4 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Apartment Home

Posted on March 11, 2017 by Editor

Even though spring-cleaning is right around the corner, there is no need to deep clean your apartment home at Arcadia Run just yet! However, there are a few easy things you can do to freshen up your living area in anticipation of the warmer weather. For those of you who like to get a head start, following some of these easy tips will make you feel more prepared for when you do start your spring-cleaning! Check out some of our favorite ways to refresh your apartment home this spring.

Air it out

Even though it may still be chilly outside, open your windows for just a few minutes in the morning or during the day on the weekends. One of the best times to open your windows is when you are cleaning up or vacuuming. Let some of those dust particles out and let in some fresh air! Shake out rugs outside and try placing them in different places for a quick new look in your apartment home.

Clear the clutter

Were you feeling lazy this winter? Don’t worry – we were too. But now is the time to go through that stack of magazines and post-holiday sales catalogs you stockpiled and save only the ones you are absolutely going to use. Take the holiday cards down off the mantle or fridge and store them away, and clear any excess mail or clutter from your counter spaces. Tip: if you have not used or looked at something in the last month, then it is probably safe to toss or put away.

Let there be light

We know we aren’t the only ones who are happy that it is staying lighter out later in the evenings! Open your curtains and blinds throughout the day and evening to let natural light in as long as possible. If you are feeling more ambitious, change out all of your old light bulbs that have gotten dim during the winter. Be sure to keep light bulbs out of reach if you have small children in your apartment home.

Wash up

Take all the extra linens and cloths, such as dishtowels and blankets, and wash them. Chances are you probably didn’t do this a lot during the winter (no judging here), so now is the perfect time to freshen up your linens! Change out your bathroom towels and hand towels as well, and store winter linens away until next year. Once you start your spring-cleaning, you’ll be able to check this small task off of your list already!

These ideas may seem small, but they will make a big difference in your apartment home! Check out http://www.arcadiarun.com/ for more information about living at Arcadia Run.

Redecorating Your Apartment Home: Tips on Deciding What to Change

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Editor

Spring is just around the corner and after you complete your spring-cleaning, you may start thinking about redecorating your Arcadia Run apartment home! Redecorating can seem expensive and stressful, but in reality it doesn’t have to be either. Figuring out a plan and deciding what exactly what you want to change or rearrange in your apartment home will eliminate the stress of redecorating. Check out some of our ideas for how to go about redecorating your Arcadia Run apartment home.

Make a Plan

One of the most common downfalls to redecorating is when you try to do too much all at once. If you live with a roommate or partner, sit down and discuss what changes you are thinking of. Go room by room and decide what you want to keep and what you want to improve. One of the best things about redecorating is that you can go at your own pace! Figure out a short-term plan that highlights what you want to get done the most, and then talk about what can wait. Once you have your plan set, then the real fun can start.

Room by Room

Once you have figured out which room you want to start redecorating first, you can decide what exactly about it you want to change. Redecorating your living room can be something as simple as rearranging the furniture, which will give the room a brand new look and layout! If you have decided to buy new furniture, such as couches and chairs, make sure that the rest of the room will compliment your new additions. Small changes, like curtains and pillows can also enhance the new look that you are going for.

Change can be hard

Redecorating is fun, but too much too soon can be overwhelming. If you are making changes to a personal space, such as your bedroom, try one or two small changes at a time. Something like changing your bedspread or duvet cover can change the whole look of your room! Spend a few nights getting used to it, and then go from there. Introducing one piece at a time, from a duvet cover to curtains to a new lamp, can ease you into a completely different look.

Use What You Have

If you are looking to redecorate but don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount of money, try using items that you already have! Pull that mirror out of the back of your closet and hang it up in your dining room, or switch your artwork around to different rooms. Print out some recent photos of that trip you went on, or from a family gathering. Swap out older photos for the new ones and rearrange the frames; it will help give your apartment home a fresh look!

Before and After

Before you start redecorating, take photos of the way your apartment home currently looks. If you end up not being thrilled with the way things turn out, then you will be able to look back and see the way you had things before. If you love all of the changes you made, take some fun ‘after’ photos and post them online, tagging Arcadia Run!

