It is not always necessary to use abrasive chemicals for every day cleaning in apartments. With proper use, some eco-friendly sources can get the job done just as well. You may have heard of people who have used natural ingredients that have yielded mediocre results. Our apartment living blog team has done the research for you, and we have experienced first hand some inexpensive and natural ways to clean common surfaces in apartments. The key is using the right solutions for every cleaning need.

What you will need:

• Spray bottles (You can find them in the gardening section of most big box stores)
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Castille Soap (Can be found in health food stores. A little goes a long way and must be diluted!)

Vinegar Solutions: It is the safest, most readily available, cheapest and closest to an all purpose cleanser that you can come by. Mix half and half of vinegar and water in a spray bottle to clean shiny surfaces. Think of this as your own natural windex spray, sans ammonia. You can also use the half and half solution for tile or linoleum floors. For a good grease cutter (read: kitchen counter tops) cut the vingar solution to 1/3 of the bottle, fill the rest with water, and mix in a capful of castille soap to boost your cleaning power. An important note: Do not use vinegar on marble, granite, or any other kind of stone. Use manufacturers cleaners and consult other sources for natural ways to clean these materials.

Baking Soda Solutions: This is another must have for apartments. Baking soda acts like a natural scouring powder, akin to Commet (again, without the ammonia). Sprinkle baking soda on toilets, tubs, tile, and even tough to clean pots and pans. Splash a little water on the powder dusted area, let it dissolve for a few minutes, and use a clean rag to scrub the surface. You can make a concentrated solution for even more stubborn dirty surfaces. Mix baking soda with a bit of castille soap to form a thick paste and use to combat soap rings or dingy grout.

For other surfaces and different types of odd cleaning jobs, you may want to consult an eco-friendly cleaning guide. If you have any other tips for us, let us know on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We will be sharing natural cleaning tips for apartments all week!

An issue that Austin apartments and surrounding regional areas are facing is a lack of water. The central Texas drought has left our landscapes dry and resources scarce this summer. Central Texas has experienced the most devastating wildfires in its history that have destroyed over 1,500 homes and have further depleted lake levels from extinguishing the flames, causing further assault to injury.

That being said, conserving water is very important for those who live in central Texas, and especially for those who live in central Austin apartments. Lack of water has affected the surrounding ecosystems and will leave long term affects on the water supply, the local produce and the regional meat available for months or even years to come. If you live in high density areas, you can expect rolling blackouts and water restrictions to impact your region during the severe drought period.

Find out how much water you are using by consulting a water usage calculator. You can do your part to save water and help your community by actively making a few small changes to your daily routines.

Things you can do today:

• Wash full loads of dishes in the dishwasher and do not rinse dishes before loading to save about 20-50 gallons of water
• Turn off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth and save about 3 gallons of water
• Take a 10 minute shower instead of a bath and use only 15-25 gallons instead of about 70 (with a low pressure showerhead)
• Shorten your shower! Every minute saves about 150 gallons of water a month
• Wash produce in a bowl of water instead of running under the faucet to save 1-3 gallons of water
• Use one drinking glass for water per day (or even a few days) to cut down on the amount of dishes that need to be washed
• Defrost food in the refrigerator instead of using running sink water
• Share tips with your friends and neighbors!

This week on our apartment living blog we are featuring a guest post! “The Scoop On Move-in Day” is written by Jasmine, a student at The University of Texas at Austin. It is an account of her experiences and the tips she learned from moving into her first apartment!

The Scoop On Move-in Day:

Move-in day has finally arrived. You’ve re-read your lease a thousand times and completed the Moving Checklist, now you are ready to just get everything from the moving truck into your new apartment. Before you do, there are a few things that need to be done in order to get started on your apartment living experience.

Payment Plan

When you pick up your keys for the first time, there are a few things you can expect. If you did not pay your rent upon signing a lease, you will be required to make payments on any leftover administrative fees, as well as your first month’s rent. If you are responsible for utilities, don’t forget to provide your account number to your leasing manager to avoid being charged.

Figure out how you will pay your rent and bills each month. Will you set-up online regular bill payments, write checks or buy money orders? Your bank will probably be most helpful when it comes to figuring out what you need.

The Walk-through

For the student living in a college apartment there are probably many overlooked minor mishaps in your new apartment. If there is a crack in the refrigerator or a chip on the baseboard, document it and take pictures. Make note of any and every imperfection to make sure you are not responsible for damages. The more details you can provide, the better. Dated photos will serve as proof in the event that you are charged after documentation.

There is most likely a section in your lease that includes completing an inspection room by room. This sheet will need to be turned in to your leasing manager within 24-48 hours to determine if maintenance work will need to be ordered.

