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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1. Skipping Cleaning

When heading to check a tenant out of their apartment – finding it in good, clean condition is a landlords dream. Usually, there is only 24 hours to turn an entire apartment before a new tenant is going to move in. Skipping this step is time consuming and landlords charge for cleaning by the time.

How can you avoid this issue? Make sure you leave enough time to clean thoroughly before your meeting to move out with your landlord. Most renters make the mistake of rushing at the last minute or assuming their apartment isn’t “that dirty”. If you’ve ever moved before, you already know that everything is A LOT dirtier than it seems on the surface.

Thankfully, our tenants never have to worry about what our standard of clean is or what we will be looking for during their move. 60 days prior to their move out date, we provide them a digital copy of a cleaning packet full of tips and tricks! The month of their big move, we leave them a printed paper copy to use as a checklist too. This packet is packed with beneficial information like what cleaning products work best, a room-by-room guide, and even the cost of simple things like a lightbulb replacement. If your landlord does not provide you with a similar move out packet, try requesting one prior to your scheduled move. You’ll be happy you did!

2. Damages

There are obvious forms of damage that are not debatable, right? Finding a large hole in a door or bleach stains on the carpet. Both are examples of damage that a tenant could be charged for, and those charges would be taken from their security deposit. Not-so-clear forms of damage may look more like a broken refrigerator drawer or busted blinds. The best way to avoid losing any money from your security deposit for damages would be to treat your apartment home well. Be mindful that the space and appliances are owned by someone else who has to maintain them over a reasonable amount of time.

If you aren’t sure who would be responsible in the event that damage occurs in your apartment, call your landlord and discuss those items. Oftentimes, renters mention they didn’t leave a scratch in a drawer or a scuff on the wall. Those are probably things a landlord would mark as normal wear and tear. Items like burnt out light bulbs however, would be something they charge to replace.

3. Missing Rent

The security deposit is not your first month’s rent or your last month’s rent. Renter’s are expected to pay their last month’s rent in full and their security deposit will be returned to them, minus any charges, once they move out. Most landlords follow state or federal requirements dictating the amount of time they have to return the security deposit balance. Make sure you know and provide a correct forwarding address to your landlord upon your move.

When it comes to maintaining your security deposit – preperation and dedication are key! Keeping your apartment in nice condition throughout your tenancy is crucial. Leaving enough time during your big move is super important too! We hope these 3 tips leave you feeling confident that you’ll avoid any concerns with your security deposit returns in the future.

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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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1. Supplies

Have you ever left a store and all of a sudden it’s pouring down rain? There you are, standing in flip flops with a cart full of groceries, considering just making a run for it. Even though that is an inconvenience, it’s not a big safety concern. Leaving a store to find 3 inches of snow in freezing tempertures, THAT is what we call a safety concern. In that case, making sure you have an ice scraper and gloves is priority number one. From early November until the end of March is a good time frame to keep an ice scraper on-hand. If you want to get fancy try one of these heated ice scrapers from Sharper Image.

Snow shoveling can be a great workout or a big headache. Picking a solid shovel is more important than it seems. Best practices for shoveling snow should be centered around how much you can safely move and lift. We’ve tried these strain resisting shovels at several of our communities and the snow shovelers love them!

Of course, the fastest solution for snow removal is to purchase a snow blower. There is a wide variety ranging in price, size, and preference. For areas like decks or patios, an electric or battery operated snow blower may be all you need. Gas powered snow blowers are nice for clearing larger areas like driveways, long sidewalks, and further distances.

2. Planning

Whether you live in a house or an apartment you still need to prepare for a heavy snowfall. Your first thought should be transportation. How quickly and easily will you be able to move your vehicle to go to work, for instance.

If you’re lucky enough to have a garage you’ll want to make sure you can clear the driveway. Several of our communities offer personal garages and underground parking included. Residents never have to worry about winter clean up. Our plow truck company is set to clear snow once it reaches 2 inches. That being said, what if your property complex does not offer snow removal? Then it’s time to arrange your schedule and get ready to shovel or snow blow.

Is underground parking included at your apartment community? If so, make sure your property manager discusses the snow plow companies schedule with you. It’s important to know when the pathway will be cleared and safe for driving.