Our spacious apartment homes at Arcadia Run are the perfect place to try out some new design ideas! For information about our apartment homes, check us out online.

Myth vs. Fact: Apartment Living Edition

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Editor

You may have listened to your friends complain about their apartment homes or heard the horror stories from your parents. Today we are here to explain why some of the common beliefs about apartment living are just not true here at Arcadia Run! Ignore everything you have heard and take a look at the myths and facts below as we set the record straight!

Myth: There is no storage space.

Fact: At Arcadia Run, each apartment home has ample storage space so you don’t end up spending extra money on off-site storage. Each spacious apartment comes with multiple closets, including walk-ins, and large designer cabinets, so that you don’t have to sacrifice bringing any of your belongings to your new apartment home!

Myth: You never meet your neighbors.

Fact: If there was ever an apartment community where you get to know your neighbors very well, it would be here at Arcadia Run! Our new and modern amenities, in conjunction with weekly resident events, make sure that our residents feel a part of a close-knit community, where they can meet forever friends and maintain great relationships with the familiar faces they see every day!

Myth: Parking is a hassle.

Fact: The Arcadia Run community was designed for convenience in more ways than one, including an open parking policy. Whether you are coming to tour the Arcadia Run community, or you already live here and are hosting guests for the weekend, you can park anywhere, anytime!

Myth: A maintenance request takes forever to get resolved.

Fact: Take it from the current residents here at Arcadia Run: we take all maintenance requests very seriously. In addition to resolving all requests in a timely manner, we have 24/7 emergency maintenance services for those times when a problem or issue cannot be ignored for another second!

Myth: It is difficult to find an apartment that allows pets.

Fact: At Arcadia Run, our community is very pet friendly! Many of our residents live with pets, and you will frequently see owners walking dogs around the community. If you’re considering getting a furry friend to live with you in your new apartment home, check out our blog to learn about the best apartment dog breeds!

Myth: Apartment living is cramped.

Fact: Our new apartment homes here at Arcadia Run are very spacious and give you more than enough space to live comfortably! With seven different floor plan options to choose from, our experienced staff can help you choose the best one to fit your needs. Additionally, our large Clubhouse provides even more space for you to hang out, relax, and have a change of scenery!

Now that we have changed your mind about apartment living, come on over to Arcadia Run for a tour of our community here in Manassas, VA!

4 Quick Apartment Kitchen Makeover Ideas

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Editor

We love our kitchens at Arcadia Run and know you do too! However, kitchens can sometimes get the short end of the stick when it comes to decorating. There are some simple ways to makeover your kitchen without spending tons of money, and can also be done in a short amount of time. Check out some of our favorite ideas for making over your Arcadia Run kitchen!

First things first

Before you do anything, the best place to start is by organizing your kitchen. Everyone has that drawer or cupboard that is overflowing with extra plastic containers, bags, and random items. Try to match up as many containers as possible and stack them up according to size, this way they won’t come tumbling out the next time you open a cabinet! Toss or recycle any miscellaneous items that are taking up space, or ask friends if they need any extras of items you may have. Clear off your countertops by storing larger items in our plentiful cabinet or closet space.

Small touches

Just like you would use a cute throw pillow in your living room or bedroom, you can add similar décor accents to your kitchen! Use brightly colored dishtowels that correspond to the season or holiday, or even ones with funny sayings. You can find inexpensive, yet cute, dishtowels at any home goods store. If you enjoy entertaining, keep a few stacks of witty cocktail napkins on hand or wine glass charms to tell your wine glasses apart.

Photos

Don’t limit yourself to having photos of loved ones just in other parts of your Arcadia Run apartment home. If you have kids, let them put their favorite photos or drawings on the fridge, and make an effort to rotate them every so often. For a more sophisticated look, frame a few photos and hang them on the backsplash space.

DIY

If you’re craving a Pinterest worthy kitchen that will look great on Instagram, work on some small crafts for your kitchen! Use different sized mason jars for utensils that you can grab quickly, such as spatulas or whisks. If you’re really feeling creative, get a small chalkboard and chalk to write up a menu for when you host friends! It’s also a great item for entertaining kids (or adults) while you’re cooking.

