Tag: rpm living

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.

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.

Why Everyone Is Suddenly Obsessed With Cozy Lighting

Somewhere along the way, everyone collectively decided that harsh overhead lighting was out.

And honestly? Fair.

The cozy lighting trend has completely taken over TikTok, Pinterest, and apartment tours for one simple reason:

It makes everything feel better.

A lamp in the corner. A warm glow on a bookshelf. A tiny light on your kitchen counter that serves absolutely no purpose except vibes.

That's the stuff people remember.

If you're trying to make your apartment feel more relaxing, start here:

1. Turn off the big light
You know the one.

The overhead light that makes your apartment feel like a doctor's office.

Use lamps whenever possible.

2. Add lighting at different heights
A floor lamp.
A table lamp.
Maybe a small light on a shelf.

The layered look instantly feels warmer.

3. Choose warm bulbs
Soft white > bright white.

Every time.

4. Use lighting as decor
A lamp doesn't just light a room.

It fills an empty corner and makes a space feel finished.

5. Light the room you actually use
Your reading chair.
Your couch.
Your bedside table.

Create light where life happens.

The best apartments aren't always the biggest.

They're the ones that feel inviting the second you walk through the door.

One last thing – cozy lighting tends to look even better when you have large windows, thoughtful layouts, and spaces designed for everyday living. Browse RPM Living communities across the US.

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

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

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

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

Here’s what RPM recommends:

1. Audit before you restrict

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

2. Pick one “no-spend” category

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

3. Make staying in appealing

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

4. Automate the boring stuff

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

5. Leave room for joy

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

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

– RPM

Farmhouse-Inspired Winter Decorating Tips for a Cozy Apartment

Winter is the perfect season to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home, and nothing captures that cozy charm quite like farmhouse-style decor. From soft textiles and rustic accents to seasonal scents and natural materials, the right touches can make your apartment feel like a winter retreat. For residents of RPM Living, farmhouse-inspired touches can enhance the natural warmth and comfort of their apartments, making them feel even cozier for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying the season.

Embrace Natural Textures

Farmhouse winter decor thrives on natural materials. Incorporate wood accents, wicker baskets, and linen throws to bring warmth and texture into your apartment. For RPM living apartments, a wooden coffee table, a reclaimed-wood frame mirror, or woven storage baskets can add rustic charm without overwhelming your space. Layering textures in your home instantly creates a cozy, inviting feel.

Cozy Throws and Pillows

Soft textiles are essential for a winter-ready farmhouse apartment. Think chunky knit blankets, faux-fur throws, and pillows in neutral shades like cream, taupe, and muted greens. Placing these on sofas, armchairs, or even your bed adds comfort and enhances the seasonal vibe, making your home feel warm and lived-in.

Seasonal Centerpieces

Simple yet effective, farmhouse-style centerpieces bring winter indoors. Use natural elements like pinecones, evergreen branches, or dried florals in mason jars or rustic wooden trays. In a RPM apartment, a small dining table or sideboard can host a centerpiece that radiates charm without cluttering your space.

You might be interested in Zen Your Space: A Beginner’s Guide to Feng Shui Your Apartment for tips on creating balance and harmony in your home.

Layered Lighting

Lighting is key to creating a cozy ambiance. Combine string lights, lanterns, and soft table lamps to make your apartment glow. Consider placing battery-operated candles in decorative holders to enhance the farmhouse winter decor aesthetic. For RPM apartments for rent, layered lighting is a practical and stylish way to make your space feel warm and inviting during shorter winter days.

Warm Winter Colors

Stick to a color palette inspired by nature: soft whites, warm beiges, muted greens, and hints of deep reds or burnt oranges. These tones work beautifully in RPM luxury apartments and help create a cohesive, farmhouse-inspired winter look. Throw blankets, pillows, or accent pieces in these shades can tie your apartment together effortlessly.

Seasonal Scents

Scent is often overlooked but plays a big role in creating a cozy atmosphere. Use cinnamon sticks or essential oil diffusers to fill your apartment with warm, inviting fragrances.

Functional Farmhouse Touches

Combine style with practicality. Wooden trays, woven baskets, and storage solutions can add rustic charm while keeping your RPM apartment organized. For smaller spaces, consider dual-purpose pieces like a wooden bench with storage or a decorative ladder to hang throws. Functional farmhouse-style elements keep your home tidy and stylish all winter long.

