your kitchen or dining area can work wonders for brightening things up with a little help from nature.

3) Choose the Right Furniture

Dark and drab furniture can create the opposite of a light and airy effect in your rental, so be sure to choose furniture wisely for your apartment. As you shop, look for pieces with lighter finishes. Creams, whites, and light greys are ideal colors for painted furniture and are neutral enough to work with just about any decor. If you're looking for wooden pieces, seek out paler woods, such as American white oak, white beech, and white ash. Bamboo is another functional and environmentally friendly furniture material to consider for your rental.

If you'll be bringing existing furniture into your apartment home, consider whether it may be worth painting or otherwise refinishing some pieces to brighten them up before you arrive. You might, for example, sand down an old dining set with a darker finish and repaint it white. Meanwhile, adding bright and colorful cushions to existing dining room chairs can breathe new life into an older dining set while brightening up your space!

4) Brighten Up Walls With Artwork

Adding fun pops of color throughout your apartment is a great way to lighten things up without the need to paint any walls or make any other drastic changes. Consider picking out a few statement pieces for the main living areas of your apartment.

5) Make Deliberate Lighting Choices

The right lighting choices can drastically brighten up a rental, both figuratively and literally. So, what are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to choosing lighting for your apartment? Start by identifying which rooms or areas are most in need of additional light. This may include rooms without any overhead lighting (such as bedrooms) or spaces that don't receive much natural light.

From there, select lighting options to suit your tastes. Floor lamps are a great choice for renters because they're freestanding and can also serve as a decor/statement piece. Opting for floor lamps with brightly colored lamp shades can add pops of color to your apartment while serving the functional purpose of adding light in darker areas.

You can also create a little ambience with string lights, which can be easily hung around windows or along walls. String lights and similar solutions are great for rentals because many of them are battery powered, meaning you won't need to plug them into an outlet or run any additional wiring to enjoy their lovely warmth.

How Will You Brighten Up Your Apartment?

As you can see, brightening up an apartment doesn't have to mean making drastic changes—or (eek!) breaking the terms of your lease. With a little creativity and planning, you can achieve the airy and beautiful living space you've been dreaming of. Now, which of these tips will you incorporate into your apartment?

Still on the hunt for your perfect apartment home? Price Brothers is here to help with options suiting all budgets and lifestyles. Explore our communities today to get started or reach out to our friendly team for further assistance!

The post 5 Rental-Friendly Ways to Brighten Up Your Apartment Home appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

Spring is finally here—and this time of new beginnings and fresh starts is a great opportunity to refresh your living space. And while "spring cleaning" may be the first thing that comes to mind, the reality is that it's better to declutter your space before you deep-clean it.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to decluttering and organizing your apartment this spring? We've got some essential tips and tricks to make this often-daunting task a lot easier.

The Benefits of Decluttering and Organizing Your Space

Why declutter in the first place? Believe it or not, cutting back on clutter doesn't just make your living space look better. It can actually improve your mental and physical health. Think about how you feel when you walk into a messy room; you might feel stressed, overwhelmed, or even unable to focus.

By cutting down on clutter in your space, you can reduce stress and get more out of each room. Likewise, you can improve your overall focus and simply feel better about where you live. And with fewer objects lying around, you'll be able to clean and dust more effectively. This, in turn, can reduce allergens and asthma triggers to help you lead a healthier life.

So, what steps can you follow to start decluttering and organizing your apartment today?

1. Set Aside Enough Time

Start by actually scheduling time in your busy life to focus exclusively on this task. You might not be able to get it all done in one day or even one weekend, but dedicating even a few hours here and there can make a huge difference. Rather than trying to tackle this project intermittently, consider choosing a weekend when you have no other plans to really focus on decluttering your space. If you want to have a little more fun with it, consider inviting a trusted friend or family member over to help you out.

2. Choose Specific Areas

The idea of decluttering an entire apartment can feel overwhelming. This is where it can be useful to prioritize two or three areas or rooms in your living space that need the most attention. For example, if your primary bedroom closet has gotten so disorganized that it stresses you out every time you open the door, you might make this a priority in your decluttering project.

And remember, the areas you choose don't have to be entire rooms. If you work from home, perhaps your desk needs some attention. Likewise, your kitchen pantry or bathroom vanity might benefit from a little TLC. Once you tackle the areas of your apartment that are in the most dire need of attention, you can move onto other areas with a greater sense of confidence.

