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Distraction, when you're cleaning, can almost feel like a given. Not only is the task somewhat boring, but it's also an invitation to open up the door to the past. You might find old photos or clothes while you're cleaning, slowing down the process and ultimately making for a dragged-out afternoon. If you're hoping to stop the madness before it starts, here are a few tips to avoid the dreaded distraction.
Use Music as a Cue
Certain types of music cue your brain toward different tasks. Put on emotional music while you're cleaning, and you may just find that everything makes you sentimental during the process. Opt for something a little edgier and energetic, and you may find that you're able to power through even the darkest corners of your closet.
Prepare Yourself
It can be overwhelming to be confronted with a mismatched mess everywhere you turn. The sheer weight of deciding what to keep and where to put it all can be enough to give up entirely. But if you find a way to counter this feeling before you even have it, you stand a better chance at getting through the task. Having a contingency plan just in case can be exceptionally helpful. For example, you may want to start making piles of certain items as a way to organize everything before you're faced with deciding where to put it.
Take Breaks
Taking a break and getting distracted is not the same thing. One is meant to give your brain a little break, while the other gets you tangled up in another task or feeling entirely. If you tell yourself you're going to clean for an hour before taking a 15-minute break, you may be more likely to jump back in once you're feeling more refreshed.
Apartments in Chicago, Illinois, are simply better when they're clean. Not only is it more inviting to you and your guests, but it's also healthier when you can breathe clean air. If you're looking for a new apartment in the city, The Montrose has floor plans and layouts that make it easy to stay organized. Give us a call today to learn more about our availability!
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Most people are familiar with spring cleaning. However, deep cleaning your home one time a year is not enough to keep it looking its best and keep it dust-free. Taking the time to clean your home in the fall can help you keep your home clean and prepare it for the winter months. Here are a few fall cleaning tips to help you prepare your space for the winter.
Clean Out Your Pantry
Most people eat different foods in the winter months compared with the summer months. During the summer, you may barbecue and eat a lot of salads. During the winter months, warm comfort foods like soup and chili may be on your menu. Before you go shopping to stock your pantry with winter foods, take the time to clean out your pantry. Discard expired food and clean out any crumbs or debris.
Dust and Test Your Smoke Alarms
When you are cleaning your home in the fall, you should take the time to dust your smoke detectors and test them out. If needed, replace the batteries or replace the entire smoke alarm. This can help to ensure your smoke alarms are working in the event of a fire.
Change Your Filters
Once winter hits, you will be using a heater or furnace to keep your space warm. Before cold weather hits, replace any filters in your home. This helps to increase the energy efficiency of your unit and prevents dust from being blown into your home. While you are at, grab a dampened soft cloth and wipe down your vents and registers, removing dirt, dust, and residue.
Vacuum Your Upholstered Surfaces
The last thing you should do to get your home ready for winter is to vacuum all of your upholstered surfaces. This includes your couch, dining room chairs and curtains. This removes the accumulation of dust from these items, making the air you breathe inside your home a little healthier.
No matter how much you clean, a space that is dull and dated may never look as good as you desire. If you live in a space that has lost its appeal, it may be time to think about moving. When you are looking for apartments in Chicago, IL., visit The Montrose Apartments. Our beautiful and luxurious apartments have a lot of charm and appeal, which can make you proud to call them home.
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When you come home from work and walk through your front door, do you take one glance and sigh in desperation? Maybe you left everything in apple-pie order, but if you’re like a lot of people, keeping your apartment tidy is a job you never quite seem to get on top of. The good news is, you don’t have to straighten the whole mess up all at once. Some random acts of neatness practiced a few times daily, will brighten your attitude and make surprising progress toward a more livable environment.
Don’t tackle everything today
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Organize one dresser drawer. Not all of them, just one. If you do the socks today, the underwear can wait until tomorrow.
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Unclutter a surface. A countertop, a dining table, a coffee table. Again, just one. Straighten what belongs there and get rid of what doesn’t. Get a basket or box for “things that need to go elsewhere.” You don’t need to carry all that stuff to the bedroom right now. But when your desk in the bedroom is the task of the day, you’ll know where to find it.
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Set up a thrift store basket or box. Keep it in a corner and deposit what you no longer need. When it gets full, donate it.
