Check the Rules First

Not all apartments allow pets, and those that do often have rules about size, breed, or how many animals you can have. Some may also ask for a pet deposit or monthly pet rent.

Always read the lease carefully and talk to your landlord so you know exactly what’s allowed before you move in.

Keep Your Pet Comfortable

Apartments are smaller than houses, so your pet needs a cozy space to call their own. This could be a pet bed in the corner, a scratching post for your cat, or a cage for your smaller pets.

Make sure they have easy access to food, water, and a safe spot where they can relax.

Exercise Is Key

Even in a small space, pets need to burn off energy. For dogs, daily walks are a must, and they’ll appreciate the fresh air just as much as you will.

Cats might enjoy climbing shelves or chasing toys, while small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs can have supervised playtime outside their cages.

Be a Good Neighbor

Living with pets in close quarters means you have to think about noise and cleanliness.

Train your dog to bark less, clean the litter box often, and pick up after your pet outside. This not only keeps the peace but also keeps your apartment smelling fresh.

Pet-Proof Your Space

Apartments can have hazards for curious pets: dangling cords, open windows, or plants that might be toxic. Take a walk around your place and remove or secure anything that could be dangerous.

Find Pet-Friendly Amenities

Some apartment buildings go the extra mile with perks like dog parks, grooming stations, or pet-sitting services. If you’re still apartment hunting, these features can make your life a lot easier.

With the right setup, living in an apartment with a pet can be just as fun and rewarding as in a house. All it takes is a little preparation, respect for the rules, and a lot of love for your four-legged (or winged) roommate.

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From managing your thermostat to purchasing rugs for cold floors, here are tips on heating your apartment without running up the bill.

1. Clean Your Air Filters

Throughout the year the filters in your heating system can get clogged with dust and other household grime. This forces the heat setting to work harder to push warm air through the filter. Keeping your filters clean will allow the heating unit to run more efficiently, thus saving you money. Don’t know where to locate your filters or how to clean them? Have no fear! We’ve created a video tutorial to help. “How to clean the filters of your heating and cooling unit.”

2. Add Rugs

If you have tile, hardwood, or vinyl floors in your apartment consider stocking up on a few rugs. Additional rugs can really help if your carpet is a bit on the thin side, as well. 

Something you may not have considered is stitch count. The stitch count of the rug you’re purchasing is more important than just the overall thickness. Stitch count tends to insulate the best.

Adding a pad underneathe your rug can double the insulation you receive too, plus it makes for a much more cushioned experience. 

3. Avoid Space Heaters

Sometimes the only way to beat the cold is to turn up the heat. Unfortunately, space heaters are typically pretty inefficient heating sources since they require a ton of electricity to heat a small amount of square footage.

4. Manage Your Thermostat

Do not turn off your heat when you leave your home. It will cost twice as much and take twice as long to get warm if you wait until you get home to crank up the dial. Leaving your heater running a few degrees lower than you are comfortable when you are gone for the day is the most cost effective way to manage your apartments temperature. Once you return home, bump it up to the temp your prefer.

5. Bundle Up

Winter isn’t the best time to live in your shorts and tshirt, at least not here in Wisconsin. If that’s your go-to outfit for comfort at home, you may have to pay a little more to keep the heat higher. We suggest creating a happy medium. Turn the thermostat up to a comfortable setting and wear cozier pj’s with thick socks or slippers. Winter is the perfect time to bundle up in a soft blanket or oversized robe, as well.

You can also keep yourself toasty at night by fluffing up your bedding with thicker duvet covers or comforters.

As the days get shorter and the cold sets in, biting the bullet and paying the extra heating costs can seem like a good idea. We’re glad you stopped by to research better, more cost-effective ways to save money and live comfortably throughout our brutal Wisconsin winters.