In addition to covered parking options, those parking outside must also figure out the best location for their vehicle. For example, an apartment community with a plow service will create a parking map and schedule. Essentially, the map is a plan for where vehicles should be parked while it’s snowing and where they should be moved for clean up. Touch base with your landlord to make sure you have these details around late Fall.

3. Tips and Tricks

Snow is shoveled, driveway is clean, but your door handle is frozen and won’t budge. Aside from pulling as hard as possible and trying not to slip or fall, try WD-40. Spray the car door lock and voila! Old Man Winter – 0. You – 1.

Ice scrapers can only do so much with a hard layer of ice on your windhsield. If you’re running late and can’t wait for the car to warm up, try vinegar. In a spray bottle, mix 1/3 part water and 2/3 part vinegar for a perfect ice melting solution. Spray it all over the windshield and windows of your car, but be careful not to get any on yourself. Driving around in a warm car with a sour smell is almost worse than being late.

Salt can be found at all entrances to the buildings of each one of our properties. Why? Being able to immediately melt away hidden ice sheets is extremely important to us. Salt should be in a covered container with a cup or hand shovel to toss on slippery areas whenever needed. While salt is a great deicing option, it can be harmful to plants and surrounding grass. It can also damage concrete fairly quickly. Avoid these problems by being careful of where you throw salt and how much salt you’re using.

By putting these tips and tricks into action, you’ll be cruising through winter without concern! Always remember to check the weather frequently and be thoughtful of your neighbors by moving your vehicle according to the plow schedule. Lastly, all of our properties offer discounts on rent for residents interested in snow shoveling, snow blowing, salting, and more. We even provide the supplies! So if you’re looking to make some extra money or just simply love snow clean up, reach out to your property manager today!!

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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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Studio Space

Fitting your entire life into 450 square feet could present some challenges. So it’s important to find a studio apartment with features that give you the experience of a larger floor plan. Spacious kitchens with full-size appliances allow you to cook, clean and dine without frustration.

Dishwashers keep your counter-top space clean, avoiding dirty dishes sitting out and making a small space seem even more crowded. Tons of cabinets and drawers help you to stay organized and keep clutter from view. While an over-the-range microwave gives you more room for food prep or decorating. Speaking of range, we can all agree that tiny stoves or ovens are silly, right? Efficiency does not always mean the loss of functionality. Full-size stoves only, please!

So we’ve covered the cook and clean portions, what about the dining option? The idea of eating, sleeping and relaxing in one singular space can be down right discouraging. Enter, the breakfast bar! A large breakfast bar is the perfect place for enjoying meals, entertaining guests or even keeping a work space. All without losing precious square footage. If the studio you’re considering does not offer a breakfast bar, you should look at other options. Crumbs in your bed that is also considered your couch, that’s also your office, will only make you dream of the day your lease is over.

Practical Perks

Amenities are a priority. Parking, storage, and recreation are all important things to keep in mind while apartment hunting. Bonuses like washer and dryer being on-site, having an underground parking space and fitness center access are at the top of the list too. Overall, amenities seem to be more and more influential for the studio renter specifically.

Dealing with that singular space can include the joys of redecorating the same day you moved in, or the frustration of realizing you can’t fit everything you’d hoped. Storage is vital with small space living. To keep things neat, opt for a community that allows you store those collectibles and extras near, but outside of your apartment.

Add to your living area with a large patio or balcony and create a secondary nook to enjoy outside of your living/bedroom. Potted plants, cafe dining sets, and outdoor lighting can create a peaceful, fresh extension to enjoy alone or with guests all year long!

Floor Plan/Layout

When someone says studio apartment, the first thought that comes to mind is space or the lack of it. Creating the illusion of more space is key for any studio layout, and easier than you may think. Using the right furniture and decor to section off or sometimes open up your combined living and bedroom, can make your studio feel much larger.

Start by separating your space with an area rug. This will help break up the big rectangle and spice it up with some different texture. Next, you should think of the floor as prime real estate. Sure, that bed with drawers built into the bottom seems like a smart idea, but having furniture with legs shows more of the floor and will make your apartment seem much more open. A glass coffee table or any other see through piece of furniture could also do the trick!

