Author: Emily Bell

How to Make Room for a Hobby Without Actually Having More Room

The best small-space hobby ideas do not require an empty room, a permanent worktable or a cabinet full of supplies you may never use again. With the right setup, you can make space for painting, puzzles, knitting, journaling or nearly any other interest – without allowing the hobby to take over your apartment.

Start with the smallest version of the hobby
Before buying a complete set of supplies, choose one beginner project.

Borrow equipment when possible, purchase a small starter kit or look for a local class that provides the materials. This helps you figure out whether you enjoy the actual hobby or simply enjoyed watching someone else do it online.

If you stick with it, you can add supplies based on what you genuinely use.

Give the hobby one container
Choose a bin, basket, cart or case that fits everything needed for your current project.

The container creates a natural limit. When it is full, finish something, use what you already have or remove an item before adding another.

Look for a container that can slide beneath a bed, fit inside a closet or sit neatly on a shelf. The hobby should be easy to reach – otherwise, setting it up will feel like its own separate activity.

Store projects in progress differently
Half-finished projects are often harder to store than supplies.

Use a shallow lidded container, document box or portable tray to keep everything in its current position between sessions. For puzzles, felt puzzle mats or puzzle boards can help clear the dining table without starting over.

Before choosing a new hobby, consider what happens when you stop in the middle. If a project needs to remain untouched for three days, make sure you actually have a safe place for it.

Protect the surface underneath
A washable mat, cutting board or inexpensive tray can turn a dining table, coffee table or kitchen counter into a temporary hobby space.

Choose protection based on the materials involved – especially when working with paint, glue, sharp tools or anything that produces heat. Follow product instructions and check your lease or community guidelines before using materials that create strong odors, fumes or excessive noise.

A hobby should improve your week – not create an awkward maintenance request.

Keep frequently used tools together
Store the tools you reach for every time in a small pouch or cup inside the main container. When you sit down, you can begin without searching through every supply you own.

Keep replacement materials and rarely used extras farther back. Easy-to-reach storage should be reserved for the items that help you start.

Let the hobby leave the apartment sometimes
Some hobbies are easier to enjoy when they are not limited to your floor plan.

Bring your book, sketch pad, knitting or journal to a community lounge, outdoor area, local park or coffee shop. If your hobby requires larger tools or special equipment, look for workshops, studios, maker spaces or classes nearby.

You do not need more square footage to try something new – you simply need a setup that makes starting and stopping easy. If flexible spaces and community amenities would give your interests more room to grow, browse RPM Living communities and find a home that fits more of what you love.

How to Make Working From Home Feel Less Like Living at Work

When you are working from home in an apartment, the distance between your desk and your evening plans may be approximately six feet. Without a clear separation, it can feel like you never fully leave work – you simply close the laptop and continue looking at it from the couch.

Keep work within a physical boundary
Even if you do not have a separate office, decide exactly where work is allowed to spread.

It might be one side of the dining table, a desk or a rolling cart that holds your supplies. At the end of the day, everything should fit back inside that boundary.

This keeps one unfinished project from slowly claiming the dining table, kitchen counter and the chair where you planned to relax.

Change the room when work ends
You do not necessarily need to put your entire workspace away. One visible change can tell your brain the workday is over.

Turn your desk chair away from the computer, close the laptop and place it inside a drawer or cover the monitor with a piece of artwork or fabric designed for that purpose. If you use the dining table as a desk, remove the work items and replace them with something unrelated – even if it is simply a bowl or vase.

The goal is to stop your workstation from being the first thing you notice all evening.

Leave yourself a clear starting point
Before signing off, write down the first task you need to complete tomorrow.

A short note such as “finish paragraph three” or “respond to Jordan’s email” is much more helpful than reopening your laptop to a vague list of unfinished work.

This also gives your brain permission to stop mentally rehearsing tomorrow’s schedule while you are trying to watch television.

Separate your work technology
If possible, use different browser profiles for work and personal use. A separate profile can keep bookmarks, logins, email and open tabs from blending together.

You can also remove work apps from your phone’s home screen or silence their notifications after your workday ends, depending on your role and availability expectations.

Nothing ruins a relaxing scroll quite like accidentally discovering an email you were not supposed to think about until morning.

Change what you hear
Sound can help create separation when your surroundings stay the same.

Use one playlist, background sound or pair of headphones only while working. When the day ends, switch it off and play something completely different.

This works particularly well in a studio or one-bedroom apartment where physically moving to another room may not be an option.

