10 Ideas For Decorating Your New Place

You did it! You signed your lease, packed your stuff, had it delivered, and moved into your new place – hopefully our Moving Checklist came in handy! Now how do you take this plain, empty space and make it feel like a warm, inviting, comfortable home? A well thought out plan will take your apartment and your feelings about it from, “I live here” to “I Love The Place I Live”; a place you can’t wait to return to every day after work and even after a fun vacation.

If this is your first apartment and you’re starting fresh, this process can feel overwhelming. So. Many. Things. To. Get. It can feel equally challenging if you’ve got a collection of haphazardly acquired, dated, second-hand, or mismatched furnishings and decorative pieces. Or perhaps, you’ve outgrown your former style and want your new place to reflect your new preferences. At Fath Properties, we want you to Love The Place You Live, so we’re here to help. Here are some tips to help minimize the stress and maximize the fun that comes with decorating this new space to make it your own.

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR PLACE

Effective and affordable apartment interior design requires careful planning. An apartment is typically a smaller space than a single-family or townhome, and there may be restrictions on the types of changes you are allowed to make (always be sure to check with your property management office before  painting or affixing items to the walls). However, there are plenty of apartment decorating tips to spark creativity in every room, despite any limitations.

Budgeting For Apartment Décor

Making your new home feel finished can be a challenge if you’re working with limited funds. There honestly might not be much money left over after paying for your security deposit, moving expenses, and renters insurance.

While saving for your first apartment, be sure to set aside funds for furniture and décor too. You’ll be surprised how quickly everything adds up, and the cost may be more than you expected.

Although many items on your first apartment checklist will be nonessentials, they still play an important role in making you feel satisfied and settled in your new home. Before making a move, audit what furniture and décor you already have to figure out what you still need.

 Our Best 10 Apartment Decorating Tips

1. Select your style. Deciding what style best reflects you can help determine where to shop and what the general feel of your place will be. Do you prefer retro, modernistic, edgy, bohemian, earthy or minimalist? Sometimes your color preferences can help determine your style. Do you like rustic, natural wood, and neutral colors? What about bold patterns, funky accent pieces, and pops of color? Do some research on line to help determine your home décor goals. If you struggle with what to even include in a room, visit a store like IKEA that has completely decorated rooms on display. It can be much easier than going into some stores that just have a section of sofas, a section of beds, and a section of dining rooms.
2. Set your budget style. Just because your preferred style may look expensive, it doesn’t need to break the bank. There are many affordable places to buy furniture like IKEA, Home Goods, Wayfair, and Target. You can certainly buy relatively inexpensive furniture and make it look polished with art and accessories.
3. Invest in multifunctional pieces. Buying your own furniture isn’t cheap. To save some money, opt for versatile apartment essentials that meet multiple needs. Storage ottomans, modular sofas, drop leaf dining tables, and other functional furniture can serve numerous purposes such as allowing for more guests or adding storage space.
4. Maximize light exposure. Not only does natural light make a room brighter, but it also contributes to the feeling of spaciousness we all crave. Even if your apartment includes mini and vertical blinds, adding curtains will help create a finished look to your space. Like the frosting on a cake. While sheer, translucent materials will maximize the amount of light in living areas, you may prefer something room darkening in your bedroom. Don’t forget table and floor lamps! They can really help to set the mood in your home, creating bright spaces if you work at home, and romantic or restful spaces.
5. Make a focal point. Pick a large, eye-catching piece and build your room around it. Anything from couch with beautiful pillows, to a bohemian tapestry, an antique bookcase, a gorgeous mirror, or a sculptural piece can all act as focal point. Splurging slightly on one stunning piece to build off of can change the entire atmosphere of your apartment home.
6. Hang art. Apartment decor requires creativity, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Art usually is on the pricier side, so visit local art exhibits, garage sales, or ask your artistic friends for their latest creation to make your place feel sophisticated without breaking the bank. Target and Home Goods are two great resources for affordable art pieces. Here’s a guide on placing art and one for how to hang
7. Optimize your space. An important aspect of decorating your apartment is placing your furniture in a way that is practical and conducive to your lifestyle. Decide what function you’ll want each area of your new apartment to serve, and then plan accordingly. You might work from home and need a desk, or you might want a large dining room table to host dinner parties. The most important thing is to make the space work for your needs. If you live in a studio, make your living and sleeping areas feel distinctive with pieces that separate the room like a screen or tall bookcase. If you love to cook but your kitchen is on the smaller side, here are ways to make the most out of the storage you do have.
8. Add an entryway. Many apartments don’t have a foyer, and some do not have a coat closet near the front door. You can create the illusion of an entryway with a bookcase. Remove the top shelves and install hooks on the interior of the bookcase as a space to hang coats, hats, leashes, or umbrellas. Add a few baskets or bins on the bottom shelves to store shoes out of sight. Or you can add a small bench and place hooks above the bench to better define the area.
9. Use mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of additional space by reflecting light. Place mirrors across from windows to reflect light. Cluster a few smaller mirrors together to create a gallery wall – this is a great way to brighten up a hallway. Lean a large mirror against a wall to instantly open up any space. Mirrors don’t need to break your decorating bank. Find inexpensive mirrors at dollar stores, flea markets, or online retailers. Don’t forget to check your local consignment store!
10. Add a rug. An area rug can instantly transform a room by grounding it and adding color, texture and design to the space. The key to choosing the right rug is making sure it is the appropriate size for your space. Most interior designers suggest leaving at least six inches between the edges of the rug and the walls, and – in the living room – placing the front legs of your sofa on the rug. Here’s a guide to selecting the right size rug for any room in your apartment.

