Author: Mckinlie Ganong

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

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 apartment community today.

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

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.

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.

Apartment Winter Cleaning Checklist

Sterilize garbage cans & wastebaskets

As we trudge forward through cold and flu season, your garbage cans can be a breeding ground for bacteria that you may not even realize are entering your home! Washing and disinfecting your trash cans - big AND small, people - will not only aid in preventing sickness in your home but will also keep your bins from beginning to smell. No one likes a smelly trash bin.

Vacuum underneath furniture

You might have heard some say it’s important to regularly move your furniture to vacuum behind and beside it, and that’s all true! But something just as important is to flip your furniture to vacuum the underneath of any couches, chairs, etc. you may have. The dust covers found on most upholstered furniture do their job well, and collect a vast array of dust bunnies and more, so be sure and keep on top of it all! You may even notice a dip in any sneezing and coughing from allergies after this one.

Clean ceiling fan blades

If you’re someone whose ceiling fan runs virtually 24/7 (we get it), or someone whose ceiling fan is more of a decoration than a useful home appliance, dust WILL accumulate! Just because you can’t see it from underneath does not mean it isn’t there. This is another area where you could see a drop in coughing, sneezing, and other allergy-like symptoms after cleaning.

Disinfect toilet brushes and cleaners

Be honest - when was the last time you sterilized your toilet bowl cleaner, plunger, or any other toilet-use item? No shame, but for many, this isn’t at the top of their regular cleaning checklist, but it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done! For an easy fix, mix equal parts vinegar and water - or for a vinegar-free option, create a mixture of six parts water, and one part bleach - and let the items soak for 3-5 minutes, rinse, and air dry.

Clean your washing machine

Regular dirt and grime mixed with winter dust and germs can make a serious difference in your washing machine’s cleaning quality, and you may not even notice until after it’s been cleaned! For an easy and effective cleaning routine, pour two cups of baking soda into your washer, and run it on the longest, hottest cycle option. Once completed, pour two cups of white vinegar in, and run the longest cycle again, but this time, only use warm water. This will freshen up your washer’s interior and will result in noticeably cleaner clothes as well. It’s a win-win!

Seasonal cleaning doesn’t have to be the huge hassle chore that many think it is, and we hope this list of cleaning tips during the winter months helps take some of the dread away for you at your luxury RPM apartments.

If you’re looking for a few more seasonal cleaning tips to add to your arsenal, here are some more of our recommendations:

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

Increasing Productivity When Working From Home

Dedicate a working space

Working from your bed might seem like a dream come true when it comes to being able to work from home, but to tell you the truth, it’s only going to keep you from your highest level of productivity. We wish it wasn’t true, either! Instead, create a dedicated working space that will keep your mind free of distractions, whether it’s a home office, a simple desk in the corner of the room, or even the dining room table or bar, depending on your space options. As long as it’s an area that you know won’t be tempting you to take a snooze, get caught in a Netflix binge, or get distracted by any other vices, you’re on the right track.

Implement quiet hours into your daily schedule

If this is your first time hearing the term “quiet hours'' while working, you’re in for a true treat when it comes to maximizing productivity - especially when working from home. Quiet hours are exactly what they sound like; scheduled time throughout your workday with no distractions and no interruptions. This means: turn off the TV, silence your phone (or even put it in a separate room), don’t schedule meetings, and turn your Microsoft Teams/Slack/Google/whatever-your-company-uses-to-communicate status to ‘away.’ This separation, even if it’s only for an hour or two out of your workday helps to eliminate all distractions and put your mind in a place of focus that it otherwise couldn’t reach, even if you don’t realize you’re being distracted in the moment.

Keep a schedule

So many are tempted by the flexibility of working from home due to the ability to, oftentimes, work on your own time, in your own chosen environment. While this is certainly a perk of the WFH lifestyle, it can cause a decline in personal productivity if you don’t have a set schedule in place to keep yourself on track. This is a level of self-discipline that can be tricky for those who aren’t used to working with this much freedom (gone are the days of micromanaging office managers!), but with the proper implementation, can increase your productivity in ways you never thought possible, and sometimes, in even less time than before.

Declutter your space

We already discussed having a designated working space in your home, but having a separate area in itself isn’t going to be enough to improve your productivity if that area is full of distractions and clutter. There’s a reason that minimalism is rising in popularity each day, and when it comes to working from home, it’s even better. While it’s important to personalize your space to make yourself comfortable, covering your desk or table with unnecessary items, leaving behind trash and dishes, and not having dedicated areas for important work documents and other items are going to keep you from being your most productive self.

