Have you got too much stuff in your apartment than you know what to do with? It might be time to consider methods for getting rid of what you don’t need and organizing what you do. Here are some tools and tricks for elimination and consolidation to make life at home cool, calm and collected.
Before you can truly enjoy your apartment, it needs to be free of clutter. Clutter takes on a lot of forms. Clutter is something you have too much of, something you no longer use, or something that makes you feel disorganized. Removing these items will make your apartment feel relaxed and open. Not sure where your clutter is hiding? Junk drawers and hallway closets are a good place to start.
After you’ve removed all of your pre-existing clutter, work to make sure it never comes back. Clean the kitchen and bathroom every time you use them. Whenever you move an item, return it back to its rightful spot. The worst thing you can do is let the clutter grow. Try to make cleaning up clutter your daily routine.
This is a smart rule of thumb, courtesy of the fine folks at Apartment Therapy, especially for those conspicuous consumers among us. For whatever number of new products you bring into your home, discard an equal amount. For example, if you come home with three new shirts, donate or give away three of your old ones. This will ensure you don’t have a collection of clothing or household items you don’t use and that you have enough space for your new additions.
Rolling cart shelves are great organizing units to keep around the apartment for multiple uses. If you don’t have enough storage for Tupperware, shoes, towels, sheets, or practically anything in any room of your apartment, keep them in these convenient and portable shelves.
Need a full length mirror? Take advantage of that used space by getting a mirror cabinet that serves two purposes in one: a mirror and storage. Keep multi-use items in your apartment is a small space hack that will create extra storage while achieving its original function.
Find a bowl, table or corner that is your designated “needs” area. Every day, place your keys, phone and wallet in that same place and you will never misplace them again! At first you will have to remind yourself to put things in your “needs” area, but after long it will be habit.
For another great way to use space wisely and keep your belongings neatly stored to avoid clutter around your apartment, check out our blog on how to best use vertical space!
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Summertime means fun in the sun, Fourth of July and outdoor cookouts. Luckily at many 1st Lake Properties apartments in Metairie, Kenner, River Ridge and Baton Rouge, grilling out is easier and more economical than ever. If you’re a fan of grilling, you’ll want to take advantage of these grilling areas at select 1st Lake apartments that provide the grill for you – all you have to bring is your friends, family and favorite foods to grill! Enjoy these grilling areas this summer for casual cookouts that you can have right outside your door!
Grill and swim this summer!
Metairie Apartments – The 1st Lake apartments in Metairie with community grilling areas include Breakers, Canterbury Square, Crossings, Fox Run, Turtle Creek, Windmill Creek North and Windmill Creek South for flipping burgers on the weekends.
River Ridge apartments – River Ridge has a great selection of apartments with grilling areas including Chestnut Creek, Citrus Creek East, Citrus Creek West, Clearwater Creek, Cypress Creek, Hickory Creek, Magnolia Creek, Oak Creek, Riverwood, Sawmill Creek, Shadows North and South, Walnut Creek and Willow Creek.
Kenner apartments – Falling Water, Harper’s Ferry, Lakes of Chateau Estates North, Lakes of Chateau Estates South are among the Kenner apartments with grilling areas. Come grill by the pool this summer!
Mandeville apartments – Grand Palms in Mandeville offer luxury living at an affordable price point and include two pools with a cabana and picnic area complete with a grilling station to spend your summer days at.
Baton Rouge apartments – The Regency Club apartments in Baton Rouge have an unbeatable outdoor lounge area with two swimming pools, sanded volleyball court, and multiple grilling areas for summer pool parties.
If you are looking to save energy costs, or just want to be environmentally conscious in your daily living, there are many tricks and shortcuts you can take to conserve energy. Use these energy saving tips in your apartment to lower your energy bill while also doing the environment a favor!
Energy efficient light bulbs – Energy efficient light bulbs are an easy way to save energy at home, as they typically use between 25% and 80% less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Although energy efficient bulbs usually cost a little more than regular bulbs, they will save you money over time.
Adjust thermostat – Another easy energy saving tip is to simply adjust your thermostat to an energy efficient temperature when you’re not at home. If you have a programmable thermostat, this can be done by simply changing the temperature setting during specific time frames that you are at work or know you won’t be at home. Otherwise, you can manually adjust the thermostat higher in warmer months or lower in colder months when you’re not at home.