3. Try the Three-Container Method

One of the most effective methods for decluttering is known as the "three-container" method. Specifically, start with three large boxes or containers; one is for items to throw away, one is for items to donate/sell, and one is for items to keep/store. As you go through each space you wish to declutter, each item should go in one of these three boxes.

With this method, you might be surprised at how much you're able to purge. Just be sure to dispose of any items in your "throw away" container properly. For example, if you live in an apartment home with a communal trash/dumpster, you shouldn't use this to dispose of potentially hazardous materials like electronics, batteries, and light bulbs. Likewise, if you're getting rid of larger furniture items, these should be transported to your local dump.

4. Take Photos of Items

It's common to hold onto items for sentimental reasons, even if they're no longer useful to you. However, these items can take up a lot of space and create unnecessary clutter.. As a "compromise" of sorts, you might consider taking some pictures of these items on your phone before you throw them away (or donate them). Having images of the items will help you remember and appreciate them. Meanwhile, they'll no longer be taking up precious space in your apartment home.

5. Keep an Ongoing "Declutter" Box

Even once you've decluttered your apartment, you can take proactive steps to keep it that way. One of the simplest yet most effective tips for keeping things organized is to keep a large cardboard box or other storage container in your closet. Each time you try on a piece of clothing that you no longer like, toss it in the box. You can also use this box to store anything else you come across that you no longer want or need.

Having an ongoing "declutter" box is a great way to gradually get rid of things, rather than waiting until next spring to have to declutter your space all over again!

6. Invest in the Right Organization Tools/Furniture

Last but not least, allow yourself to invest in some great storage pieces for your apartment. If you decide to sell off any of your old items, you might consider using some of the funds to purchase these pieces. Storage ottomans, for example, are excellent for apartment spaces because they serve both storage and functional purposes. Likewise, be sure to take advantage of under-bed storage solutions and over-the-door storage. All of these options are apartment-friendly and can be used to tidy up every room.

Some other apartment-friendly storage solutions to consider include:

• cabinet organizers
• drawer dividers
• damage-free hooks
• free-standing shelves
• baskets and totes

Start Decluttering and Organizing Your Apartment Today!

A little time, planning, and effort can go a long way when it comes to refreshing your apartment this spring. Once your apartment is decluttered and better organized, you can move onto the next big task of spring cleaning! From there, you can crack open some windows, relax, and enjoy your revitalized living space.

Still looking for a great apartment in Kansas City, Dallas-Ft. Worth or the surrounding area? Price Brothers is here to help, with properties to suit every need and lifestyle. Contact us today to find your dream space!

The post Time to Get Organized: 6 Decluttering Tips for Renters appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

A Look at the Current Market

Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, the real estate market across the country has seen some significant changes. Property values have skyrocketed as demand has rapidly surpassed the supply of inventory. In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, the median price for a single-family home increased by 7% across the country in 2020 alone.

All of this is great news, of course…if you're looking to sell a home. On the other hand, if you're thinking about buying, a combination of low inventory and increased prices could complicate things.

Could Renting Be the Best Option?

So while now may not be the most practical time to buy a home, the good news is that there are plenty of great rental options available. In fact, there are many reasons (aside from convenience and more readily available inventory) to consider renting instead of buying your next place.

Consider, for example, the fact that apartment living often comes with access to more amenities than you would have when buying a single-family home outright. Many apartment communities these days offer amenities such as a clubhouse with a gym/fitness center, a pool, trails, playgrounds, and the like. These are things that may come with an upcharge through an HOA in a neighborhood of single-family homes (if these amenities are included at all).

Meanwhile, renting also comes with some added flexibility; most apartment home leases last for about a year. After that time, you have the option to either renew your lease or look elsewhere for your next home. This makes renting a practical option for many who aren't quite ready to "settle down" due to career opportunities or other factors.

Likewise, many renters enjoy the peace of mind that comes with zero-maintenance living in an apartment home. When you purchase a home outright, you're generally responsible not only for the upkeep of the structure itself (siding, roofing, etc.)—but for repairs inside the home, like appliance and HVAC repairs. When you live in an apartment home, these are all things that your property manager and/or maintenance staff will take care of for you. This means you can worry less about unexpected maintenance issues affecting your finances.

