Author: Mckinlie Ganong

Spring Cleaning Checklist For Your Luxury RPM Living Apartment

Kiss those winter blues goodbye as we dive headfirst into spring - and spring cleaning! Check out a few of our tried and true recommendations that are sure to refresh your space and that should definitely be on your spring cleaning checklist this year.

Shampoo carpets & rugs

From snow and salt to dust and grime, winter can be hard on all carpeted surfaces throughout your home, so be sure and give them a good wash as we lead into the cleaner, fresher spring season! Believe us when we say, even if they look clean, they can ALWAYS be cleaner. Thank us later with this one.

Wash curtains

If you’ve never thought about cleaning your curtains before, you’re not alone. As one of the most forgotten items to clean in the majority of homes, your window curtains can easily collect dust and debris without you realizing it, and can even be responsible for aggravating your allergies. While you should always follow the instructions specific to your items, typically a simple wash cycle or steam cleaning is an effective way to refresh your luxury RPM Living apartment.

Deep clean mattresses

A good rule of thumb to follow to keep your home at its freshest is to deep clean your mattress once every season, and spring is no exception! As you replace your winter bedding over to your spring selection, clear off your mattress, give it a 180 flip, and sprinkle in some baking soda. After letting it sit for 20-30 minutes, vacuum up the baking soda, and using a damp sponge and gentle dish soap, generously give your mattress a good wipe down. Always allow your mattress time to air out and dry fully before reapplying your bedding!

Wash outdoor areas

Scrubbing or power washing your deck / patio, washing your driveway, treating your home for any mildew, and washing your outdoor furniture are all prime examples of ways to properly refresh your outdoor space and prepare your home for spring. This is also the perfect time to get ready for any outdoor hosting events you have planned, such as BBQs, pool parties, and more!

Declutter closets

While this is a task that can eat up some time, decluttering your closet in preparation for spring and summer is the perfect way to renew your space, and should definitely be on your spring cleaning checklist. Donating unwanted items and reorganizing your closet will not only enhance the visual appearance of your closet, but will make getting ready and finding your favorite outfits so much easier.

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

How To Get The Most From Your Property Management Team

When choosing to rent over buying a home, one of many perks one will receive is the ability to work with a property manager for your home. From billing questions to maintenance requests, here are some of our top ways to ensure you’re getting the best experience with your property management team at your RPM Living apartment home.

Safety issues

While we pride ourselves in maintaining safe environments for all of our RPM Living residents, if there is ever a situation regarding another resident, unknown visitor, or an incident such as doors being left propped open, etc., these are all prime reasons to contact a property manager, and voice your concerns. This helps to ensure not only your safety and comfort, but the same for all of our residents.

Maintenance requests

From leaking pipes to broken appliances, one of the top perks of renting instead of owning is the luxury of having someone other than yourself install (and foot the bill for) repairs to your apartment - no matter how big or small they may be. When making a maintenance request to your property management team, please keep in mind that typically, the urgency of your repair team coincides with the severity of your maintenance issue.

Emergencies

While this may seem a little on the nose, it’s important to recognize what constitutes a true emergency to contact your property manager, and when to call the authorities. A serious emergency such as flooding, loss of heat / AC, and power outages should always be reported to your property manager, but instances such as fires, gas leaks, home invasions, etc. should always be reported to emergency services first, and only after should you reach out to a property manager. This ensures the safety of all involved, as well as the safety of your home.

Moving concerns

Whether you’re moving in or out, it’s never a bad idea to request some help with any questions or concerns from your property manager! Oftentimes, they can give helpful recommendations into the best local moving companies, moving procedures for a specific property, and can help ensure you are assigned / removed from all utility requirements (gas, water, electric, trash, wifi, etc.) where necessary.

Rent concerns

We’re all human, and all online systems have their quirks. If at any time, you feel that an incorrect charge has been placed on your account, don’t hesitate to reach out to your property manager to confirm! The main goal of a property manager is to ensure the comfort of residents across all properties, and this is one way to ensure open communication and respect goes both ways.

