Gather Your Supplies

Keep your cleaning supplies to the essentials to save on storage space and expense. You’ll need a multi-surface cleaning spray, paper towels, glass cleaner, a duster, a garbage bag, a sponge, a vacuum, and a Swiffer.

Start in the Living Room

Place any items that go in a different room in a container or bag. Brush the couch cushions to get rid of food, dust, and pet hair. Clean out behind the cushions and fluff the cushions. Clear off the coffee table and throw unneeded items into the garbage bag. Dust the coffee table. (Follow the same procedure for end tables.) Run the vacuum cleaner quickly; you don’t have to move the furniture every time.

Bedroom

Put your dirty clothes in the hamper. Sort them when you do laundry. Fold and put away clean clothes. Gather up all the trash and put it in the garbage bag. Make the bed for an instantly cleaner look. Tidy surfaces, such as your desk, shelves, and nightstand. You don’t need to sort through everything, but place any unwanted items in a bin to go through later. Run the vacuum quickly through your space.

Bathroom

Place dirty clothes and towels in the hamper. Next, wipe down the counters and tub with a disinfectant spray. The hardest job, that’s also the most important one, is cleaning the toilet—this is one of the areas guests view most critically, so scrub down the inside of the bowl. Cleaning the mirror is a cinch with paper towels and glass cleaner. Sweep and mop the floor for a fresh look guests will notice.

Kitchen

First, put misplaced items in the bin to be put away later. Clear the countertops and cupboards of dirty dishes or trash. Load the dishwasher or hand-wash if there are just a few items. Wipe out the empty sink and polish the countertops and appliances with the appropriate products. Swiffer the floor for fast cleanup and take out the trash.

The last step is returning items you gathered in the bin to their proper places. If you stay focused and don’t get bogged down in any room, you may even have time to do the laundry. Now, you have a beautiful apartment that you can enjoy whenever guests show up as well as a stress-free maintenance routine.

If you are curious about our available Flagstaff apartments, give a call today!

The post How to Clean Your Apartment Efficiently and Quickly appeared first on Pine View Village Apartments Blog.

Organizing and Storage Tips 

Invest in Double-Duty Furniture

Some furniture items can be used for multiple purposes, including storage. Look for an ottoman that doubles as a storage chest, or consider getting a bed with pull-out drawers underneath for bedding or clothing. These pieces of furniture provide you with inconspicuous, out-of-the-way places to organize and store items in your home. 

Put Empty Boxes to Use

Empty shoeboxes, wine boxes and other smaller boxes offer great ways to keep items in your closet, dresser drawers or kitchen drawers organized. Place the items you want to organize in these boxes, then arrange the boxes inside these areas of your home. The boxes keep items from becoming jumbled together and creating a mess.

Use the Backs of Doors

Place over-the-door organizers on closet, bedroom and bathroom doors to make use of these potential storage areas. You can hang towels, scarves, belts and other items on these organizers without having them take up much space at all in your home. This is an ideal option if you aren’t able to put holes in your walls and doors in order to install hooks. 

Organize Vertically

Instead of getting a long, low bookcase, get a tall, narrow one for organizing books, knick knacks and other items. Taller bookcases take up less wall space while still offering plenty of shelf space for storage. For items that aren’t easy to stack, get decorative open baskets to keep on your bookcase shelves.  

Our community offers large executive studio apartments or 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom rent-by-room apartments for off-campus housing near Northern Arizona University. Contact us for more information on our apartments in Flagstaff, Arizona.

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You can’t spell “HOME” without “om,” a unique meditative phrase sometimes interpreted as “that with which one is liberated.” If nothing else, we hope your apartment home is a place where you feel free to be you … or, even more simply, a sanctuary where you feel free, period. Here are five ways to create the sanctuary of “om” in your own apartment home!

1. Clear your mind

… And your space. Clutter is a huge energy suck in your home. We all know the familiar impulse to hold on to things because we might need them someday, we’ll convinced they’ll increase in value, they have sentimental value, or the dreaded “just in case.” But consider how much space those “just in case” items are taking up … and how stressed your clutter can make you on a daily basis! Take time today to clear away clutter, especially from desktop surfaces and your major relaxation spaces. Consider donating or regifting the items you no longer need; not only will you decrease stress, but the act of giving things away is an instant mood enhancer!

2. Create your zone

Find a space that you can make your own private refuge. Whether it’s a special spot on the couch, your bed, your favorite spot to sip your morning coffee, or the bathtub, we all need a place in our home that is private and personalized. Find a way to define that personal space, be it with an item (a guitar, a special chair, a beautiful rug, etc.) or an extra touch of coziness (extra pillows, bath salts, a scented candle, etc.). Find ways to make that area distinctly yours, even if you can’t create physical separation from the rest of your apartment. Consider the impact of draping your favorite blanket over your favorite chair in your favorite reading nook … that spot is yours, and no one else’s, even if it’s smack dab in the middle of your living room!