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As you walk through a room, notice one thing that’s out of place and fix it, even if several things could use attention. Forget the others, just do one. Take care of another later.
If you do a few jobs like these every day, it won’t magically turn your apartment into a showcase, and it won’t accomplish those tough and tedious jobs like cleaning bathrooms and shampooing the carpet. But 20 minutes of straightening in a day adds up to more than two hours in a week and about 10 in a month. You can accomplish a lot in that much time.
While you’re sprucing the inside of your digs, how about improving the view outside? The Montrose, stand-out Chicago, IL apartments in the Uptown neighborhood, offers spacious, modern units with stunning vistas of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Check the floor plans on our web site and call (866) 659-3593 to see what’s available for you.
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Numerous studies show that one of the most important factors in determining one’s enjoyment of life is a sense of security. Many individuals feel that living in a community such as those found in many apartments in Chicago helps provide that feeling of safety.
Stepping Up to Ensure Your Safety
Residents of Chicago apartments such as you find at the Montrose enjoy protections and procedures designed to provide a secure living environment. Many advances in technology help make your living space as safe as possible. While it is great to count on professional management for these steps, there is also a lot every resident can do to add to this sphere of security. Consider these five precautions as your contribution to a safe community:
- Keep your doors and windows locked. It is estimated that more than 30% of all burglars gain access through an unlocked window or door. Taking this simple precaution will immediately increase your apartment’s safety profile.
- Use your peephole or doorbell cam. You can now purchase automated peephole cameras that require no installation. These devices are great for 24/7 access control, and you can control them from your smartphone even when you are away from your residence.
- Use a safety deposit box or safe. One way to minimize risk to your valuables is the use of a safety deposit box. If you prefer the convenience of at-home storage, consider one of the many affordable safes that add an important layer of security for documents and other valuable items.
- Be careful about social media postings. The fewer strangers know about your schedule and absences, the less likely they will target your residence. This is especially important if you are on an extended trip — many professional burglars scour social media sites for postings that advertise an absent dwelling.
- Get to know your community members. Neighbors who know you are more likely to detect and report suspicious activity or prowlers.
Unfortunately, security is an issue that everyone should make a priority. It is easy to help make our environment a bit more secure by following these simple tips.
Visit our property to learn more about the many ways we work to make your experience and lifestyle at the Montrose as secure and enjoyable as possible.
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Feng shui ideas in interior design have been praised highly in ancient Chinese history, and a lot of those ideas are just starting to slip into modern-day life in America. If you want the bedroom in your apartment in Chicago to be a harmonious, peaceful living space, implementing a little feng shui is not all that hard.
Feng Shui Your Bedroom
There are three primary elements to creating a feng shui bedroom, and they're easy to pull off. Just a few minor adjustments are all it really takes.
1. Make the Bed Approachable From Both Sides
A bed that is crowded into a corner can make the room feel oppressed and out of balance. Situate the bed in the center of the room or in a place in the room that allows easy access to the bed from either side. It is also helpful to place bedside tables on either side of the bed and to make sure the headboard is against a solid wall without a window.
2. Choose Bedroom Artwork Carefully
Most people implement some kind of artwork on the walls in their bedroom. If you're trying to achieve harmonic feng shui, make sure you pick your art pieces really carefully. A good rule of thumb is to select art pieces that boast powerful imagery relative to what you want in your life, whether it is peace, love or positivity. Making the wrong artwork choices can completely change the energy in the room. For instance, artwork that feels forlorn or sorrowful can bring down the positivity in the room.
3. Stick With Soothing Bedroom Color Choices
In feng shui, every color has its own level of energy, which can either be positive or negative. The colors that offer the highest levels of positive energy are those that are most closely associated with the color of skin, which can range from muted whites and beiges to deep tans and brown hues. When you are painting your bedroom, picking floor coverings or selecting bedding, make sure you opt for color choices that exude those higher levels of energy. You will end up with a more soothing space.
Even though you can go out and hire feng shui experts to help you get your bedroom in balance, you can just as easily implement a few ideas on your own. To find out more about the floor plans in our Chicago apartments, reach out to us at The Montrose.