And of course, when you choose to rent instead of purchasing a property outright, you save yourself from the stress and hassle of getting into a bidding war and all the other stressors that can go into buying a home. This includes the financial burden of saving up for a down payment, closing costs, and other expenses often associated with a home purchase. Likewise, many apartments offer quick move-in options, so you won't have to wait weeks or even months to get things settled.

A Few More Things to Consider

As you can see, renting offers a number of compelling advantages to buying a home—especially in today's real estate market. At the end of the day, however, it's all about figuring out what works best for you given your current life circumstances, finances, and other factors.

Typically, people who buy a home do so because they want to build up equity and have a place that's truly their own. And of course, this is a goal that's worthy of pursuing when the time is right for you. The reality, though, is that with current home values and demand being so high, it makes more financial sense for many people to postpone their home searches until the market balances out a bit.

Find an Apartment for Rent Today!

If you're interested in renting an apartment home in the Kansas City or Dallas Ft. Worth area, there are plenty of great options to choose from. From cozy studios to larger two-bedroom options, Price Brothers can help you find the community that's right for you. Contact us today to get started!

The post Renting vs. Buying: What’s Best For You? appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

1. Hot Chocolate

What's more comforting than a mug of rich hot chocolate on a chilly day? With February being one of the coldest times of the year around here, the weeks following Valentine's Day are often ideal for sipping hot cocoa. Rather than reaching for one of those powdered hot chocolate packets in your pantry, why not whip up some of your own from scratch?

Our favorite recipe is quick, simple, and delicious. All you need is:

• two cups of whole milk
• two tablespoons of sugar
• four ounces of chocolate, chopped into small pieces

Start by combining the milk and sugar over medium heat, then melt your chocolate in the microwave until it's smooth. Once the milk and sugar mixture has just started to bubble, shut off the heat and add your chocolate, whisking it until it is mixed thoroughly. From there, you can enjoy a mug on its own or add toppings like whipped cream and marshmallows. Yum!

2. Chocolate-Drizzled Popcorn

If you've got a craving for something salty and sweet, it doesn't get any better than chocolate-drizzled popcorn. You can use a store-bought bag of your favorite popcorn here or pop some yourself in the microwave. From there, take some of your leftover Valentine's Day candy and chop it into small pieces. Melt it in the microwave or over the stovetop until it's nice and smooth, and then drizzle it over a serving of popcorn. Give the chocolate a few minutes to solidify, then enjoy!

3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Who doesn't love an indulgent, chocolate-covered strawberry? Rather than paying top-dollar in stores, whip up your own chocolate-covered strawberries in a matter of minutes.

Start by washing your strawberries and allowing them to dry a bit (excess moisture can make it difficult for the chocolate to adhere otherwise). While your berries are drying, chop up some of your leftover chocolate (milk or dark chocolate work well here) and melt it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Once the chocolate is melted and smooth/shiny, it's time to dip. For easier dipping, we recommend poking each strawberry with a fork or skewer before dipping them into the chocolate itself. Once dipped, set the berry on a wire rack to cool and set. For added appeal, you can also add some sprinkles, chopped nuts, or anything else that strikes your fancy while the chocolate is still wet.

Rinse and repeat the process with each berry, and dig in once the chocolate has hardened back up! Be sure to promptly store any leftover strawberries in the fridge.

4. Trail Mix

Another sweet and salty option to consider for your leftover Valentine's Day chocolate is making your own trail mix, which can be a perfect (and relatively healthy) snack.

There are so many ways to make trail mix, but one of our favorite recipes calls for two cups of chopped, dried fruit (such as apricots, berries, and/or apples) and 1 2/3 cups of chopped dark chocolate. Combine this with a cup and a half of your favorite nuts (peanuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.) plus half a cup of sunflower seeds and you've got yourself a delicious and nutritious trail mix!

5. Fondue

Turn leftover Valentine's Day chocolate into a decadent dessert by making fondue! Chocolate fondue is perfect for dipping fresh fruits, marshmallows, cookies, and other sweet treats—and you actually don't need a fondue pot to make it.

In fact, all you need to make chocolate fondue (according to this top-rated recipe) is:

• 10 ounces of chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• a third cup of milk
• a third cup of heavy cream
• a teaspoon of vanilla extract
• dipping options of your choice (bananas, marshmallows, strawberries, pretzels, cookies, etc.)