Hopefully these tips will help you turn the blank canvas of your apartment into a warm, welcoming, and comfortable space you can’t wait to come home to. We can’t wait to welcome you to your new home in a Fath Properties community where you will Love The Place You Live.

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THE SCOOP ON RENTER'S INSURANCE

Paying for renter’s insurance may feel like an unnecessary expense. With other utility expenses, you enjoy the benefits every day – fresh clean water, lights, heat, and air conditioning, an array of TV shows and movies to watch, and fast internet to check your email and social media accounts or work remotely. But renter’s insurance, like all kinds of insurance really, just sits quietly in the background and waits. Like the warm waterproof boots that wait in the back of your closet for that one day it snows. But on that blizzard-y day, you’re so glad you have them! And you will be just as glad you have renter’s insurance in the event life takes a turn. So you can fully appreciate its importance, here’s the scoop on renter’s insurance.

What exactly is renter’s insurance?

A renter’s insurance policy is one that predominantly protects a tenant’s personal property. These types of policies cover very specific things – like everything you move in with – while giving you added coverage in the event of theft or damage.

The insurance policies that protect the person or company that owns the structure you live in do NOT cover your personal items in the event of fire, flood, or theft, making renter’s insurance an important layer of protection in case what you never want to happen happens.

What’s covered by renter’s insurance?

Renter’s insurance covers the personal belongings you keep in your apartment. This includes furniture, clothing, electronics, books, art, and much more. If these items are damaged due to an issue in your apartment or your building, renter’s insurance can pay to replace them.

An additional benefit of having renter’s insurance is having liability coverage which means you will be protected if you happen to make a mistake that causes damage to the building or another resident’s belongings. This liability follows you wherever you go. If you hurt someone outside the apartment: covered. If someone gets hurt in the apartment: covered.

Most policies will even provide coverage if you damage someone else’s property, like if you leave the water running and flood the apartment below yours. Or forget to blow out a candle causing a fire that damages other apartments.

What’s not covered by renter’s insurance?

 To avoid the frustration of having some sort of a loss and finding out your policy doesn’t cover it, it’s important to talk to your insurance provider / read the entire policy ahead of time to find out what you’ll be able to claim in the event of an incident. There are a few things that are seldom included in a typical policy.

• Bed bugs
• Flooding caused by a disaster
• The structure of the unit and/or building (your landlord has that covered)

How much does renter’s insurance cost?

 Policies are usually priced out based on the level of coverage you need, which is determined by the contents you are insuring (your belongings), your liability, and your insurance score (something like a credit score). For full coverage, policies can range from $250 to $750 per year.

Where do I buy renter’s insurance?

It is easy to find a policy online or from the company you use for auto insurance. Your landlord may have a relationship with a renter’s insurance provider which makes signing up a snap. At Fath Properties, we partner with ePremium, but our residents may choose whichever insurance company they prefer.

BENEFITS OF RENTER’S INSURANCE

1. Your landlord’s insurance won’t cover you

Some landlords, like us here at Fath Properties, require our residents to have renters insurance. Many renters think their landlord’s policy covers their residence. Unfortunately, this usually isn't true.

Landlord insurance covers the structure of the building but not tenants’ personal belongings. If someone steals your TV or a fire destroys your bedroom furniture, your landlord’s insurance won’t pay for replacements, but a renter’s policy typically will.

The average renter’s insurance policy provides coverage for a variety of accidents. These usually include weather damage, fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and much more. While your property management company is responsible for repairing an apartment if it becomes damaged due to fire, tornadoes, hail, or rain and snow damage, they won’t pay to replace your belongings or other associated costs.

A landlord’s policy is also unlikely to help if you accidentally damage a neighboring apartment. If your bathtub or sink floods out the apartment below you, the landlord’s not going to cover that. Worse, you can be sued for causing damage to the apartment below you. UGH.

