Category: Tips

See how one resident decorated their apartment for the holiday season

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See how one resident decorated their apartment for the holiday season

When it comes to decorating an apartment during the holiday season, it’s all about finding and creating small spaces. We stepped inside a resident’s apartment at The Grand off 45th to see how it was decorated this season.

Sip, Sip, Hooray!

Spread holiday cheer while you are sipping on your favorite holiday cocktail! An easy way to decorate a space such as this bar cart is by adding a touch of garland, festive drink ware, and a letter board with a fun holiday saying if you have one. You could even spice it up with twinkle lights or festive trees.

Nooks you don’t think to decorate

Bring some style to your functional pieces. Add a small decoration to your dressers, side tables, countertops, tv stands, and bookshelves. Remember to leave enough space for those practical, everyday items, so the space doesn’t start to feel cluttered. This resident mentioned that she purchased most of her smaller décor items from antique stores, local businesses, and thrift stores.

 

Make it cozy!

Adding textiles to your bedding such as pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals, is an easy way to create holiday spirit in your small home. You can find fun accent pillows and blankets at craft stores, local shops, and bigger home décor retailers.

Maximize the space above your cabinets

This resident did a small winter village filled with bottle brush trees, light up houses, reindeer, and garland. She used books and photo stands to help lift pieces up and bring various dimensions to the space.

Time for the tree!

Many retailers now offer slim trees that work well in smaller spaces. For this resident, it was all about the vibrant reds and pinks mixed with glitter and vintage ornaments.

Five Easy Fall Decorating Tips

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Five Easy Fall Decorating Tips

Decorating in an apartment can be challenging. We have 5 easy Fall decorating tips to make you feel all the coziness of the season.

1. Pumpkins and gourds

You can never go wrong with a traditional pumpkin or gourd look. Let’s be honest- you can find pumpkins and gourds just about everywhere right now. From your local grocery store, craft store or market. We suggest placing an odd number of pumpkins in a variety of colors such as orange, yellow, green or white on surfaces such as a coffee table, tv stand, bedside table or or as a center piece on an island or table. This is a decoration piece that can last you through Thanksgiving!

2. Fall Florals

If you love muted colors – then fall florals are for you! Place fall florals in a vase and use as decoration on tables, counters, mantels, or any space you feel. This will brighten up your room and give off the fall feel to guests in your home.

3. Chunky Knits

Not only will a chunky knit blanket give you major fall vibes but it will also keep you nice and cozy on those cooler fall days. Place in a basket on the side of your couch or leave it nicely folded as a statement piece on your living room furniture, or as an accent blanket on a bed. This piece can easily be transitioned from fall to winter.

Types of chunky knits can be found at most stores.

4. Plaid

Plaid is the ideal pattern for fall and winter! You can introduce this pattern in your space in so many ways such as: pillows, blankets, pet beds, small trinkets, bedding, or even pet toys. Plaid will give your space just the right amount of fall decorating and a cozy feel.

5. Moody Colors

Moody colors can enhance your living space and can easily be done without spending too much or much effort. Look for colors and textures that range in the darker tones such as dark and deep purples, oranges, reds, greens, and pinks. To give more depth, add a neutral color like black, grey, white or cream. You can incorporate moody colors into any of the decorating ideas above such as plaid and florals.

   

Winter Reminders

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Winter Reminders

Keep your home warm and safe with the following winter reminders.

Change your furnace filter

Furnace filters should be changed on a monthly or bi-monthly basis especially if you live in a newer home. If you’re furnace filter gets dirty, it will not heat your unit properly. For instructions on how to change your furnace filter, visit our FAQs page.

Shovel your balcony or deck

Don’t forget to shovel your balcony or deck regularly. If it gets too heavy with snow, it could cause structural damage to the building.

Keep your garage door shut

Don’t leave garage doors open as it could cause pipes to freeze, which could end up costing you greatly if there is a water break.

Clear snow from garage door area

It is important to keep your garage door area clear of snow and ice. If snow or ice is present, it could cause your garage door to stick and stop it from opening. If you garage door does freeze to the ground, it could ruin the rubber weather stripping that is along the bottom of your garage door.

Shovel 2 feet out from your garage door

If you live at a property that includes snow removal, be sure to shovel the 2 feet in front of your garage door. The snow removers will not clear this area as it could cause damage to the building or your garage door.

