Poplar Ridge Apartments

There are over 43 million rental properties in the United States alone, and it is easy to see why renters love apartments: convenience, community events, no lawn care, and more.

One thing to remember though…You will have neighbors! The sense of community is one of the pros of renting, you just need to remember how to manage quiet times! Don’t worry though, we will show you how with these simple tips.

Let’s take a look!

1. Determine the Validity

Before you get worked up and file a complaint you should ask yourself if your complaint is truly valid. You have the right to what is called quiet enjoyment. This means that you and everyone in your apartment community are entitled to live comfortably without repeated disturbances.

When you ask yourself if your frustration is legitimate consider things such as the following:

• Is this normal noise such as opening a door or keys jingling or is this excessive
• Has this happened on multiple occasions or is this a single event

These questions can help you decide whether or not to file a complaint. The apartment complex will generally enforce quiet enjoyment by stating quiet hours for the community such as quiet time between 7 p.m-7 a.m. so if noise is excessive during that time it could be cause for a complaint.

2. Document the Noise

Noises like children stomping around or slamming doors can be frustrating, however, a simple conversation with your neighbors could help bring awareness to the noise. With that being said, there are some noise-related situations that you might not want to approach.

If you hear your neighbors being excessively loud regularly you should keep track of when it is happening. For example, you could write down something like this:

• Yelling and arguing on Saturday the 3rd between 1:30 a.m to 2:45 p.m
• Blaring music on Thursday the 10th between 10 p.m and 12:30 a.m

Keeping documents of the disturbances will help your landlord or property manager access the situation appropriately. If the noise is happening repeatedly in a short amount of time you should notify the property manager as soon as possible.

3. Consider Soundproofing

When you are living in an apartment there is going to be the occasional sounds of noise from the neighbors. With that being said, there are ways that you can be proactive in managing noise with your neighbor.

To absorb some of the noise hang some wall decorations or tapestries on your wall leading to your neighbor’s apartment. You’ll get a beautiful apartment and you’ll help quiet some of the excess noise.

Another option is a white noise machine. These machines cancel outside noise to create a more peaceful environment. At nighttime, you might consider earplugs while you sleep to prevent being woken up by a noisy neighbor.

Noisy Apartment Neighbors

At the end of the day, the pros of apartment living outweigh the cons! Managing your noisy apartment neighbors doesn’t have to be challenging.

If you are looking for the apartment of your dreams we can help you find it! Our trained staff is ready and waiting to help you discover our community. Visit us today to learn more!

Creating a pet-friendly environment in your home means making comfortable bedding, food, and toys accessible to your furry friends. But it also means knowing which harmful items to keep away from your animals.

Whether you share your home with a cat or a dog – or both – certain plants and essential oils are a big no-no for any pet-friendly apartment. The same goes for various food items that can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Which can happen all too easily if you leave them laying around your home. 

But what are some of the most dangerous foods for your pets? Let’s take a look. 

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to both dogs and cats. These substances can cause vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, and even death. 

If you’d like to give your pet a chocolatey treat, you can find special chocolate for dogs and cats in the pet care department of most grocery stores. 

2. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins might be nature’s candy to us but they’re toxic for pets. In some smaller dog breeds, even a single grape can be enough to cause kidney failure.

With this in mind, even leaving grapes out in a fruit bowl could be risky. If your pet accidentally eats a grape or two, contact your vet straight away and watch out for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and lethargy. 

3. Alcohol

Preparing your home for the holidays or an upcoming event can often mean stocking up on tasty treats and alcoholic beverages.

But smart apartment organization is key when you have a curious cat or a playful pup living among all these extra supplies. Not least because alcohol is extremely toxic to animals. Drinks and foods containing any kind of alcohol can cause serious problems in pets, including breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and death. 

4. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, clementines, and grapefruits contain citric acid and oils that are problematic for pets. It’s not only the fruit itself that’s dangerous either – the stems, leaves, peel, and seeds can all harm your animals too. Small amounts will likely only lead to an upset stomach but larger amounts can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and central nervous system damage.

5. Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions, as well as leeks and chives, all belong to the genus Allium, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Whether raw, in powdered form, or cooked, these pungent veggies need to be far away from your pets at all times. If they consume any of them, dogs and cats can experience ruptured red blood cells and damage to their internal organs.  

Creating a Pet-Friendly Apartment

As this list shows, creating an organized, clean space for you and your animals to live in is key to creating a pet-friendly environment. 

While it might be difficult to remember to keep these dangerous foods and other toxic items on high shelves, behind closed doors, and hidden away in cupboards, it’s the easiest way to ensure that your beloved pets don’t eat something they shouldn’t. 

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Moving into your new apartment as a first-time renter can be a pretty exciting milestone, especially if you are a new graduate or moving out of your family home. Renting your own accommodation comes with a range of great benefits: freedom, flexibility, quality, location, and affordability, to name but a few.

To ensure that you are making the most of your first apartment, there are a few aspects that you need to consider. Would you like to find out what the top four renting essentials are for a first-time renter like yourself? Then, keep reading!