A standard renter’s insurance policy includes liability coverage starting at $100,000, which can pay damages and legal expenses if you’re responsible for accidentally injuring someone else or damaging their property.

2. You own more than you think

Some people believe renter's insurance is a waste of money because they mistakenly think they don’t have anything valuable worth protecting. What you own might actually surprise you! Here’s an exercise that will help you truly evaluate what you have:

• open every drawer and closet in your apartment and take inventory
• tally up the replacement value of each item
• photograph your stuff – one photo for each drawer and closet, one for each room. Take individual photos of electronics, jewelry, and any other uniquely valuable item. Keep all the photos in a digital folder.
• it’s also helpful to note the make and model of more costly items
• if you’re really organized, keep receipts

3. Housing after a disaster

 Most policies provide what’s called a ‘loss of use’ or ‘additional living expense’ benefit. It pays you if you are forced out of your apartment by a major claim — usually fire or extensive water damage — and you have to stay in a hotel. Loss of use coverage can also pay for restaurant meals or other expenses associated with living away from home while it’s being repaired.

4. Protect your finances

Maybe you’re saving for a down payment on a house, or you’ve worked hard to get out of debt and build an emergency fund. The last thing you need is a lawsuit wiping out everything you have.

Let’s say you go golfing and you hit someone in the head and they turn around and sue you. If a court finds you responsible, your renter’s liability insurance will typically cover costs up to your policy limit, even if the incident takes place away from home.

This coverage can also come in handy if your dog bites someone at the park, your child breaks a valuable heirloom at a friend’s house, or a guest slips and falls inside your apartment.

5. Away from home coverage

Renter’s insurance protects all of your personal belongings, regardless of whether or not you are in the apartment at the time the damage happens. This means that if your belongings are damaged while you are at work, out socializing, or away on vacation, renter’s insurance can help. If your laptop was swiped at the neighborhood cafe, or your phone stolen on the bus, your policy could cover you! You may also have coverage for items in a storage unit. Keep in mind that it would make sense to file a claim only if the lost item were worth more than your deductible, the amount subtracted from your claim payout.

6. What won’t be covered

 Most renter’s insurance does not cover damage that happens as a result of floods and earthquakes. Additionally, these policies won’t cover intentional damage or damage as a result of negligence. It also won’t cover regular wear and tear to your apartment that happens over time.

PROS AND CONS OF RENTER’S INSURANCE

Pros:

• It’s inexpensive. The average cost of renters insurance is around $20 a month depending on coverage and deductible amount.
• You can bundle renter’s insurance with your other policies and save money.
• It protects you from damages caused by other residents, such as water damage from an overflowing tub or smoke damage from a fire in another unit.
• It can help you bounce back relatively quickly from a catastrophic event. You won’t have to put your life on hold while you figure out where you’re going to live and how to pay for it.

Cons:

• To get the true benefits of renter’s insurance, you’ll need to buy additional coverage for collectibles, one-of-a-kind, or expensive items. Think of an engagement ring, family heirloom, or baseball card collection.
• Several natural disasters are not covered, including flooding, earthquakes, and sinkholes.
• “Replacement value” policies can be expensive. To save money, opt for “actual cash value,” which reimburses you for each item’s depreciated value.
• You could pay more for renter’s insurance if you have a low credit score.
• Reimbursements for temporary living expenses might have a dollar cap or time limit.

All in all, the benefits of renter’s insurance outweigh any possible disadvantages. With a good renter’s insurance policy, you can feel confident knowing your belongings will be protected in the event of an emergency.

Life happens. And sometimes not in the way we want. Be like a Scout; always be prepared.

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10 Ways To Make Friends With Your Neighbors

You’re moving to a new place. A new home, a new town, perhaps a new job, new people.

New can be nerve-racking as most folks take comfort in the familiar. So how do you find ways to feel at home? Settle in. Settle in to your new home by unpacking and surrounding yourself with the things you love. Settle into your new neighborhood by familiarizing yourself with the area and finding new favorite shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Settle in to work by getting to the commute route, your job functions, your boss, and coworkers. Settle in by making new friends. All these steps will lessen the disorientation you’ll feel when moving into a new apartment home. In our Neighborly Neighbors post, we chatted about the whys of making friends with neighbors. Today we’ll help by sharing the hows in 10 ways to make friends with your neighbors.

If the thought of introducing yourself to strangers breaks you out in a cold sweat like it does me, rest assured are ways to ease into it without feeling super awkward. Neighbors are plentiful in an apartment community and there are many ways to connect with them. Check out these easy ways to turn saying, “Hi!” to neighbors to making friends with them.