Make sure all windows are closed tightly and correctly

Keep all the heat inside your home by making sure all your windows are closed. Check for other gaps, specifically under your entry doors, that could let in cold air around your apartment and seal those with a towel or door sweep.

Park your car in the garage

In order for snow plows to clear snow from the lots and parking spots, park your car in your garage as frequently as possible. This is important especially after a large snow fall.

Keep your heat on when you leave

Keep your heat on when you leave for a weekend or for vacation. If your heat is turned off, it could cause a pipe to freeze and potentially burst. If you do leave and want to drop the temperature, set it between 60-68 degrees, it will still save you money and will prevent frozen pipes.

Use sand instead of salt

If you live at a property that was built in the last year or two, it is important that you use sand instead of salt on your driveway and walkways. Salt could cause the new concrete to weaken and cause damage.

Garages

It is good practice to not keep anything of value in garages in case of theft.

Renter’s Insurance

As part of your lease agreement with Prairie Property Management, renter’s insurance is required. Check with your insurance provider to make sure you are insured.

Packages

As a reminder, we are not responsible for lost or stolen packages.

4 Tips for Setting Up Your Home Office

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4 Tips for Setting Up Your Home Office

Today, more and more people are working from home than ever before. Creating a space and schedule that is conducive for success is key to getting your work done in an effective and efficient way. Here are some tips and tricks on how to turn your space into the best work environment that it can be.

Distraction Free

Make your environment as distraction free as possible. It is easy when working from home to get distracted by the laundry piled in the corner or by the dishes that need to be done. Take care of these tasks before you sit down to work. Not having household chores and tasks on your mind will help you be able to focus on the task at hand.

Maintain a Schedule

If you do not normally work from home, it is important to try to maintain as much of a normal schedule as possible. This means waking up at the same time as you would to go to the office, getting dressed for the day, and sitting down to do your work like you typically would.

Pick a Designated Space

Find a space in your home that is exclusively yours to work at. This may mean a specific chair at the kitchen table, a desk, or another spot that is distraction free. This space doesn’t have to be large or very isolated. As long as the space you are working at is designated as your space, and that any family members or roommates know this, you will be less prone to distractions and other bothers.

Stick to What Works

Find what works for you and stick to it! A change in routine can be very stressful for people, so if you find a schedule that works for you, stick to it! Each person has a different idea of what their ideal environment looks like, so try to recreate that idea to the best of your ability.

Tips for Moving with Pets

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Tips for Moving with Pets

Moving can be a stressful time for everyone involved. There are a lot of changes that happen when you move, so make sure that you are making the transition as smooth as possible for your furry friends with these 5 tips!

1. Understand the Pet Policy

At Prairie Property Management we are happy to offer over 30 different properties that are pet friendly. Let your agent know before you sign your lease what type of pet you have and how many you will be bringing with you. Some properties have weight and breed restrictions and knowing these before you move will help to ensure a seamless transition into your new home.

2. Talk to your Vet

If you are making a long-distance move, it is important that you find a new vet clinic that is nearby your house or apartment. If you are unsure of what clinic might be close by, ask your leasing agent for help locating one. Before making the trip, have your pet’s medical records on hand so you can give these documents to your new vet. If you have a particularly anxious animal, talk to your current vet about some options to ease their anxiety during the move.

3. Keep Things Updated

Amongst all the hustle and bustle of a move, it is an easy time for a pet to escape or get lost. That is why it is important to keep dog and cat tags as up to date as possible with current addresses and phone numbers. That way if your pet is found, you can be reunited quickly. Another great option to discuss with your vet is microchipping, so you can be assured that your animal is linked to you if tags or collars fall off.

4. Keep Track of your Pet on Moving Day

As mentioned before, it is easy to lose your pets on moving day when people are coming in and out of your home. If possible, have a friend or family member look after your pet until you are done moving your belongings. Keeping a pet locked in a room may be stressful for them but if you must do this to ensure they don’t get out, make sure they have plenty of food and water and put a large sign on the door letting people know there is a pet inside.

5. Give Time to Adjust

When you arrive at your new home, make sure to give your pets time to adjust to their new space. Try to keep their routine as normal as possible to speed up this process. It is also important that you keep dogs and cats on a leash if they are going outside. An animal in a new area may become frightened and not be able to find its way home.