1. More Availability

One big advantage of searching for an apartment in the winter is that there tends to be more availability. Since fewer people move during the colder months, landlords and property managers might have more vacant units to choose from.

This means you could have a wider selection of apartments to consider, giving you a better chance of finding one that fits your needs and preferences.

2. Lower Rent Prices

With decreased demand during the winter months, landlords may offer lower rent prices or special discounts to attract tenants.

This can potentially save you money on your monthly rent or even lead to additional perks such as waived application fees or complimentary amenities. So, if you’re looking to snag a great deal, winter could be the perfect time to do so.

3. Easier Scheduling

Since there are fewer people looking to rent apartments in the winter, you might find it easier to schedule viewings and appointments with landlords or property managers.

You won’t have to worry as much about competing with other potential renters or rushing to make decisions before someone else snatches up the unit you’re interested in.

4. Accurate Impressions

Viewing apartments in the winter can give you a more accurate impression of what it would be like to live there year-round. You’ll get to experience firsthand how well the heating system works, whether there are any drafty areas, and how the property handles snow removal and maintenance.

These factors are important considerations when choosing a place to call home, and winter provides the perfect opportunity to assess them.

5. Avoid the Summer Rush

By securing your apartment in the winter, you’ll be ahead of the game when the busy summer rental season rolls around. You won’t have to deal with the stress and competition that often comes with searching for housing during peak moving times. Instead, you can sit back and relax knowing that you’ve already found your ideal living space.

So, don’t let the cold weather discourage you from your apartment-hunting journey. Embrace the chill and take advantage of the many benefits that winter has to offer for renters. Happy apartment hunting!

The post Why Winter Is A Great Time For Apartment Hunting appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

1. Seal the Leaks

Your windows and doors might be the sneakiest culprits when it comes to letting in the cold. Grab some weatherstripping or draft stoppers to seal those gaps and keep the warmth in. It’s like giving your apartment a cozy sweater!

2. Layer Up with Rugs

Bare floors can be icy on the toes. Add some warmth (both visually and literally) by throwing down a few rugs.

Not only do they make your space feel more inviting, but they also act as insulation to keep the heat from escaping through the floor.

3. Curtain Call for Warmth

Heavy curtains aren’t just for dramatic flair; they’re also fantastic at keeping the cold out. Invest in some thermal curtains to trap the warmth inside during those chilly winter nights. Plus, they add a touch of elegance to your humble abode.

4. Bedding Bonanza

Swap out your summer sheets for flannel or fleece. Layer on the blankets, and don’t be shy about piling on a couple of extra throws. Your bed is ground zero for comfort, so make it a warm and inviting sanctuary.

5. Let the Sun Shine In

When the sun graces you with its presence, open those curtains wide and let the natural warmth flood in. It’s the oldest trick in the book, but it works like a charm. Just be sure to close them once the sun bids adieu to keep the heat locked in.

6. Snuggle Up with Draft Snakes

Draft snakes might sound like a quirky DIY project, but they’re a game-changer.

Place them along the bottoms of doors and windows to keep the cold drafts from sneaking in. You can get creative and make your own or find one that matches your decor.

7. Space Heater Love

Sometimes, your apartment’s heating system just needs a little backup. Invest in a portable space heater to target specific areas that need an extra dose of warmth. Just remember to follow safety guidelines and keep it away from flammable materials.

8. Warm Up Your Colors

Believe it or not, the colors in your apartment can influence the perceived temperature.

Opt for warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows in your decor to create a visual sense of coziness. It’s like wrapping your space in a virtual blanket.

9. Soup’s On

Channel your inner chef and whip up some hearty soups or stews. Not only will they warm your insides, but the cooking process will also add a touch of warmth to your kitchen. It’s a win-win!

10. Layer Your Lighting

Swap out harsh, cool-toned light bulbs for warm, soft ones. Adding lamps strategically throughout your apartment not only creates a more inviting atmosphere but also contributes a bit of extra warmth.

Remember, turning your rented apartment into a winter wonderland doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. With a few simple tweaks and a dash of creativity, you can make your space a cozy retreat from the winter chill. So, grab a blanket, snuggle up, and let the warmth of the season fill your home!

The post Staying Warm in Your Apartment This Winter appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

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.

The post Heating Your Apartment Without Running Up The Bill appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

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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We offered 3 steps to Declutter your apartment for Spring, last year. So, the least we can do is offer 3 tips and encouragement, that will make your move to any of our Southeastern Wisconsin locations in winter, much easier!

• TIP # 1 – DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Worrying about being too cold or too hot, is always stressful when you prepare for heavy activity during the winter months. Continuous exertion will cause your body to heat up, leaving you uncomfortable and even more “excited” about moving day. Layers are your friend! Being able to discard layers of clothing throughout the day will insure you’re ability to get the job done efficiently and without too many breaks in the Uhaul changing room.

• Tip # 2 – IT’S ELECTRIC

Moving when it’s cold outside is one thing, moving into a FREEZING apartment is a WHOLE other thing! WE Energies should be in your name for the 1st of the month or whichever day you are planning on officially taking your apartment keys. The first trip to your new home could be to put away groceries in the refrigerator and freezer. While there, make sure your heat is on and ready to keep you and your movers nice and warm.

• Tip # 3 – SALT SALT SALT  (any Jimmy Buffet fans??…)

Safety is priority number one! However, with all of the salt on sidewalks and entryways, safety also comes with some serious clean up. Take care of your new floors with walkway protection film, like this brand from a local hardware store- Menards Surface Shields. Break down a few card board boxes for the entrance and you’re covered! Literally.

Extra Tip – Instead of tossing those shirts too worn for Goodwill donation, use them as extra cleaning supplies.

It’s always the little things, that fall between the cracks during moving time. Be a pal and share this post with those family and friends prepping for an upcoming move.

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