Incorporate breaks to prevent burnout

PSA: increasing your productivity does NOT mean overworking yourself and getting burnt out!

In fact, it should mean the exact opposite. Working an 8, 9, or 10+ hour day with no breaks is one of the least effective ways to remain productive, and one of the best ways to get burnt out on your job, which is exactly what this list is trying to prevent! Even if it’s only 5-10 minutes, it’s important to allow yourself to take time throughout your day to take a step back from the screen or the papers, refresh your mind, and come back recharged. This allows you to increase not only your productivity but your creativity as well, to ensure the work you’re producing is truly your best.

Looking for more tips on crafting the perfect work-from-home lifestyle? Check out some of our other blogs:

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

Best Restaurants in Dallas

In a city as big and full of life as Dallas, having a guide to the best local restaurants can be a lifesaver for last minute plans, or even for a month in advance. Here are a few of our favorites.

The Capital Grille

500 Crescent Ct., #135, Dallas, TX, 75201

With an extensive drink list and a dinner menu to die for, this steakhouse favorite is the perfect place to enjoy a night out. After all, with a menu including everything from beluga caviar to filets, and mongo-sized portions to put the icing on the cake, you better get your reservations in now.

Fearing’s

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX, 75201

If you’re looking for a Southwestern array of options for your dinner of choice, allow Chef Dean Fearing to take over the cooking this time. Begin with some griddled lump crab cakes or lobster tacos, and pair it with a buffalo tenderloin and one of their extensive wine options. If you’re looking for a laid-back evening, head over to the Rattlesnake Bar for some Wagyu short rib and a drink of your choice.

Princi Italia

5959 Royal Lane, Ste. 707, Dallas, TX, 75230

Be sure and add this chic Italian cafe to your dinner must-visit list! Whether your heart yearns for a bowl of pasta, a bite of bruschetta, or a slice of pizza pie rather than a dessert, Princi Italia has got you covered. Don’t forget to include a glass of vintage wine with your entree, no matter which direction you choose! Wines as good as these can be paired with anything.

Truluck’s Seafood, Steak, & Crab House

2401 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75201

As their name implies, there is something on this menu for everyone at the dinner table, whether you’re in the mood for surf or turf. As the cravings call for, keep it real with their dessert menu by ordering a slice of decadent chocolate cake to finish off your meal - whatever it looks like, the choice is yours.

St. Martin’s Wine Bistro

3020 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206

If your hope is for a more intimate dining experience, St. Martin’s Wine Bistro is just the place to visit. With over 200 options on its wine list, St. Martin’s food and drink menu includes something for every taste palate. It’s also a great idea to finish off your night with their signature creme brulee, but we won’t tell you how to spend your time.

No matter where you choose to dine in Dallas, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed! Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Minimalist Decorating Tips for Your Apartment

Essential elements

Minimalism is based around only using essential elements to create a simple, functional, and clutter-free space. This is done through utilizing light, form, and materials most often in an open concept layout. Avoid excessive ornamentation and decoration, and instead opt for single pieces of artwork or other decorative elements in a large space.

Clean lines

Functionality and practicality are at the forefront of a minimalist design. This means focusing on maintaining flat, clean surfaces. Avoid lots of small decorations or furniture on tables, desks, shelves, etc., and stick to the basics. When choosing furniture, avoid excessive patterns and textures, and instead opt for a simple form, and neutral colors to your scheme.

Monochromatic color schemes

Whites, beiges, and greys will become your best friend, and are very standard in minimalist spaces. Colors are to be brought down to their most simple, natural shade rather than incorporating vibrance. When including colors, opt for the soft or baby shade rather than a hot or neon.

Textiles

To add a sense of dimension to your minimalist space without clashing designs, textiles such as linen, wool, and cotton are easy ways to add a sense of texture, color, and warmth to your space without causing distraction. Simple additions such as bedding, rugs, blankets, etc. are an easy and often inexpensive way to incorporate this element.

Combine shades

While all your shades should remain a faint, soft color as was previously discussed, it’s important to know that a blend of those faint shades in a room is key to keeping your home from looking washed out or bland, which is a fine line when it comes to minimalist design patterns. Wallpapers, fabrics used in furniture or decor, and even tile design can be used to incorporate this subtle, yet tasteful mix.

For more decorating tips, check out some of our other blogs!

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