Tag: cleaning tips

Organizing and Cleaning Your Apartment Tips and Tricks

Apartment Cleaning Tips

Spring is just around the corner, and for many, that means Spring Break!  Before you hit the road, consider taking a little time to do some Spring Cleaning.  Messy apartments are just small messes that accumulate over time. Deal with messes as they’re made and cleaning will be easier in the long run. Consider these helpful tips to keep things looking great throughout the year.

Keep A Cleaning Schedule

You may have seen this tip in our Roommate Etiquette 101 post but it’s so useful we’re going to mention it again! Keeping a cleaning schedule not only ensures that your living space will look fantastic but also clears up any ambiguity of who cleans what. Too much time is wasted bickering over which mess is whose responsibility.

Wipe Down Your Counters

Wipe down your countertop surfaces every other day to ensure that any spills and residue are removed and that germs are disinfected.

Mop Your Floor

Now that you’re done wiping down the counters pass the mop on the floor to clean up any dirt that may have fallen below.

Clean Out The Fridge

It’s hard to look towards the future when you’re bringing along the expired foods of 2015. Give the fridge a good wipe down and toss out any food that’s gone bad.

Organize Your Bathroom Cabinets

Do you open your bathroom cabinets only to find shampoo and conditioner bottles collapsed on each other? How about snaking cords from dryers and razors? Try grouping your products by use (shampoos, conditioners, gels…) at least once a week. You’ll see how much easier it is to get ready in the morning.

Clean Your Toilets and Shower

This is no one’s favorite part of the cleaning cycle but it’s very important. Aim to clean your toilet and shower at least once every two weeks.

Get That Junk Off Your Table Surfaces

A coffee table can have some coasters on it, some remote controls, and even a coffee table book. What it shouldn’t have is mail piling up and random things that were never put away. Toss out what’s useless and put away what isn’t and you’ll see how much better it feels to have some open table space.

Pass The Vacuum

Dust gets everywhere, and it’s even more prevalent in common areas such as the living room. Pass the vacuum throughout the house at least once every two weeks (more often is advisable).

Launder Your Bed Sheets

Toss your bed sheets into the laundry at least once every two weeks. You’ll see the difference that sleeping in clean sheets makes.

Make Your Bed

Make your bed each day, if possible before leaving the house. There’s a psychological benefit to coming home to a made bed every day and you’ll start the day with something already accomplished

There, now you have a clean, organized apartment and some easy to follow schedules to guarantee it stays that way until you move out. Best of luck!

photo credit: Red Couch Project Set 10 (65 of 70) via photopin (license)

 

 

 

Planning Your Next Move

Moving DayAs summer comes to a close, many of our tenants will be packing up and ready to move on their next adventure.

To help you with the transition, we found a handy checklist on apartmentguide.com for you to follow as you plan your next move.

Here are some of their suggestions we recommend along with some of our own:

5-6 weeks before you move

☐ Set up a moving file or notebook to keep all of your moving information in one place.

☐ Contact your insurance company to arrange for renter’s insurance at your new location and set a date to cancel your current policy after you move out.

☐ Start gathering moving supplies and moving boxes.

4-5 weeks before your move

☐ File a change of address form with the United States Postal Service. Click here to do it online.

☐ Begin packing your belongings starting with the items you use less frequently.

☐ Donate or throw away items you don’t need.

☐ Start using up household items, such as frozen food or detergent, that you will not want to move. As you are packing to move please keep in mind that von Klein Property Management is accepting donations of nonperishable foods at its main office to donate to Food for Lane County.

☐ Hire movers or arrange to rent a moving truck for your move.

☐ Call your utility providers and make arrangements to have your utilities canceled after you move
out. Set up your utilities at your new locations. Utilities to set up may include phone, power, water and cable/satellite.

☐ Arrange for temporary storage of items if needed.

2-3 weeks before your move

☐ Cancel or transfer magazine and newspaper subscriptions.

☐ Return any library books and collect any items out for repair or cleaning.

☐ Review your lease agreement and our cleaning checklist to see what kind of cleaning is necessary when you move out. Click here to access the cleaning checklist.

The week of your move

☐ Gather items from our suggested list of cleaners you will need: oven cleaner (unless you have a self cleaning oven), Windex for window cleaning, Ajax/Comet cleaner, Bleach (always be cautious with bleach around carpets and vinyl floors.) Scouring pads, A multipurpose degreasing cleaner, Rags, Paper towels, Toilet brush, Small stiff brush Vacuum, Mop and Wax

☐ Thoroughly clean your apartment and prepare it for the check-out process using our cleaning checklist.

☐ Confirm moving day details with your moving company or truck rental company.

☐ Pack the essentials you will need shortly after you move in a Priority Box.

☐ Pack the clothes, toiletries and personal items you will need in the days following your move in suitcases.

☐ Schedule a walk through with someone from the main office to check the cleanliness of the apartment/house at least two days in advance. You may call the office at 541-485-7776 to make an appointment.

Moving Day

☐ Finish any last minute packing, remembering to put any items you will need right away in your Priority Box.

☐ Perform any last minute cleaning, and take out the trash.

☐ Set out water or cold beverages for you and those helping you move.

☐ Set aside any boxes/items that require special care and might need to be moved separately in a car. It is also a good idea to move any personal bags, suitcases, and your Priority Box separately so you can get to any items you might need immediately.

☐ If you are moving yourself, pick up your moving truck and any moving accessories. Inspect the truck to make sure it is in good condition and that you have all the accessories you need. Make sure to pay attention to all the conditions you have to meet before you return the truck.

☐ If you are moving yourself, load the items you will need right away last so they can be unloaded first.

☐ If you are using a moving company, give the movers any special moving/handling instructions. Review and sign any paperwork when your movers arrive. Make sure that you understand what you’re signing and ask questions if you need to.

☐ Be sure to have completed all items on our cleaning checklist.

☐ Sign any final paperwork, perform any necessary final walk-throughs and turn over all keys and garage remotes to the office or complex manager during the scheduled walk-through. Get a copy of any final paperwork for your records.

☐ Forwarding addresses must be left with the resident manager or our main office as well as the Post Office (www.usps.com) to ensure prompt return of your deposit.

☐ Do NOT leave your keys in your apartment.

Moving

Click here for more helpful moving/cleaning tips.

photo credit: teadrinker via photopin cc