Start by combining chocolate, milk, and cream in a saucepan over low heat until the chocolate is completely melted. From there, add your vanilla extract. If you have a fondue pot, transfer the mixture to the pot to keep it at the ideal dipping temperature. If not, you can serve it directly out of the pot and simply reheat as needed. Enjoy your fondue night!

6. Cookies

Fill your apartment will the aroma of fresh-baked cookies and use up some of your leftover Valentine's Day chocolate! Simply take your favorite tried-and-true chocolate chip cookie recipe (we like this one), but substitute the chocolate chips with chopped-up chunks of your leftover V-Day chocolate. Depending on your personal tastes, you can use a semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate in your cookie recipe. You really can't go wrong!

7. Freeze and Save!

If all else fails and you still have some leftover chocolate laying around that you don't want to waste, you can always freeze it to enjoy later. Many people don't realize that chocolate can be frozen to extend its life by about 50% or more. The key is knowing how to store and freeze it properly.

For chocolate that is already sealed (such as chocolate bars), it's best to keep it in its original box and seal in a heavy-duty freezer bag before freezing it. Unboxed chocolates can be wrapped in foil and then placed in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen chocolate, simply thaw it in the fridge for a few hours or set it out at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

How Will You Use Your Leftover V-Day Chocolates?

Whether you stocked up on discounted chocolate during a post-holiday clearance sale or simply ended up with too much chocolate from a loved one, these are some great ways to use it up and reduce waste. Whether you opt for something simple and snacky (like chocolate-drizzled popcorn) or something more indulgent (like chocolate fondue), we hope you enjoy these recipes! Now, which ones will you try for yourself?

The post 7 Sweet Ideas for Leftover Valentine’s Day Chocolates appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

A clean and organized space will help you better enjoy your time in your apartment home. Meanwhile, your space will be more inviting and cozy for friends and family who may be dropping by!

So, where do you begin with deep-cleaning your apartment this winter? We've got some tips and tricks that will have your space sparkling in no time.

Time to Get Your Clean On!  

1. Start By Decluttering

Before you start dusting, disinfecting, or wiping down any surfaces, it's a good idea to declutter your living space. Taking even 20 minutes to put away items that have been left out on countertops or other surfaces will set you up for cleaning success.

That pile of mail that's been accumulating on your kitchen counter? Sort through it. The toiletries that have been strewn across your bathroom vanity? Put them in their place.

2. Wipe Down Those Windows

Another step you won't want to overlook when cleaning your apartment this winter is to wipe down your windows. At the very least, use a window cleaner to get rid of any smudges from the inside of your windows. If you have a ground-floor apartment, you might even consider getting ambitious and cleaning the outsides of your windows as well.

The secret to a streak-free shine? Use newspaper instead of paper towels to clean your windows!

3. Deep-Clean Your Kitchen

It might not be your favorite task, but giving your kitchen a deep-clean is a must—especially if you'll be entertaining friends and family soon!

Our advice? Start by wiping down and disinfecting all of your appliances. Then, do the same with your countertops, taking the time to move any small appliances (such as toasters) out of the way for a thorough clean.

From there, wipe down your cabinets with a degreaser, but make sure that it's safe to use on your cabinet surfaces first. Scrub down your sink to get rid of any stains and/or food residue, and your kitchen will be ready for entertaining in no time!

4. Don't Forget the Bathrooms

It's easy to overlook bathrooms when cleaning your apartment. After all, who actually enjoys cleaning toilets and scrubbing shower walls?

With the right supplies and game plan, cleaning your bathrooms doesn't have to be such a pain. Start by donning a pair of cleaning gloves (trust us—it will make cleaning toilets and other unpleasant crannies more tolerable).

Then, get to work with wiping down countertops, faucets, sinks, and other hard surfaces with a disinfecting wipe. Toss any towels, hand towels, or other linens in the wash while you're at it.

For showers and tubs, a good scrubber brush and all-purpose cleaning powder (preferably with bleach) will go a long way in removing stains and build-up quickly.

Meanwhile, a quality toilet bowl cleaner and toilet brush will remove water rings and the like. Don't forget to wipe down any mirrors with a glass cleaner to remove smudges, stray toothpaste, and other residue.