1. Know Your Rights

Let’s begin with some pretty important stuff: your rights as a tenant. Why? Because you never really know what type of landlord you will be dealing with, and you want to make sure that you know exactly how to protect yourself if something dodgy happens.

So, look up the local laws of your state by searching for the Tenant Landlord Handbook. This will give you a lot of great information on a number of aspects such as security deposits, vacancy notices, and more.

2. Stock up on Cleaning Supplies

Right, now you’ve finally moved into your apartment, what next? A good idea is to give the place an overall clean. It doesn’t have to be super-thorough (the rental office will have already arranged for professional cleaning) but a good wipe to areas such as bathrooms and kitchen counters won’t hurt.

Go get some cleaning supplies, washcloths, sponges, and antibacterial sprays and wipes, and set aside a couple of hours to get your place as clean and neat as you’d like it to be. Don’t forget to play some uplifting music, too, to give you a much-needed energy and motivation boost!

3. Work Out What Items of Furniture You Need

Ready to make your apartment feel more like home? Add furniture to make your little nest even more homely and yours. Make a plan on what pieces of furniture you need and take measurements so you know what will fit in your space (and through the front door!).

Next, define your style. Fort Wayne furniture store, Rainbow Furniture, suggests taking an online quiz to learn what your interior design style is before furniture shopping. 

Then, once you have the results, do a little online searching for design ideas for your style and head out to the furniture stores to start browsing for pieces that will fit your style and apartment. 

Furniture you need for your apartment:

• sofa or pullout bed
• accent chair or recliner for guest seating
• sofa tables and if there’s space, a coffee table 
• storage pieces such as storage ottomans or cases
• bedroom furniture 
• a small dining room table and chairs

4. And Now… Food

After all that reading, cleaning, and shopping, you are probably starving! This is why your new apartment must not lack having some great food and snacks always at hand. Shop around your neighborhood to support local businesses and food retailers, and discover any hidden gems that will definitely come in handy in the future.

And now, finally, you can lounge on the sofa of your beautiful new apartment with a nice drink and a hearty meal. Cheers to that! 

First-Time Renter? Enjoy Your New Apartment With Our Expert Tips

If you are a first-time renter, there is plenty that you can do to make the most of your new rented accommodation. Simply follow our advice, and you’ll feel at home in no time!

Do you happen to be relocating to Fort Wayne? If so, check out our fantastic selection of apartments for rent in the area. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you find the most suitable accommodation for you!

Spring is the season of warm breezy weather when everything is blooming and waking up from a long winter slumber. It’s also the time for a spring apartment cleaning and bringing in some fresh decor to liven things up.

For instance, a bunch of colorful flowers will do wonders for the energy in your apartment and add a pop of color to brighten your day.

Keep reading to discover the best ways to get your apartment ready for spring and transform your living space to match the season. 

Play With Some Fun Spring Home Decor

One of the easiest ways to add spring vibes to apartment living is to play with some fun home decor. For example, pastel colors in your throw cushions or furniture fabrics will freshen up the space and give it personality.

You can also hang spring-themed wall art, light up spring-scented candles, and get new light-colored carpets or rugs.

Add Flowers to Every Room

Flowers and greenery are the hallmark of spring and will make any room come to life. In the living room/lounge area, add a bunch of vibrant flowers like hydrangeas, daffodils, willows, tulips, mixed with branches of greenery.

You can place them on your windowsills, your coffee table, the dining table, or your vanity in the bedroom.

Get New Patio Furniture

If your patio is bare after a long winter, it’s time for some brand new patio furniture. You can entertain guests or use your patio as a lounge area for reading books or sipping cocktails on warm spring nights.

Don’t forget to get a patio rug along with a couple of solar lights to give the space a relaxing vibe.

Install an Electric Grill on the Patio

If you want to use your patio as an entertainment area, electric grills will fit in perfectly. They’re eco-friendly, easy to use, and you can also use them indoors all year round.

If you have a smaller patio, get a tabletop electric grill that you can unpack only when you need it. If you have more space, a top-of-the-range electric grill will cook you the most unforgettable burgers.  

Spring-Clean Your Apartment

There’s nothing like a good apartment spring cleaning to get your home ready for the season. This means getting to every nook and cranny, removing the old stuff, putting away winter clothes, and making space for the new.

From washing your windows and patio to painting your walls and disinfecting the entire apartment, a good spring clean will make your apartment look brand new.

Get Your Home Ready For Spring With These Simple Tweaks

With the warm weather in full swing, it’s time to get your apartment ready for spring. Whether you want to add fresh blooms to every room or get your patio ready for balmy nights, these spring tweaks will give your apartment a breath of fresh air.

Ready to achieve all your 2021 apartment goals? This article will help you set apartment resolutions and make your apartment the most beautiful place to live in.

If you’re looking for a place to live, you probably know how hot the housing market is across the US. Even if you wanted to buy a house, you’re probably not going to be able to find one. However, renting offers you flexibility and independence that you may not have when you own a home. 