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Flameless Candles

These are a simple and safe way to introduce both October and November holiday’s to the outside of your apartment. Perfect for standing solo in lanterns, candle holders, and pumpkins alike. Avoiding any concerns with actual flame, candle wax damage or staining, and exterior sprinkler heads is just an added bonus. In addition, these always look gorgeous inside window sills all throughout December too.

Pumpkins

Nothing says autumn is finally here quite like pumpkins. If you’re looking for a cost effective way to spice up your patio or balcony, pumpkins are a must have décor item. Try buying pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, the uglier the better. Fill a bowl on your outdoor table with small pumpkins as a centerpiece. Toss in different colors like white with sage green, and a little orange. Pumpkins add versatility to your outdoor space, no matter which ones you choose. So have fun with it!

Apartment renter note – make sure you’re checking your pumpkins regularly, and dispose of any that start rotting.

Outdoor Pillows

Decorations are fun, but they’re even better when they’re functional. The chillier it gets, the more we all embrace fall as the season to start snuggling for warmth. Now is the time to whip out and layer cozy throw pillows.

Select traditional prints like dark red, mustard yellow, or plaid. For an intimate outdoor patio or balcony, choose different textures and add a few neutral tones to add more warmth. Since this space is an extension of your apartment home, the inside of your apartment will feel more comfy with this added view too.

Decorating your apartment can be a great mood-booster for yourself, and also for your neighbors. We hope you try out some of our outdoor fall decorating ideas and can’t wait to enjoy them with you while visiting our different Southeastern Wisconsin communities!

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Luckily, living at either our Hidden Ponds or Foxtail Meadows communities brings you an abundance of locations to wet your whistle. Whether you want a fancy cocktail or something more casual, there is definitely something for every taste!

Let the drinks and good times flow at any these happy hour recommendations in Pewaukee.

Curly’s Waterfront Sports Bar & Grill | Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3-6pm

There’s nothing like a good drink with an amazing view! Stop by Curly’s Waterfront Sports Bar & Grill to take in the beauty of Pewaukee on their wrap around deck. Can’t make it for happy hour? Curly’s is packed with amazing opportunities to have fun with family and friends. Between live music, bar games, and delicious food specials, there’s never a bad time to visit.

Thunder Bay Grille | Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3-6pm

Rose Sangria? Bourbon Smash? Some yummy cocktail with tasty rum and fruit puree? No matter your flavor or vibe, this place has your back. Specializing in hand crafted cocktails, local beer, and an incredible selection of wine, it can become a favorite spot after just your first visit. Thunder Bay is the perfect place for a nice meet-up with friends or for a professional dinner. If you visit on a Monday, you’ll also be able to take advantage of their half price wine bottles. Monday’s don’t have to be dreadful anymore! Thanks, Thunder Bay Grille!

Sunset Grill – Pewaukee Lake | Daily Specials

Day drinkers and night drinkers unite, in this recently updated hangout. Come by car or boat and you’ll be greeted by friendly staff ready to serve. Our Pewaukee apartment homes are comfy, but slipping away to the lake side and enjoying mouth watering deals all week long is an added perk to our locations. The drink menu is full of hometown favorites you’ll be sure to love, plus yummy breakfast cocktails served up every Saturday and Sunday between 8-11am.

After all this, if you’d prefer to keep happy hour just in your apartment at Hidden Ponds or Foxtail Meadows with their stunning views and convenient locations, we couldn’t blame you. Cheers!

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Convenience is the number one reason people choose to live in apartments. However, renting doesn’t always provide the customization one may find in a home. Homeowners are able to store their belongings in more areas like garages or basements, for instance. Most residents of Apple Valley, Appleton Place, and Cameron Heights Apartments are happy to leave the home-buying for their later years however, and enjoy the convenience of apartment living for now.

By taking some of the steps listed here, you could find yourself a very happy apartment-dweller without a mess to be found! Here are 3 tips for keeping your apartment continually organized.

