Ready Your Apartment for Summer Getaways

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Editor

We know you hate leaving your Arcadia Run apartment home, but summer is the time for vacations and getaways! However, there’s nothing worse than coming back home to piles of laundry or dirty dishes. Preparing your apartment for when you are gone will give you peace of mind while you’re gone, and provide an easier transition back to your daily routine. Eliminate the stress of leaving your apartment before vacation by reading some of our tried and true tips!

Empty the trash

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people, in their rush to get out the door, forget to empty the trash. Make sure to empty all trashcans, including in the bedroom and bathroom, and put in fresh trash bags. Not only will this eliminate any odors, but also it will be one less thing you have to worry about when you come home.

Clean out the fridge

No, that left over quesadilla from last night will not be good when you get home in a week. Check your fridge for any items that will not last longer than a few days and toss them. Save yourself the hassle (and gag reflex) and check all cartons of milk or creamer, and if they have an expiration date during or right after your vacation, dump them down the drain. The same goes for fruit or vegetables that might start to wilt or grow something while you’re gone.

Laundry

A few days before you leave, do a load or two of sheets, towels, etc. This way you won’t have to worry about doing them when you’re trying to sort through that seemingly never ending mountain of laundry that comes at the end of a long trip. Plus, it’ll be nice to come home to your own bed with fresh sheets and pillowcases on it so you can get a good night’s sleep before going back to work or school.

Unplug

Hopefully you’re going on a nice vacation where you’ll be able to unplug and unwind from the daily grind. Before you leave, you should also unplug any necessary appliances in your apartment home. Unplug smaller items such as chargers, coffee machines, electrical toothbrushes, etc.

Leave it to us

At Arcadia Run, we understand the importance of having a fun, relaxing vacation, and that means we will do our part to help you out! We will come water your plants for you, or even feed your cats! Contact us to learn more about how we can help you out this summer when you leave for a trip with our away services.

If you follow all these tips, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free vacation this summer! Learn more about all Arcadia Run has to offer at www.arcadiarun.com.

Kitchen Features to Love in an Arcadia Run Apartment

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Editor

Gone are the days of closest-sized kitchens and laminate countertops. At Arcadia Run, our new apartment homes are suited for your lifestyle today with modern features and floorplans! Included in these modern features are kitchens that can truly be the hearth of your (apartment) home without you having to sacrifice space in other areas. Functional, fashionable, and fit for a top chef, our modern kitchens are our favorite parts of each floor plan design, so read on to discover why!

Island or Peninsula

The most sought after home floor plans today include those that are open and spacious. This also rings true for apartments! In each apartment home at Arcadia Run, you will find a kitchen island or peninsula that opens up the entire apartment for a cohesive space where you can be cooking in the kitchen, but still watching TV in the living room!

Plenty of Storage

Time and time again our residents boast that one of their favorite aspects of Arcadia Run’s apartments is how much storage space they provide! In each kitchen, the layout features ample cabinet and pantry space to store all of your trendy kitchen gadgets as well as the necessary cups, plates, etc. They include 42” designer cabinets, so that you can have a beautiful and sophisticated space to match your style.

Granite countertops

If your apartment home doesn’t have granite countertops, you are surely missing out! Our stunning granite kitchen counters are stain resistant, scratch resistant, and add a trendy design element to each apartment home.

Laminate hardwood

Although we would love to put hardwood in the kitchens here, it just doesn’t make sense since they are not very durable. Enter the next best thing: laminate hardwood. Laminate hardwood floors are perfect for the kitchen since they work well to resist liquids and spills, and don’t ding and dent easily. The hardwood look gives the space even more of a luxury feel.

Updated appliances

Our modern apartments would not be anything without modern appliances to match! You will never have to fear that something will break or not function properly when our appliances are brand new! If by some crazy fluke something does go wrong with any appliances, our maintenance crew will be on it!

Curious to see an Arcadia Run apartment kitchen for yourself? Stop by any day of the week for a tour of our model apartment home and community! Visit arcadiarun.com for more information and to schedule a tour.

