Here are some tips to help you socialize and start making new friends in your new home…

Be Friendly and Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

Being polite can really go a long way, and a simple hello with a smile can do wonders. Whenever you are passing by, or grabbing your mail, or even enjoying the wonderful weather outside, try to say hi and make a conversation.

Just make sure you are not interrupting anyone, and you are respecting their personal space.

Spend Time in Community Areas

If your apartment community has a dedicated common space, then take advantage of it to get to know your neighbors. Bring a cup of coffee, or two, and share it with a possible friend. Or use the community fitness center to bond with neighbors who share your workout routine. Who knows? Maybe those who are also spending time in these communal spaces are also looking for a new friend, like you.

If you have a pet, it’s also the perfect opportunity to meet fellow pet lovers while you walk them around. Pets are lovely conversations starters, and you might just find someone who shares the same pet with you.

Attend Resident Events

Another great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends is by attending community resident events. It’s an amazing opportunity to share interests and hobbies with those who live near you. Aside from making new bonds, you can also witness collaborations from different local businesses in the area.

Host An Apartment-Warming Party

If you have the time and resources, why not host a gathering at your new apartment? It’s a fun and simple way to show your new neighbors that you want to meet them and make new friends. Ask them to come over for some outdoor barbeque weekend in your balcony or a mini tea party. You can post the invitation in the community announcement page or just choose who you’d like to invite, it’s totally up to you!

By following these tips, making new friends in your new neighborhood will be easier than ever. Start making your new place your new home.

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Here are some tips to practice music in your apartment while keeping the calm in the neighborhood…

Follow the Rules

The first step to anything related to your apartment, is to always check your contract. Do you have a noise ordinance or a noise curfew in the neighborhood? Some places have quiet times in place so make sure to review your lease to avoid breaking any rules.

Pick a Good Time and Duration

Setting the right time is important when practicing in an apartment, because you shouldn’t really be playing drums at 10 in the evening right? And since most of the people now are working from home, so hearing you play loudly while they are having a meeting is not really a good idea.

Instead, choose a time slot that is convenient to everyone, say 5 to 6 pm. This way your neighbors can expect your “music” at this time and can adjust their activities. Communication is key here, and being considerate just shows both you and your neighbors are willing to compromise.

Notify and Talk to your Neighbors

It’s always a good idea to meet your neighbors. If you haven’t moved in yet, drop by and introduce yourself when you make a visit to your apartment. Tell them you are a musician and you practice music at home. By doing this, you will also be able to know their situations. Do they have small children who take a nap in the afternoon? Are they out in the morning?

Keeping the communication open will make them appreciate you more, so leave your contact number behind so they can easily get in touch in case of a change in schedule.

Approaching your neighbors also open opportunities to finding friends who share the same hobby as yours.

Use Silencer Accessories

There are instances where you couldn’t really work around your neighbors’ schedules because not all of them work the same routine. So it’s time to purchase a practice mute or consider instruments that you can plug your headphones into. You can also consider electric instruments where you can turn down the volume or unplug the amp.

If all else fails…

Have you considered soundproofing? Find soundproofing accessories that don’t need to be installed. Blocking the sound from coming out of your apartment will be able help you practice more in your own time. Transform a part of your apartment to a soundproof practice room.

Or, just find another space. Sometimes, the stars don’t align for us and that’s okay. You can shorten your practice time in your apartment and work on a rented studio outside.

Pursuing your hobby is important, and respecting your neighbor’s peace and quiet is imperative as well. Find a way to balance and keep both so you can enjoy practicing music in the comfort of your apartment. Follow the tips above to make sure you’ll have a peaceful music journey in your own place.

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A Mini Garden

Taking care of houseplants can be therapeutic and can help contribute to our overall wellness. Plus, they give us as a brief escape from our busy lives. Whether you are working at home or in the office, taking care of plants allows you to take a moment and recharge with nature.

You can also plant herbs that you can use in your own meals. Start with small pots with holes at the bottom, fill them with soil, and plant your chosen herbs.

If you think you don’t have enough space, go for hanging pots! Not only are they space savers, they can also add some color to your décor. However, before you get excited with all the planting, you have to make sure this doesn’t violate any of your apartment policies.

A Reading Zone

Having a quiet reading nook is the perfect place for a quick getaway from all your daily activities. And it’s very simple to assemble. Just get your comfy chair, fluffy cushions, and your favorite blanket.

Don’t forget to add your personal touch, like a stack of your favorite magazines or some scented candles, to make it feel more homey. This setup is ideal especially if your apartment balcony is facing away from major roads.

A Tea Place

There’s nothing like a nice view while enjoying a cup of tea with friends, right? Your apartment balcony could  be the perfect place to have your own tea room and invite guests over. Take out some comfy chairs, some pillows, a small table, and call your friends over.

And don’t forget to serve your favorite cup of tea and other refreshments! Arrange your plants around the space to have a little tea party or maybe small work meetings.

A Cozy Nap Area

If you love taking naps in the afternoon, then you’re going to love napping on your balcony. You can either install a hammock or place some cushions and blanket at the floor. You can also hang some fairy lights for a cozy feel and make it a perfect place for stargazing! Lastly, take out your rug and put lots of comfy pillows to start a great nap.

An Outdoor Barbeque

Barbeque weekends are not just for people with backyards, you can also do it on your apartment balcony! Start by getting some barbeque grills that you can attach to your balcony railing and invite your friends over for barbeque weekends! Of course, like the mini garden idea, make sure this doesn’t violate any of your apartment policies.

A Personal Place

Your apartment balcony can also be a private personal space just for you to enjoy. Use it to stretch in the morning, or for afternoon yoga. Make it look magical by adding candles to small glass jars, and watch as they light up your small space. Add your favorite scented candles, and get a glass of wine or beer.