1. Quality Over Quantity

Think – less is more. Invest in furniture and storage items that offer the most use and will last for years to come. These nicer elements will encourage you to tidy up more consistently too. IKEA is the perfect place to visit for all your apartment decorating needs. They offer unique, cost-effective ways to organize your home and we luckily have a local store in Oak Creek. Look for shelves, storage bins, and closet organizers. Spend time in the kitchen section where you can find cabinet and drawer coordinators. Make a day of it and stop for a yummy snack like Swedish meatballs in IKEA’s cafeteria area. If this is your first or fifth apartment, an IKEA shopping experience is a no-brainer!

2. Use Lids

Surprisingly, your laundry basket and trash can aren’t the only essential places to have a lid. Next time you buy storage supplies, focus on items with lids only too.

Let’s be honest, apartment bedrooms offer closet space with limited functionality. While a cubed shelf may seem like the perfect tool to keep organized, it may just take up more square footage than it’s worth. You don’t need another piece of furniture to keep a space looking clean. Stacking clear, matching storage bins can have the same appeal and be way more effective.

These same rules apply with bathroom organization. Cute baskets for your hair and body products are only helpful if you use everything you own daily. If there are items that don’t need to occupy the front row, utilizing a storage basket is the way to go. While we support this approach, we also suggest purchasing baskets with lids only. These allow you to stack them in a linen closet or under your bathroom vanity in a more clean chaos sort-of-way.

3. Maximize Wall Space

When shopping for the perfect floor plan, you may have been excited by the appliances or amenities. Like most renters, planning on where everything will go doesn’t happen until after the lease is signed. When deciding the locations of knickknacks and decor it’s important to use your walls. Keeping your floors and countertops clear of clutter will allow your entire apartment to look organized. A simple floating shelf here or stacked shelves there, can make all the difference.

We hope this list keeps you organized while enjoying your Menomonee Falls apartment home. Be sure to follow Apple Valley Apartments & Townhomes, Appleton Place Apartments, and Cameron Heights Apartments on social media to keep yourself up-to-date on all the latest property happenings!

The post Keeping Your Menomonee Falls Apartment Organized appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

1. Notify Your Property Manager or Landlord

This is oftentimes a missed step. Alerting your Landlord that you are going on vacation is important for many reasons. First, in case there are any planned inspections that you are unaware of currently. The majority of communities perform annual maintenance inspections, for example. If you are planning on being away for a week or longer, you may not have been notified of an upcoming inspection yet.

Another reason to alert your Landlord is to ensure your packages are not stacking up outside of your apartment door. This can highlight that you are away and may open you up to becoming a victim of package stealing.

2. Housekeeping Items

Before leaving your apartment, remember to take care of minor cleaning items. This goes beyond just coming home to a fresh smelling apartment. You’ll be thrilled you avoided bugs, bacteria, and rotten smells when you get back. Clear out any food that could spoil while you’re away, take out the trash, wash dirty dishes, and sanitize your bathroom before you head out.

The only thing you should have to take care of when you get back is vacation laundry. Wouldn’t that be nice?

3. Parking

Road trip with your car? Then you can disregard this tip, but if you’re keeping your vehicle on-site, there are a few questions to answer. If your community has assigned a parking spot, underground parking or personal garage to you, you should park your car in that space. Otherwise, contact your property manager or Landlord and ask where is the best place to park your vehicle during your time away. They may have the perfect spot!

If you’re only option is to park on the street near your community, we have tips for you too! Remove any valuables from your vehicle ahead of time. Roll up all your windows, lock your doors and make sure your car is parked in a well lit area. It’s always a good idea to leave a spare key with a local friend or family member just in case, as well.

4. Electronics 

Save energy and money by unplugging some electronics before you leave. There are some exceptions! Do not unplug your refrigerator or turn off all of your breakers. The last thing you’ll want is to come home to appliances that aren’t working when you plug them back in. Even worse, having entire rooms that don’t have power because the breaker needs replaced.

5. Have fun!

The beauty of renting is skipping all the stresses of home ownership. There are tons of extra things you avoid just by living in an apartment home. Woo hoo! Let your community team handle the landscaping, maintenance, snow shoveling, and package collection. You just go have fun!