The Best Websites to Find Affordable Apartment Furniture

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Editor

It’s officially almost summertime, and that means that many of you are moving into a new apartment home here at Arcadia Run! If you are looking to purchase some new furniture for the first time, or need to replace some items that you already have, we are here to share with you some of the best furniture websites out there. Since we are always looking for a deal, and know you are too, we’ve ranked these sites according to affordability and value. Without further ado, let’s jump into our top picks for affordable furniture websites!

Apt2B – This website was started by two young guys who wanted to make furniture shopping for your apartment “as easy as ordering pizza.” On this site, you’ll find simple and modern designs where you can choose a fabric for the majority of sofa and chair options. The company’s fun and real approach to the business is sure to pull you in, and all of the pieces are reasonably priced. As their website states, “furniture is like death and taxes; it’s inevitable,” so why not make it fun?

CB2 – You grew up hearing about how great Crate + Barrel is, but have you met the younger and cooler sibling, CB2? Not only can you find some amazing modern pieces here, but some of the furniture is specifically made for apartment living. CB2 does a great job of understanding how to bring super modern and hip designs to people with all budgets!

Capsule Home – This is the website you go to for a truly fashionable piece of furniture with a surprisingly affordable price tag. As it says on their website, “Capsule produces unique pieces, often with mixed materials and multi-function use that are intended to add dimension to any home.” The pieces here are perfect for apartment homes, and created by individual designers who each have an eye for great style.

Wayfair – You’ve seen the commercials on TV and maybe even gotten their catalog in the mail, but Wayfair is truly one of the best. It is one of the world’s largest online furniture selections and includes other brands like Joss & Main, All Modern, Dwell Studios, and Birch Lane. Depending on your personal home design style, whether you’re classic, modern, eclectic, etc., one of these brands will have the perfect piece of furniture you are looking for!

Overstock – If you’re a bargain shopper, you’ll love this website for their amazing sales! This smart website takes stock of excess inventory from thousands of different retail categories and sells it to customers lower than the recommended manufacturer price. This way, you know you’re getting a good deal. Another benefit to this website is that there are a great deal of customer reviews, meaning you can hear firsthand about which products are the best.

Houzz – This website is a catchall for furniture shopping and those who don’t know what they want. With almost 100 furniture brands all in one place, you can easily find what you are looking for based on price, color, ratings from previous customers, and even sort by room. Houzz is also a great place for apartment inspiration, as you are able to shop directly through photos of rooms designed by pros.

Before you find the perfect furniture, you are going to need to find the perfect apartment home. Contact us today to schedule a tour and find your new apartment home!

The Essential Moving Timeline

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Editor

There is nothing more exciting than moving into your new Arcadia Run apartment home! However, the stresses of moving can often overshadow your excitement about your new living situation. Between updating all your new information, packing, unpacking, and figuring out who is going to be doing the manual labor, moving can be extremely stressful. We want you to be as excited as can be when you move to Arcadia Run, so check out some of our moving tips to ensure that you have a smooth transition.

Two Months Before

Congratulations, you’ve signed a new lease at Arcadia Run! If you’re moving from another apartment home or need to tell your landlord that you are not renewing your current lease, now is the time to do it. It is always better to be on the safe side when giving notice that you are moving. Start thinking about the furniture and items you will be taking with you and anything that you will need to purchase. If you have a lot of heavy furniture and items that need to be moved, begin researching local moving companies.

One Month Before

By now you should have decided on a mover and it’s time to make that reservation. Moving companies are typically busiest on the weekends at the start and end of every month, so be sure to leave plenty of time to make a reservation. Paying your friends in beer and pizza to help you move only works for so long! Make a list of all the things you will need to update with your new address: drivers license, bank information, credit cards, utilities, etc. The list may seem daunting but getting a head start now will ease the stress of so many items to change.

Three Weeks Before

Start organizing non-essential items that you don’t see yourself using in the next 3 weeks. This can be anything from your extra towels and linens to the extra pots and pans in the back of your cabinets. Now is also the time to start acquiring any boxes, bins, or bags that you think you will need to box stuff up. Contact your cable or Internet provider and any other utilities to let them know you are moving and to give them a stop service date. This way you won’t overlap with any bills when you move.