Organizing Your New Space

Bedding, towels, a change of clothes, and cleaning supplies are the first items you will need to unpack after a long day of work. You will need a good night’s rest before organizing everything you own. Finding a place for everything is key to apartment living, since the space is generally smaller than what you are normally used to. Don’t hesitate to set a timeline to finish unpacking. You don’t want to spend 6 months unpacking boxes, only to realize you will be packing again in 3 months.

Are you moving soon? Check out the Apartment Living archives to help get you started with all of your apartment decorating, safety, maintenance and more!

Foremost, it is important to make sure that your apartment is safe from accidents. Before you leave you apartment check all faucets (during freezes in winter it may be wise to leave a drip running), turn off all light switches, check the stove, and scan the surroundings of electrical outlets. An extra safe step: clean each room. Take stock of items that may need to be stowed away and safety hazards that can be avoided. At bare minimum, take out your trash, do your dishes and seal all non-perishables. Pests and rodents are real risks. Especially in a warm, dark, empty apartments.

Cleaning your apartment living quarters comes with an added bonus of coming home to serenity after the stresses of travel. Conserving energy can also alleviate some travel induced stress. Saving energy saves money in your pocketbook! Do not get charged for energy services that you aren’t using! Be sure to shut the blinds, move plants to one window sill if possible, turn off (or up) the air conditioning, and unplug all cords and power strips. Not only does this also add another element of safety, it saves the planet!

Do you have any other tips to share with us? Connect with us on our Facebook or Twitter pages. We will share your tips with other fans. Happy traveling from ApartmentSearch.com and The Apartment Living Blog!

Central Texas is facing the driest eight-month period in 116 years, and dwellers in Austin apartments have certainly felt the impact. The current drought is the third worst on record, with the last dry period of this magnitude being in 1917. Things are different this summer: floating down the Guadalupe River requires a hike down parts of rocky terrain, ants and flies are invading apartments and swarming home patios on a quest for water, bluebonnet season seemed like only one week long in the spring, and the Fourth of July fireworks show on Lady Bird Lake has been canceled for the first time in 35 years. In fact, The City of Austin has not approved any public fireworks shows for the upcoming holiday.

The drought and change in plans have left many Austinites wondering, “Hmm… now what am I going to do for the Fourth of July?” Since the public use of fireworks is restricted within a 5,000 ft radius of the Austin city limits, many residents of Austin apartments are traveling out of town to create their own show with friends and family. Some will also travel to Kyle, Texas to catch a glimpse of a public fireworks display. Big Fourth of July events in San Marcos, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Fredericksburg, Floresville, San Marcos, Schertz, and Lake Travis have also canceled their fireworks, but the accompanying festivities will still commence.

If you are planning to light fireworks on the 4th in Central Texas, here are some tips:

• The closest counties to Austin where personal use of fireworks are permitted for 2011 are Gonzales, Milam, Austin (county!), and Lavaca. There are other counties further south in Texas that are  also allowing the use of fireworks.
• The use of fireworks in banned areas is considered a class C misdemeanor and is punishable for a fine up to $500. Don’t worry, you will not find places to buy illegal fireworks anywhere near these areas!
• Snakes, GlowWorms, smoke devices, wire sparklers, and trick noisemakers (party poppers, booby traps, snappers, trick matches, cigarette loads, auto burglar alarms) are not considered banned fireworks and can be used within the Austin city limits and most banned areas.

3 million acres have been destroyed by wildfires in the Central Texas region. Fires have already swept through areas of Oak Hill, near Hamilton Pool, and have even destroyed some Austin apartments in the city limits. Take safety precautions and make sure that the area around your apartment living quarters are safe from harm’s way this holiday. Have fun and a Happy 4th from the ApartmentLife blog!

Spring and summer months often bring about thoughts of sunshine, recreation and barbecues. However, if you happen to reside in an area of frequent tornado activity, ominous skies and thunderstorms can spawn dangerous funneling columns of wind, sometimes without warning. This 2011 tornado season has been no exception, with some of the most violent instances of tornado activity in recorded history.  Regardless of where you live, including in apartments, these tornado safety tips for apartments can help you prepare for a worst-case scenario.

If your apartment is located in an area with a history of tornado activity, your first step should be to ask your property manager if there are any storm shelters in your complex or building and how the community will warn residents about the danger. Municipal authorities have different methods for alerting the public to impending danger; therefore, you should ask how residents in your area are alerted.

