Spring-Ready Your Apartment or Townhome

The advent of spring is the perfect excuse to rejuvenate your home and brace up for the balmy months ahead. Here are some strategies to help you declutter, arrange your storage spaces, and clean your doormats, ensuring a welcoming home this spring.

Begin with decluttering – the cornerstone of any spring cleaning regimen. Approach one room at a time, sorting items into three piles: keep, donate, and discard. Be decisive and part with things you no longer need or use. A decluttered space will not only feel liberating but also make way for items that truly enhance your life.

Post decluttering, it’s time to bring order to your storage spaces. Leverage storage solutions such as bins, baskets, and shelves to keep everything sorted. Optimize vertical space in your closets, cabinets, and storage room by using stackable containers or hanging organizers. Labelling containers will also expedite your search for items when you need them.

Finally, show your interior doormats some love during your spring cleaning regimen. Over time, doormats gather dirt, dust, and debris that can creep throughout your home. Regularly clean your doormats by shaking them out or vacuuming them. For deeper cleaning, a mixture of mild soap and water can help scrub away stains and dirt. Let them air dry before placing them back.

Breathe New Life Into Your Living Spaces

With winter bidding adieu and spring knocking at the door, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your living spaces and give them a new lease on life. Here are some tips to set the ball rolling:

Windows and Blinds Cleaning: Welcome the sunshine by cleaning your windows and blinds. Begin by dusting off the blinds using a microfiber cloth or a duster. For windows, a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap can help wipe off grime. Don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside (if possible from your balcony or patio) of the windows for a flawless view.

Wall Wiping: Over time, walls can gather dust, fingerprints, and smudges. To freshen up your living spaces, wipe down the walls with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Be sure to test the cleaning solution on a small area of the wall first to prevent any damage.

Carpet Refreshing: Carpets can trap odours and become musty over time. To freshen them up, start by vacuuming thoroughly to remove any loose dirt. For deep cleaning, you can rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional service.

By following these spring cleaning tips, you can infuse new energy into your living spaces and create a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Remember, a clean and well-maintained home not only looks impressive but also promotes a healthy living environment.

Organize Your Living Spaces

Spring cleaning is also the ideal time to declutter and organize your living spaces. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Junk Drawer Reorganization: We all have that one drawer filled with a hodgepodge of items that we don’t know what to do with. Take some time to empty out the drawer and sort through its contents.

Discard any trash or items that you no longer need. Use small containers or dividers to group similar items together. This will help you locate what you need quickly and efficiently.

Furniture Cleaning and Rearrangement: During spring cleaning, it’s a good idea to deep clean your furniture and give it a fresh look. Start by vacuuming and dusting all surfaces. For upholstery, check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning recommendations. Rearranging furniture can also rejuvenate your living spaces. Try different layouts to create a more functional and visually appealing room.

Soft Surfaces Sanitization: Regularly vacuuming and steam cleaning soft surfaces, such as carpets, rugs, and curtains, will help keep them clean and fresh. Don’t forget to wash or dry clean your curtains as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help eliminate any accumulated dust or odours.

By following these tips, you can transform your living spaces into clean and organized areas. Remember to take it one step at a time and enjoy the process of freshening up your home for the spring season.

Renew Your Kitchen

When it comes to spring cleaning, the kitchen often demands extra attention. Here are some tips to help you refresh your kitchen and make it gleam:

Fridge Deep-Cleaning: Start by emptying your fridge and discarding any expired or spoiled food. Take out the shelves and drawers and wash them with warm soapy water. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe down the interior of the fridge, focusing on the corners and seals. Finish by organizing your items and putting them back into a clean and fresh fridge.

Kitchen Cabinets Cleaning: Over time, kitchen cabinets can gather grease and grime. Begin by emptying out the cabinets and wiping down the surfaces with a mild cleaner. For stubborn grease stains, mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge, then wipe away the residue. Lastly, don’t forget to clean the handles and knobs to complete the refreshed look.