3. Here comes the sun

“Let the sun shine … Let the sunshine in!” Natural sunlight boosts your mood and health, and can totally change the feel of a room. Whenever you can, let in as much sunlight as possible. Consider natural daylight bulbs if your apartment doesn’t naturally face direct sunlight during the day. Crack open a window and let in the fresh air … soak it in!

4. Color your calm

Add pops of your favorite colors to every room. Pick a color theme that creates the mood you want in each space of your apartment. Even if you’re in a studio, you can create distinct mood places through color: deeper shades wherever your bed is, brighter colors in the living room, softer hues for a spa-experience in the bathroom, etc. Greens are serene. Blue is restful. According to Feng Shui, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster, so consider this year’s “lucky” colors: yellow, brown, gold, silver, and white!

5. Sent-sational

Have you ever heard of signature scents? Many hotels feature specially crafted scents as you enter the lobby or your room to create an instant sense of place. You can bring this same sense to your own space by identifying, claiming, or creating your own signature scent. Flagstaff is known for smelling of vanilla, so if you love nature consider scenting your apartment with vanilla, evergreen, and cinnamon. The main scent “categories” are: musk, smoky, citrus, woody, green, floral, aquatic, and incense (spicy and sweet). Consider your favorite scents of cologne/perfume, shampoo, lotion, or even your favorite coffee shop or hangout. Find ways to bring those scents home.

Remember, it’s the things that make your space personal, peaceful, and private that make it your own sanctuary. When it comes to making your home into a haven, do what feels right to you! With the tips above, and your own personal touches, you’ll be saying “om” to your home in no time!

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1. Tank You Very Much: Pair a tank with a pair of jeans, a jacket, under a semi-see-through shirt, etc. No closet is complete without at least one black, white, and gray tank!

2. You’re Beau-Tee-Ful: A simple t-shirt is probably the most versatile piece you can have in your wardrobe. Find your perfect neck—whether V-neck, scoop, or crew—and have a selection of a few solid or simply-designed (think stripes, polka dots, etc.) tees ready to go! We recommend at least one black, one white, and one blue t-shirt to get started.

3. Button Down the Hatches: Another versatile option, make sure you go with colors and patterns that blend well when layered or on their own. A button down shirt or blouse looks great with a suit, casual slacks, or paired with jeans!

4. Cardi, Yo: A nice solid cardigan (go for black, tan/cream, or white if you’re daring) pairs just as well as a button down shirt. It’s nice for layering for a winter day, autumn walk, spring outing, or summer night!

5. A Blaze(r) of Glory: A blazer instantly makes any outfit look put together. Again, go with simple colors (blue, black, tan) … but don’t forget the more fun colors to give your outfit some sizzle!

6. Be a Slack-er: Finding the perfect pair of dress or casual slacks isn’t always easy. You have to make sure you find the right length and fit to make sure your comfortable and stylish all day long. No wardrobe is complete without at least one black, one khaki/tan, and one blue pair of well-fitted slacks.

7. It’s All in the Jeans: For a night out of a slick smart casual look, you’ve got to have the perfect pair of jeans. Avoid too many colored jeans; stick with the tried and true blue. At least one good pair of boot-cut and one straight-legged pair should do you to start.

8. Sweater Weather: Aim for lightweight sweaters … These are perfect for layering over a shirt and under a coat in winter. They’re also great alternatives to jackets for a chilly summer night. Remember, find the neckline that works for you, and have a few options both plain and patterned that work with as many looks as possible!

9. If the Shoe Fits: You’ve got to wear ‘em, so make sure you wear ‘em well! Shoes can make or break your outfit. You’ll want at least one pair of sneakers, one pair of dress shoes, one pair of sandals, and probably one pair of boots. And don’t feel like you have to restrict yourself to solid designs … a nice patterned pair of dress shoes can add a little flash to an otherwise plain outfit!

10. Eye on the Prize? Accessorize!: With what you’ll save on clothes with a capsule wardrobe, you can usually afford to go all out on accessories. Fellas, snag a nice selection of solid and patterned ties. Ladies, look at a nice selection of necklaces and jewelry. Scarves are a great way to dress up an otherwise simple outfit, as are purses, glasses, watches, hats, pins, etc.

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Glass cleaner

Use 1 part of water, mixed with equal parts vinegar. The solution makes for a pungeant smell, but once you keep the area ventilated, the smell goes away quickly. Always ensure that you use this solution with newspaper instead of cloth while wiping the glass surface. It gives you a better effect.