By following these easy tips before leaving your apartment for vacation, you can home happy and worry-free!

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What are apartment amenities? 

Your monthly rent isn’t always a flat rate that only includes the apartment rental itself. It can also include certain utilities like water, sewer, trash, and recycling. Utilities are typically attached to a service provider. For example, the electricity bill would come from WE Energies, here in Wisconsin. Oftentimes, landlords will consider cable and internet as a utility, as well. Perhaps one of the communities you visited offered free WiFi, that would be an included utility.

Pools, community rooms, and even granite countertops fall in the amenities category. These are usually things that bring convenience or extra comfort to your living experience.

When touring an apartment, it’s important to discuss the rent, amenities included, and the utility costs with the property manager. Additionally, all of these should be listed clearly on your lease paperwork. So ask your landlord to point those out when signing your lease.

Community Amenities

Your lease may be a year long or you may stay in your new apartment for years to come. Here are some of the most popular apartment amenities to consider when searching for that perfect place to call home.

Parking and Storage

Street parking in Wisconsin is more than just inconvenient. No one wants to worry about leaving their car exposed to snow plows, being snowed in, or any other accidents. Thankfully, a ton of communities offer on-site parking, underground parking, or personal garages.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find an apartment that includes both parking and storage in the total rent price. Storage is essential in apartment living. Christmas trees, bicycles, and even seasonal clothing can all be securely reserved until you need them again. Double check if a storage unit is included during your next showing, you’ll be happy you did.

Fitness Centers

Say goodbye to gym memberships and fees! Finding a community that offers an on-site fitness center could be a great option to save money every month. Don’t forget to discuss when the fitness center is accessible and when it’s closed. If you tend to exercise late at night, this may not be as big of a win as it seems.

Online Tenant Portal

What is a tenant portal exactly? It’s a fast and secure way to pay rent online, view payment history, submit maintenance requests, and perform a number of other important renter services. These options are available to access on any smartphone, tablet, or PC. Renter’s are prioritizing the ease of using these tools and having an online tenant portal has become a must-have feature!

Other community amenities to consider are things like a playground, pool, community room, and pet-friendly outdoor spaces.

In-Unit Amenities

Appliances

Standard appliances found in every apartment would include a refrigerator and stove/oven. Surprisingly, those could be the only appliances included at certain communities. While touring apartments, don’t assume that what you see is what you get. Oftentimes, community rooms are decked out with stainless steel and granite, but the apartment rentals are not. Shocking, we know.

Think – convenience. Dishwashers, for instance, are extremely convenient, but it’s possible to get by without them. Garbage disposals, microwaves, and laundry could be of higher importance.

In-unit washer and dryer are considered essential to certain tenants. There are renters happy to share on-site laundry facilities, or even provide their own washer/dryer if there are available hookups for them. When deciding for yourself, consider the building size you would be sharing the laundry facilities with or if you’re okay going to a laundromat down the street.

Security

You don’t have to live in a high-rise to have security features available at your community. It’s often overlooked, but asking about features like locked entry with in-unit intercoms, security cameras, and FOB access are extremely important. These can all help keep you safe and even keep your packages safe.

Patio or Balcony

Outdoor space usually takes the form of a balcony or patio attached to your apartment. There’s value to these private spaces that go way beyond the square footage they bring. They are extensions of your home. Enjoy grilling, a potted garden, and a hot cup of joe at sunrise. Amazing views make these apartment add-ons even more delightful. There may be a cost to having a balcony with your apartment. However, in these socially isolated times, it may well be worth it.

In-unit amenities could also include things like a fireplace, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops.

Every renter is different and sometimes, you can find everything you want, just not all within the same community. We’ve given you some examples of common amenities found nationwide. Consider what features fit your lifestyle the best and will ensure a living experience that is both convenient and comfortable.

