Apartment Care Essentials: 3 Tips for Keeping Your Apartment in Top Shape

When it comes to apartment living, ensuring the longevity and quality of your living space is not only about comfort but also about maintaining the value of your investment. Apartment care is essential for creating a pleasant and healthy living environment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some basic apartment care tasks that every resident should be aware of. From regular cleaning routines to promptly reporting maintenance issues and seasonal apartment care checklists, here’s how to keep your apartment in top shape.

Regular Cleaning Routines

Maintaining a clean apartment is crucial for your well-being and the overall condition of your space. Regular cleaning not only keeps your apartment looking its best but also prevents the accumulation of dirt and grime that can lead to damage over time. Here are some tips for establishing a cleaning routine:

1. Dust and Vacuum Regularly: Dust can accumulate on surfaces and in corners, leading to allergies and deteriorating air quality. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery regularly, and use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces.

2. Clean the Kitchen and Bathroom: These areas tend to collect the most dirt and grime. Scrub countertops, sinks, and appliances in the kitchen. In the bathroom, clean the toilet, shower, and sink to prevent mold and mildew growth.

3. Floor Care: Pay special attention to your flooring. Sweep and mop hard floors regularly, and vacuum carpets. Promptly clean up spills to prevent staining.

4. Appliance Maintenance: Keep your appliances clean and in good working order. Clean the lint filter in your dryer, and regularly empty and clean the refrigerator and freezer.

5. Window Care: Clean windows and windowsills to maintain good insulation and prevent drafts.

6. Declutter: Regularly go through your belongings and declutter to prevent overcrowding and make cleaning more manageable.

Reporting Maintenance Issues Promptly

Timely reporting of maintenance issues is essential for preventing minor problems from becoming major headaches. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a malfunctioning appliance, or a faulty light fixture, here’s how to handle maintenance issues:

1. Document the Issue: Before reporting a problem, take clear photos and notes about the issue. This documentation can be helpful when discussing the problem with your property management team.

2. Contact Your Property Management Team: Reach out to your property management team as soon as you notice an issue. You can submit a maintenance request through the resident portal. 

3. Follow Up: If the issue isn’t addressed promptly, follow up with your property management team to ensure that repairs are scheduled, and they received your maintenance request.

4. Emergency Issues: For urgent issues like a burst pipe or electrical problems, contact your property management team immediately, even if it’s outside of regular office hours. Bigos properties offer 24-hour emergency maintenance for these situations.

Seasonal Apartment Care Checklists

To ensure your apartment remains in top shape throughout the year, it’s important to perform seasonal apartment care tasks. Here’s a checklist to help you stay on top of it:

Spring:

– Clean windows and screens

– Wipe down vent covers

– Inspect and clean ceiling fans

Summer:

– Clean carpets and rugs if needed

– Examine and clean outdoor spaces like balconies or patios

– Wash/dust baseboards or hard to get spaces

Fall:

– Remove plants, gardens, or leaves from outdoor patio/balcony spaces 

– Inspect doors and windows for drafts

– Pack up outdoor spaces for winter

Winter:

– Monitor indoor humidity levels to prevent dryness and potential damage to wood and furniture.

– Report any heating issues immediately.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and specific tasks may vary depending on your apartment’s features and your lease agreement.

In conclusion, taking care of your apartment is not just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring the longevity of your living space and creating a comfortable and healthy environment. By following these apartment care essentials, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a well-maintained and pleasant place to call home.

Disclaimer:

This guide provides general advice on apartment care and maintenance but is not a step-by-step guide to securing your security deposit upon move-out. Please consult with your property management team to discuss all fees, regulations, and move-out requirements specific to your apartment community. Understanding your lease agreement is crucial for a smooth transition when it’s time to move out.