Personal Touches

Finally, make the space your own. Display family photos in rustic frames, hang handmade ornaments, or showcase small collections of seasonal décor. Personal touches make your apartment feel truly homey and reflect your style while maintaining the warmth of farmhouse winter decor.

Cozy Farmhouse Comforts

With simple textures, natural elements, and a muted color palette, your RPM luxury apartment can become a cozy farmhouse-inspired haven. Embrace the season and enjoy all the comfort and charm your home has to offer this winter.

Holiday Travel Prep: A Checklist for Your Apartment Before You Leave

The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and perhaps a little adventure. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or embarking on a longer winter trip, preparing your apartment ahead of time can make all the difference. For residents of RPM apartments, taking a few simple steps ensures that your home stays safe, organized, and ready for your return — letting you enjoy your holidays stress-free.

1. Secure Your Apartment

Safety is the first step on any holiday checklist travel. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, and consider using timers for lights to give the impression someone is home. If you live in RPM apartments for rent with on-site security, check any building protocols for when you’re away. Let a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member know your travel plans, and consider asking them to pick up mail or packages while you’re gone. These simple steps ensure your home stays well-managed while you enjoy your holiday.

2. Manage Utilities and Appliances

Next, think about energy use and appliance safety. Unplug electronics like TVs, coffee makers, and chargers to avoid unnecessary energy drain or fire hazards. Adjust your thermostat to a slightly lower temperature in winter — just enough to prevent freezing pipes without wasting energy. If your RPM living apartment has smart features, use timers or remote apps to manage heating, lighting, or security systems. A little preparation here can save money and prevent surprises when you return.

3. Clean and Organize Your Space

A tidy apartment feels welcoming after a trip, so a quick pre-travel clean is essential. Take out the trash, remove perishable items from the fridge, and wipe down surfaces to prevent odors or pests. Make sure laundry is done, beds are made, and any clutter is put away. These small steps help ensure your apartment stays fresh and inviting.

4. Tidy the Kitchen

The kitchen often requires extra attention before leaving. Make sure the sink is clean, trash is emptied, and all food is stored properly. Unplug small appliances and double-check that no stove or oven is left on. A well-prepared kitchen helps prevent pests, odors, or accidents, ensuring your RPM apartment remains welcoming when you return.

For inspiration on fun seasonal ideas to try before or after your trip, check out Out-of-the-Box Holiday Traditions to Try This Season. Incorporating simple traditions can make your holidays even more memorable.

5. Plan for Pets or Plants

If you have pets or houseplants, make arrangements to care for them while you’re away. Ask a friend, family member, or professional service to check in on your furry friends, and water plants as needed before you leave. Taking a little extra time ensures your home stays lively and cared for, so you can enjoy your winter getaway without worry.

6. Manage Mail and Deliveries

Keep your home running smoothly while you’re away by organizing mail and deliveries in advance. Pause subscription shipments or request a hold on packages, or ask a neighbor or building concierge to collect items. These simple steps help residents of RPM apartments for rent return to an organized, clutter-free home after their winter getaway.

7. Prepare Your Vehicle

If you’re traveling by plane or leaving your car behind, take a few minutes to get it ready for your return. Check tire pressure and fluid levels, remove any perishables or clutter, and consider using a sunshade or cover. By taking these measures, you can enjoy your holiday getaway knowing your car is prepared for a hassle-free return.

8. Protect Holiday Décor and Lights

Holiday decorations add festive charm, but they also need attention. Unplug decorative lights, secure fragile ornaments, and move items out of high-traffic areas. In RPM living apartments, these simple steps help maintain the beauty of your seasonal décor throughout the holidays.

9. Water Precautions

Turn off water to sinks or appliances if you’ll be gone for multiple days, especially in winter. Check for leaks and ensure your water heater is properly set. For residents in RPM luxury apartments, taking these precautions helps prevent costly damage and keeps your home in perfect condition for your return.

10. Pack Smart for Your Trip

Before leaving, double-check that you’ve packed essentials: travel documents, clothing, chargers, and personal items. Make a checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten. If you’re traveling with family or pets, make special arrangements for their comfort and care. Thoughtful preparation allows you to focus fully on making the most of your winter trip.

Travel Confidently with RPM Living

With your apartment ready for your return, you can travel stress-free. Modern comforts and thoughtful design at RPM luxury apartments ensure your home is the perfect place to come back to after your holiday adventures.