Use another space when you need a reset
If your community has a business center, coworking area, outdoor space or clubroom available for resident use, occasionally changing locations can make the week feel less repetitive.

Review amenity hours and policies before setting up. Even working somewhere else for an hour can make returning to your apartment feel more like coming home.

Your home should still feel like yours after the workday ends. If a dedicated workspace or helpful community amenities are part of what you want next, explore RPM Living communities and find a home that works for work – and everything after it.

David S. Lynch Shares Why the Associate Experience Shapes the Resident Experience

RPM Living Chief People Officer David S. Lynch often references the movie Field of Dreams when speaking about business. While the story centers around building a baseball field, David connects its familiar message to something every successful company needs to build – relationships.

David recently joined Multi–Housing News’ Management Diaries podcast to discuss how the relationships companies build with their associates ultimately shape the experiences those associates create for residents.

Before entering the multifamily industry, David spent 18 years working in hospitality. That experience helped form his belief that the associate experience will always show up in the resident experience – whether through engagement, turnover, leasing or everyday service.

When associates feel engaged and supported, they’re more open and willing to develop meaningful connections with residents. Stronger resident relationships lead to stronger communities and, ultimately, stronger business performance.

During the conversation, David also challenges the idea that an associate leaves a company solely for slightly higher pay. Compensation matters, but retention is rarely that simple. Culture, leadership, communication and the overall associate experience all influence whether someone can envision a future with an organization.

David also discusses his “skill–will–ability” approach to hiring and development. The framework considers what someone already knows, what they are motivated to do and what they are capable of learning. He explains why a company should clearly define its culture before hiring and training – and why the people closest to the work should help shape the processes they use.

The connection to Field of Dreams brings each of these ideas back to one central point: When companies invest in relationships with their associates, the impact carries through to residents, communities and the business as a whole.

Listen to the full podcast

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RPM Living Leaders Share How Resident Retention Supports Property Performance

Resident retention is about more than lease renewals – it reflects the experience residents have throughout their entire journey with a community. As operating costs rise and renters have more options, creating an experience that makes residents feel heard and supported can also have a meaningful impact on property performance.

In the Multi-Housing News article “For Operators, Resident Retention Is an NOI Strategy”, RPM Living leaders Erin Nielsen, Vice President of Customer Strategy, and Catherine Behringer, Vice President of Operations, share how resident feedback, communication and service delivery work together to support retention.

The article highlights RPM Listens, RPM Living’s proprietary platform designed to proactively engage residents and gather feedback throughout the customer journey. By giving teams greater visibility into the resident experience, RPM Listens helps identify opportunities and address concerns in real time rather than waiting until renewal or move-out.

While the platform’s direct revenue impact is still being measured, RPM Living is tracking experience metrics that can serve as leading indicators of resident retention and operating performance. The approach reflects a continued commitment to listening, improving and creating living experiences residents recommend to others.

Read the full article from Multi-Housing News.

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The End-of-Summer Closet Swap That Does Not Require More Storage

Good end-of-summer closet organization does not require packing away every tank top the moment September appears on the calendar. Late summer weather has a habit of sticking around, which means you need a closet that can handle warm afternoons, cooler mornings and at least one week when the forecast makes absolutely no sense.

Start with what you are still wearing
Before moving anything, look at what you have actually worn over the past two weeks.

Keep those pieces easy to reach, regardless of which season they technically belong to. The weather – not the retail calendar – should decide when your summer clothing moves out of the main rotation.

Anything you have not touched all summer can move into storage first. There is little reason to give prime closet space to a sundress that has already been ignored since May.

Create a small transition section
Choose a narrow section of your closet for pieces that work across seasons.

Lightweight sweaters, denim jackets, button-down shirts and neutral pants can stay together so you can build outfits without searching through two separate wardrobes.

Limit this section to items that can be worn at least three different ways. If something works with only one very specific outfit, it probably does not need a spot in the transition lineup.

Store by fabric instead of season
Not every summer item needs to disappear.

Lightweight cotton shirts and breathable dresses can still work with jackets, boots or other fall layers. Meanwhile, heavy fabrics that will not be comfortable for several more weeks can remain in storage.

Sorting by fabric weight makes more sense than treating September 1 like a mandatory wardrobe deadline.

Use your luggage as temporary storage
If your suitcases sit empty most of the year, use them to hold clothing you will not need for the next few months.

Place clean, completely dry items inside breathable storage bags before putting them into the suitcase. Keep a note on your phone listing what is stored there so you do not buy another black swimsuit next summer because you forgot where the first one went.