1. Get Noticed

If your community allows it, let your neighbors know there’s a new kid on the block. Add a fun doormat, hang a wreath, place a pretty pot of flowers or a small bench by the door so they’ll notice a fresh change. Now this may sound unusual – but it’s so fun – hang cute (legible!) note on your door inviting your neighbors to knock. “Just moved in! Stop by to say hi!” Many people want to become friends with their neighbors too, so this can be the bit of encouragement they need. And most folks will want to befriend someone who obviously cares about their place.

2. Host A Meet & Greet Party

Even though you won’t (obviously) know your apartment neighbors yet, it’s quite possible that they don’t know each other either. A welcome party is a great way to not only meet them but to provide opportunities for them to connect with each other. Drop off an invitation at the door of each neighbor in your entryway, building, or on your floor. Call it a Meet & Greet. Have it for just a couple of hours and provide snacks. Ask everyone to bring their own beverages if you want to keep costs down. This is such an easy way to entertain and start down the path of making new friends!

3. Get Social (Media)

Many apartment communities will have Facebook groups for their residents or a Facebook page for the community itself. If you can’t find one, start by joining neighborhood groups. Chances are there are at least one or two of your apartment neighbors in those groups as well. Sometimes it’s easier to strike up a conversation naturally online.

4. Chit-Chat In Passing 

A bit cliché, but making small talk while you are coming and going to your door or your car can open doors to new friendships. Saying hi to neighbors is quick, easy, and gets the ball rolling. If you don’t know how to start a conversation with a stranger, try asking a question about the building and let them know you’re new. If you’d prefer a different approach, try complimenting them! Everyone responds well to a genuine compliment.  Once, when moving to a new place, a neighbor approached as I was walking to the trash corral. He said, “Hi, I’m Jesse. Welcome to the building. I live in apartment 2. You just knock on my door if you ever need a cup of sugar!” Jesse is from South Carolina, so his offer in that sweet southern accent just made my day. Even without an accent, it’s a really nice way to say hello.

5. Use The Amenities 

If your apartment community has a gym, pool, business center, walking trail, or bark park, use it! This is a great way to meet folk with whom you share a common interest and makes starting a conversation pretty darn easy. Plus you’ll quickly learn who the regulars are. Start by waving or saying hello to the people you recognize. Then, whenever the chance presents itself, strike up a conversation. If you’re not sure what to talk about, make a comment or ask a question about the amenity you’re both using.

6. Show Your Face

Attend events hosted by your apartment community. Many communities host events or mixers to help residents connect with each other. For anyone trying to figure out how to meet friends in a new city, this is a great way to meet people in similar situations or with similar interests! Keep in mind that there are probably others looking to make friends, too. If the building itself doesn’t host events, that doesn’t mean others can’t. Many communities have digital bulletin boards within their online resident portals. Don’t ignore them – check frequently to see if anything catches your eye.

7. Bring Fido

Dogs are the perfect icebreaker – almost everyone want to pet a pup, and it’s easier for most folks to say, “hi” to a dog than a person. So if you have a dog, bring him or her with you when you go out. So many places are dog friendly these days. We’ve made a note of these places in Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky, Dallas, and Dayton for you. Let them get the ball rolling in making new friendships. When I moved to a new state, I was fortunate to have a dog park near my apartment. My pup loved going there with me after work and soon we knew every dog  and pet parent in the neighborhood.

8. Help

When you see new neighbors moving into your apartment community, introduce yourself and let them know that you’re there to help if anything comes up. This could be something small, like borrowing a cooking ingredient or a tool, or something bigger, like running an errand, picking up a package, or carrying in a new sofa. Even though they may not take you up on it, this gesture of goodwill can go a long way toward helping you make friends. People almost always respond positively to kindness.

9. Ask A Question

Asking someone about themselves is one of the best ways to get a conversation flowing and avoid an awkward silence. Prepare a few questions to ask when you meet your neighbors – it could be something as simple as, “How long have you lived here?”, “Do you work around here?”, What’s the best place to get breakfast nearby?”

10. Go Outside

Get outside for fresh air, hopefully some sunshine, and perhaps a bit off exercise. Just being outdoors can be one of the easiest ways to meet your neighbors. If your apartment community has a rooftop deck, a pool, Bark Park, or a playground, you’ll be sure to find some of your neighbors there. If your apartment doesn’t have these things, go for a walk around the neighborhood or hang out at the nearest public park. You could meet others from your building there.  While outside, wash your car windshield or plant a flower in the garden. Again, just being out of your apartment has the potential to expose you to many more people than if you just sit indoors and binge watch.

Welcome to your new home! Hope you’re settling in comfortably and on your way to making friends with your neighbors. If you have any great tips on making friends in an new town, share them in the comments!

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