Tag: luxury apartments Midtown Houston

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.

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.

 

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.

 

Fall Apartment Cleaning Checklist

Seasonal cleaning doesn’t have to be the stressor many think it is! We hope these tips will keep your regimen in check this fall season.

Turn Mattresses

It’s a good idea to turn your mattress front to back a few times a year. While you’ve got the sheets off and are in the process of moving your mattress around anyways, another tip for the cleanest and most comfortable mattresses is to sprinkle baking soda across your mattress. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and vacuum it up when you’re done. This helps remove any lingering odors from your mattress, and will increase its life substantially.

Baseboards + Fans

Use a damp rag or towel to wipe down your baseboards and ceiling fans, as they are the 2 top dust collectors in your home that are not usually considered a part of a regular cleaning rotation. Even if you don’t think they look dusty or dirty, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see a difference when you’re done. It’s the little things that really help to spruce up your apartment. 

Wash Holiday or Seasonal Dishes

Whether you’re hosting during the holidays or are just swapping out your typical dishes for some seasonal fun, be sure and give them a good wash. Though it can be tempting to believe your dishes are still clean from when you washed and packed them away last season, don’t let a lack of dust or grime deceive you - wash those dishes, and thank us later.

Wash Bedding

This is especially true if you are expecting any holiday guests, but even if you’re planning on spending the holidays solo, the changing of seasons is a great opportunity to freshen up all of your bedding, and pillows - yes, the actual pillows, not just the pillowcases this time. This goes for any couch or decorative pillows around your apartment as well.

Clean Storage Containers

As tempting as it can be to throw your storage containers back into storage after a long day of putting up holiday or seasonal decorations, don’t do it! Rinse out and wipe down your containers to keep them fresh, and avoid any buildups of dust, dirt, or other grime. Bonus: it helps keep bugs away longer. No one likes opening up containers that have been sitting for a year and finding dead spiders and other bugs in the bottom of your precious decor.

Plant Love

As we move into the colder months, be sure to keep your plants in check. Avoid keeping plants next to drafty windows that could result in a cold shock, and be sure and give them a little extra fertilizer to make up for the lack of sunshine. You might even consider purchasing a grow light to help keep your plants warm, and supplement that missing Vitamin D. 

 If you’re looking for more recommendations on cleaning tips, check out some of our past blogs for more inspiration.

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

How to Create the Perfect Home Office

The perfect home office means something different to everyone, but we have a few recommendations that will improve any home office, no matter your style.

Find natural light

No matter if you’re someone who spends 8+ hours a day in your home office, or simply uses it on occasion, the right lighting is a necessity for creating the perfect home office. Natural light allows your body to know what time it is and keep your regular pattern on track. Additionally, natural lighting causes far less strain on your eyes, which will allow you to work more efficiently without getting headaches or damaging your vision - especially if you’re looking at screens all day. 

Invest in ergonomic furniture

While it may not seem like something you need, believe us - your future body will thank you a million times over for choosing ergonomic furniture for your home office. Allowing your spine, hips, and neck some support while sitting for long periods of time will drastically improve any pain you could be experiencing, your posture, and the longevity of your spine. Not to mention, they’re way more comfortable to sit in than some cute, cheap chair you found at a garage sale (no shade, just the truth).

Add personal touches

Photos, decorations, plants - anything that brings you happiness and motivation throughout your day is a great way to boost your productivity. Creating a space you feel comfortable in is one of the best ways to find yourself enjoying your work more, and getting more done throughout the day. 

Choose colors that bring you joy

The colors we surround ourselves with have a direct impact on our mood, productivity, and motivation. Lighter, airier, natural colors are some of the best ways to subtly incorporate mood and productivity boosters into your home office. Easily incorporate your favorite mood-boosting colors in your decor and furniture, and don’t be afraid to change those colors with the seasons. 

Find ways to stay organized

We cannot stress this enough - clutter is the antithesis of productivity. Clutter produces anxiety and stress in many people simply because there is too much going. It causes distraction and makes it difficult to focus and/or relax. Keep your desk, drawers, floors, etc. in your home office organized to increase productivity. 

Pro tip: always organize your desk at the end of the day, so you have a fresh start the next morning! Believe us when we say this works wonders. 

If you’d like a few more tips and recommendations to perfect your home office, 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.

Get The Most Out Of Your Apartment

Knowing how to get the best experience out of your apartment may seem easy, but many people look back on their time living in their apartment homes and think, “Why didn’t I do more?” We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Personalize your space

No matter the current design trends or what you see online, your apartment is YOURS, and yours alone, and your decorative style should reflect that. Choose furniture, decorations, and other items for your space that are a direct reflection of your personality, not just what you saw someone do on HGTV. Lucky for you, we have an entire blog dedicated to doing just this! Check out How to Personalize Your Space.

Use those community amenities

There’s a reason that your apartment’s community amenities caught your eye during your apartment search, so take advantage of them. Whether it’s regular visits to the gym, pool, tanning salon, or coffee bar, or even spending time in your resident clubhouse to watch the big game or your favorite TV show on a Wednesday night, your apartment’s community amenities are there for YOU to use.

Use your space wisely

No matter if you’re kicking it solo in a studio, or sharing a 3-bedroom apartment with friends or family, knowing how to use the space you have is something that can take a little practice! Identify the areas of your apartment that you will spend the most time in, and begin there. For example: don’t dedicate time, money, and energy into decorating your home office if it’s only going to be used a few times a year. On the flip side, don’t skimp on your home office if you plan on using it frequently. 