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM Living communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Renter-Friendly Tech For Your RPM Living Luxury Apartment

Are you looking for some renter-friendly smart home technology recommendations to make your life a little easier? Many often mistake that living in an apartment means limiting your smart-home technology. That isn’t true, and we’ve put together a list of smart-home technology recommendations that you can easily implement in your RPM Living luxury apartment today.

Robot Vacuum

Whether you’re a little messy or even if you’re a neat freak, robot vacuums are a lifesaver for day-to-day life, especially in apartments. Our open-concept layouts make it easier to get your apartment in tip top shape without you having to lift a finger. What else could you ask for? Bonus: this one even has a mop feature for all your hard floors.

Bluetooth Speaker

If you’re cleaning, working, or anywhere in between, a wireless speaker is a great way to set your mood - no matter what mood it is. This bluetooth speaker from Ikea may look and sound like it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg, but really, it’s only $79.99.

Smart Plugs

Feeling like your energy bill is a little higher than it should be? Invest in a smart plug! These little gadgets will allow you to check via WiFi just how much energy any of your appliances or other electronic devices are pulling, and they can be remotely turned off and on. That’s right - you can turn your coffee pot on without even getting out of bed in the morning. Sounds too good to be true? Wait until you see how affordable it is.

Indoor Smart Camera

Hoping to keep an eye on your pets, plants, or belongings when you’re away from your apartment, without installing an expensive home security system? If so, an indoor smart camera should definitely be on your list. Easily connect to your smartphone, and check out what’s going on in your apartment when you’re out of town, visiting with friends, or simply out for an errand.

Digital Assistant

This may seem too easy, but we mean it when we say that EVERYONE at our RPM Living luxury apartments should have one of these. Whether you need an answer to a question, set a timer or reminder, or even control your smart plugs, an Amazon Echo or a Google Home is a great way to make apartment life more efficient without breaking the bank or taking up space.

With so much helpful tech available in today’s world, we can’t wait to hear what your favorite tools are for your home, too! Let us know in the comments or on our social media.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Tips On Saving Money While Renting

Choosing to rent is a big decision that many are faced with, and we’re thrilled you chose an RPM Living apartment community! Now that you’ve decided to rent your home, even if only temporarily, it’s a good idea to look ahead and start thinking about how to save money while you’re in a rental. Here are some of our tips!

Pay rent with a cash-back credit card

You’ve probably heard people say that credit cards are “scary” and you should avoid using them unless absolutely necessary, but this isn’t true for those who know how to use them responsibly. By paying your rent with a credit card that offers cash back on all purchases, you can truly make some of your money back on your rent payments each month, all while spending the same amount of money you’d be spending anyways.

Find a roommate

This one may seem a little on the nose, but there’s a reason why many renters choose to go in 50/50 with roommates! You’ll still be able to live in a space you love in a perfect location for your lifestyle, but at only a fraction of the cost. However, it’s important to choose your roommates wisely. Just because someone is your friend - or even family - doesn’t mean they’ll be a good fit to live with. There’s no point in choosing a roommate to split costs with if they aren’t going to stick around long enough to really make a difference.

Know how much space you need

It can seem tempting to choose an apartment that comes with extra space for storage, living, entertaining, etc., but if you’re keen on saving your money, choose a space that adequately suits your needs. In order to get more, you oftentimes have to pay more, so why pay for more than you really need? Trust us, you’re going to thank yourself in the long run.

Eliminate your debt

From credit card debt to student loans, it’s no secret that getting out of debt is one of the most common challenges that people are facing these days, especially with rising costs of living. Getting out of that hole is a great way to start seeing your savings grow each month, rather than sit in the same place month in and month out. Consider working with a free financial advisor to create a plan, both short and long term, to get your debt into a good place - or eliminated altogether.

