1) Indulge in Fall Flavors 

As soon as fall comes around restaurants and coffee shops alike begin serving seasonal foods and beverages. Pumpkin spice lattes have become as synonymous with fall as the leaves changing colors. But that’s because it’s just that good! People love the taste of pumpkin spice, but what many crave is the aroma of a warm fall drink. This is why apple cider is another popular choice among fall drink enthusiasts. Apple cider is a classic fall drink that can be served hot or cold depending on your personal preference. Not to be confused with the bitter tasting health drink, apple cider vinegar, apple cider has a sweet and crisp taste perfect for autumn days.  

2) Enjoy Nature 

While the summer months bring their share of amazing weather. The early fall months are one of the most beautiful times to get outdoors. Even though it might be too chilly for shorts and a t-shirt, there’s nothing wrong with putting on your favorite pair of sweats and enjoying the crisp fall air. Also be sure to take in the breathtaking views of changing seasons such as the leaves falling and changing colors. A brisk walk outside can also pair wonderfully with your favorite warm fall drink in hand!  

3) Fall Decorations 

Christmas decorations are something that have been present inside and outside of homes for years, but fall decorations can be just as fun to set up and just as eye-catching as well. From autumn wreaths, pumpkins, leaves, and spooky Halloween decorations, the possibilities are endless. Entryway decorations are also becoming extremely popular and trendy as they are the first thing people see when entering your home and serve to give your space tons of personality.  

4) Fall Recipes  

Every season can be associated with a common set of flavors. However, no season has set itself apart in that area quite like fall. Apples, pumpkin, squash, corn, cinnamon, maple, sage; these foods and flavors paired together or separately represent what fall is all about. A popular method of cooking fall recipes is in a crockpot or slow cooker. Simply combine your ingredients and leave it to cook while you go about your day. You can make delicious stews, soups, chilis and more with ease. If cooking isn’t your thing, fall farmers markets are a great place to go to for the freshest foods in your area.  

5) Apple Picking  

Apple picking is a great fall activity for families, couples, and friends. Whether you’re in it just for fun or your goal is to pick apples to eat and cook with, you can definitely find what you're looking for at your local apple orchard. Unfortunately, most orchards aren’t free, but you can surely get more than your dollars' worth for the price of admission. Apple picking season begins around July and extends into early November so don’t worry; you still have plenty of time left to try it for yourself.  

6) Carve Pumpkins 

Carving pumpkins used to be something reserved for Halloween or entertaining children, but the fall practice has become trendier and more suitable for all age groups. Scary faces on pumpkins are becoming outdated as pumpkin carvings have become much more fun and sophisticated. You could carve your favorite team's logo, a special design, or practically anything you want. Don’t forget to make the most of every part of the pumpkin as the seeds can be roasted and eaten and the pulp can be used in a variety of recipes.  

7) Dress to Impress 

Fall is a great excuse to break out those comfy sweats, and there’s nothing with that! However, fall is also a great season for many other different kinds of fashion and attire. Flannel is a great option for fall as it can be dressed up or down depending on your mood and preference. If you haven’t already, fall is also a great time to invest in a solid pair of boots. Be sure to pick a pair that are warm enough for the colder weather, but not too warm so that they will feel uncomfortable. 

The post How to Make the Most of Fall appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

Eliminate single-use items

If you could eliminate one thing that’s harming the planet it would be single-use plastics like straws, bottles, and even plastic feminine hygiene products. Try replacing plastics around your home with reusable alternatives like refillable glass bottles for hand and dish soaps and recycled mason jars for dry goods and spices. You could also try replacing a plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush and replacing plastic wrap with beeswax wrap.

Shop vintage and homemade

Shopping vintage is a great way to recycle and do your part to cut down on mass production. Websites to shop are Craigslist, Etsy, Chairish, and the Real Real for furniture and decor. And shopping vintage isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for the overall look of your apartment. By shopping vintage, you can add a fun one-of-a-kind conversation piece to your rooms that you can guarantee your friends won’t have.

Use eco-friendly cleaning products

You can make your own cleaning products out of organic household items like white vinegar or transition to eco-friendly detergent strips for laundry that dissolve in the wash. You can also use a dryer ball that captures harmful micro-plastics released from clothing that get flushed into the waterline.

Shop with reusable bags

This is a no-brainer. If you are still taking plastic bags home from the grocery store, try and get into the habit of bringing a reusable bag with you.

Conserve energy

Back to the basics of practicing environmental mindfulness… Turn off the water while teeth brushing, turn off lights when you leave a room or the house, turn the heat down a few degrees in winter, open windows to limit A/C in the warmer seasons.