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Your morning routine sets the tone for your entire day. When everything clicks in the first 30 minutes of your day, everything that follows seems to fall into place far better. When things go wrong within that initial 30-minute window of time, though, it can create a cascading effect that leads to a downward spiral that will take you throughout your day.
Organizing your bathroom for optimal efficiency can help you get your morning off to a much better start. These are just some of the things you can do to keep your bathroom organized for maximum morning efficiency.
Keep Most-Frequently Used Items Within Easy Reach
No matter how spacious your bathroom cabinets may be, the odds are good that you can’t store every beauty tool, hair appliance and grooming essential on your bathroom countertops. With that in mind, you want the items you use most frequently within closest proximity.
Have a Space for Everything and Keep Everything in Its Place
Things like toothbrushes, hair brushes, cleansers, etc. are items you need to grab and go with in the morning and not something you want to waste precious time looking for. When you use these items, make sure you put them back in their assigned spots. This not only helps to perpetuate the smoothness of your morning routine, but it also means you never need to look for these items again.
Use Storage Containers and Shelving Systems
Shelving systems and storage containers allow you to do more with the space you have. Bathrooms that have small countertops often have opportunities for vertical storage if you have the right equipment. You can find a wide range of clever storage ideas and shelving systems for bathrooms that are as attractive as they are inexpensive. Use them wisely to create additional storage for things like cosmetics, accessories, skin care, hair care, and grooming tools.
Before you choose your next apartment in Chicago, Illinois, make sure you schedule your tour of our homes to explore our beautiful bathrooms and the many ways you can make them your own.
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Your new Chicago, Illinois, apartment comes with one room that you are not sure what to do with, but it’s not a problem. Everyone needs a place to study or work, and that room can be a perfect fit with a little planning. How can you turn that extra bedroom into a study room and get the most from the space?
Start By Defining the Color
The color palette is the heart of any room, so that’s where you start. The color choice depends on how you intend to use the room. If your goal is a place to study, then think relaxing colors like:
- Cool Grays
- Blues
- Greens
If you are looking for inspiration, think brighter like orange or red.
Plan the Lighting
The next step is to figure out the lighting schematic. It will dictate where you put the different pieces of furniture. Look to see where the electrical outlets are and consider any windows in the room.
If this is a space for relaxation, then a floor lamp provides just the right touch. If you want to work in the room, you might need something brighter like overhead lighting.
Now, About That Furniture
The first thing to consider is if you might still want to use the room as a spare bedroom. If so, you will need a day bed, Murphy bed or sofa sleeper for your Chicago, Illinois, apartment.
Any office or study space needs a sturdy desk, but what style? If you need extra space, maybe a corner desk. If you only intend to use the desk for paying bills, a secretary desk is a chic choice. Standing desks are all the rage right now, too, if you are looking to improve your fitness. Some even come with treadmills.
What Kind of Room Accessories Do You Need?
Maybe:
- A filing cabinet
- Bookshelves
- Chairs
- A recliner
For the desk, if you will be spending lots of time there, look for something ergonomic to protect your back.
Finally, add some appropriate wall decorations to the room and enjoy your new study space.
If you are looking to expand your living space or are new to Chicago, Illinois, and shopping for an apartment, give our office a call and schedule a tour.
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If you're like most people, one of the first steps that you'll take after moving into your new home involves setting up your Wi-Fi network to get all of your computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices onto the Internet. This isn't a complicated process at all, but be warned — there are a few important things you'll want to keep in mind regarding cybersecurity, in particular, to help make sure you stay as protected as possible at all times.
Put a Password on Your Network
The first thing you should always do when setting up a Wi-Fi network for your apartment involves enabling any security features that your router may have. Go into the "Settings" area of your router's software and immediately select the WPA2 security protocol.
WPA2 is the second — and more sophisticated — of two available security options for your Internet access. WPA also allows you to add a password, but WPA2 uses a more advanced algorithm that is better suited for today's modern environments.
Change That Password Regularly
As often as possible, use a tool like "Little Snitch" (which is available for free) to view a list of all the devices on your network. Every item you see should be a device you actually own and use — if you see an entry that you don't recognize, it means that there's an unauthorized device using your Internet and you'll want to remove that device as soon as you can.