Two Weeks Before

Somehow, when you start packing to move, stuff keeps coming out of the woodwork! Stomp down your hoarder tendencies and start organizing things to donate, such as that miniskirt from college or those shoes you never wear. Divide things into keep, donate, and discard piles; you’ll be surprised how much you don’t use on a frequent basis! Keep packing up things that you will not need in the next two weeks, such as books or DVDs.

One Week Before

Now is usually the time when the moving anxiety really starts to set in. Focus on a different room to pack up every day; breaking up the packing will make it easier to focus on one thing at a time without getting overwhelmed. At the start of the week, pack a bag with all of your clothes, shoes, and toiletries for the upcoming week, and start to pack up everything else. Labeling bags and boxes with what items are in them or rooms they are for will make unpacking a breeze. Toss out any random things that you come across and if you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably don’t need to bring it with you! Plan out where everything is going to go in your new Arcadia Run apartment home; with plenty of storage and cabinet space there will be room for everything.

Two Days Before

By now, the majority of your items should be packed. Double check to make sure that everything is all set for moving day, and work out the logistics with any roommates or friends who are helping you. Start cleaning rooms such as the kitchen, or give the bathroom one last good scrub. Don’t forget to empty and clean the refrigerator!

The Day Before

The night before you move, you should just have the bare essentials with you. Keep a couple of trash bags handy for any trash or miscellaneous items you find, and be sure everything is emptied out of cabinets and drawers. Walk through every room multiple times to double check you have packed everything you need and that you haven’t left anything behind. The last thing you want is to be scrambling around while the movers are trying to move all of your furniture out.

Moving Day

The big day is here! Let the movers do their jobs and help direct them when necessary. When you get to your new apartment home at Arcadia Run, the fun really begins! Due to all of your organizing and labeling prior to your move, you’ll be able to easily locate all of your belongings and get everything unpacked! Set up your bed first, as that will make your new place really feel like home.

The Day After

Welcome to your new home at Arcadia Run! Pop down to our clubhouse to check out all of our amenities, or relax at the pool for the day to unwind from moving. Tell all of your friends how much you love your new apartment home, and tell them to visit us online!

Look No Further Than Arcadia Run for Your First Apartment

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Editor

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting time, but sometimes there are unexpected adjustments that you will have to make. When transitioning from a dorm or your parents house into your own place, it is important to decide what conveniences you are willing to give up, and those you can’t live without. We kept our future residents, such as you, in mind when designing our modern apartment homes and amenities so that you would have a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. For an easy transition into your first apartment home, take a look at some reasons below as to why Arcadia Run is the perfect place for you!

Keep up your fitness game

With so many ways to stay in shape here at Arcadia Run, it will be even more convenient to work out than your previous residence! Residents have 24/7 access to the fitness center, summer-long access to our resort-style pool, access to the ball court, and quick access to local parks and trails to explore. However you choose to spend your time maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the resources you need are just steps from your new apartment home.

Don’t leave belongings behind

In many apartments, having enough space is an issue and storage is usually lacking. In every apartment home at Arcadia Run, there are multiple closets so that you don’t have to leave any of your belongings behind when you move in. Plenty of storage space also allows for clutter-free living areas where you can live simply and comfortably.

Furry friends welcome

You shouldn’t have to rule out a great apartment community because they aren’t pet friendly. And guess what? Arcadia Run loves pets! Many of our current residents have pets, and you will constantly see them walking their dogs on our beautifully landscaped grounds. This is just one of the many things that sets us apart from other apartment communities in the Manassas area!

Do laundry on your own time

Maybe your parents aren’t doing your laundry anymore, but at least you won’t have to leave your apartment to get it done! Each of our modern apartment homes has a full size washer and dryer included for the convenience to wash your clothes on your own schedule. You also won’t have to pay extra money to use machines at a Laundromat!