Switch out your light bulbs

This is a simple one; switch out the CFL light bulbs with for LEDs. They can last for up to 25,000 hours as opposed to CFLs which typically burn out after 8,000 hours. LEDs also use half the amount of watts.

Get houseplants

Houseplants not only look great and freshen up your space, but they actually improve air quality. The snake plant, for example, was named as one of the top air-purifying plants by NASA’S clean-air study. Also fresh, potted herbs in the kitchen to inspire cooking. If you don’t have a good windowsill to grow them on, consider one of the many table-top hydroponic gardens that require no soil, just water, and come with a built-in grow light.

The post Green Your Apartment appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

Spring is in the air and it’s time for a little refresh. Along with a good spring clean, adding new bright decor or simply moving furniture around can feel like a breath of fresh air. Here are some great ways to brighten up your apartment for spring.

Bring the outdoors in with house plants

Plants can always help to bring some life and fresh air to your apartment. Indoor plants not only make your living space more inviting and luxurious; they also make your home’s air healthier. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, there are plant options that are low maintenance and don’t need a lot of care. Choose your plants based on your lifestyle. Bringing in fresh flowers in a beautiful vase can also add a fantastic accent and a fresh fragrance to any room.

Include New Details

The tiniest changes can have a huge impact in a room, creating an area you’re excited to return to after a busy day. For example, a new duvet cover and fluffy pillows can change the whole atmosphere of the oasis that is your bedroom. Or we can always rely on mirrors. A full-length mirror is a beautiful accent to add to any area to trick the eye and make the room seem larger than it actually is. This can be perfect for a cozier apartment setting.

For the bathroom, a new shower curtain and bathroom accessories can really switch it up. An expensive set of towels is another excellent investment, since you use them every day, and they offer a luxurious feel for a small price.

As for the living room, a warm-light lamp will add a homey feel to it. New candles can spread an amazing fragrance while adding an extra level of coziness to a room. When you’re relaxing at the end of a long day, lighting some candles, cuddling up on the couch with a soft blanket and a good book can help you unwind completely.

Give Rugs Some Thought

Does it feel like your floors need some attention? Whether your apartment has carpeting or hardwood floors, a new area rug can give the room flair and add a whole new vibe to the atmosphere. There's a reason they say area rugs can bring a living space together – with this piece, you can make an incomplete room feel more composed almost seamlessly. Use the existing decor in your apartment to choose a color that would look best but be sure to keep popular spring pastels in mind to follow seasonal trends.

Pops of Color

Bring color to your bedroom by mixing in new throw pillows, blankets, and vases in a spring-appropriate hue. Whether you’re switching up the neutral shade on all the walls or adding a bold accent on just one of them, a fresh coat of paint can bring a room from 10 to 100. The colors we surround ourselves with can impact our moods and evoke emotion, so choose your color palette based on how you want to feel.

Treat Yourself

Have you been eyeing that mini Keurig machine for a while? How about a stand mixer? After all, you deserve it for all the spring-cleaning work you’ve done. This is the perfect time to splurge on something for yourself and your home, especially after decluttering and creating free space for new stuff.

Spring is all about incorporating decor that makes you feel comforted and happy when you see it.

Be creative as you infuse spring into your apartment. A joyful apartment will give anyone who enters an instant mood boost.

The post Spring is here. Time to discover your spring look. appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

Many times throughout life a fresh start is just what we need to get back some joy in our lives. As bad as this year may have been, 2021 can be your chance for a new beginning.
 

1. Commit to becoming more physically fit.

You don’t have to become a world-class athlete to get up and move more. Maybe you’ll set a goal of completing a 5K race. Perhaps more realistic is deciding to walk around the community or nearby park twice a week – or leaving the car at home when running nearby errands and riding a bike instead. What’s important is finding a routine that works for you – and then sticking to it.

2. Plan new activities

While 2020 may have taught us that life can be unpredictable, it shouldn’t stop you from planning new things to do in life. Life is full of experiences just waiting for you to take a chance on.

3. Look for ways to brighten someone else’s life.

We asked nearly 2 million people across the globe what one thing makes them feel most fulfilled, and GIVING has consistently been among their top answers. No matter where we live, there’s no shortage of people, causes, or organizations that can benefit from our time, expertise, or resources. Not only are we as humans biologically wired to share with others, but research from National Institutes of Health neuroscientist Jorge Moll found we get an actual “helper’s high” – thanks to the release of addictive feel-good neurotransmitters – when we do.