Sink Odor Removal: If your sink has developed an unpleasant odour, there’s an easy fix. Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture bubble for a few minutes, then flush it out with hot water. To keep your sink smelling fresh, regularly run a mixture of hot water and lemon juice down the drain.

By following these simple tips, you can give your kitchen a fresh start this spring. Remember, a clean and organized kitchen not only looks great but also fosters a pleasant and hygienic cooking environment.

Keep Your Bedroom Fresh and Clean

When it comes to spring cleaning, don’t neglect your bedroom! A clean and fresh bedroom can contribute to a sound night’s sleep and a healthier environment. Here are some tips to help you keep your bedroom in top shape:

Pillow and Bedding Washing: Over time, pillows and bedding can accumulate dust, sweat, and allergens. To keep them clean and fresh, it’s important to wash them regularly. Check the care instructions on your pillows and bedding for specific washing instructions. Most can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Remember to fluff your pillows and let them air dry completely before putting the pillowcases back on.

Mattress Cleaning: Mattresses can harbour dust mites, dirt, and odours. Start by vacuuming the mattress thoroughly to remove any loose debris. Then, spot-clean any stains with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Allow the mattress to air dry before making the bed. Consider using a mattress protector to keep your mattress clean and extend its lifespan

By following these spring cleaning tips, you can keep your bedroom fresh, clean, and inviting. Remember, a clean bedroom not only promotes better sleep but also fosters a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Happy cleaning!

Reward Yourself

Spring cleaning can be a daunting task, but it’s also a fabulous opportunity to reward yourself for a job well done. After all the hard work you put into cleaning and organizing your home, you deserve a treat! Here are a few ways you can reward yourself after completing your spring cleaning:

1. Spa Day: Book a massage, facial, or a full spa day to relax and rejuvenate. After all the physical labour of cleaning, you deserve some pampering.
2. Day Trip: Take a break from cleaning and plan a day trip to a nearby town or city. Explore new places, visit local attractions, and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.
3. Favourite Meal: After a long day of cleaning, treat yourself to a delicious meal at your favourite restaurant or order in from a local eatery. Enjoy your favourite cuisine without worrying about cooking or cleaning up.
4. New Purchase: Use your spring cleaning as an opportunity to declutter and make space for something new. Treat yourself to that item you’ve been longing for, be it a new gadget, a piece of clothing, or a home decor item.

Remember, spring cleaning is not just about getting your home in order, but also about taking care of yourself. So, don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done!

If you’re looking for a change in your lifestyle or to upgrade, explore our Midwest apartments and townhomes to see what Midwest Property Management has to offer!

The post Revamp Your Space with These Spring Cleaning Tips appeared first on Midwest Property Management.

Have Your Plan Ready

Hopefully, you are not just reading this the day before moving day. Assuming you’re not, one major tip is to have a plan ready to go that guides you through the many steps involved. This plan needs to start from the minute you decide to move to the actual moving day in Edmonton.

First and foremost, start as soon as you can to pull multiple sources of information that tell you how to prepare. Then compile these into a master list with everything broken down by completion dates. Focus on completing each task when it is due. This will help you from the feeling of overwhelming later.

A Few Moving Day Preparation Resources

While you want to pull several resources to compile your moving plan, here are a few to help right from our site. The first is an article with some essential tips when you find out you will move. The second deals with tips to reduce stress while you prepare for a move. Both make great additions to your preparation information for the move.

The Big Day

The Big Day is here. It is moving day or the 24 hours leading up to moving day. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you.

Weather

Make sure you are prepared for whatever Mother Nature is throwing at you. If you know the forecast for the next day is a scorcher, make sure you have lots of water on hand for you and anyone helping you. If inclement weather is forecasted, budget more time for both travel to your new Edmonton apartment as well as unload your belongings in the rain, ice, or snow.