Unplug power cords – When they’re not in use, make sure to unplug devices like phone chargers and mp3 player docks to save energy. Another convenient way to both organize cords and to save energy is to use power strips for plugging in multiple cords, and then simply switch the power strip off when the devices they are charging are not in use.
Short showers – Instead of taking baths or long showers, try to take showers in 10 minutes or less. Not only will you save on time, also on your water bill by using much less water.
Close shades and drapes in summer – During the warmer months, help cool your apartment by blocking the sun coming in from windows so you won’t have to use as much air conditioning to stay comfortable.
Washing clothes – Maximize your washing machine usage by washing full loads of laundry instead of more frequent smaller loads. To save even more energy when doing laundry, use the cold wash setting as much as possible.
Looking for a great new apartment to move in to? Check out our many excellent metro New Orleans apartments available now!
A constant balancing act in life is making and sticking to a strong budget, which is very important, especially when you have your own apartment. It makes life a lot less stressful and more organized when you have a budget planned out. If you’re not sure where to start or how to get back to a good place financially, here are some key steps to consider.
Pay off debt – Debt is the most common plague to someone’s financial status, and the best way to eliminate that burden is to pay it off, whether you can in full or through an extended payment plan. Once debt is out of the equation, you can focus on investments and things you actually want to spend your money on, not to mention improve your credit score and avoid collections agencies.
Future Focused – Instead of a retrospective budget, or one where you analyze the previous month’s spend, plan out what your expenses will be ahead of time, and plan your spending accordingly. This will control how much you spend and what you spend it on, and avoid overdrawn charges or any financial surprises.
Keep a reserve – Whether it’s a savings account or a set amount you always leave in your checking account, make sure you have some back up money in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. You never know when you might have car trouble, need to make quick travel plans or any number of things you’ll need access to extra money for.
Looking for a great apartment in the New Orleans area? 1st Lake has many attractive and convenient options!
The Northshore is a fantastic community located on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. The Northshore provides plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation, dining and apartment living.
1st lake properties has apartment communities all over the Northshore in Mandeville, Covington and Slidell.
If you’re moving to the Northshore, here is a guide to all of the hot spots you should know about.
Established in 1813, Covington has a rich history and a charming historic downtown. Columbia Street in Downtown Covington is a great place to spend your Saturday, whether you’re shopping, dining or just grabbing a quick drink. Here are some of our favorite spots:
All of these stores and restaurants are easily accessible from 1st lake’s Brewster Commons.
Brewster Commons at River Chase is a tranquil apartment community in Covington, LA. You have the option of one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments with carports and detached garages. You can enjoy indoor appliances such as full size washers and dryers and refrigerators with ice makers. Outside, you can relax in the hot tub or take a dip in the pool. You will also have full access to the fitness and yoga centers. With all of the activities to do in and around Brewster Commons, spots are filling up quickly. Reserve your apartment home today.
Mandeville is a historic fishing community with beautiful views of the water, plentiful outdoor activities, and great dining options. Here are some highlights:
All of these activities are right near the Grand Palms apartments in Mandeville.
1st lake’s Grand Palms in Mandeville, LA is a beautiful gated apartment community. Grand Palms has spacious floor plans, floor to ceiling windows and brand new cabinetry. This apartment building is for people looking for a modern living space- either loft style or single story villas. You are just thirty minutes from Metairie and Downtown New Orleans, so the commute is minimal. If you are looking for quiet living outside of the city, Grand Palms is for you. Apply for a lease today.
Slidell is a unique Cajun town surrounded by rivers and bayous. The town is full of cultural attractions you won’t want to miss.
1st lake’s Audubon Gates apartments are close to all of these wonderful establishments.
1st lake’s Audubon Gates in Slidell boasts a swimming pool, tennis court and playground area. Indoors, you will find bright kitchens, washers and dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers. This apartment community is conveniently located near I-10 and I-12 making New Orleans, Covington, Mandeville, and the Mississippi gulf coast extremely accessible. Audubon Gates is pet friendly. Apply today to secure an apartment!
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Related posts: Neighborhood Guide Metairie, Neighborhood Guide River Ridge.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