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Snake Plant (aka Mother-In-Laws Tongue)

Effortless, eye-catching, and almost indestructible. What else could we ask for? Oh, add that it’s a plant chosen by NASA to be studied for its air purification properties. No big deal.

When it comes to light, it can tolerate a variety, but prefers indirect. Water this hardy species when the soil becomes dry. Too much water is a snake plants kryptonite, hence the almost indestructible description.

Pro-tip: How do you know if your plant needs water? Using your fingers, push down into the soil an inch. If the soil is wet, check back again in a day or two. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water! 

Air Plant

No soil, no pots, no plants, right? Wrong! Air plants don’t require either!

These light green beauties are perfect for terrariums and can give a room a modern look. To take care of your air plant, put it in an area with direct sunlight. A simple spray 2-3 times weekly is all it needs. Perfect for shelf decor and hanging geometric plant holders, air plants are an apartment dwelling dream come true!

Peace Lily (aka Closet Plants) 

This unique plant is a powerful air purifier. The peace lily breaks down toxic gases like formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and benzene. This beloved houseplant is forgiving and known for its wide dark green leaves with white hoods that blossom every spring.

Look for the peace lilies telltale signs of thirst by its drooping. Watering once a week and spritzing the leaves will keep this eye-catching plant hydrated and happy. The full shade of a bedroom corner or partial shade on a plant stand in your living room are both good choices for the low-light loving peace lily.

Haworthia (aka Zebra Plant)

The zebra plant is a striking succulent known to be resilient and one of the easiest to grow. These miniature plants range in color and texture leaving a variety to choose from. They also thrive in both direct and indirect sunlight. Over watering haworthia can lead to root rot. It’s important to match your watering habits with the amount of sunlight your plant receives. Typically, these leafy clusters only need water every 3 weeks or so. Check on them around the 2 week mark if you’ve made its home an area that exposes it to constant, direct sunlight.

All of these factors make them a versatile option to move around your apartment with ease.

Bonus: Plants you can eat!

If you live at a community with a patio or balcony, consider growing plants you can eat too! Herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley make for pretty greenery, plus they’re found in tons of everyday recipes. A quick-growing veggie like green onions or scallions, takes minimal effort and seedlings sprout within 7-14 days. Chili peppers are another easy option. Along with zucchini and eggplants, these are the most common fruits eaten like vegetables and they’re super simple to grow! Extend your apartment by experimenting with different kinds of plants for your patio or balcony.

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to forgo the outdoors. As Wisconsin heads into fall and winter, it’s important to try and make your surroundings as bright and inviting as possible. Use our list of plants to purify the air, add some color, and amplify your unique style.

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Here are some quick ways to help people improve your overall output while working remotely in one of our Sussex apartments or any community.

1.  Create a Workspace

Apartments tend to have planned spaces that are conducive to your lifestyle. Which could mean, you have no available area where you can work uninterrupted since you never planned on working remotely. There’s hope! Accommodating your new home office can be easily done, with a little creativity.

Start by defining what is realistic with your daily life. Living with a spouse, children, or a roommate will demand a place more tucked away.  This is much easier to accomplish in any 2 bedroom apartment, like those found at both our Maple Grove and Maple Creek communities. If you’re living in a studio or 1 bedroom apartment in Sussex or elsewhere, consider modifying a single living area like your large breakfast bar or a part of your living room.

Once you’re able to set it up, your apartment can remain your home, while also being a comfortable place you conduct business.

2. Keep Structure

Concentration is key in any job. Staying focused with regular home distractions can be one of the most difficult parts of working remotely. But, distractions can’t be an excuse for losing structure throughout your workday. Learn to use your peak hours effectively. Schedule your biggest tasks to be completed within that period of time.

Working from a dog-friendly apartment can allow you to deviate from your normal day-to-day, as well. Pets can become more needy when you’re around more often. Take into account their normal structure. And don’t forget, they may have a harder time when regular office hours resume too.