Watch your utilities

It’s easy to get caught up in cranking your heat in the winter and your A/C in the summer, but how much extra are your utilities really costing you each month? While we would never suggest a tactic that would cause you to be uncomfortable in your own time, keeping an eye on your energy, water, heating and cooling usage each month could be what helps add some extra funds into your savings.

There are so many benefits to renting your home, don’t sell yourself short over fear of not being able to grow your savings in the meantime. Let us know if these tips have helped you, or if you have any additional tips that have proven effective in your time as a renter!

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Move-In Checklist For Our RPM Living Apartments

Getting ready to move into one of our RPM Living apartments across the US? We can’t wait to welcome you to your new home! As you prepare for move-in day, there are a few items to make sure you have in order so that your move-in day goes smoothly. Here is a handy checklist to keep your moving arrangements on track and avoid unnecessary hassle.

Sign Your Lease Documents

Step one is of course to make sure your leasing documents are signed by all involved parties, including yourself, any other tenants sharing the apartment with you, and a leasing agent. You should receive a copy of your signed leasing documents once they have been processed, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our leasing office if there are any hiccups with our automated system or you are still waiting for a leasing agent to sign.

Provide Proof of Renter’s Insurance

In accordance with your lease agreement, you’ll need to provide proof of renter’s insurance prior to moving in. Ensure that the coverage meets the requirements set out in your leasing document and please list your RPM Living apartment as an interested party on your policy so that we can be updated with this information. If you have any questions about renter’s insurance requirements or need a recommendation for an insurance provider, don’t hesitate to reach out to our leasing team.

Pay Pet Deposit (if Applicable)

If you are moving in with a pet, you’ll need to ensure that you have paid the pet deposit and pet fee prior to move-in. You’ll also need to provide a few details about your pet(s) including their name, age, and breed. These details also help us return your pet to you if they are ever lost or wandering outside of your RPM Living apartment without your supervision. If you adopt a new pet after moving in, please be sure to update our office with your new pet information.

Pay Security Deposit

A security deposit is a refundable fee paid at the beginning of your residency in order to help cover the cost of any damages to your apartment that may result during your stay. This deposit must be paid prior to moving in and will be paid back to you minus any repair costs when you end your residency at any RPM Living apartment community.

Provide Vehicle Information

If you have a car that will be parked in our community, we ask that you provide a few key details including its license place number, make, model, and year. This helps us ensure that we are able to meet the parking needs of all our residents and maintain the security of our community by ensuring that all vehicles are authorized to be parked here. If you get a new car after moving in, please be sure to update the office with its new details as well!

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM Living communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in San Antonio

Whether you’re a die-hard St. Patrick’s Day enthusiast, or simply enjoy throwing on a little green and hitting the town, San Antonio is the perfect place to get into some fun! Take a look at some of the upcoming events happening near our San Antonio apartments, and you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.

Dyeing The San Antonio River

March 17-18

Watch the San Antonio River transform with eco-friendly bright green dye as the city embraces St. Patrick’s day together! Head over to the downtown area from 1-3PM on Friday the 17th, and come back Saturday from 11AM-12PM at Museum Reach, and return downtown from 1-3PM to see the final product.

St. Patrick’s Festival

March 17-18

If there’s one thing you know Bud Light can do right, it’s host a festival in downtown San Antonio! Stop by from 3-8PM on Friday, or 12-5PM on Saturday for a day filled with fun activities and live entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?

St. Patrick’s River Parade

March 18

Dress in your best green for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on the San Antonio River after it’s been turned green! Enjoy watching a procession of 12 Irish-themed boats cruise down the bright green water, carrying bagpipe players and other entertainers! Head over to Museum Reach from 2-3PM, or downtown from 5-6PM to get in the spirit of the holiday in the most festive way!

St. Patrick’s Day 5K

March 18

Looking for activities this St. Patty’s day that get your heart pumping, and reward you with tasty treats, and yummy beverages? Head over to Brackenridge Park and join the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run & Fitness Walk to kick off your holiday plans! Upon completion of the race, look forward to receiving food, drinks, and enjoy some Irish-themed entertainment!