Set up or purchase a portable disaster supply kit, including a battery-powered radio and flashlight, and don’t forget to include extra batteries. A first aid kit and manual, waterproof matches, water and a supply of non-perishable food items are essential supplies. Extra prescription medications, cash, signal flares and clothing are also some items that can help you and your family survive the immediate aftermath of a tornado. Keep your kit handy, and make sure any roommates, family or even guests know where to find it.

If your apartment building is in the path of a tornado, move to the lowest and most centered area of the building you can and stay as far as possible from any windows and in an interior room such as a closet, bathroom or interior hallway. However, do not try to open or close windows; it is a myth that closed windows cause internal pressurization so high that a building can explode. It is vitally important to protect yourself from flying debris and falling objects by staying in a crouched position, low to the ground and covering your head with your hands. You can further shield yourself from harm by hiding beneath sturdy furniture such as a table and using mattresses, sleeping bags or blankets.

Apartment living, even in areas with a history of tornado activity, is an enjoyable experience. Being prepared and having a plan in the unlikely event of a disaster will arm you with the knowledge of what to do should a tornado strike where you live.

One of the most fun aspects of life in apartments is coming up with creative solutions to some of the challenges that sharing walls presents. This week, we’ll share some tips for how to host a balcony BBQ with roommates, neighbors, friends or on your own! Just because you don’t exactly have a backyard doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself and guests to the joys of BBQ on a brisk night. Experience the fresh outdoors while preparing a warm and fulfilling meal before the weather gets too harsh. It’s not too late to invest in an apartment grill that will suit the size constraints of your balcony space.

Before you get started, definitely make sure your property management does not forbid this kind of activity. Different properties will have their own sets of rules, so consult yours before proceeding. At some apartments, a balcony BBQ is not allowed for safety reasons, as it may put neighbors at risk of fire if you are careless with the operation of your apartment grill. If you do get permission to proceed with the event, remember to keep safety first. An apartment grill can get just as hot as full-sized models, and you’ll need to stay attentive to contain the flames.

When you shop to find an apartment grill, it is recommended to look at gas grills. The flames from gas grills are easier to contain than those from a charcoal grill. Therefore, they make sense for use in small spaces like balconies of apartments. There will be less smoke and faster cooking due to the higher temperatures they produce. These models come in many sizes to accommodate the area of your balcony BBQ. While you’re shopping, pick up a grilling storage bin so you’ll have a neat place to stow and organize supplies during and after use.

During the cookout, locate your grill away from the balcony door, so there is ease of access to and from the balcony for guests. Keep a small table nearby so you have a place to set utensils, sauces, plates and cooked meat. You’re ready to prepare a tasty and fun meal!

Still looking for that perfect balcony to grill on? ApartmentSearch.com is the destination for locating apartments in cities nationwide, including Dallas apartments, Phoenix apartments, Austin apartments, Seattle apartments and many more.

Secure Your Apartment

We’d like to offer up some security tips for apartments as a follow-up to our recent article on apartment break-ins and our archive article on renting a safe apartment. A break-in can happen to anybody, but taking measures to stay safe and secure is a great way to reduce the chances.

FBI statistics say that a burglary in the U.S. happens once every 15.4 seconds. Unlike a robbery, a burglary is theft that happens without confrontation, usually when the victim is not home. Burglaries usually take place in the daytime when most apartment residents are at work or school. Apartment security experts say that the riskiest months for burglary of apartments are July and August; February generally finds apartment thieves idle and trying to stay warm. Your typical apartment thief is under 25 and looking for valuable targets of opportunity like cash, jewelry, laptops, and electronics. About 70% of these apartment security violations involve the use of force at a weak point to gain entry, often with simple household tools like hammers, screwdrivers or pry bars.

What Does an Apartment Security Risk Look Like?

Apartment burglars seek the following:

• empty apartments
• easy access
• lots of cover
• good escape routes

Does this sound like your apartment?

Up Your Apartment’s Security

As a tenant, you actually have a fair amount of influence on your apartment’s level of security.  In many states, you can request deadbolts, peepholes, security chains, and other security devices from your apartment’s landlord for a small charge. You should be aware of security risks like burned-out lightbulbs, overgrown shrubbery, and doors left propped open by lazy neighbors.

Apartment security experts also recommend:

• Deadbolt your apartment’s door when you get home. Never leave an apartment’s door unlocked for friends or roommates.
• Remember to lock your apartment’s windows when they’re closed, and use security latches when they are open. These latches should prevent windows from being opened more than six inches.
• Can your front door stand up to a strong kick? Inspect the doorjamb and strike plate. If they are weak or built from subpar materials, ask your landlord to replace the wood and secure the door with three-inch wood screws that attach to the door frame stud.
• Never put your unit number on your keys or keychain.
• If you think it is appropriate, ask your landlord to rekey your apartment to prevent access by the apartment’s previous tenants.
• Sliding doors are notoriously easy to compromise. Test your doors’ locks, always keep them locked, and use a stick in the sliding track to prevent it from being forced. Old sliding doors can often be jiggled right off the track and out of the frame.
• Close your apartment’s blinds, especially if you’re on vacation.
• Use your peephole to make sure you know your visitors.

