Category: Resident Blog

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.

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.

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.

Your Community Amenities Are Your Summer Plans

Summer plans do not always require reservations, expensive tickets or a carefully organized group chat.

Sometimes, they are already waiting just outside your apartment.

Community amenities can make an ordinary week feel a little more like vacation – but only if you actually use them. If your usual routine involves admiring the pool through the window or walking past the clubroom with vague intentions, consider this your sign.

Turn the pool into an actual event
Going to the pool sounds simple until everyone arrives with no towels, no water and one person who forgot sunscreen.

Create a grab-and-go pool bag with the essentials so you can head downstairs without packing for an expedition every time. Add a book, headphones or a deck of waterproof cards and give the afternoon a purpose beyond simply sitting near water.

You could also start a casual poolside book club or plan a quiet morning swim before the weekend crowd arrives.

Give your grilling night a theme
Community grills are perfect for summer dinners – especially when you would rather not heat up your apartment kitchen.

Instead of defaulting to burgers every time, choose a theme. Try grilled taco night, Mediterranean skewers, barbecue chicken flatbreads or a build-your-own hot dog bar.

Prep everything in your apartment first and carry it down in one container. The fewer emergency trips back upstairs, the more relaxing the evening becomes.

Use the clubroom for the plans your apartment cannot hold
Hosting in an apartment does not have to mean fitting twelve people around a coffee table.

If your community has a reservable clubroom, use it for game night, a birthday dinner, a craft evening or a summer movie marathon. Check reservation requirements, guest limits and cleanup policies ahead of time so the only surprise is who becomes wildly competitive during Uno.

Make your workout feel less repetitive
If you normally follow the same gym routine, use different community spaces to create a summer fitness circuit.

Combine time in the fitness center with laps in the pool, stretching in an outdoor area or a walk around the community. Even changing where you exercise can make the routine feel less like an obligation and more like something you chose voluntarily.

Imagine that.

Plan a golden-hour picnic
An outdoor lounge, courtyard or green space can become an easy weeknight picnic spot.

Bring a blanket, takeout, a portable game and something cold to drink. It requires very little planning, but it feels much more intentional than eating dinner on the couch while trying to choose something to watch.

Pay attention to resident events
Your community team may already be doing the planning for you.

Resident events can be an easy way to meet neighbors, try something new and enjoy the spaces included with your home. Check community emails, social pages and posted calendars so you do not discover the fun event three days after it happened.

Before making plans, always review your community’s amenity hours, reservation procedures and guest policies.

The best summer plans might be closer than you think – possibly within elevator distance. And if your current amenities are giving more background scenery than summer destination, browse RPM Living communities and see what your next address could include.

Too Hot to Sleep? Try These Apartment Cooling Tricks

There is something deeply unfair about being exhausted all day and then becoming inexplicably alert the second your bedroom feels warm.

You have flipped the pillow. You have kicked off the blanket. You have reconsidered every bedding purchase you have ever made.
Before you accept defeat, try a few apartment-friendly changes that can make summer nights feel much more comfortable.

Close the blinds before your apartment heats up
Waiting until bedtime to cool your bedroom is already too late.

Sunlight can warm your space throughout the afternoon, especially if your windows receive direct sunlight. Close your blinds or curtains before the strongest sunlight reaches the room.

If your bedroom tends to get especially warm, blackout or thermal curtains can help reduce the amount of heat entering through the windows.

Check your ceiling fan direction
If your apartment has a ceiling fan, make sure it is rotating counterclockwise during the summer. This pushes air downward and creates the cooling breeze you actually want.

Just remember that fans cool people – not empty rooms. Turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting energy.

Stop trapping heat in your bedding
A giant comforter may look inviting, but it can become your greatest enemy in July.

Choose breathable sheets and lighter layers that can be adjusted throughout the night. Cotton and linen generally allow more airflow than dense synthetic materials.

You do not necessarily need entirely new bedding – simply removing extra layers can make a noticeable difference.

Position a portable fan strategically
Do not automatically place your fan in the closest available corner.

Angle it toward the bed or position it where it can move cooler air through the room. If temperatures outside are comfortable and your lease and community guidelines allow open windows, placing a fan near the window can also help circulate air.

The goal is airflow – not simply having a fan running somewhere in the general vicinity.

Move heat-producing activities earlier
Your oven, clothes dryer and dishwasher can add warmth to your apartment.

When possible, run these appliances earlier in the day or after temperatures begin to drop. Your midnight self will appreciate not trying to sleep beside the lingering spirit of a 425-degree dinner.

Create a cooling bedtime routine
A cool shower, lightweight pajamas and a glass of water can help you feel more comfortable before getting into bed.

You can also place skincare products, a sleep mask or a clean washcloth in the refrigerator for a few minutes. It is a small luxury, but at 10 p.m. in August, it can feel extremely sophisticated.

Know when to contact maintenance
If your apartment is significantly warmer than the thermostat setting, the airflow seems weak or your air conditioning is making unusual sounds, submit a maintenance request.

Avoid attempting to repair the system yourself – this is one summer problem you do not need to turn into a personal project.