Avoid storing anything damp, stained or in need of repair. Future you does not want to reopen that problem six months from now.

Make a separate place for clothing decisions
Keep a bag or basket nearby for items that need to be donated, sold, repaired or cleaned.

Do not mix these pieces back into the closet while you are deciding. Once something returns to a hanger, it has a way of earning another six months without actually being worn.

Give yourself a deadline for dealing with the basket so it does not become a permanent piece of bedroom furniture.

Photograph outfits before putting pieces away
If you found a summer outfit combination you loved, take a quick photo before storing any part of it.

Create an album on your phone for outfits you would wear again. When the season returns, you will already have ideas instead of staring into a full closet and deciding you somehow have nothing to wear.

A thoughtful closet swap is less about finding extra storage and more about using your easiest-to-reach space for the clothing you need now. If more closet space is part of your next-home vision, browse RPM Living communities and find a floor plan that fits your lifestyle.

Your Apartment Laundry Routine Is Missing One Important Step

Most apartment laundry tips focus on sorting colors, checking pockets and remembering to move your clothes before someone else needs the machine. Helpful, yes – but if your clean laundry still feels stiff, smells slightly off or loses its shape too quickly, the problem may be happening somewhere less obvious.

Use less detergent than you think you need
More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner clothes.

Using too much can leave residue behind, especially when washing smaller loads. That buildup can make towels feel stiff, trap odors and leave dark clothing looking dull.

Check the detergent instructions for your load size and machine type rather than filling the cap automatically. If your clothes feel slippery or overly scented after washing, that may be a sign you are using too much.

Stop crowding the machine
A washing machine needs enough open space for clothing to move through the water.

As a general rule, you should still be able to fit your hand comfortably between the top of the clothes and the inside of the drum. If you have to push everything down to close the door, split the load.

This is especially important for towels, jeans and bedding – all of which become heavier once wet.

Wash items based on texture – not only color
Rougher fabrics can create friction against softer ones.

Try washing jeans, towels and clothing with zippers separately from lightweight shirts, activewear and delicate fabrics. Close zippers before washing and place anything with hooks, straps or Velcro inside a mesh bag.

Your white shirt may survive being washed with a white towel, but that does not mean it enjoyed the experience.

Give damp towels somewhere to go
A towel tossed directly into a hamper may stay damp for hours, creating the perfect conditions for a musty smell.

Hang used towels until they are completely dry before placing them in a hamper. If your hamper has a fabric liner, wash that occasionally, too. Clean clothes will not stay fresh for long in a basket that has been collecting damp fabric for months.

Take laundry out of the machine promptly
Clothing can begin developing an unpleasant smell when it sits wet inside a closed washer.

Set a timer on your phone as soon as you start the load. If your community laundry room is shared, the timer also helps keep machines available for your neighbors.

Before leaving, quickly check the drum and door seal for socks, washcloths or other small items. The missing sock may not be gone forever – it may simply be pressed against the back of the machine.

Let everything dry completely
Clothing that feels even slightly damp should not go into a drawer or closet.

Thicker waistbands, pockets and sweatshirt hoods often take longer to dry than the rest of the item. Give those areas a quick check before folding. If something needs more time, hang it in an open area rather than placing it in a packed closet.

A few small changes can help your clothes feel cleaner, last longer and avoid the dreaded second wash. If an in-home washer and dryer or convenient laundry space is high on your next-home wish list, browse RPM Living communities to explore your options.

Jason Berkowitz Named a Glassdoor Best CEO for 2026

Jason Berkowitz, Chief Executive Officer of RPM Living, has been named a Glassdoor Best CEO for 2026 – a recognition determined entirely by the associates who experience his leadership firsthand.

This honor carries special meaning because there are no self-nominations, no entry fees, and no shortcuts. The recognition is based on feedback shared by RPM associates, making it a direct reflection of the trust Jason has built throughout the organization.

Jason’s approach to leadership has always been personal. From spending time with teams across the country to checking in with associates and occasionally surprising someone with a birthday phone call, he makes a point to remain connected to the people behind RPM’s success. (Just ask anyone who has been part of one of these fun moments.)

This recognition celebrates Jason’s leadership, but it also belongs to every associate who took the time to share their experience and their voice. Congratulations to Jason on this well-deserved honor – and thank you to the RPM associates who helped make it possible.

View the full 2026 Glassdoor Best CEOs list.