Remember, to reduce your apartment security risk, you don’t have to turn your place into Fort Knox. You simply have to show a potential apartment thief that your unit is better-protected than the place down the street.

And if you’re looking for a new place, ApartmentSearch.com is the best place to find an apartment for rent. Whether you’re searching for Dallas apartments, Seattle apartments or Phoenix apartments, our free search makes it easier to find what you’re looking for. And if you find an apartment with our site, you can also claim up to $200 in renter rewards!

Has Your Apartment Been Broken Into?

Someone broke into your apartment. Now what?

An apartment break-in is something that we hope never happens to you, but if it ever does, here’s what to do about it…!

Simple Steps to Recovering from a Break-In

1. If you suspect that the burglar might still be in your apartment after a break-in, call 911 immediately. Don’t go room to room looking for the thief, no matter how prepared you think you may be.
2. If it’s clear that the thief is gone, call your local police’s non-emergency number and report the break-in. Don’t clean or tidy until the police arrive. If you have pets, make sure they are safe.
3. If you notice anything in your apartment that might help the police, make sure to tell them about it when they arrive. Helpful break-in information would be possible entry and exit methods, anything the thieves might have left fingerprints on and anything they might have left behind.
4. Stay calm. Panicking will only make your break-in recovery harder and more exhausting. Think of it like any other apartment disaster, like a fire or a flood.
5. Immediately contact your neighbors to find out if they observed anything untoward when the thieves broke in to the apartment. If they did, make sure the officer handling your case knows about it.
6. Report the break-in to your apartment manager and discuss a strategy about better apartment security. Talk to your neighbors about improving apartment security and break-in awareness.
7. If you want to make a claim, call your renters insurance agent about the break-in. They will probably ask you for detailed information about what was taken.
8. “Break-in proof” your apartment so that the thieves can’t come back. Hide your valuables and make it hard for anyone but you to gain access to your apartment.

Of course, we recommend that you do everything you can to rent a safe apartment as well. Be safe and be well!

If you’re looking for a new place to live, we invite you to try our free search tools to find an apartment for rent. We have listings for gorgeous Austin apartments, Minneapolis apartments, Chicago apartments, and more! And if you find a new apartment using our tools, you can earn up to $200 in apartment rewards.

Earthquakes have the potential to do a lot of damage — and they’re very frightening to experience. We’ve been talking a lot here recently about Apartment Disaster Preparedness, and if you live in a place that’s prone to earthquakes, you should definitely take the time to make sure you and your apartment are prepared. Having a plan and knowing what to do to stay safe can really help you should you ever — and we sure hope you don’t — experience an earthquake.

Get Renters Insurance

There’s a reason so many people stress the importance of buying renters insurance: When you need it, you’ll be so glad you have it. We’ve talked about renters insurance here before, and we’ll say it again: it’s something you should really have if you’re renting an apartment. While your landlord most likely has insurance, your possessions will not be covered should a disaster happen.

Be Prepared

Take time to prepare for an earthquake so you’ll know what to do if one ever happens. Here are some of the things FEMA recommends doing to protect your family, yourself and your property (to see the full list, visit their website):

• Use lower shelves to store large or heavy things, and fasten shelves, mirrors and large picture frames to your walls
• Use low shelves to store bottled foods, china, glass and other breakables. You could also store these things in cabinets that fasten shut
• Know where the safe spots are in your apartment: under a sturdy table, against an inside wall
• Hold earthquake drills

During an Earthquake

Part of being prepared is knowing what to do during an actual earthquake. Stay calm and stay safe. If you’re indoors, FEMA recommends that you “drop, cover and hold on.” Drop to the ground, take cover (get under a sturdy table or sturdy piece of furniture) and hold on until the shaking subsides. If you are unable to find a sturdy piece of furniture, crouch in an inside corner of the building and use your arms to cover your face and head. You should stay away from windows, glass, outside doors, outside walls and anything that could fall. Remember not to use elevators and stay inside until the shaking stops.

If you’re in bed when an earthquake happens, FEMA advises to stay there and cover your head with a pillow — but if there’s something like a light fixture that could fall on you, move to the closest safe place.

Just a reminder: If you’re looking for a new home, ApartmentSearch.com has great tools to help you search for apartments.