Once your bathroom is looking sparkly clean, take one more step and hit the toilet flusher and door knobs with a disinfecting spray.

5. Vacuum Carpets and Rugs

Most apartments have carpeting at least throughout the bedrooms and hallways. These carpets can see a lot of foot traffic, so taking the time to thoroughly vacuum can make all the difference.

Even if you already vacuum your carpets and rugs on a regular basis, it's a good idea to "deep-clean" by moving furniture around so you can vacuum harder-to-reach areas. This is also a good time to use your vacuum's hose attachment around baseboards, where dust and debris tend to accumulate.

6. Mop Hard Floor Surfaces

Whether you have tile, hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, or vinyl flooring, these surfaces should also be disinfected as part of your apartment cleaning routine. Take time to mop hard floors in bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens. You may also want to wipe around baseboards and/or trim for a deeper clean.

Different types of flooring may need to be mopped or disinfected in different ways, so exercise caution here to avoid damaging your floors.

7. Dust Every Nook and Cranny

Last but not least, take time to dust every nook and cranny as thoroughly as you can. A quality dusting wand can make this task a lot easier, especially if you can snag one with a telescoping handle for those harder-to-reach places.

If your apartment has ceiling fans, don't forget to dust the fan blades. Did you know your ceiling fan blades should be set to spin clockwise during the winter for optimal airflow? This might also be a good time to adjust the direction of your ceiling fans.

Bonus Tips for a Successful Clean

Now that you know what it takes to clean your apartment, here's some other practical advice to make your work more enjoyable:

1. Get motivated with music! Create a high-tempo playlist that will keep you energized throughout your cleaning.
2. Start with easier tasks (such as dusting and decluttering) and work your way up to more labor-intensive ones.
3. Treat yourself! Allow yourself to order carryout from your favorite restaurant after you're done. After all, why dirty that kitchen you just spent all that time cleaning?

Relax and Enjoy Your Clean Apartment!

Deep cleaning your apartment can be time-consuming, but all your efforts will be worth it when you can step back and admire your sparkling clean living space. From there, it's just a matter of keeping up with daily cleaning tasks (such as vacuuming and dusting) to keep your apartment looking great.

Once your apartment is looking its best for the winter season, you can sit back, relax, and cozy up. Who knows? With your apartment home looking so good, you might even feel motivated to update your living space décor, or rearrange your furniture

Whether you'll be hosting loved ones for get togethers or simply want to usher in the new year with a clean living space, it's a good idea to treat your apartment to a deep cleaning this time of year.

The post 7 Cleaning Tips to Make Your Apartment Sparkle This Winter appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

As the busy holiday season rolls around again, there are many festive things those living in apartments can do to bring the festivities into their home. Everything from adding color and bright decorations and adding festive holiday-themed decor can help enhance the holiday spirit.

Below are some renter-friendly holiday decorating tips perfect for this year’s festivities:

The Front Door

Start decorating your apartment home by decorating the front door with a simple, yet festive, wreath. Decorating the front door not only welcomes guests to your home, but also sets the holiday tone for the remainder of your apartment. Over the door wreath hangers allow you to hang the wreath without nailing or sticking anything on the door, but could damage the paint by scratching the door. It's best to invest in damage-free, removable hangers, such as Command hooks, to hang wreaths and decorations on the front door. Other ideas for decorating the front door include tying a bow, wrapping in wrapping paper, or craft something of your own.

Don't stop at just the front door. Decorate all the doors in your apartment, including bedroom, bathroom, and closet doors. This helps spread holiday cheer throughout your entire apartment.

Holiday Trees

A real tree needs additional care and can become a fire hazard. Instead of getting a real tree this holiday season, opt to display an artificial tree. If you have limited space for a tree in your apartment, consider decorating an artificial slim tree or a tabletop tree. If a tree is not an option you like, consider using battery-operated lights and decorate your household plants.

Cozy Details

Scatter some cozy details and accents throughout your apartment, but using budget-friendly, festive holiday pillows and throws. These items can transform a space and add a comfortable cozy feel. Seasonal bedding is a good way to add some holiday cheer to your bedrooms. Additionally, these items do not have to be holiday specific, they can be snowmen, penguins, snowflakes, or anything winter-themed.

Candlelight

Fill your apartment home with the warm glow of candlelight. Decorating homes with the new flameless candles set on timers, offer the warm glow of candles and a worry-free method of decorating.