When everything is in one place, it’s important to multipurpose.  Think about what can be used as a place to hold your TV but also your clothes, for example. Mounting shelves, using a cube shelf, placing your dresser inside your closet – all great ideas to think about before move in day.

If you need more inspiration or just a place to start, try searching for studio layouts on Pinterest. You’ll find all sorts of innovative ways to design a studio floor plan that fits your needs perfectly!

Most of our amazing communities offer the popular studio floor plan.

Check out the virtual tour here!

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LOFT LIVING

These versatile open spaces feel much more like a town home than an apartment. Being welcomed by 10′-15′ cathedral ceilings is an impressive way to say hello. The first floor typically includes the kitchen, dining and living spaces. Bedroom and bathroom are found on the second floor or upper area. This is where the “loft” portion comes into play. The lofted bedroom usually has a half-wall, open to the downstairs. Renters are able to enjoy a beautiful  skylight tucked into the vaulted ceiling, while overlooking to the rest of the apartment. Pretty cool, huh?

BRIGHT, NATURAL LIGHT

The high ceilings, skylights, and large sliding glass doors of a loft let in an extravagant amount of natural light. With less barriers, light is able to flow through the space more easily. This gives the impression of living in a much bigger space than the square footage would suggest.

ATTRACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL

Living in a loft apartment allows renters to get away with decorating tricks that those in traditional floor plans could only dream of. Those tall walls are just screaming to be covered in funky artwork or antique frames and mirrors. We’ve even seen a deer hunting stand! (Wisconsin residents are the best residents, that’s for sure.) Proof that a loft is the perfect foundation for showcasing any unique style with endless possibilities.

Our loft-style residents receive more complements on their apartment home than any other. There’s something about the loft floor plan that feels refined, relaxed in a way that no traditional apartment possibly could. We encourage any renter who is looking for a fun and practical place to live to check out any one of our beautiful communities to tour a loft floor plan for yourself!

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When Does Your Lease Expire?

During a lease signing, you have the opportunity to agree to specific lease terms. This provides the dates for both moving in and moving out of your apartment. Typically, leases are for a period of 12 months. There are other communities that offer month-to-month leases too. Highlight your lease end date in your personal calendar, or wherever you will remember it in the future. You should also have a copy of your lease agreement. Refer back to that to find your lease expiration date.   

Lease Renewal Communication

Our property managers contact each resident in advance. This contact happens 90 or even 120 days prior to the lease expiration date. Providing your apartment manager with notice at least 60 days prior, is a standard due date for most apartment complexes. Find out when you need to notify your apartment manager of your decision during your lease signing. If you have not communicated your choice to stay or move by the due date, your landlord may re-rent your apartment or your lease agreement may auto renew.

Lease Changes

Renewing your lease does not always mean everything stays the same except expiration dates. Before committing to another year, chat with your property manager about any changes in this new lease term. Is your rent rate increasing? Are there any new rules or policies you should be updated on? Any changes should be reflected in a new lease agreement provided in writing.

Our communities offer free carpet cleanings to all residents staying with us for another year. This is a great way to say thank you and provide our residents a little “refresh”. Ask if your property management company extends perks to renewing residents, as well.

Update Your Info

A lease renewal meeting is a great time to update your info with your manager or landlord. Perhaps you’ve purchased a new car or changed your phone number. Minor maintenance items tend to topics of conversation at this time too. Try not to wait until the end of your lease to discuss outstanding maintenance concerns with your landlord. Checking the availability for minor touch-up paint or nail holes to be filled are both great examples of minor maintenance to mention.

How to Renew Your Lease

If you have decided to renew your lease and agree to any changes, it’s time to sign a new lease agreement. Residents at any one of our properties enjoy the convenience of receiving these documents electronically. Meeting in person or communicating any questions over the phone prior to signing is recommended. Never assume there are no changes to discuss. Read your new lease carefully. Take note of your expiration date and rent price.

If you have signed paper documents, make sure you’ve received a copy for your records. For our communities, signed leasing documents are uploaded to the tenant portal and can be accessed at any time.

If you have questions about how to renew your lease or your lease terms, we’d love the opportunity to answer those for you! Another topic to ask about is transferring from one floorplan to another at the same property. We can also help with transfers from one community to another sister-property within our company. Give any of our property managers a call today and they’ll be happy to help!

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