Essentials On Hand

Make sure you have an essentials bag or kit ready to go. Whether it is a move across town or Canada, it is vital to have it on hand. Some items to include are:

• Snacks
• Water
• Essential medicines
• Phone charger and battery pack
• Change of clothes (always)
• Basic toiletries
• Extra cash and credit cards
• Jacket
• Towel
• Umbrella 
• Basic first aid
• Extra set of contacts (if applicable)
• Pet supplies and water bowl(if applicable)

Before moving on, here is a more granular view of what should be included in your cadre of essential medicines. I make a point to go over this because things can go wrong, and you want to make sure you can remedy it while you are on the go. Make sure to include:

• Essential prescriptions
• Ibuprofen
• Antacid

Children and Pets

We all love our children and pets, but the moving day can intensify stress. It is strongly recommended that you get someone to care for them while you are in the active stages of going from one location to the other. At the very least, make sure another adult is with you to watch them while you navigate the transition. 

Unpacking

A great way to make moving day easier is to make the unpacking process more manageable. Mark the boxes with the names of the rooms they are destined for. Better yet, use different colors for different rooms as well. This will make it easier to get things where they belong more quickly. 

Movers And Friends

It is a good idea to tip if you used professional movers or even just hired labor. Likewise, if you have friends assisting you, show them your gratitude with a gift card or lunch for the assistance they provided.

The post Tips For Moving Day In Edmonton appeared first on Midwest Property Management.

Midwest Property Management can help you find spacious apartments with all the comforts of your next home. As you search for the right Edmonton neighborhood and apartment, here are a few factors that should help you find a home you’ll love. Please look at how we can help you find your next home. 

Budget

Before searching for the right Edmonton neighborhood and apartment, you’ll usually need to determine your budget. Consider your debt-to-income ratio, which offers a quick snapshot of what you can afford. To do this, consider all your current expenses and compare this to your income and how it will change by choosing one of our great communities. Be sure to factor in your security deposit and utility transfer costs. 

Location

You can get a quick, at-a-glance review of the Edmonton apartments we offer by reviewing our Property Listings on Midwest Property Management. You’ll quickly get a sense of where the available apartments are located, as well as where you’ll find those parks and other natural wonders. You can quickly drill down to learn more about the properties or take note of how close to your work or school each one is. Be sure to also consider transit stops and the closest grocery store when considering your next apartment – these can also be seen in our helpful map feature.

Lifestyle

If you have a family, you’re a senior, student, or even a professional, we have an option for you that will make it the perfect apartment in Edmonton. Our search features also allow you to check off the suite and building features that will best support your lifestyle, whether that includes a game room, hot tub, community garden, fitness center, or a pool. 

Size

The apartment size may directly relate to your Lifestyle selections, but we still offer that filter as well. You can indicate whether you need a one-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom apartment. These selections will also impact your budget, but it’s still important to find a big enough apartment to meet your needs while considering how your lifestyle will impact those considerations. We have spacious apartments with in-suite storage large enough to meet anyone’s needs. 

Next Step: Find Out How Midwest Property Management Can Help

By now, you’ve hopefully discovered a range of apartment options in Edmonton that will be perfect for your needs. If you have any questions about the apartment options, reach out to us right away. You’ve probably already noticed that many great apartments get snapped up right away, so don’t wait. 

Contact us at Midwest Property Management to get your questions answered right away. Also, take note of all the special features, amenities, and benefits. Then, take the video tour and apply for the apartments that best meet your needs. Act now before our special offers run out! 

Call us at 1-844-200-1435 or connect with us to learn more about the Edmonton neighborhoods and apartments you’ll love!

The post Finding the Right Edmonton Neighborhood And Apartment For You appeared first on Midwest Property Management.

1. Reduce Your Thermostat at Night

While you’re sleeping, turn your heat down a few degrees and snuggle up under a blanket! Doing so will reduce the energy needed to heat your home overnight.

2. Ensure Heating Vents and Radiators are Unobstructed

Make sure warm air can flow freely around your home by ensuring furniture, clothes, and other debris are not blocking your vent or radiators! If you have radiator heating in your home, leave 6 inches between the radiator and your furniture to increase heat circulation.

