Author: Emily Bell

The Apartment Reset That Makes You Feel Like You Have Your Life Together

There are two versions of your apartment.

The one you think you live in – calm, tidy, effortlessly put together.

And the one that slowly appears after a long week – water glasses everywhere, mail on the counter, and that one chair that has quietly become a clothing storage system.

The good news: getting things back on track doesn’t require a full Saturday cleaning marathon. A quick apartment reset routine can make your entire place feel different.

Here’s the strategy.

Start with the kitchen. Always.

The kitchen sets the tone for the whole apartment.

If the sink is full and the counters are cluttered, everything feels a little off. Clear the dishes, wipe the counter, and suddenly the entire space feels calmer.

It’s the apartment equivalent of drinking water after a long day.

Fix the surfaces people actually see

You don’t need to organize every drawer tonight. Focus on the surfaces that make the biggest visual difference:

– Kitchen counter

– Coffee table

– Entry table or console

Clear them, reset them, and move on.

Straighten the couch situation

Fold the blanket. Fluff the pillows. Put the remote somewhere intentional.

It takes about 20 seconds and makes your living room look like a place adults live.

Open the blinds

Natural light fixes more problems than we give it credit for.

It also reminds you that the outside world exists, which is helpful.

A quick reset like this isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space that feels good to walk back into.

And if you're looking for a community that makes everyday living feel easier, browse RPM Living communities across the US.

Honoring Culture, Identity, and Story

For Black History Month, we asked members of our Unity in Color ERG to share something meaningful about their culture, identity, or journey. Through quotes, music, and lived experience, each reflection offers a glimpse into the stories that shape who we are - and how we show up every day.

Jessica Legston - Marketing Manager | Unity in Color ERG Leader
Jessica shared the song “Golden” - Jill Scott.
For Jessica, “Golden” celebrates joy, self-worth, and living fully in your own light. It’s a reminder that success isn’t only about achievement - it’s also about presence, gratitude, and the freedom to be yourself without shrinking. Her identity is shaped by history, culture, and community, but also by personal growth, creativity, and the everyday choices that help her build a life that feels meaningful.

Angel Hays - Regional Performance Manager | Unity in Color ERG Leader
Angel shared the phrase:
“Reclaiming my time.” - Maxine Waters
She also shared the song “Defying Gravity.”
Angel shared that her life hasn’t followed a straight or predictable path. Through both highs and setbacks, she’s learned that growth sometimes means standing alone in your choices. As the song says, “If I’m flying solo, at least I’m flying free,” and that line reflects her journey of choosing independence, resilience, and self-trust over comfort or approval. This song reminds her that even when the path is uncertain, owning her direction is what allows her to rise.

Trent Dodson - Community Manager
Trent shared a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.:
“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl - but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
For Trent, this quote is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect or fast. What matters is continuing forward, no matter the pace.

Chris Cooper - Regional Human Resources Manager
Chris shared a quote by Eric Thomas:
“Greatness never goes on sale. It costs what it costs. Rent on a great career - and a great life - is due every day.”
He also shared the song “Blessed & Free” - Kane Brown ft. H.E.R.
Together, these reflect Chris’s mindset that growth is built daily through consistency, commitment, and gratitude - showing up with intention in both work and life.

Tiara Foster - Community Manager
Tiara shared the quote:
“Strength isn’t loud. It’s what remains after you’ve survived what was supposed to break you.”
She also shared the song “Firestone” - Kygo ft. Conrad Sewell.
Tiara shared that resilience is often misunderstood as toughness or an endless capacity to carry more. For her, resilience isn’t the absence of pain or fatigue - it’s the decision to remain honest with yourself while continuing forward anyway. Her leadership is rooted in clarity, boundaries, and self-respect, and her story is a reminder that strength doesn’t require spectacle.

Thank you to our Unity in Color ERG members for sharing their voices and stories this Black History Month.

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A renter’s guide to being financially responsible-ish.

Ask RPM: How Do I Save Money Without Feeling Miserable?