Because the kitchen is at the center of any home, it’s important to feel comfortable and love your kitchen at your Arcadia Run apartment home. For more information about becoming a part of the Arcadia Run community, visit us online.

Immediately Feel At Home in Your New Apartment

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Editor

Sometimes it can take a while for that ‘brand new’ feeling to go away when you move into a new place. At Arcadia Run, we want you to feel comfortable right away in your new apartment home! We’ve come up with a few easy ways to help ease the transition into a new apartment, and will have you feeling right at home in no time.

Set up your bed

There’s nothing like falling asleep in your own bed after the end of a long day. If you’ve just moved into a new apartment home, your bed should be one of the first things you set up. The familiar feel and look of your pillows and blankets will make your bedroom seem cozy and homey right away. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with a little mid-moving nap!

Easy décor

Don’t worry about decorating your whole apartment right away. If you want to feel more at home, hang up pictures of your friends and family. Seeing friendly faces while you’re busy unpacking the rest of your belongings will make you feel right at home! In addition to photos, pull out those items that have special meaning to you. Whether it’s a jewelry box, your favorite books, or even a tea kettle, you’ll feel more comfortable having those items in sight in your new apartment home.

Get connected

One of the best things to do as you get settled is to have all of your technology needs taken care of. Make sure to call ahead to have your Internet and cable set up for when you move in. There’s nothing better than taking a nice relaxing Netflix break for an hour (or 3) when you’re unpacking! With your Internet set up, you’ll even be able to upload photos to your social media profiles of your new Arcadia Run apartment home.

Explore

The best way to get acquainted with a new apartment and a new area is to go exploring! Head on over to our clubhouse and explore our fitness center, theatre, and dream about future days lounging at the pool. If you ever have questions about where something is located, or the resident conveniences located in the Clubhouse, our leasing team is always around to give you the tour!

Arcadia Run is in a great location right here in Manassas, minutes from Jiffy Lube Live, Manassas Mall, and plenty of dining and shopping options. You’ll feel right at home when you find your new coffee spot, or start hitting our gym every week.

We are so glad that you are now a part of the Arcadia Run community! Check out more of our great amenities by visiting us online.

Money Saving Tips for Your First Apartment

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Editor

Is Arcadia Run your first apartment home? If so, welcome! We know that it can be an exciting, yet overwhelming time after you move into your first apartment. From paying bills to decorating your new home to enjoying time with friends, there are so many things to keep track of. We’ve thought of some fun ways to save money while still doing everything you want to do! Check out our list below for some money saving tips for your first apartment home at Arcadia Run.

Skip the expensive gym membership

Gym memberships are expensive and can cost anywhere from $40 to $100 a month. That’s a lot of money to spend every month! Instead, take advantage of our great fitness center here at Arcadia Run. We have free weights, machines, and other equipment that make it easy for you to work out right here at your own convenience. You can even take free fitness classes instructed by Power for Life Fitness!

Decorate for less

Everyone wants his or her apartment to look nice, but there’s no need to go overboard when decorating your apartment. Instead of spending money on several decorations all at once, invest your money in a few key pieces that you will be able to use for a long time. Whether it is a statement mirror for your bedroom or a coffee table, a few quality pieces will make a big difference. Buying less expensive items that can be easily replaced, such as shower curtains or throw pillows, will save you more money.

Host a housewarming party

You may think that hosting a party will cost you money, but it can actually be the opposite! Inviting your friends for a party at your new apartment home means that you won’t be out spending money on dinner or a bar tab. Instead, ask everyone to bring their favorite beverage and you provide the snacks. If you invite friends and neighbors to you apartment home specifically for a housewarming party, chances are you’ll receive a few gifts!

Create a budget

Don’t let the word ‘budget’ scare you. Making a plan each month for your expenses will help you track your money and where it goes. Prioritize the most important things first, such as rent and your other monthly bills (cell phone, car, etc.). Make sure you realistically factor in other monthly expenses, such as your grocery shopping or how often you eat out. Cutting out one or two things a week, such as that morning coffee purchase, can save you more money each month!