3. Create Your Own Heat With Blankets & Sweaters

Instead of upping your thermostat, wear a cozy sweater or curl up under a blanket to conserve your body heat and use less energy. Invest in a pair of slippers or reading socks to keep your toes extra warm!

4. Replace Your Furnace Filter

Increase your home’s heating ability by replacing your old furnace filter with a clean one – the increased air flow will heat your home faster and cheaper. These should be replaced at least once a year for best performance!

5. Open Your Curtains During The Day And Let The Sun Do The Work

Even in the winter, the sun’s heat can help warm up your home – just don’t forget to close the blinds again at night to reduce drafts!

At Midwest Property Management, we have 24/7 Emergency Maintenance to ensure your home never goes without heat. Our friendly and experienced maintenance technicians are just a phone call away so you can rest assured that you and your family can be safe and warm all year long.

To join one of our amazing townhome or apartment communities, visit our Property Listings page today!

The post 5 Ways To Save On Your Townhome Utilities This Winter! appeared first on Midwest Property Management.

Less Stress After a Tragedy

In the event of a fire, flood, or theft, tenant insurance can cover the cost of replacing your belongings and repairing the damage to your home. Likewise, if you cause an accident that damages your neighbor’s home or belongings, your insurance will cover replacement and personal liability. For less money than a daily cup of coffee, tenant insurance will ensure you live stress free!

Peace of Mind

Tenant insurance also covers the cost of medical expenses for injured guests, accidental damage you -or your family- cause, and the cost of replacing items you’ve rented or borrowed. Instead of worrying about how the “what-ifs,” your insurance will allow you to recover from mishaps and move forward without added strain!

A Small Price to Pay for Security

It can be pricey to replace all of your belongings, even if you think you don’t own many expensive things. Look around your home; think about what it would cost to replace your TV, your bed, your couch, or your computer. It adds up quickly, and without the support of insurance, this entire cost is your responsibility. Luckily, tenant insurance is easily-affordable and widely-available through any major bank or insurance company. Typically tenant insurance can cost as little as $25 per month, but if you bundle it with your auto-insurance, you can get it for even less!

So be a good neighbour and community-member by making sure your insurance is up-to-date! Help your community stay protected!

The post Tenant Insurance 101 – Everything You Need to Know About Tenant Insurance appeared first on Midwest Property Management.

With Spring coming to an end and Summer quickly approaching, the time to finish your Spring Cleaning is running out. Though it seems daunting, if you follow these easy tips, you’ll find yourself enjoying your freshly cleaned home in no time!

Clean Room By Room

Sectioning your home into easy-to-manage sections will help you stay organized as you work your way through your home. Create a to-do list for each room that focusses on what jobs were neglected over the winter. Managing a series of small jobs will make the entire experience less daunting!

Clear Your Clutter

Spring Cleaning is the perfect excuse to finally ditch the items you no longer use that are cluttering your home. It’s important to purge your space from time-to-time to keep your home feeling fresh, clean, and stress-free!

Don’t Get Overwhelmed

Set aside an entire day (or an entire weekend) for cleaning so you don’t feel rushed to complete your tasks. Make sure you finish each job completely before moving on so you don’t end up with a house full of half-finished jobs!

Get Your Whole Household Involved

Don’t take on your Spring Cleaning alone! Make it a family event and split the work to help speed up the process. Even small children can help tidy toys or make beds while older children can clean windows, sweep floors, or organize their rooms.

Reward yourself

After a hard day’s work, do something that makes you happy or helps you relax: take a hot bath, curl up and watch your favourite movie, or eat a delicious meal. Whatever you decide, you can enjoy the comfort of a freshly cleaned home – after all, you deserve it!

The post 5 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips! appeared first on Midwest Property Management.