January loves a budget. Your bank account loves one too. Your spirit? Depends on how you do it.

At RPM, we believe saving money shouldn’t feel like punishment. You don’t need to cut joy – you need to cut the stuff you don’t even care about.

Here’s what RPM recommends:

1. Audit before you restrict

Cancel subscriptions you forgot existed. If you haven’t opened it since August, it’s done.

2. Pick one “no-spend” category

Coffee out. Late-night delivery. Random online shopping. Choose one villain, not all of them.

3. Make staying in appealing

Stock snacks you love. Upgrade your couch situation. Your apartment should feel like a destination, not a compromise.

4. Automate the boring stuff

Savings transfers. Rent reminders. The less you think about it, the more it works.

5. Leave room for joy

A budget with zero fun never survives. Plan for the things you look forward to.

Because saving money isn’t about deprivation – it’s about spending on purpose (and still enjoying your life). And if you’re looking for an apartment that fits your lifestyle and budget, you can explore RPM Living communities across the US.

– RPM

Four RPM Living Communities and Two Leaders Honored at the 2025 APEX Awards

RPM Living communities and leaders were recognized at the 2025 APEX Awards, celebrating excellence in leasing performance, operations, and resident experience.

Four communities earned top honors:

• Rise 510 – Lease-Up (300+ Units)

• Alloy – Mid-Rise (50–299 Units)

• The Beverly at Medical Center – Built 2000–2009 (50–299 Units)

• Junewood Apartment Homes – Lease-Up (50–299 Units)

In addition, two RPM leaders were recognized as Professional of the Year finalists in maintenance leadership:

• Luis Martinez

• Robert Garza

These recognitions reflect the consistency, leadership, and operational excellence demonstrated by RPM teams across the Austin market.

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Peppertree Apartments and Leyland Pointe Named Best Apartment Complex for 2025 by Business Rate

Resident feedback continues to speak volumes across RPM Living communities.

Based on verified Google Reviews, Peppertree Apartments was named Best Apartment Complex in Winchester for 2025 by Business Rate. Business Rate sources its rankings directly from public Google listings, meaning this recognition is driven entirely by resident feedback and verified online reputation data.

This honor reflects the Peppertree team’s commitment to delivering a resident experience that people are proud to share.

In addition, Leyland Pointe has been named Best Apartment Complex in East Point, Georgia for 2025 by Business Rate, also using verified Google Reviews as the basis for recognition.

Congratulations to both teams for consistently creating meaningful experiences that residents value and recognize.

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Making Winter Feel a Little More Enjoyable in Your Apartment

Winter has a reputation problem. It’s cold, it gets dark at 4:37 p.m., and suddenly leaving your apartment feels optional at best.

But winter doesn’t have to be something you just survive. It can be… tolerated. Maybe even enjoyed. (Let’s not get carried away.)

At RPM Living, we think home should make the tougher seasons feel easier. Winter is a good time to lean into that.

Here’s how RPM recommends making winter feel a little more livable – and dare we say, pleasant.

1. Upgrade the basics you use every day

Winter magnifies inconvenience. If your lighting is harsh, your blankets are thin, or your coffee situation is disappointing, you’ll feel it more now.

Fix the small things first – warm lighting, a blanket you actually like, a mug that makes your morning better.

2. Lean into “early home” energy

Winter is not the season for overstaying plans. Leave earlier. Come home sooner. Put on something comfortable immediately.

Your apartment should feel like a reward, not the place you end up when plans fall apart.

3. Make staying in feel intentional

There’s a difference between staying in because you’re tired and staying in because you planned to.

Put on your favorite movie. Put on a playlist. Cook something warm or order the thing you’ve been craving all week. If you’re going to be home anyway, you might as well romanticize it a little.

4. Find one reason to leave the house

Not ten. One.

A coffee walk. A short errand. A quick lap around the block. Fresh air and daylight do wonders, even when it’s cold out. Bonus points if it doesn’t require getting in your car.

5. Let winter be slower

You don’t need to optimize every evening or pack every weekend. Winter is allowed to be quiet.