Bathroom

The bathroom may be a small space, but should not be forgotten during the holiday season. Decorate the bathroom with holiday-themed towels, shower curtains or bath mats. Seasonal scented soap is a great way to add a beautiful holiday aroma to your bathroom.

Family Memories

Create a showcase displaying holiday memories of your family throughout the year. Display with seasonal frames and set on a shelf or dresser.

Faux Fireplace

If your apartment home doesn't have a fireplace, you can easily create one to enjoy this holiday season. There are many apps available offering a fireplace display on your television. You can also find fireplace videos with holiday music playing in the background on Amazon Prime and YouTube.

Holiday Card Display

Get creative when displaying your holiday cards. Scatter cards on shelves and table tops throughout your apartment. Hang twine off shelves and use mini clothespins to attach and hang cards. Another method is to get a long dowel rod, glue mini clothespins to it, and paint it. Hang cards on this display and set it up against a wall near your tree or faux fireplace.

The post 8 Renter-Friendly Holiday Decorating Tips appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

The Purr-fect Amenities

Take advantage of the pet amenities available within and near your apartment community. Discover what's available for your pet to enjoy, such as a dog park, walking areas, and pet-friendly activities. Taking full advantage of these amenities allows your pet to have things to do besides being cooped up in your apartment. Plus, it helps let your dog run around, burn off some energy, and then get a good night’s sleep. 

Prepare the Apartment for Your Pet

Apartment living can be difficult for pets, especially when they have to move into a new place. To help ease your pet into your new apartment home:

1. Consider preparing the space for the pet before bringing them into it.
2. If possible, have everything unpacked and ready for your pet, including their unique space.
3. Consider buying special treats for your pet to spoil them and encourage them to get comfortable in their new home. 

Create a Dedicated Pet Space

Find a place in your new apartment where you can dedicate the space just for your pet. Whether it be a dog bed, cat house, food bowls, or toys, find a place where your pet can relax and see everything they need for their day-to-day living. If possible, to help keep your pet at home and comfortable, avoid moving your pet’s space around the apartment. 

Stick to a Routine

It would help if you tried to stick with the same routine for you and your furbaby as you did in your last residence. Keeping to a similar routine helps your pet relax and feel like they are at home. For example, try to keep their food and water bowls in a similar spot as in your old place, and feed and walk your dog at the same time daily. 

Go for a Walk

Take your dog for a quick walk around the apartments and the neighborhood to get familiar with the area. First, of course, your pet must become familiar with the community, plus they will enjoy getting out, seeing new things, smelling new smells, hearing new sounds, and making new friends. 

Provide Some Extra Love

When moving a pet into a new apartment, you want to make sure to give them some extra love and attention. Spend several minutes throughout your day paying attention to your pet and showing it is still loved and is welcome in the new apartment home. The extra attention you spend now will help ease your pet’s anxiety and help them settle into the home much faster. 

Join Our Pet Royalty Club

We designed our Pet Royalty Club to help serve our pet-loving residents and help our furry residents get settled in their new apartment homes. The Price Brothers Pet Royalty Club is a VIP program offering exclusive special offers and discounts at local Kansas City businesses that provide pet-related services and products. Every pet-owning resident receives their membership to the club as part of their pet fee. 

Additionally, Bar K, a Pet Royalty Club partner, joins us to host a fun event for the entire family. This event offers playtime for the dogs, photo ops, free food, and drink specials. This event is a must-experience event for all of our pet-loving residents. 

When moving into a new apartment, it's essential to be patient because it takes time for your pet to settle in and enjoy their new apartment living space. If your pet isn't acting like themselves, give it time, and most likely, your pet will return to its old self soon.

The post Tips for Helping Your Pet Feel at Home in Your New Apartment appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

Spring is in the air, and now is the time to freshen up your apartment home. Open up the windows, let some fresh air in, and get ready to spring clean your space. Spring cleaning does not have to be as big of a chore as some believe it to be. You can easily divide up the tasks into separate days. Dividing up tasks allows you to focus your time and efforts on specific areas of your home. Before you know it, your apartment home will be sparkly clean and ready for you to enjoy summer. 