Create & maintain a social life

Even if you already have friends and family in the area, our apartment community is not like a typical one where you never meet your neighbors. Year-round community events, like our upcoming Pool Opening Party, are meant to bring our residents together. It’s easy to hole up in your apartment by yourself and have a movie marathon, but at Arcadia Run, it’s also easy to meet neighbors to invite to your movie night and make it a weekly event.

Maintain luxury

No matter your previous living situation, you won’t have to sacrifice the luxury of a beautiful home when moving to Arcadia Run! Our new apartments feature luxurious finishes and design elements, including granite countertops, and laminate hardwood flooring. No downgrades here!

Stop by Arcadia Run today to learn even more about why this is the perfect apartment community for your FIRST apartment home!

Our Top Poolside Reads for Summer 2017

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Editor

We’re just a few weeks away from Memorial Day Weekend 2017 and you know what that means: the re-opening of the pool at Arcadia Run! Bring on the lazy summer days spent poolside with friends, splashing around with the kids, or laying in the shade with a great book. It can be hard to decide on what book to choose, but we’ve decided to give you a list of our favorites to help make it easier! All you need to enjoy this summer at Arcadia Run is a spot by the pool and a book to read!

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies was the show that everyone was talking about this spring, but did you know it was a book first? Don’t worry about trying to binge watch all the episodes; you’ll be hooked from the first chapter! Murder, intrigue, sassy housewives…this is the perfect book for an afternoon at the pool.

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

From the author who brought us ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ comes another thought provoking story about the real life problems that exist in today’s society. Follow along as Ruth, a nurse in Connecticut, deals with racism, privilege, and how one determines the justice of it all in this book that you won’t be able to put down.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Don’t let the title scare you! Think less numbers and scientific equations, and think more about questions that people ask themselves. How do we fit within the universe? What does it all mean? Tyson breaks down some of the most complex and interesting aspects of our world into quick chapters that are easy to understand and will be perfect for contemplating under the sun this summer.

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

Calling all lovers of HGTV’s hit show Fixer Upper! Chip and Jojo, the amazing husband and wife team taking over Waco, Texas, decided that a TV show wasn’t enough and put pen to paper to bring to life their entire story. From how they met, to their first fixer upper, with plenty of photos, you’ll fall in love with this book and rush to catch the next episode of their show!

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins

Hawkins gripped you with her novel ‘The Girl on the Train’ (also a movie with Emily Blunt) and does it again with ‘Into the Water.’ With twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very last page, your friends will be begging to borrow this book when you’re done with it!

We’re excited to kick off our summer with the opening of the pool over Memorial Day Weekend! Check out everything else Arcadia Run has to offer this summer by visit www.arcadiarun.com .

Basic Cleaning Essentials for Your Apartment Home

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Editor

When living in an apartment home that is smaller than a single-family house, it is so important to keep up with cleaning to keep the space spick and span. Not only will keeping your apartment home clean benefit your health and lifestyle, but it will ensure that the quality of features such as your countertops and floors stay looking like new. If you only want to purchase the necessities without fancy cleaning solutions or gadgets, take a look below at our list of the essential items for keeping your apartment home clean every day!

Paper towels: If you don’t have paper towels in your apartment home yet, what are you waiting for? These multipurpose towels are the best for cleaning up spills, wiping away dust, or just tidying up surfaces in your home. The best part about paper towels is that you can throw them away as soon as you are done with them to eliminate any odor or bacteria.

Disinfectant: While there are many types of disinfectants to choose from, this solution is necessary for eliminating bacteria in all areas of your apartment home. We recommend an all-purpose disinfectant to use on hard surfaces throughout your apartment home, but you can also grab an air and fabric disinfectant to eliminate even more allergens and bacteria that can get trapped in your home.

Dishwashing liquid: Not only does this come in handy to cut through grease and grime when you are hand washing larger or more delicate dishes, but it can be used for an assortment of other things. Most dishwashing liquids are strong enough to also use as a spot carpet cleaner, window cleaner, shower cleaner, and more!

Scrubbing brushes or sponges: Even though each of our new apartment homes has a dishwasher, you are going to need additional cleaning tools for dishes that need to be hand washed. Scrubbing brushes and sponges are both inexpensive tools for your apartment, and can also be used to scrub countertops, showers, etc.