Likewise, be sure to go back into your router's settings and change your WPA2 password on a regular basis — at least once a year, if not more frequently. This will help make sure that nobody has been able to circumnavigate your security efforts and infiltrate your network without your knowledge. Remember that you're as responsible as the ISP account holder for any activity on your network, authorized or not. This is one of those situations that you absolutely don't want to take any chances with.
Provided that you follow these basic tips, cybersecurity won't be something you have to worry about at all — you can continue to use all of your devices, free from compromise, with as few downsides as possible.
If you'd like to find out more about living in an apartment and cybersecurity, or if you're just interested in learning more about some of the incredible apartments in Chicago, Illinois that are waiting for you, please don't delay — contact The Montrose today.
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There’s plenty of talk these days about energy efficiency. People living in apartments may question how they can take control of their energy use and costs while living in a rented space.
Energy efficiency provides two significant outcomes: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (and improving air quality) and cutting down energy costs for consumers. While residents may not be able to make significant structural changes to their Chicago apartments to make them more energy efficient – especially without first consulting the landlord – there are a few steps they can take to help them “go green.”
Here are three small adjustments for residents of apartments in Chicago to consider:
1. Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is an easy way to start the journey toward energy efficiency. Most residents possess at least a few light fixtures in their unit and putting in LED and CFL bulbs is a simple task.
2. Be Selective with Washing Machine and Dishwasher Settings
For those who have these appliances in their apartment, choosing cold-water settings for washing dishes or clothes can help reduce energy bills and promote energy efficiency. Most dishwashers have their energy-efficient settings marked. Another option is to air-dry laundry, which is a significant step away from energy reliance.
3. Turn Down the Thermostat Consistently
Of course it gets cold in Chicago, but residents can save as much as 10 percent on heating by setting their thermostat 7° to 10°F lower than normal at least eight hours per day – especially when out and about. The best way to accomplish this goal is by installing a programmable thermostat or automatic setback.
These tips may seem obvious, but everyone can use a reminder about ways to take action on energy efficiency. Residents of apartments in Chicago don’t have to invest substantial amounts of money to make a difference.
If you’re still looking for the perfect place to live an energy-efficient lifestyle in Chicago, check out The Montrose in Chicago’s historic Uptown neighborhood. With a range of living spaces, from studios to two-bedroom units, the apartment community offers a fresh energy – even while you work to consume your own more efficiently.
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Apartments in Chicago, IL can be noisy. Even if you have polite neighbors, the fact is noise travels easily. You may hear children running across floors, toilets flushing or a loud television playing at any given hour. Having a sanctuary within your apartment free of noise is invaluable. Here are the top soundproofing hacks for your Chicago apartment (no construction required).
Throw Down a Throw Rug
Although you may be a fan of all things minimalist, empty spaces within your apartment could be creating an echo effect. Sound could be traveling around the room and bouncing right back to you. Although wall hangings and drapes are helpful, focus on your flooring. An area rug, especially a plush style, will help absorb the sound in any room.
Curtains Galore
Heavy drapes are a must if you’re looking to cut down on any noise coming in from the outdoors. However, door curtains can also be a low-cost soundproofing hack. Use curtains to completely cover your entrance doors as well as any doors leading out to a deck or patio. Before you use curtains, check for any gaps in the doorways and windows that could be contributing to the noise level.
Put Up a Bookshelf
A bookcase is a perfect soundproofing hack — especially if you have a shared wall with a neighbor. Choose a large-sized bookcase and fill up each shelf with as many books as you can. As a bonus, guests to your apartment will be very impressed with your reading collection.
Rearrange the Living Space
One of the easiest fixes for too much apartment noise may be resolved by simply moving around the furniture in each room. Can’t sleep at night because of too much noise next door? Move your bed away from the shared wall. You could also place a television against any shared walls.
Wall and Ceiling Textiles
Decorate a space using noise reduction for inspiration. Canvas, foam and rubber are all textiles that will absorb and block out sound. Use tapestries, canvas wall prints, textile mats and more to decorate any open space on your walls and ceilings.
Enjoy Chicago, IL apartment living at The Montrose, located in the heart of the uptown district. With stylish and well-appointed luxury apartments, you’ll never want to leave home again. Call today for more information.
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