After a long and tiring day, you deserve to just chill and relax in your own cozy place. And whatever you decide to do with it, as long as it has your personal touch, it will surely improve your overall lifestyle and create lasting memories.

The post Enjoy Your Apartment Balcony With These Easy Tips appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Here are our top 5 tips for getting packages delivered to your apartment…

Community Storage or Mail Room

If you live in an apartment community that offers a package delivery storage room, use it! This is a space where we keep your packages until you arrive home to collect them. Delivery drivers typically have access to this room through management.

It’s extremely convenient and makes for a seemless package delivery option!

Delivery Alerts

The fastest way to track your package in real time, is by signing up for alerts. Most shipping companies offer text or email alerts letting you know where your package is or when it’s being delivered. This option will allow you to atleast know the date and time frame of delivery, so you may be able to be home.

During checkout, Amazon offers a scheduled day for delivery. If you know you’ll be home a certain day of the week, try getting your packages all delivered on that scheduled date.

“Hold for Pick-up” Option

This is available via USPS and FedEx. Simply have the item held at your local post office or nearest FedEx location where you can pick it up within the specified amount of time.

Pick Another Location

Direct your deliveries somewhere else where you know they’ll be secure until you pick them up.

Friends with any neighbors? Perhaps they’re home and available when you’re not? If you’re comfortable with your coworkers knowing what you’re receiving, consider having your packages shipped to your office. What are friends and family for, if not to help when in a bind, right? If you’ve got family or friends who live nearby, try asking them if it’s okay to send your deliveries to their door, at least for the holiday season.

Ship to the Retail Location

When checking out, request the item(s) be shipped to the retailer’s nearest store for pick-up. Most retailers do not charge a fee for shipping to one of their locations. Plus, they usually hold your package for 3-5 days until you’re able to make it into the store.

We hope you enjoy each and every present that arrives at your door this holiday season. Happy shopping!

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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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Storage Decor

The perfect piece of furniture for loft-styles and ranch floor plans alike is the coffee table with hidden storage. Round, square or even rectangular in shape, these gems are the best way to hide items you want close by but out of sight. Things like throw blankets, pillows, television remotes, gaming controllers, and more!

Storage ottomans are also great options for similar reasons. These can be used in place of a coffee table, side table, or at the end of your bed. We find residents love to utilize them in our spiral loft floor plans especially. Amazing space savers, plus they add a homey element to any room. Win win!

Mirrors

Using mirrors is another fantastic way to create faux space in an apartment. They give the illusion that the room is much bigger and brighter. Picking one the suits your vibe adds both function and a pop of personal decor to your walls.

Floating Furniture

Pick pieces that are a little higher off the ground and have open bottoms. The gap between the floor and furniture will make any room seem more spacious. Pair a light colored area rug to create perimeters that section off the space, as well. We highly suggest this combo to our renters in ranch layouts. Since the apartment home is already one level, breaking up the square footage into sections creates a more natural warm and inviting living space.

C-Tables

These space savers come in a range of different designs, patterns, and materials. You can even build your own – like seen here. Why are they so convenient? They can be tucked under a coffee table, hugging your arm rest, or as a dinner tray. They are the new and improved side table! Plus, they’re extremely light weight and can be moved around several times daily without being a nuisance.

Want more inspo? There are tons of resources for furniture inspiration to be found just a few clicks away on your smart phone or laptop. Search Pinterest or even hashtags on Instagram for versatile options to fit your apartment home. Be sure to check back here for more blogs on apartment decorating ideas and more!

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Le Reve Patisserie & Cafe

7610 Harwood Avenue | Wauwatosa, WI | (414) 778-3333

Open for lunch from 11am-2pm Monday through Friday, Le Reve is a French experience you will want to revisit again and again. Delight in their unmatched pastries, lunch hors d’oeuvres, and extensive non-alcoholic drink menu. They have an incredible sandwich list and upscale crepe options, as well. Dine in or order for carry out if you’re having a busier day. Located only 2 minutes away from our Wilshire Manor community in Wauwatosa, this is a perfect spot for those working from home too.

BelAir Cantina

6817 North Avenue | Wauwatosa, WI | (414) 988-8533

Dine in, curbside, or pick-up is available starting at 11am on weekdays. Serving up mouth watering tacos and burritos, you may go back to the office with their yummy left overs. This restaurant offers gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options to choose from too. It’s a great choice for working lunches or a quick carryout. BelAir says it best themselves, “The BelAir vibe is at once laid-back and full of energy—the perfect spot to gather.”

Ono Kine Grindz

7215 W. North Avenue | Wauwatosa, WI | (414) 778-0727

Voted Best BBQ and Deli in Milwaukee, Ono Kine Grindz opens at 11am, Tuesday-Friday for lunch. From addicting Ahi Poke to Kalua Pig, your taste buds will definitely thank you for visiting. If your schedule is packed, simply order online and scoop from their North Ave. location. 4 minutes away from Wilshire Manor Apartments, residents have another amazingly delicious lunch option nearby.

Cafe Hollandar

7677 W. State Street | Wauwatosa, WI | (414) 475-6771

Opening early at 9am, this European-inspired cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a very popular pick for Wauwatosa locals and for good reason! Found in the heart of the Village, Cafe Hollander’s menu is packed with flavor. The lunch options are endless with delectable burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of grand cafe plates. Oh, and they keep eggs on the menu all day long. YUM!

Skip the leftovers or boring lunch options and hop over to one of these appetizing spots instead. All within a few minutes walk or drive from our Wauwatosa community of Wilshire Manor Apartments, our residents get the pick of the litter every day! If you’re looking for a new home surrounded by amazing dining options, check out Wilshire’s availability here. 

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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!

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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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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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