We are excited that your first apartment home is here with us at Arcadia Run and are glad we can help you start out with a clear plan for saving money! For more information about our amenities and everything we have to offer, visit us online.

Apartment Cleanup: Things to Get Rid of in 2017

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Editor

The New Year is here, and it’s time to refresh your life by decluttering your apartment home at Arcadia Run and filtering through your belongings. It is a habit that many of us have: holding onto things that we really don’t need because of some sort of attachment. Whether you keep items for sentimental or personal purposes, or just because you “like” them, it’s time to let go of things that take up space. Take a look at some of the things you should get rid of once and for all, according to Apartment Therapy:

Filler furniture: Take a look at the chair in the corner of your bedroom. Do you ever sit on it, or is it just a place for laundry? There is a common notion that empty space in an apartment is bad, and that it must be filled with something. Often times, we use this as an excuse to fill it with “filler furniture” or décor that does not have a purpose. Get rid of these items in your home, and there will be more space for moving around, or for things you will actually utilize.

TVs in every room: A large trend we are seeing this year is that families are pulling in the reigns on a technology focused home. By narrowing your TV collection down to just one, you create a space to escape without the distraction or temptation to binge watch your favorite shows. Embrace the New Year by focusing on hobbies, reading, or just simply enjoying the company of others!

Unfinished projects: We all have them: the art piece you swear you are going to finish, the DIY project that you found on Pinterest, or things you’ve been meaning to fix for years, like a pair of shoes or a ripped shirt. If these unfinished projects have been hanging around your apartment for more than a few months, it is important to ask yourself if they’re things that you need to keep. Simply getting rid of these unfinished projects will create more space in your apartment home, and take away the pressure to complete them!

Things you saved but won’t ever need: There are quite a few people who love to save every “maybe I will use this” item that has ever come into their possession. In 2017, throw out everything that you have saved and never needed or looked at including shoe boxes, old magazines, coat hangers from the dry cleaners, old posters, cards, tote bags that you got for free at an event, cosmetic bags, and the list goes on!

Items you’ve never used or liked: These types of items come with a bit of guilt. We don’t throw them away because we think they are items that we should keep. Whether you purchased a certain item, or received it as a gift, chances are if you haven’t used or enjoyed it yet, that time will never come. If you have new items that should not be thrown out, go to the closest consignment shop or give it away to a better home.

Since a lot of these items build up over time, it is a good idea to bookmark this blog post, so you can revisit it at the beginning of next year! If you’re looking to move into a new apartment as a way to start your year off right, visit arcadiarun.com for more information on our brand new apartment homes right here in Manassas, VA!

Source: apartmenttherapy.com

The Best Dog Breeds to Own in an Apartment Home

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Editor

Unlike many apartment home communities, Arcadia Run allows our residents to have pets, as we want to offer you the best experience possible! If living a fulfilled life includes coming home to your pet everyday, we are excited to let you know that this is possible at Arcadia Run. As many of us already know there are certain dog breeds that are best when living in an apartment home, and we want to share some of them with you below!

Bichon Frise: Ask anyone who owns a Bichon Frise, these dogs are typically the perfect size for an apartment home, and although playful, they do not bark as often as other small breeds.

Maltese: If you want a dog, but don’t want the hassle of cleaning up dog hair, this breed is the perfect fit. Maltese’s do not shed and are very affectionate towards owners, so they make great companions!

Boston Terrier: Because of their compact size, this breed is perfect for apartment living, but they do need plenty of walking, as they are very energetic from time to time.

Havanese: Another small dog, Havanese do not shed and are very snuggly and clingy with owners. Although this breed generally prefers lounging around inside, they are still very playful, but not overly jumpy or yappy.

Chihuahua: Although all of the dogs on our list are quite small, this one takes the cake. With little need for exercise, and a great relationship with their owner, a Chihuahua may be the best dog breed for you!

Pug: If you travel a lot, or are often times away from your apartment home, this would not be the best breed since they can be clingy. A loyal breed, Pugs are quiet, quite lazy, and very small!