• It is recommended to turn thermostats back 7 to 10 degrees C from their normal setting for 8 hours per day to achieve annual savings of up to 10%.
• Furnaces should not be turned off in the winter. Raising the temperature slowly will help keep your bill lower.
• Don’t block baseboard heaters. Ensure furniture and window coverings are away from the heaters.
• Clean and replace filters in the furnace at a minimum every 3 months. Check regularly during high heating months. A dirty filter slows down air flow and the system must work harder resulting in higher costs.
• In colder weather, open curtains facing the sun; close curtains/blinds at night.
• Leave bedroom doors open to increase air circulation.

APPLIANCES

• Use microwave and toaster ovens to cook or warm leftovers.
• Keep the oven door closed when cooking, the temperature can drop as many as 25 degrees each time you open it.
• Ceiling fans set clockwise can save as much as 10% on heating.
• Clean the dryer lint after each load to keep your dryer running efficiently.

ELECTRONICS

• Plug in home electronics into a power bar; turn power bar off or use timers for when the equipment is not in use.

LIGHTING

• Use LED bulbs. Turn off incandescent lights when you are not in the room; 90% of the energy is given off as heat, only about 10% results in light.

WATER

• Wash only full loads of dishes in the dishwasher.
• Air dry or dry dishes by hand instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle. Opening the door after the rinse cycle and letting them dry naturally can cut 15% to 50% of energy use (depending on the machine).
• Avoid using the rinse hold settings on the dishwasher as this feature uses 3-7 more gallons of hot water per use.
• Take shorter showers. If you reduce daily shower time by 4 minutes per day you can save up to 3,650 gallons annually.
• Report leaks such as toilets running or leaky faucets. One leaky faucet can waste the equivalent of 7,881 litres of bottles per year.
• Regularly remove scale build up on faucets and showerheads. Fixtures maintained regularly will run efficiently.
• Wash only full loads of clothes; wash in cold water. Air dry clothes.

The post Energy & Water Saving Tips appeared first on Midwest Property Management.

Here are 5 recommended things to do when exploring Yellowknife:

Cameron Falls

Pack your hiking boots and the essentials. Take a trip 45 kilometers east of Yellowknife to the Cameron Falls Trail. Journey on the boardwalk, with incredible scenic views of the Yellowknife forestry for 20 minutes before you arrive upon a lookout facing the magnificent waterfalls that make the hike worth every second. Once you’ve taken in its beauty, continue upstream to find the perfect picnic, fishing, and swimming sites to relax and cool off after your hike.

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

Rain or shine, head over to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to brush up on your knowledge, or educate yourself about the history and culture that makes Yellowknife what it is. With many exhibits that show both historical aspect and incredible First Nation artists, you’ll be thoroughly intrigued your entire visit. Not only are there exhibits, but the Centre does have many daily activities for children and people of all ages. Keep your children entertained, educated, and engaged with the scavenger hunt the Northern Heritage Centre holds.

Bush Pilot’s Monument

A small trek up the steps will take you to the Bush Pilot’s Monument to acknowledge all the pilots who helped develop Yellowknife into what it is today. While you’re there, take in the astonishing 360 panoramic view of Yellowknife. While you’re there, you’ll see the Great Slave Lake, the Dettah Ice Road and Old Town from the top. This special spot is perfect spot is worth a visit all year round.

Enodah Kennel

Dogsledding at its finest. These furry bundles of energy, joy, and muscles are eager to take you on a guided forest adventure. The tour guides will help you learn how to keep your sled on track and adapt well to the conditions of traveling with your pack.

Northern Lights Tours

One of the top Aurora Borealis viewing experiences in Yellowknife, “My Backyard Tours” is owned by a local family in Yellowknife offering a cozy night in at their cottage with above and beyond service that’ll make you feel like you’re spending the evening at a good friend’s cabin. The staff offers a prompt hotel pick up, a guided tour with the necessities, snacks and valuable information – even winter weather gear – to help you enjoy your evening. Make sure to bring your camera because you’re in for a spectacular show of the Northern Lights at one of Yellowknife’s most highly recommended spots.