At the end of the day, power down your electronics and move away from your desk or work space. Avoid taking your laptop outside of your designated work area. Blending your work and personal life will create opportunity to stay in work mode. Allow yourself to unwind and spend time with those you love.

3. Schedule Communications 

Regardless of where you set-up your home office, having a phone and internet access will be a requirement. If your work responsibilities include conference calls or conversations with clients, make sure to schedule them for times when you know you will be alone. Since you can’t avoid Skype calls with your boss, purchase noise-canceling headphones that help you focus on the task at hand in between those calls. In addition, find work from home playlists on Apple Music or Spotify.

Ideally, you want your home office to reflect the same practices as your company’s office. Remain connected with your co-workers. Avoid the feeling of being isolated and touch base with your team often.

Working from home can provide several benefits. It can also produce numerous challenges when space is limited or you share your apartment. Do your best work by cutting out a consistent work space, preparing for personal distractions, and creating a schedule that benefits you, your loved ones, and your employer.

For our residents and prospects living or inquiring about Sussex apartments for rent, we have all the details you need on the current detour. Information and directions for both our Maple Creek Apartments and Maple Grove Apartments can be found through the link below. Please reach out to our wonderful property manager, Katie, with any questions at (262) 246-9797. We have also included the Maple Avenue Detour Map for your convenience.

Click here for information about the Maple Avenue Reconstruction Project. Provided by The Village of Sussex directly.

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Floor Plans

Cameron Heights pairs functional style with spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes.

Designed with warm, inviting interiors, large rooms, sizable closets, and tons of countertop space. Cameron Heights Apartments captures the significance of “home”.

Appleton Place consists of studio and 1 and 2 bedrooms, in loft and ranch-style floorplans. These apartment homes embody exactly what tranquil living really means. With modern must-haves like breakfast bars, full-size appliances, kitchen pantries, and cathedral ceilings.

Community Features

The pair both come with everything you need to live life with ease and convenience. Whether you prefer to relax in the comfort of your own home, or choose to take advantage of the gorgeous views from your patio or balcony – you’ll always enjoy your leisure time.

These communities are both smoke-free and pet-friendly, sharing a cats welcome pet policy. Other key features include underground parking, storage units and secure entry doors.

Cameron Heights has the unique addition of a charcoal grilling and picnic station in it’s park-like setting, too.

Residents of both communities would probably say their favorite shared feature is the on-site management team. And we couldn’t agree more!

Fun, friendly and professional – Appleton Place and Cameron Heights Apartments both reap the benefits of quality care offered by an unmatched management line up.

Location, Location, Location

Venture from your cozy apartment, to find yourself surrounded by one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the Metro Milwaukee area. Downtown Menomonee Falls is home to more than 140 businesses. For instance, Hot House Tavern, a local favorite serves up delicious one-of-a-kind options like tempura veggies and tequila shrimp wraps. Meanwhile, January 27th marks the grand opening for a new Olive Garden on Falls Parkway, in White Stone Station. Certainly food isn’t all this area includes – Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market, Ulta Beauty, Target, and TJ Maxx round out a perfect weekend, all within a few short miles. Galleries, salons, and much more are just around every corner.

In addition, residents can celebrate seasonal events year round like summer concerts, farmers markets, and crowd pleasing parades.

16 parks and over 30 miles in trails surround these communities, as well. Take a stroll on the Bug Line Trail, a former railroad spur, now a 15.6 mile multi-purpose trail. Visit Lepper Dam at Mill Pond. Rebuilt in 1953, this dam creates falling water which is often mistaken for “The Falls”.

In summary, Cameron Heights and Appleton Place Apartments include amazing features, both inside and out. Bordering Brookfield, Germantown, Lisbon, Milwaukee, and Sussex, everything you need is right outside your door.

It’s time to make your move, these beautiful apartment homes won’t last long. Schedule your showing today!

Cameron Heights Apartments (262) 253-9845     Appleton Place Apartments (262) 250-1778

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