A comfortable bedroom can make your entire apartment feel more enjoyable. And if features like ceiling fans, efficient cooling and inviting community spaces are part of your apartment wish list, it may be time to see what else is out there.

Your cooler, better-rested era could be one search away – browse RPM Living communities.

5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors

Every dog owner has experienced it.

The pacing.

The staring.

The sudden burst of energy that somehow arrives five minutes after you've finally sat down.

While walks are important, mental stimulation can be just as valuable – especially on hot summer days when spending hours outside isn't always realistic.

Here are a few easy ways to keep your dog entertained indoors.

1. Rotate their toys

You don't need to buy new toys every week.

Simply putting a few away and reintroducing them later can make old toys feel exciting again.

It's basically the dog version of shopping.

2. Try a frozen treat

Peanut butter, pumpkin puree, yogurt, or dog-safe fruits can turn an ordinary toy into a longer-lasting activity.

Plus, it keeps them occupied while you answer emails or tackle your to-do list.

3. Play hide-and-seek

Hide treats around your apartment and let your dog sniff them out.

It taps into their natural instincts and gives their brain a workout.

4. Teach a new trick

It doesn't have to be complicated.

A few minutes of training can be surprisingly tiring for dogs and rewarding for owners.

5. Create a sniffing game

Scatter treats in a snuffle mat, blanket, or towel and let them search.

For many dogs, sniffing is just as satisfying as physical exercise.

The good news is that entertaining your dog doesn't always require a huge backyard.

A little creativity, consistency, and enrichment can go a long way toward keeping them happy and engaged.

And when your community includes pet-friendly amenities and plenty of places to walk? That's a nice bonus for both of you. Browse RPM Living communities across the US.

The Best Summer Mocktails to Make at Home

Not every summer drink needs alcohol to feel fun.

In fact, some of the best warm-weather drinks are simple, refreshing, and easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Whether you're hosting friends, hanging out by the pool, or just looking for something more exciting than plain water, these mocktails deserve a spot in your summer rotation.

The Cucumber Lime Spritz

Mix sparkling water, fresh lime juice, and a few cucumber slices over ice.

It's crisp, refreshing, and somehow feels much fancier than the effort required.

The Strawberry Lemonade Sparkler

Add sliced strawberries to your favorite lemonade and top with sparkling water.

Simple. Bright. Summer in a glass.

The Pineapple Mint Cooler

Combine pineapple juice, mint leaves, and sparkling water over ice.

Bonus points if you serve it in the fanciest glass you own.

The Peach Iced Tea Refresher

Fresh peach slices and iced tea are an underrated combination.

Sweet, refreshing, and ideal for hot afternoons.

The Watermelon Fizz

Blend watermelon, strain if desired, and top with sparkling water.

It's one of those recipes that feels like it belongs at a resort.

One of the best things about mocktails is that they make everyday moments feel a little more special. A fresh drink, a glass full of ice, and a few minutes outside can turn an ordinary evening into something you actually look forward to.

They're also perfect for summer hosting. Easy to make, easy to customize, and a simple way to add a little fun to any gathering.

Summer doesn't last forever – consider this your sign to slow down and enjoy it.

Better yet, enjoy it poolside, on a balcony, or in one of your favorite community spaces. Browse RPM Living communities across the US.

6 Apartment Upgrades You'll Wish You Made Sooner

Not all apartment upgrades require a major budget or a trip to the hardware store.

In fact, some of the best ones take less than an hour and immediately make your space feel more comfortable, functional, or put together.

Here are a few apartment upgrades you'll probably wish you made sooner.

1. Swap out your showerhead

Few things improve your daily routine faster than a better shower.

Whether you're starting your day or washing off after the gym, upgrading your showerhead can make your bathroom feel a little more spa-like and a lot less "standard apartment."

2. Add lamps (and stop relying on the big light)

We're not saying overhead lighting is the enemy.

We're just saying it has a reputation for a reason.

A floor lamp in the living room or a warm bedside lamp can completely change how your apartment feels at night.

3. Create an actual drop zone

You know that spot where your keys, wallet, sunglasses, and random receipts end up?

Give it a permanent home.

A small tray, basket, or console table near the door makes everyday life feel surprisingly more organized.

4. Upgrade your bedding

You spend about a third of your life in bed.

You deserve sheets that don't feel like a punishment.

A quality comforter, fresh pillows, or even new pillowcases can make a bigger difference than most décor purchases.

5. Bring in some greenery

No, you do not need to become a plant person.

Even one low-maintenance plant can make a room feel more alive and inviting.

Snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants are all great options for beginners.

6. Add a full-length mirror

Part décor, part functionality.

A full-length mirror helps a space feel larger, reflects natural light, and saves you from discovering your outfit problems after you've already left the apartment.

The best apartment upgrades aren't always the most expensive. They're the ones that quietly make your everyday routine a little better.

And honestly, those tend to be the upgrades that stick around the longest.

One final thought – great upgrades are even easier to enjoy when you're starting with a space you already love. Browse RPM Living communities across the US.