Toy Fox Terrier: A very intelligent breed, Toy Fox Terriers are very easy to train and are small enough for any apartment. They love to cuddle and depending on the personality, may not need a ton of regular exercise besides short walks.

Daschund: The cuteness of this breed alone is enough to convince us that they would make a perfect pet for anyone, but their small size helps too. With short legs, it is easy to exercise this dog inside or outside.

French Bulldog: This is another breed that rarely barks unless given a reason to, and they are compact for apartment dwellers. They are very playful and do best with lots of human contact.

Before bringing your dog home to Arcadia Run, be sure to contact our leasing office for more information on specific breed and weight restrictions! Our pet friendly apartment home community is sure to be a great fit for you and your pup, so stop by today for a tour and to get even more information about leasing a brand new apartment home!

Sources: http://dogtime.com

Host a Rockin’ NYE At Your Arcadia Run Apartment Home

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Editor

Hosting people for the holidays can be stressful, but New Years Eve is one of the most fun nights of the year! It is a time to celebrate the year that has just gone by and look forward to the year ahead. There is no better place to ring in the New Year than your Arcadia Run apartment home! If you’re planning to host a New Years Eve party this year, check out some of our tips for hosting the most rockin’ party ever!

Stock Up

When hosting a New Years Eve party, it’s always good to be prepared! Make sure you have enough drink ware and food for everyone, plus extras in case a few people show up who originally couldn’t make it. Our spacious kitchens offer plenty of space for food and drinks, especially some celebratory champagne!

Clean Up

Tidy up the areas where most people will be congregating, such as the kitchen and the living room. Set aside a room or a closet to hold everyone’s coats, as it’s sure to be chilly out. In addition, make sure you have plenty of trash bags on hand for cleaning up after everyone leaves.

Decorations

If your apartment home is still decorated from the holidays, then you won’t have to spend too much time on decorating! To add some New Years Eve sparkle, just light a few candles or add some gold and silver accents. Ask friends to bring some noisemakers or even balloons!

Activities

There are many television programs and movies to watch on New Years Eve, but you won’t want to spend the whole evening staring at the TV. Ask everyone to recount his or her favorite memory from the previous year, or what his or her funniest New Years Eve story is. If people are not into making New Years resolutions, ask them one place they want to travel to in 2017. Before you know it, it will be time to watch the ball drop!

Whether or not you make any 2017 resolutions, the New Year is a great time to finally make the move to Arcadia Run! Contact us today to learn how you can move into a new apartment home in the New Year.

Make Splitting Apartment Expenses a Breeze!

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Editor

If you have ever shared an apartment with someone else, you know that money can be a sore subject, especially when arguments arise. Roommate horror stories can be a thing of the past if you take the necessary steps to agree and communicate about splitting apartment expenses!

Agree before signing

Before signing the lease with your roommate(s), discuss how your apartment expenses will be split. Will you each pay the same in rent, or different amounts depending on room size? Who will be in charge of collecting money for rent, utilities, and other things? Figuring these things out from the get-go will make it easier in the long run.

Don’t split large items

Splitting the cost of your furniture or coffee maker might seem like a good idea at the time, but when you move out, ownership of certain items can get tricky. Opt to each purchase one or two larger items that are close in cost so that when you move out of your apartment home, there is no debating who will take what.

Communicate directly

If paying for things equally causes tension in your apartment home, communication is key. Although it may feel awkward, the best way to confront a tricky situation is to talk about it, in person. Skip the passive aggressive sticky notes and address issues directly – it will create fewer misunderstandings and get things done quicker.

Divide the responsibilities

Instead of putting all of the pressure on one person in the apartment to send in the rent, utility bill, etc., divide up the responsibilities. Having these responsibilities spread evenly amongst roommates will also even up the accountability to better ensure everything is paid on time.

Utilize tools and Apps

There are plenty of free websites and phone apps today that will connect directly to your bank account and makes splitting expenses very easy and quick! Download Venmo or Splitwise for your smart phone to instantly charge or pay your roommates for everything from bills to groceries.

We hope all of these tips make splitting your apartment expenses at Arcadia Run a breeze! For more information on how you can lease a brand new apartment home at Arcadia Run right now, visit www.arcadiarun.com!