Kiss Me, I’m Irish! St. Patrick’s Day Crawl

March 17-18

This 2-day bar crawl isn’t one you’ll want to miss as we embrace this St. Patty’s day! Admission is $15, and will secure you a wristband to get into all included bars with no cover charge, receive drink specials, and more! All participants must be 21+ to sign-up, and check-in registration must be completed at Hard Rock Cafe in San Antonio between 6PM and 2AM, and get the party started.

No matter how you choose to celebrate our favorite green-themed holiday this year, you won’t be disappointed when you celebrate in San Antonio. Let us know in the comments what your favorite local St Patrick’s Day traditions are.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Benefits Of Living In A Community-Oriented Apartment Home

Apartment communities provide many benefits for renters, like flexibility and convenience. When making a decision on where to live, consider that apartment communities typically provide additional benefits that you may not receive as a single-family rental home dweller or home owner. We’ve outlined our favorite benefits of living in a community-oriented apartment home to help make your decision a little easier.

Community Amenities

Community is included in the name for good reason! From sparkling pools and fitness centers to resident lounges and outdoor gathering areas. Memories and connections are bound to be made in the community amenity spaces at your apartment home when you take advantage of them! Not to mention, access is included in your rent - so why not enjoy them as much as you can?

Stronger Sense of Security

There’s naturally going to be a stronger sense of safety and security when you know you’re surrounded by a community that’s looking out for you. That’s something that many apartment dwellers miss when they leave their apartment communities and opt for buying a home. Another benefit of these communities is knowing that gated access, keycard and pin pad access, surveillance cameras, and on-site patrol is available and keeping you safe with unmatched attention.

Worry-Free Maintenance

When you live in a community-oriented apartment home, the natural understanding is that everyone wants to be there and take care of their homes and outdoor environments just the same as you, as a sense of pride within the community. This is also achieved through worry-free maintenance programs provided by your apartment community, so you can spend more time focusing on your own interests.

Stronger Sense of Community

There are few feelings more rewarding than knowing you are part of a community you’re proud of, and this is easily achieved when living in an apartment home that values and puts forth ideals of community in high regard! From resident events to community amenities, to simply engaging with your neighbors and fellow residents, the feeling of knowing you’re a part of something bigger than yourself is a reward in itself.

Mobility

Community-oriented apartment homes are created with the needs and desires of its residents first in mind. Naturally, this results in better located communities, easier access to community amenities and events, and the knowing that your home was made for you - not the other way around.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Renter-Friendly Tech Recs For Apartment Homes

Robot Vacuum

Whether you’re a little messy, a lotta messy, or even if you’re a neat freak, robot vacuums are a lifesaver for day-to-day life, especially in apartments! Our open-concept layouts make it to get your apartment in tip top shape, without you having to lift a finger. Most of our apartment homes do not have stairs, so don’t worry about it accidentally taking a tumble. What else could you ask for? Bonus: this one even has a mop feature for all your hard floors.

Bluetooth Speaker

If you’re cleaning, working, studying, or anywhere in between, a wireless speaker is a great way to set your mood - no matter what mood it is. This bluetooth speaker from Ikea may look and sound like it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg, but really, it’s only $79.99.

Smart Plugs

Smart Lock

Kiss the keys goodbye, and say hello to your new best friend. Ever been in a hurry out the door and couldn’t remember if you locked it on your way out? No problem, because with a smart lock, you can lock or unlock your door right from your phone. The best part? It fits right onto your deadbolt, so you can easily remove it at any time, or at move-out (even though we want you to stay with us forever!).

Digital Assistant

This may seem too easy, but we mean it when we say that EVERYONE at our RPM Living apartment communities should have one of these bad boys. Whether you need an answer to a question, set a timer or reminder, or even control your smart locks or plugs (cool, right?) an Amazon Echo or a Google Home is a great way to make apartment life more efficient without breaking the bank or taking up space.