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RPM Living’s Dustin Lovingood Shares How Apartment Concessions Are Evolving

Apartment concessions are taking on a new form as operators look beyond traditional offers and explore more meaningful ways to attract, engage, and retain residents.

Dustin Lovingood, Senior Vice President of Property Marketing at RPM Living, was recently featured in Multi-Housing News discussing this shift – including how data, resident insights, and strategic programs can help operators create value that extends beyond the initial lease signing.

Among the initiatives highlighted was RPM Living’s Free Rent, Unlocked sweepstakes, which gives residents the opportunity to win a year of free rent. The campaign reflects RPM’s focus on creating programs that feel genuinely meaningful – especially when rent represents one of the largest monthly expenses for many residents.

The article also explores the strong response to Free Rent, Unlocked. In 2025, participating communities saw 34 percent more prospects and 16 percent more leases per property than communities that did not participate. The 2026 campaign received more than 20,000 entries during its first week, while its supporting social media campaign contributed to a 260 percent increase in website views.

These results demonstrate how resident-focused programs can support leasing performance while building engagement, loyalty, and long-term value. As Dustin explains, the most effective incentives go beyond a simple transaction – they create experiences that residents recognize and appreciate throughout their time with a community.

Read the full article from Multi-Housing News.

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Going Out of Town? Don’t Leave Your Plants Hanging

Going on vacation should not end with you returning to wilted leaves and completely dry soil.

Fortunately, most houseplants can handle a short absence with a little preparation. The key is understanding what each plant needs – not giving everything an extra gallon of water on your way out the door.

Start with a plant check
Not every plant needs the same vacation plan.

Succulents and snake plants generally tolerate dry soil better than ferns, calatheas and other moisture-loving varieties. Group your plants based on how quickly their soil dries so you are not treating every pot the same way.

Check the soil before watering. If it still feels moist, adding more water before leaving may do more harm than good.

Water thoroughly – then let everything drain
For plants that need water, give them a thorough drink a day or two before your trip. Allow excess water to drain completely before returning the plants to decorative pots or trays.

Avoid leaving plants in standing water unless you know that method is appropriate for the specific variety.

More water does not necessarily mean your plant can go longer without care – sometimes it simply creates overly wet soil.

Move plants away from direct sunlight
Bright summer sunlight can cause soil to dry more quickly.

Move vulnerable plants a few feet away from windows that receive strong, direct sunlight. Do not place them in a completely dark room – the goal is to reduce the intensity of the light without removing it altogether.

Group plants with similar needs
Placing plants together can help create a slightly more humid environment around them. It also makes things easier if a friend or neighbor will be checking on them.

Group plants with similar watering needs and leave clear instructions. “Give these two half a cup of water on Wednesday” is much more helpful than “Please keep my plants alive.”

Test your watering system before the trip
Wicking systems, watering globes and self-watering planters can be helpful during longer trips, but do not try one for the first time on departure day.

Test your chosen method at least a week before leaving. This gives you time to see how quickly the water moves and whether the soil becomes too wet or stays too dry.

Your vacation should not double as an unsupervised experiment for your pothos.

Skip last-minute repotting and fertilizing
Repotting can temporarily stress a plant, while fertilizer can encourage new growth that may require additional water.

Complete major plant care well before your trip or wait until you return. Right before vacation, your goal should be consistency – not transformation.

Ask for help with longer trips
If you will be gone for more than a week or have particularly sensitive plants, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on them.

Move the plants to one accessible area, label anything with unusual needs and provide a measuring cup. Specific instructions can help prevent both underwatering and overly enthusiastic watering.

With a little preparation, you can leave town without worrying about what you will find when you return.

And if your growing plant collection could use better natural light or a little more room, browse RPM Living communities. Your future monstera may appreciate the upgrade.

The Lawson of Knightdale and The Everett Earn National Recognition

Resident feedback has placed two RPM Living communities among the nation’s best.

The 2026 J Turner Einstein Best of Awards recognize the top 25 apartment communities across the operational areas residents value most – including customer service, communication, cleanliness, maintenance and security. Powered by an analysis of more than 2 million resident reviews, the awards look beyond star ratings to highlight communities delivering consistently exceptional experiences.

The Lawson of Knightdale earned top-10 recognition in multiple categories, while The Everett also secured a well-deserved place in the top 10 among the nation’s leading communities. These honors reflect the care, consistency and dedication both teams bring to their residents each day.

Congratulations to The Lawson of Knightdale and The Everett – and to the teams whose commitment continues to make an extraordinary impact.

See the full list of winners here
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