Vacuum cleaner: Because our apartments include carpeted rooms, a vacuum cleaner would be a wise investment. The best part about vacuums today is that there are several kinds for you to use on both carpets and hard flooring, which can eliminate the need for a broom.

Sweeper mop: This is also an essential cleaning tool for living at Arcadia Run since there are also rooms with tile and laminate in each apartment home in addition to carpet. We recommend purchasing a multipurpose sweeper mop that can double as a dry broom and a mop. These are readily available at many stores and are compact for easy storage.

Other items that we recommend include baking soda and white vinegar which can both be used for a number of homemade cleaners when you are in a pinch or don’t have specialized cleaning solutions on hand. It also helps to have some microfiber cloths readily available for when you really need to absorb a spill or pick up a stain. Although paper towels can work fine, microfiber materials work even better!

Fore more information about our new apartment homes here at Arcadia Run, visit our website and stop by to take a tour of our (super clean) model apartment home today!
Sources: forrent.com

In 2017, Apartment Communities Are Raising The Bar for Apartment Living

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Editor

In today’s world, apartment dwellers are looking for more than just a place to live; they are looking for a lifestyle. To meet the expectations of the modern apartment renter, apartment communities are striving to bring more and more unparalleled features and amenities to their residents. To many, renting an apartment in a community with all of the bells and whistles is far better than owning a home, because of the many benefits and conveniences that go along with renting.

The young generation of recent college grads who prefer renting is growing at a rapid rate, and even seniors are moving towards giving up permanent digs for new and modern apartment homes. Everyone has certain lifestyle needs they want met, and renting fulfills many different needs for different people. Whether it is frequent moving, less upkeep, or a downsized household, modern apartment communities are fitting the bill for many types of households.

Unlike older apartment communities, new establishments like Arcadia Run are identifying common lifestyle needs and wants of today. By identifying these, communities are able to implement both apartment features and community amenities to entice those who seek an easier lifestyle provided by where they live.

New and modern apartment homes offer luxuries other than just living accommodations, like ample storage space and upgraded kitchen features. At Arcadia Run, our apartment homes solve the problem of storage by providing multiple closets in every apartment home, including walk-in closets and a ton of kitchen cabinet space. Our modern designs provide ample outlets to plug in all of your electronics, a personal washer/dryer so you don’t have to leave to do laundry, and an open design to fit a modern lifestyle.

Amenities provided to residents in new apartment communities offer a more active and social lifestyle. Outdoor community amenities like our ball court, playground, resort-style pool, and patio spaces create a universal space where neighbors can meet, relax and socialize. The Clubhouse at Arcadia Run serves as a central hub for community events and a gathering space where residents can work out, watch movies, grab a cocktail, or study.

No matter what age you are, if you are looking for an apartment community that provides a social, active, and convenient lifestyle, look no further than Arcadia Run!

Topiary Treasures That Will Thrive in Your Apartment

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Editor

If you’ve been cursed with a black thumb, but still love the way that plants look in your home, have no fear! You won’t have to worry about killing that beautiful plant your mother in-law gave you when you learn how to make plants thrive in your Arcadia Run apartment home. The trick is learning which plants thrive best indoor, and which plants you should leave at the store. Check out some of our favorite small plants that will add a touch of natural décor to your Arcadia Run apartment home.

Lucky Bamboo

Typically given as a gift to welcome someone to a new home or even a new job, lucky bamboo is remarkably easy to care for! It doesn’t require tons of sunlight, and can last in dim lighting if you forget to pull back the curtains during the day. Just remember to change the water every two to four weeks, and you’ll be living in a totally Zen space with the addition of this lucky bamboo.

Cactus

If you’re looking for a plant that is out of the ordinary and has you dreaming of desert days all year round, invest in some small cacti! Cacti can thrive in a sunny room, but be sure not to place them in areas that get extended amounts of direct sunlight. Be sure to water them once a week while they are growing, but they’ll require less care during cooler months.

