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Apartment Living 101: Essential Tips and Tricks

By Amy Wood in Spring Cleaning, in Apartment Cleaning, in Central New Jersey apartment
Apartment Living 101: Essential Tips and Tricks | Country Classics

12

May
11 hours ago

Welcome to our blog on basic apartment living for renters! As a renter, you want to ensure you care for your living space for a comfortable and safe home. It can be overwhelming to know where to start with maintenance tasks and where your responsibilities as a renter lie. Don't worry;  Country Classics has got you covered with some basic apartment maintenance tasks that every renter should know. We want you to feel confident in your ability to maintain your living space and avoid any potential issues that may arise. 

A Maintenance Checklist for Apartment Dwellers

The changing seasons are a natural checkpoint to ensure everything in your apartment is running in tip-top shape. Though one of the joys of apartment living is deferring most of your maintenance to the pros, minor housekeeping and upkeep tasks often fall under a renter’s responsibilities. Keep everything in your place running in tip-top shape with Country Classic’s essential tips and tricks for apartment living.

Change Your Detector Batteries

Fire alarm and carbon monoxide devices must be in good working order to keep you and your family safe. Here are some guidelines for when to change your smoke and CO2 detector batteries.

Change batteries once a year. Experts recommend changing smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries at least once yearly, even if the detector hasn't signaled a low battery alert. A good time to do this is when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.

Test detectors monthly. Besides changing batteries annually, testing your smoke detectors at least once a month is essential to ensure they're working correctly. Most smoke detectors have a "test" button to check if they're functioning.

Considering skipping out of the rental game and purchasing a new home or townhome in New Jersey? Find out more here.

Clean Your Filters

Dishwasher Filter

Many folks don’t realize they should be cleaning the dishwasher filter. Most dishwashers have a small, removable basket that keeps food debris from clogging the drain. You don’t need much imagination to envision how gross this place would become without your intervention. Gently pull up your dishwasher filter and rinse with hot, soapy water once every 3 months.

Misc. Filters

More appliances have filters than you might expect. If you’re responsible for your washing machine and dryer, you’ll need to clean the washer filter and clear the exterior dryer vent at least quarterly. Your refrigerator, air purifier, vacuum cleaner, dehumidifier, or range hood could also feature filters that could use your attention.

Set Your Seasonal Routines

Make your smaller apartment livable by keeping it at just the right temperature. Setting your thermostat correctly for each season can help you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while saving energy and reducing utility bills. Here are some guidelines for how to set your thermostat for each season:

Summer

During the summer months, set your thermostat around 77°F when you're at home and need cooling. Consider placing strategic fans to move the air and provide further comfort rather than further dropping the temperature. When you're away from home or asleep, you can raise the temperature into the 80s. Setting your thermostat to a higher temperature when you're away can save energy and reduce your cooling costs. 

Fall and Spring

When the weather is mild, you may not need to use your heating or cooling system as much. Set your thermostat to 68°F when you're at home, and lower it by a few degrees when you're away or sleeping. You can also open windows and use fans to circulate cool air if the outside temperature is comfortable.

Winter

During the winter months, set your thermostat to the high 60s when you're at home and need heating. Lower the temperature by a few degrees when you're away or sleeping to save energy. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to automatically lower the temperature when you're away and raise it before you return home. Block drafts and close doors to unused spaces to maximize the heat you’ve already paid for.

Visually Inspect Every Inch

Take a look at all the nooks and crannies every few months. This allows you to report concerns like moisture, leaks, mold, pests, or other required repairs early while the problem remains relatively small. Delaying repairs can lead to more significant problems down the line.

Country Classics Does Rental Communities Right

Our unparalleled rental communities offer enticing amenities, prompt maintenance, and beautiful homes. We can’t wait for you to experience the difference for yourself. Check out our next-level apartment living opportunities in Frenchtown, Somerset, and Bridgewater, NJ. It’s time for a Country Classic community to call home.

 

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Amy Wood

Vice President of Operations at Country Classics

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