Make a Plan

Before you get started spring cleaning your apartment home, you must first sit down and make a detailed plan. Make a list of the rooms you need to clean and what needs to be cleaned in each one. Then determine which days and times you will dedicate to spring cleaning. A plan will help you create a schedule and know which room you will be working in on a specific day. (See below for details on cleaning room by room.) 

Now that you know when and what you will be cleaning, it is time to make your cleaning playlist. Put together a playlist with all of your favorite upbeat music and motivating songs. Additionally, find a cleaning buddy. It can be your family, a friend, or a roommate. Find someone who can join in and help with the cleaning projects. Both of these will make cleaning so much more enjoyable and not feel like a chore. 

Start with Decluttering

We tend to collect more things throughout the year than we realize, tucking items we no longer use in a drawer to save for later. Hiding items in the back of the closet because we don't need them today, but someday we might. All of these items can start an apartment home to feel a bit cramped. Decluttering apartments is key to freshening up the place, making it feel more spacious, and setting the stage for spring cleaning. 

Decluttering can be an overwhelming project. But it does not have to be. Make a list of all the rooms and pick one room per day to go through and declutter everything. Don't forget to check cabinets, drawers, and anywhere else items may have been tucked away in. The fastest way to do this is to pick up an item and categorize the items in one of the following categories: 

• Keep: Put away where it belongs.  
• Toss: Throw it away. 
• Donate or Giveaway: Put in a box to donate or give to someone you know who needs it.
• Storage: Properly pack the item and prepare it for storage. 
• Unsure: Put items that do not fit in any of the above categories in a separate box and save them to go through later. 

Each item should only take three seconds to determine which category it belongs in—once decided, put things in designated places right away. At the end of decluttering, throw away all trash bags, store boxes designated for storage, and drop off all donations and giveaways. For the unsure box, set it aside, somewhere out of the way. When you have more time to debate over the item's fate, you can start going through the box. 

Tip for sorting through medicine cabinets and pantries: Check expiration dates first and toss anything expired. Tossing expired items is a quick way to weed through a lot of items stashed in these areas. 

Stock Up On Supplies

Once you have decluttered your apartment, it is time to start gathering supplies and getting ready to spring clean. Make sure you have the following items available for when you start your spring cleaning project: 

• All-Purpose Cleaner
• Bathroom Cleaner with Bleach
• Furniture Cleaner
• Floor Cleaner
• Glass Cleaner
• Microfiber Cloths
• Vacuum with Attachments
• Rubber Gloves
• Mop and Bucket
• Brooms
• Lint Brush for Pet Hair on Furniture
• Air Freshener Room Sprays

Once you have all the cleaning supplies you need, please keep them in a central location easy to access. If there is room, temporarily keep them on the kitchen counter where you can grab and go when you start cleaning. Using a shower caddy is a great way to keep all of your cleaning supplies together and keep them easily transportable from room to room. 

Clean Room by Room

Even though some apartments are not very big, taking on a spring cleaning project can become overwhelming. The best way to spring clean your space is to go room by room. Start with the rooms you hate cleaning the most. For some, those are the bathrooms. Others may not enjoy cleaning the kitchen. Tackle one room a day, so the task does not feel so overwhelming. 

Make a list of everything you want to clean in each room. Spring cleaning should be a thorough cleaning of everything in the home. No corner left unclean. Spring cleaning tasks should include:  

• Dust Ceilings and Baseboards
• Dust Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
• Wipe Down and Disinfect Wall Fixtures
• Clean All Electronics and Appliances
• Sweep, Mop, and Vacuum
• Wipe Cabinets and Drawers Inside and Out
• Clean Out and Disinfect the Refrigerator, Stove, Dishwasher, and Microwave

Don't Forget the Closets

During your spring cleaning adventures, you mustn't forget your closets. Pull everything out of the closet and sort through it. Use the same method explained in the decluttering section above. Before putting everything back in, take time to wipe down all the surfaces and vacuum the floor. Check the corners of the closet and dust or wipe down those areas too. Once clean, put everything back in its place. 

Reward Yourself

Once you have completed everything on your cleaning list, it is time to reward yourself. Your reward can be a dinner out, order take out, or go on a quick day trip. Your bonus can be to buy yourself something. Just make sure you need it because you do not want to add clutter to your newly decluttered apartment.