With so much helpful tech available in today’s world, we can’t wait to hear what your favorite tools are for your home, too! Let us know in the comments or on our social media.

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Apartment-Friendly At-Home Date Night Ideas

Prepare your favorite meal together

There’s next to nothing as satisfying as enjoying your favorite meal with your favorite person, and crafting it together is half the fun! Head to the nearest grocery store and pick up the necessary ingredients for your favorite at-home meal, or recreate one from your favorite restaurant, and enjoy this fun, delicious, and affordable night in.

Create your own spa

Everyone could use a spa day to wind down, but not everyone wants to spend the money - we hear you! Instead, opt for a spa day (or night) in with your partner full of face masks, massages, and body scrubs. Bonus points for including a bubble bath!

Double feature movie night

This one’s pretty straightforward, but we’ll give you some inspo anyway. Both of you pick a movie to watch together, and neither of you can complain, gripe, or speak negatively in any way about the other’s choice. To really enhance the moment, pop some popcorn, grab a couple of your favorite drinks, and put the phones away like you’re in a real theater - no interruptions!

Cocktail night

Just because you aren’t heading out to a cocktail bar doesn’t mean you can’t DIY your own! Each of you creates your own cocktail - or mocktail - for you to enjoy together. These can be made as a surprise for each other, or can be crafted together - your pick!

Wine tasting

Hit your local grocery store, winery, liquor store - you name it, just as long as you can get your favorite wines to enjoy together! To add to the anticipation, you can opt for drinks that neither of you has tried before, and who knows, you might even find your new favorite bottle!

While there is no limit to the number of at-home date nights to enjoy, we hope these ideas help guide you in the right direction! After all, with apartments like ours, any night at home is still going to feel romantic.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Valentine’s Day Activities To Enjoy In San Antonio

No matter what activity leads its way deepest into your heart - food, shopping, art, live music - San Antonio has it all, and then some. Spend this Valentine’s Day living your dream at any of these amazing locations conveniently located near our apartments in San Antonio.

The Witte Museum

Eye-catching architecture, stunning exhibits, and immersive art displays are just the start of ways to describe the Witte Museum in San Antonio. Experience for yourself what Texas - and the rest of the world - used to look like before it was touched by man, and step outside of yourself for an experience that will leave you craving more. Perfectly located in the heart of San Antonio, plan a lunch, dinner, shopping trip, and more to pair with your museum visit!

Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise

Experience the true essence of the river walk on this guided river cruise with your valentine! Enjoy a romantic tour through one of the most picturesque locations in San Antonio, and scope out where you should go next! This 30-minute tour is full of stunning views, rich history, and a chance to see parts of the river walk you’d otherwise miss out on.

Walking Taco Tour at The Pearl

This one’s for the foodies out there! The Pearl is widely recognized as one of San Antonio’s top culinary destinations, where you can explore markets, restaurants, bars, and other events throughout their many recognized spaces. While taking in the scene, be sure and enjoy a Walking Taco tour - it’s like a two-for-one experience!

Heart Shaped Pizza

Is it even Valentine’s Day if you don’t enjoy some type of heart shaped delicacy? We didn’t think so, which is why you and your valentine should head over to Volare Italian Restaurant to grab one for yourselves! Not only is it an adorable tribute to this day of love - it’s going to make your mouth water.

Cookie Cab Delivery

Spending the evening in, or spending it away from your valentine this year? That doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy it together! Cookie Cab’s “Be Mine” Valentine’s Day cookie package can be delivered, no matter the circumstances of your Valentine’s Day, and it includes a heart shaped cookie cake, 6 cookies, milk, and more - and did we mention it’s ADORABLE?

No matter what your Valentine’s Day looks like this year in San Antonio, we’ve got you covered with our favorite recommendations. As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM Living communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.