Disinfectant

In case you are injured with scratches, bruises or minor cuts, it is always good to ensure that the wound is thoroughly cleaned right after the injury. It is done to ensure that there aren’t any settlement of germs which could make it sceptic. Mix one part of alcohol with the same amount of water and gently clean the wound. You have to ensure that you need to undergo a few rounds of cleaning with the last round at at least 75 percent alcohol and 25 percent water.

General cleaning

For the general type of cleaning, mix one tablespoon of dish-washing liquid to a bottle of water and you can use it as general disinfectant.

Degreaser 

For fighting those tough grease stains you could mix the same quantity of dish washing liquid and water. This would make a great combination for grimy areas in kitchens and bathrooms.

Stain Remover

When it comes to really tough stains, mix two parts of hydrogen peroxide and one part of dish washing liquid. It is best to place this is a spray container so you could lightly apply to the stained area.

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DIY Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is easily one of the most costly cleaning products that one can purchase. By mixing a few simple ingredients, you can save on your laundry bill and keep your clothes clean and fresh. Simply grate a bar of soap (such as Ivory, Dr. Bronner's, Fels-Naptha or ZOTE) and mix the grated soap with 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of washing soda. Stir the mixture together and use just a tablespoon of soap with each load of laundry you wash. One batch will last a long time, and it costs around $5 to make.

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Everybody needs an all-purpose cleaner that's inexpensive, good for the environment and effective. A good all-purpose cleaner is your go-to product for countertops, tables, the refrigerator and the bathroom. To quickly whip up a versatile cleaner that is capable of killing germs and making your house smell great all at the same time, simple pour the following ingredients into a dark glass spray bottle and shake well:

• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons of castile soap
• 20 drops of essential oil

Voila!

DIY Window Cleaner

When those mirrors and windows are ready for a good cleaning, simply fill the sink with hot water and a small shot of Dawn dish soap. Use a soft washcloth to clean the windows and a paper towel to dry for a streak-free shine!

DIY Shower Spray

To prevent the buildup of mold and mildew in your shower, fill an empty spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 2 cups of water and 15 drops of tea tree oil. Spray daily, after using the shower, to keep your shower sparkling.

With these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your apartment clean, without breaking the bank or exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. To find the layout and amenities you're looking for in Flagstaff, visit us online today!

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1. Make It A Challenge. Set a timer, and tell yourself you HAVE to get that corner of the room cleaned before time runs out. Or, imagine that there’s someone on the other side of your bedroom wall also cleaning their room, and it’s your challenge to beat them. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a limited amount of time. Try typing your time limit into Google (i.e. “10 minute timer”) to pull up an automatic timer that will sound when time runs out! Or, create a 10-30 minute playlist and challenge yourself to finish cleaning before the end of the final song.

2. Make It A Party.  Speaking of music, there’s no rule that says you can’t dance your way through cleaning! Create a cleaning playlist full of songs that inspire you or make you happy, and start cleaning! The Seven Dwarves whistle while they work, so you can totally wobble while you wash. Just keep your dance moves a little tamer during tasks like dusting!

3. Make It Multiply. No, we don’t mean add more cleaning tasks to your checklist! We’re talking about making cleaning less of a chore by cleaning while you do something else you enjoy. It’s easy to enjoy a glass of wine while you wash the dishes. Chat on the phone with your best friend while you fold your laundry. Watch a movie while you dust and sweep. Put knick-knacks away during commercial breaks. Listen to a book on tape. Study for that upcoming exam. Knock the boredom out of cleaning!

4. Make It Worthwhile. Nothing makes cleaning more pleasant than knowing you get a prize at the end of your labors! Set a cleaning goal, and make sure it includes a reward for seeing it through. Whether it’s a luxurious bath, an extra dessert, a shopping trip, or even money (yes, you CAN pay yourself), keep your eyes on the prize while you clean to make it feel more like a treat than a tribulation!

5. Make It Disappear. While we’re not exactly talking about shoving things into drawers, don’t forget to take advantage of cabinet and drawer space for knick-knacks and other items that might not have a place. At the same time … if you can’t think of the right place for something, it might be that it doesn’t belong in your apartment at all. That goes for everything from décor to that extra pair of boots. Remember, the less you have, the less you have to clean! We know it’s hard to whittle down on stuff—even the mention of throwing out shoes made us wince—but you’ll be glad you did when it takes you 10 minutes to clean instead of 20 hours!

(Pro Tip: Want an easy way to declutter before you clean? Buy yourself a large storage box and just dump everything in there! Don’t worry about being neat and tidy … just get it in the box. This makes it so much easier to get the basics taken care of… We’re talking about making the bed, sweeping the floors, dusting, doing the dishes, etc. Once those things are taken care of, and everything looks nice and tidy, start going through the box; put things back where they belong, and leave things with no place in the box to donate or toss later!)
 

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