Psst - we’ve got a blog about that, too! Read Apartment Must-Haves For Creating a Home Office for more inspiration!

Spend time at home 

So many of us are spending significantly more time at home due to the increase in remote work. When you work from home, it can be challenging to want to spend more time in your home. We recommend separating your work space from your personal space to really get the most out of your apartment and enjoy your down-time to the fullest.

Whether you’re in the mood for some alone time or want to entertain friends or family, plan to cook a nice dinner, have a baking night, movie night, any night that suits your fancy. As long as it gives you the opportunity to appreciate and love your space, you’re doing it right. 

Not in the mood for entertaining? Your apartment is there for you to de-stress and recharge. Check out our 5 Self-Care Tips To Reduce Your Stress right at home.  

Perfect your living area

Even if you wouldn’t say the living room is where you spend the bulk of your time in your apartment, it is one of the rooms you will see the most day in and day out, regardless of your living habits. Perfecting your living area will ensure that the first sight you see when you walk in after a long day is something you enjoy, not a space that stresses you out.

If you’re needing some inspiration on decorating your living room, don’t worry: we’ve got some ideas. Take a look at Interior Design Ideas For Apartment Living Rooms to get a few ideas for your own apartment!

For more inspiration on how to make the most out of your apartment, check out some of our past blogs for tips!

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.

How To Establish Credit While Renting

It may seem impossible, but building credit while renting isn't as hard as many would think. Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your routine to see a hike in your credit score, even as a renter.

Report Your Rent Payments to Credit Bureaus

While your on-time rent payments do not impact your credit on their own, you can report your rent payments to credit bureaus to show that you are a responsible tenant who pays your bills on time. This can boost your credit score at up to 40 points! Be sure to check with your landlord or property manager to see if they are already reporting rent payments to credit bureaus. 

Use Credit Cards Responsibly

Credit cards can be tempting due to the fact that you don’t necessarily have to pay that money back as soon as you spend it. However, accruing too much credit card debt can have a seriously damaging effect on your credit score, and can end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, more in the long run. 

Pay Off Debt Early, If You Can

Whether it’s a personal loan, business loan, credit card, student loan, auto loan, or anything in between - paying off your debts ahead of schedule can greatly impact your credit score, as it shows you are a responsible borrower and can in turn allow you to take our larger loans and credit limits to even further boost your credit score! Two birds, one stone.

Monitor Your Credit Reports

While not overly common, credit report errors do happen! Keeping on top of your credit reports and credit score is a great way to ensure your credit is not being negatively impacted by something out of your control. Oftentimes, your credit reports will even include tips for how to raise your score and eliminate any debt you may have.

Always Pay On Time

Although it’s easier said than done, paying off your loans, debts, and bills is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your credit score, especially as a renter. Many programs today even offer support if you request it for helping to pay your bills on time with little, if any, impact to your credit. Always look for these options before deferring a bill or payment, because oftentimes, that can become a rabbit hole that’s extremely difficult to get out of. 

 

Building your credit, even as a renter, doesn’t have to be scary! Take advantage of these tips and continue to spend responsibly in order to see that credit score shoot up sooner than you may think.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our luxury apartments in Austin and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Fall Decor Ideas For Your Luxury Apartment in Houston, TX

If you’re looking for a fall decor design that is less kitsch, and more stylish, this is the place to be. Keep reading for some of our favorite fall decor items that will add a touch of elegance to your luxury apartment in Houston, TX.

Leaf Wreaths

No matter if you decide to take the DIY route or simply head to Target to buy one premade, leaf wreaths are a tasteful way to let everyone know that fall has entered your home. While many opt for the standard door hanging wreaths, don’t limit yourself to just one location! Mantles, shelves, and event countertops are all great places to incorporate this simple, elegant fall staple that everyone should include in their fall decor. 

Wheat Centerpieces

There is a simple elegance to incorporating wheat into your fall (or even your everyday) decor, but it’s one that we love no matter what! The best part about this simple decor is that you can have as much or as little as you desire, and you can choose to display it in any manner of your choosing. Vases and containers that match the color scheme of your fall decor, empty wine bottles, or even a simple clear vase are all tasteful options to add into your fall rotation.

Mini Pumpkins and Gourds

Bonus points if you opt for the real deal! The best part about pumpkins and gourds is that you can find them in any size, shape, variation, or color you could need to incorporate into your fall decor. Simply casting a few here and there around your apartment will add a level of natural coziness that’s sure to make any fall-lover swoon.

Seasonal Plants

Embrace the natural fall vibes by incorporating some orange and yellow foliage into your decor! This is another choice where you can opt for the faux option or the real deal, but either way will take your apartment to the next level! Mums and dahlias are a great place to start if you don’t consider yourself the green-thumb type. 

Taper Candles

The best part of incorporating taper candles into your fall decor is the flexibility they pose for your vision! No matter if you choose colored, white, scented or plain, staked or contained - you hold the power. There’s just something about having different sized tapered candles surrounded by the ambiance of fall-centered decor and color scheme that provides an unmatched level of coziness to any home.

Knit Blankets

Even if the temperatures haven’t dropped to tremendously cold levels yet, knit blankets are one of the coziest ways to let fall into your space without inviting clutter into your home as well. Depending on the color scheme of your decor, taupe, champagne, orange, yellow, or brown are all staple colors to be included with your fall decor to add a sense of home to your apartment. 

 

We’d love to see how your fall decor in your Houston, TX apartment turns out this season! Let us know in the comments what else you think should be included as a fall decor staple or tag us in your social posts to show off your beautifully decorated home!

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