Snake Plant

No, we’re not asking you to house actual snakes in your apartment home! One of the most common houseplants, the snake plant is a tough plant that makes it conducive to any living environment. These tall leaves can tolerate dim light, as well as thrive in medium to bright light, making it a nice addition to a desk or end table. Water these plants every so often, but be sure to let the soil dry between waterings.

African Violets

Add a pop of color to your apartment home with the African Violet. Buy a few to scatter around your apartment, and watch as they bloom different shades of purple. All they require is a little water once a week but be sure not to get water on their delicate leaves. African Violets are one of the few flowers that requite little care, making them the perfect plant for your Arcadia Run apartment home.

Peace Lily

As another flowering plant that requires little care, the Peace Lily is great choice for your apartment home. This flower can survive and thrive in any type of lighting, even fluorescent lighting! The Peace Lily will also give you signs for when it is thirsty, as it will droop a little when it needs water. Nothing better than a plant that will talk to you when it needs something! Just be sure not to over hydrate it and let the soil dry between waterings.

Taking care of plants and flowers in your Arcadia Run apartment home doesn’t have to be a chore with these easy options!

Sources: hgtv.com, elledecor.com, apartmenttherapy.com

Your One Stop Spring Cleaning Checklist

Posted on March 14, 2017 by Editor

It’s that time of year again at Arcadia Run: spring-cleaning! The snow has melted (hopefully), the days are getting longer, and warm weather is right around the corner! Spring forward into cleaning your apartment home with our one stop spring cleaning checklist, covering everything from supplies to lists to what to do first (and what not to do). We want to help make spring-cleaning as painless as possible for you, so check out our tips below!

Plan of attack: Make a list of the rooms you want to tackle, and in what order, before you get started. If your roommate is helping, the best idea is to divide and conquer. Assign each person a room and focus on your room before helping someone else with a larger space. If you are cleaning by yourself, give yourself a realistic timeline to get everything done.

Supplies: Figure out the supplies you will need to clean each room and if you need extras. Pick up larger quantities of items that you will get used up faster, such as paper towels. For larger items such as vacuums, determine who will need it the most and let them use it first. Tip: Try to use as many cleaning items as you can before they run out and you need to replace them. If you have small children, be sure to keep all cleaners out of their reach.

One thing at a time: Work your way around each room by focusing on one thing at a time, for example, start with cleaning your stove, then move to the fridge, then cabinets, etc. If you know that you REALLY need to organize your cabinets, start there! Taking care of the item that gives you the most stress right away will make you feel even better about spring-cleaning.

Keep, Toss, Donate: Almost everything you are going through during spring-cleaning, such as clothing, shoes, or even small pieces of decor, can fall under one of these three labels. Clothing items and shoes that you have not worn for the last year can be donated (no, you don’t really need that denim skirt from college) and some miscellaneous clutter can be tossed. Keep things that you know will withstand some wear, but toss those grimy sponges and dish towels that have seen better days. Getting rid of space-eating clutter will leave your apartment home feeling light and organized!

Wash: Now is the time to wash everything, and we mean everything! Wash all of your bedding, including duvet covers and blankets. If you are donating any clothes, be sure to wash those as well. For those who are going an extra step and organizing their closets/drawers, when in doubt, wash it again. If you read our last blog, you may have already washed your dishtowels and bath towels, but if not, don’t forget about your smaller linens!

Disinfect: We won’t get into the gross details about all of the germs that inevitably float around, but they get everywhere, including inside your apartment! Pay special attention to places in your apartment home that you touch often, such as doorknobs, remote controls, faucets, and the refrigerator door handle. Rubbing those down with a disinfectant wipe will reduce your chances of getting sick or breathing in allergens, and no one wants to be sick when spring comes around!

Take your time: Don’t stress about getting everything done at once. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Figure out what you WANT to get done, and do those things first. Save some smaller tasks for later or even another day. Going at your own pace will make cleaning less stressful and give you a chance to do a thorough job, instead of rushing through everything.

These are just a few of our spring-cleaning ideas, and feel free to add yours to our checklist! For more information about our apartment homes, visit Arcadia Run online.