Rest counts. Comfort counts. Doing less, on purpose, counts.

Because winter doesn’t need to be magical – it just needs to feel a little easier than last year. And at RPM Living, we believe home plays a big role in that. If you’re searching for an RPM Living community near you, you can browse our communities across the US.

– RPM

Bishop Momo Earns Gold at the MHN Excellence Awards

We love a good gold moment – and this one is worth celebrating.

RPM Living’s Austin community, Bishop Momo, earned Gold at the MHN Excellence Awards for Best 2025 Marketing Campaign, recognizing a campaign that blended strategy, creativity, and authentic local connection.

The award-winning campaign was created and submitted by Asterisk, with strong collaboration between RPM Living’s corporate marketing team and on-site execution at the community level. Together, the teams leveraged resident experience, local partnerships, and community-focused content to bring the campaign to life in a way that felt both authentic and scalable.

It’s a great example of what happens when thoughtful strategy meets strong execution – and a proud moment for everyone involved.

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Mariana Estrada Featured in NAA’s UNITS Magazine

The conversation around the future of rental housing continues to evolve – and we’re proud to see RPM Living leaders helping shape it.

Our Chief Strategy Officer, Mariana Estrada, was recently featured in the January–February issue of UNITS Magazine in an article exploring the economic, regulatory, and operational forces influencing what’s next for the multifamily industry.

In the piece, Mariana shares perspective on how thoughtful strategy, disciplined execution, and a focus on efficiency and experience can help organizations remain resilient in a changing landscape.

Her insights highlight the importance of balancing scale with intention – and staying grounded in what truly drives long-term success for operators and residents alike.

Read the full article on NAA’s website here.

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A Strong Showing for RPM Living at the Anchor Awards

The Anchor Awards delivered a big moment for RPM Living – and our Georgia team rose to the occasion.

We’re proud to recognize several associates and communities who were honored for their leadership, performance, and impact across the region. These awards reflect the dedication and consistency it takes to deliver exceptional experiences every day.

Anchor Award winners include:

Ansley Aldridge – Leasing Professional of the Year

Dana Jiles – Regional Manager of the Year

Marcelle Littlejohn – Community Manager of the Year

10x Trellis – Community of the Year

Congratulations to our Georgia team on a well-earned showing. We’re proud to have you representing RPM Living and setting the standard across our communities.

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Ask RPM: How Do I Actually Stick to My New Year Goals?

January is ambitious. Everyone’s motivated. Everyone has a plan. Everyone thinks this is the year everything changes. And then it’s mid-month, you’re tired, and your goals are already asking for more than you can give.

At RPM, we believe the problem isn’t motivation – it’s expectations.

Here’s how to set goals that actually survive real life.

1. Pick goals that fit your daily routine

The best goals don’t require a full lifestyle overhaul.

If you want to move more, use what’s nearby – a quick gym session (at your RPM fitness center 😉), a walk, a short workout at home. If it’s convenient, you’ll do it. If it’s complicated, you won’t.

2. Make the habit easier than skipping it

Set yourself up so doing the thing takes less effort than avoiding it.

Shoes by the door. Water bottle on the counter. Meal ingredients you’ll actually use. Convenience is the secret weapon no one talks about.

3. Stop aiming for “every day”

Every day is unnecessary pressure. Three times a week is strong. Four is elite.

Consistency matters more than frequency, and guilt helps no one.

4. Track progress casually

You don’t need a color-coded system unless that genuinely brings you joy.

A Notes app list. Calendar checkmarks. A vague sense of momentum. All valid.

5. Build goals that work on low-energy days

If your habit only works when you’re well-rested, motivated, and thriving, it’s not a habit – it’s a fantasy.

Design goals for tired Tuesdays, busy weeks, and cold nights when staying in feels correct.

Because the best New Year goals aren’t impressive – they’re repeatable.
And having a home that supports your routines can make sticking with them a little easier. If you’re looking for an RPM Living community near you, you can explore our communities across the US.

– RPM