The post Prepare for Summer: Deep Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Apartment Home appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is a time when everyone around the world is encouraged to do something nice for a friend, co-worker, family member, or even a stranger. Random acts vary from person to person and can be as simple as buying someone a cup of coffee. Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated annually on February 17; however, many celebrate all week long by performing random acts at work, home, and running errands. 

Complete the Compliment Challenge

Set a goal to compliment as many people as possible. Sincere compliments include commenting on a person's outfit, shoes, smile, hair, or something they have created. Wake up in the morning and compliment the first three people you encounter. Next, send a text message to five different people, congratulating them on something they recently achieved. Don't stop with these eight people; seek out different ways to compliment others throughout the day. 

Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

Feel good by spending time with animals at a local animal shelter. Many humane societies and shelters offer volunteer opportunities, such as reading to the animals, cleaning up kennels, walking dogs, playing with the animals, and bathing animals. Reach out to your local shelter and inquire about volunteer opportunities and various ways to help shelter animals in the community. 

Residents in the Kansas City Metro area can volunteer through the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City. This organization helps provide pet food for those who cannot afford to feed their furbabies. Volunteer opportunities include help preparing pet food and delivering food. 

Volunteer at a Local Food Bank or Soup Kitchen

Many families are struggling to put food on the table. Some family members need to skip meals during the day to ensure the rest of the family can have dinner. Volunteer your time to help out a local food bank or soup kitchen and help feed those struggling in the community. No time to volunteer? You can still do a random act of kindness by donating food or money to a local organization. 

Give your time, give some food, or give money to Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City. 

Donate to Local Homeless Shelters

Clean out your closets and donate some blankets and clothes to local homeless shelters. Some homeless shelters need volunteers to help with programs, organization, office work, and to be there to talk with those wanting to speak to someone. 

Host a Clean Up Party at a Local Park

Gather up friends, family, and co-workers and spend the day at a local park cleaning it up. Pick a time and spend it walking around the park, picking up trash. Don't forget to wear gloves and bring lots of trash bags.

Kindness Cards

Those of you who are crafty now is your time to shine. Create and design fun and inspirational cards to deliver to local senior centers/facilities, veterans' hospitals, and children's hospitals. Send some love and show others they are appreciated and loved. 

Donate Blood

Reach out to the Red Cross, local hospital, or community blood bank and ask where to go to donate blood. The place to donate blood here in Kansas City is the Community Blood Center, located at 4040 Main Street (64111). For additional information about how and where to donate blood, call (877) 468-6844. 

Little Free Library

Find a Little Free Library in your neighborhood and drop off some children's books to add to the collection. Don't have a Little Free Library in your area? No problem. Click here for details on how to set up your own Little Free Library for the kids in your neighborhood. 

Self-Kindness

We get so busy sometimes and forget to take time for ourselves. For Random Acts of Kindness Day, you not only want to be kind to others but don't forget about yourself. Spend at least 30 minutes, focusing on doing something you love. Take the time to meditate, make some crafts, read a book, go hiking, get a massage, or spend time with friends. Are you having trouble determining what you love to do? Take a moment to remind yourself of all the things you love and write a gratitude list. Then focus on something on that list that makes you truly happy. 

20 More Random Acts of Kindness

1. Post inspirational notes everywhere – offices, bathrooms, bulletin boards, apartment complexes, etc.
2. Say "Hello" to a perfect stranger. Don't forget to smile.
3. Apartment living can be difficult for some stuck at home. Surprise your neighbor with homemade cookies or special delivery.
4. Leave a gas gift card at a pump.
5. Leave quarters at the laundromat.
6. Leave coupons next to products in the store.
7. Send an email to a co-worker who deserves more recognition.
8. Hold up motivational signs for people running in the park.
9. Buy a plant, write a positive message on the pot, and give it to a friend.
10. Deliver flowers to the nurses' station at the nearest emergency room.
11. Run an errand for someone. 
12. Leave a box of goodies for mail carriers and delivery drivers.
13. Pass out balloons with handwritten notes with positive messages.
14. Get a haircut and donate to Locks of Love.
15. Write a "Thank You" letter to a deployed member of the military through Operation Gratitude. 
16. Reconnect with an old friend.
17. Email or write someone who inspired you.
18. Leave an extra tip for servers, delivery drivers, etc. 
19. Donate school supplies to a local public school.
20. Leave inspirational bookmarks in library books.

The post Ideas to Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.