Someone else handles the repairs and upkeep, you don’t have to commit to a place for longer than one year in most cases, and you can downsize if you don’t need a large home anymore. If you’re ready to start apartment hunting in Ft. Wayne, you’re in the right place. Read on for what you should be looking for. 

Your Budget

Obviously, you need to find a place that fits within your monthly housing budget but you should also consider the initial move-in costs that you must pay. Many apartments will require you to pay your first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and security deposit (often equal to one month’s rent) upfront. 

It could cost you a few thousand dollars just to get into the apartment. Make sure you have the money to be able to cover these expenses. The nice thing is that you’ll eventually get your security deposit back (if you leave the apartment in good condition) and you won’t have to worry about paying rent that last month before you move out. 

Pet Policies

Most apartments don’t restrict pets like fish, reptiles, or those that live in cages (like hamsters or guinea pigs) but may have restrictions when it comes to cats and dogs. If you have a pet, be sure that they fit into the requirements, as there might be restrictions on the number of dogs or cats and the size (no dogs over 20lbs, for example, might be a requirement). 

Parking and Maintenance

Depending on the location of your apartment, parking may not be included, especially if you have to park on the street. Ask your landlord about parking availability, cost, and whether your spot is assigned to you. If you plan to have guests, you’ll also want to know where they can park. 

Landlords are typically responsible for maintenance in and around your apartment. Ask how you put in a maintenance request, how long it takes for them to fix things, and is there anything that you are responsible for. 

Amenities 

If apartment amenities are important to you, look for a place that includes some extras, such as a pool, gym, dog park, balcony or patio, or extra storage space in the basement. Consider the cost of the apartment and the amenities when you are comparing them. While one apartment may be a bit more expensive than another, if it offers many amenities, it might be worth that extra cost. 

Start Apartment Hunting Today

Whether you’re downsizing, moving to Ft. Wayne for the first time, or just ready to move to a new place, use our tips for apartment hunting and find your next home today. Renting is a smart choice if you want the flexibility to come and go as you please without worrying about taking care of a home. 

Contact us today at Poplar Ridge Apartments to see what we have to offer you. We have studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments and plenty of amenities. 

Feeling cramped or disorganized? When living in a small apartment, it’s important to know how to use your area to your advantage. If you need some tips for storage and organization, keep reading for some clever apartment storage hacks that you may not have thought about.

Utilize Your Wall Space 

If you are not utilizing your wall space, you’re missing out on a lot of storage possibilities. Your walls, especially at the top, go unused by many renters. Use this space to hang clothes, shoes, accessories, kitchen supplies, and more.

Instead of using floor or desk lamps, use wall-mounted LED lamps; therefore, you can free up space on the ground and your desk. You can use adhesive strips and utility hooks to hang items without causing damage to the walls. 

Hanging organizers, the ones typically used in closets or the backs of doors, can also be repurposed for additional room for storage. Just be sure to talk to your leasing office before hanging anything to make sure you don’t violate your lease agreement.

Upgrade Your Furniture 

Innovations in interior design and home furnishings are always evolving and a modern trend is convertible furniture. Upgrade your furniture and optimize your space with these convertible furnishings.

This Haskall Breakfast Bar table features a high-top table and stool which hang on brackets underneath for easy and convenient storage. The table itself is minimalistic and easy to move to the side.

Now, let’s move on to the living room. This Naya Pop-Up Coffee Table is a perfect addition. The top lifts to give you ample storage room.

Living in small apartments usually means you need to compromise on certain features, like an office. However, with this Fold-Out Convertible Wall Mount Desk, you can have a desk that doubles as a mirror when it’s not in use. 

Storage ottomans are a great way to add extra storage space too!

These aren’t your only options. Many renters have come up with creative ways of using their furniture as storage or downgrading it to small pieces. Be creative with your space and utilize all the empty space you can. 

Do It Yourself 

Are you a DIYer?  It’s a great activity to pursue while staying indoors due to COVID-19. Try these projects to modify your furniture to repurpose it or add more room.

Trash cans are bulky, awkward, and unsightly. Use a cabinet to hide your trash can. If you have room, dedicate one side to the garbage and the other to recycling. 

Pantry space is precious and often limited. Use a lazy susan turntable in your pantry so you can put away more and still see and access everything. Keep one on your counter for spices and utensils. 

Hang a pegboard in your closet for additional space for clothes, jewelry, or items you can’t put anywhere else. You can also use a pegboard in a room like a bathroom to organize your toiletries. Check out these ideas for more ways to use pegboards for apartment storage. 

Clever Apartment Storage Hacks You Haven’t Thought Of

You can never have enough storage room in your apartment. You can utilize your wall space in any room of your home to optimize your area. Get creative and use adhesive strips or hooks to keep items off the floor.

Similarly, you can upgrade your apartment storage with convertible furniture. They are two-in-one pieces that help you utilize all of the space you can. Lastly, if you’re feeling creative, try some DIY projects.

Something as simple as modifying a cabinet to fit a garbage bin or hanging pegboard could make a substantial difference. 

If you liked these tips and want to learn more, check out our blog.