What are your favorite places and things to do in Yellowknife? Leave us a comment on Facebook.

The post Fun Things to Do in Yellowknife appeared first on Midwest Property Management.

We know that not everyone has a magic crystal ball to foresee into the future, so we have put together a few quick tips that could help ease your moving stress:

Make a list and check it twice

Prepare, prepare, prepare! Having a checklist of all the things you need to do to help your move go smoothly will help you in the long run. Having an idea of what needs to be packed, moved, or put in storage; changing your addresses and contact information; contact numbers for moving companies, your landlord, and any of your friends who have signed up to help. There is nothing wrong with planning ahead. Staying organized and focused will help you to feel in control of your move and surroundings.

Do your research

If you’re moving to a new area, or an area you’re already familiar with, it can help to know the best routes, what’s close by, what special events and attractions happen or are in the area.

Having a sense of understanding for your new community and what is close by will help ease you into settling into your new home. Being aware of your surroundings and routes will make you more aware of the time you need to plan ahead so you can still enjoy doing the things that keep you active, just on a different schedule.

Need some help?

Once you’ve done your planning, your purchasing of moving essentials, you may find yourself ahead of the game. There is no shame in hiring professional movers to help. Having the movers take care of all the heavy lifting will take away some of your stress, and free your mind up for other items on your checklist.

It’s the start of something new

Whether it was your choice to move or not, try to see the positive side of it. You’ll be able to experience new things and make new friends, join new groups, attend different activities you may not have in the past – stepping out of your comfort zone might be exactly what you needed. Many people tend to feel overwhelmed with change – and that is okay! Remember that you are surrounded by friends and family who can provide you the support you need. Taking care of your mental health is just as important. Once you’re able to express your feelings and stress, you may find that it will help you move past them and into a more eased state of mind. You may even find a class nearby at the local gym where you can release some of those tensions from the move, and make new friends while you’re at it!

Try your best to seize this opportunity as a wonderful, new step towards your future! The ending of an era also means the beginning of a new one. Whether you are moving or not, we hope that these tips can effectively help decrease some of your stress during those difficult situations!

Do you have any tips that have helped you? Share them with us on Facebook or Google.

The post Tips to Ease the Stress of Moving appeared first on Midwest Property Management.

Although that sounds comforting, we’ve researched some great space saving at home work out equipment for those who hate to break their gym routine! Many of these are easy no-noise equipment that you can use at home in your apartment regardless of how small or large of a space you have – on the road in your hotel – or in your dorm room!

Dumbbells

Dumbbells are perfect for working out your arms, chest, shoulders, and so much more! There are many great workouts that you can use dumbbells with such as the dumbbell bench press, alternated bicep curls, shoulder press, and lateral raises.

Kettlebells

The kettlebell swing is a game changer! This works your hip muscles, glutes, hamstrings, lats, abs, shoulders and pecs. It’s an easy routine that will help you burn those calories!

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands make any type of strength training exercise is easy – chest presses, shoulder presses, triceps extensions, bicep curls – all without heavy weights. They are also super cost effective, easy to store, and easy to take on the road with you.

Exercise Balls

According to a variety of fitness bloggers, this is one of those fitness tools you need to transform your body. Exercise balls help keep your body toned, firm, and help strengthen your core.

Foam Rollers

Last – but not least! – are foam rollers! These do wonders for those sore muscles. Using a foam roller is like giving yourself an affordable deep tissue massage. The goal of a foam roller is to help the wound-up portions of your muscles to relax, so when you feel the tenderness and soreness reduce, you know you’re on the right track.

Alternatively, consider moving to one of our many locations in Edmonton that have a fully equipped fitness centre! Access is free to all residents that live within that community so you can ditch the added gym membership payment!

Do you have any at home exercises or at home equipment you can’t live without? We’d love to hear from you on Facebook!

The post Fitness Equipment for your Apartment appeared first on Midwest Property Management.