Kick off 2021 with a home free from clutter and mess:

4. Clean out your closet

According to one estimate, on average, consumers buy 68 garments a year. That means there’s a lot you might have to remove from your closet.

Cleaning out your closet space will give you a chance to have a simple wardrobe entering the new year. Most likely a closet all about comfort as Americans are leaning towards athletic wear and casual attire.

5. Declutter your home

Along with clothes, you probably filled up your home with other items that you don’t use as much as you thought you would.

Look through all of the rooms in your home for any items you bought this year. If you haven’t been using them in the last few months, consider getting rid of it. If the item is seasonal, and you can recall using it a lot during the specific season, it may be worth keeping.

Getting rid of items you didn’t use much will free you of clutter in your space, and make more room for things that will bring you more joy.

6. Tap into 2021's biggest interior trends to reinvent and refresh your home for the year ahead

Earthy color palettes, multipurpose rooms, and more. Home decor trends for 2021 are all about creating a home that's comfortable, functional, and most importantly, a reflection of you. We'll cheers to that!

Every year, we look at Jan. 1 as a symbol of a fresh start and a chance to have our “best year yet.” This mindset feels more urgent than ever this year.

This doesn’t mean you can’t look at the new year as a clean slate, though. In fact, experts say it’s important to look at the new year as a new start and shake off as many of those 2020 vibes as you can.

Are you ready for a fresh start?

The post Make the Most of the Fresh Start of a New Year! appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

Black Friday

There’s very little the pandemic hasn’t affected, and, if Prime Day was any indication, Black Friday may be a little different this year. Like many of us, you probably blinked a couple months and ago and now it’s October. November is rapidly approaching, and with that comes Black Friday – the busiest shopping day of the year. It can be overwhelming to see the plethora of deals that stores have to offer. However, if handled probably you can achieve big savings and get lots of holiday shopping done!

So I’m sure you’re wondering, what’s the best way to ensure you get the best deals? It is important to have a plan of action to maximize your savings. Try these helpful tips to find the best Black Friday bargains!

Do your research early

It is important to understand exactly what you are looking for. With many of the big savings coming in the form of technology (TVs, computers, laptops, etc.) it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option every time. However, just because something has a good price, doesn’t mean it’s a good deal.

Research the product you are considering buying and see if it is a good product. You may regret saving $50 on a cheaper TV that is not exactly what you are looking for.

Compare prices ahead of time

Many stores will release ads for their Black Friday specials in order to create buzz around whatever deals they have going on. You can use this to your advantage. Websites such as Consumer Reports, PriceGrabber, and Shopzilla can provide you with a list of prices of items at different stores.

Websites such as BestBlackFriday.com, DealNews, and TheBlackFriday.com are a good place to look for Black Friday ads before they are released. This way you can see what is coming and plan ahead for what you want to buy.

When you’re in stores, you can use the apps of other retailers to compare their pricing to what you are seeing. Places such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target have shopping apps that allow you to scan products and check their online pricing and availability. Use them!

Budget, Budget, Budget

Black Friday is a great time to find savings on products you have been needing to purchase. However, it is also a time where stores try to convince you to buy products you never intended to purchase. Having a budget can help you avoid doing this.

Many people get caught up in thinking “Look how much money I’m saving!”. And yes, there are some pretty great savings on Black Friday. But when you’re buying items you don’t need or didn’t plan for, you’re not actually “saving” money. Don’t get sucked in by the deals and stick to your budget.

Understand store policies

It is important to know what price-match and return policies stores have before going shopping. Most stores have some price-match policy, which can help you save money. Beware that some stores only allow price-matching on certain items during Black Friday shopping, so pay attention to this. Ensure there are no fees on returns or exchanges as well.

When trying to price-match, some stores will require you to show proof of price from another store. Sometimes, they won’t accept internet prices and may require a physical advertisement. Bring multiple forms of ads for a price you are looking for in order to have the best chance of the store matching that price.

Shop Early and Online

Many stores nowadays will have essentially the same deals online as they will in stores and maybe even better this year to encourage online shopping. Some stores will post their specials online so you can order and pick up at your local store. Some deals also get posted as early as Thanksgiving Day, so be on the lookout.

Shopping online can help you avoid crowds and stay safe during these times. Unless there is something you absolutely have to go to the store for, online shopping is the way to go!

Hopefully these tips can help you score the deals you’ve been looking for. Leave us a reply and let us know what helpful tips have worked for you! Happy shopping!

The post Tips to shopping Black Friday Sales appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

Here are just a few ways to fill your living space with the sights and smells of the year’s most cozy season.

Throws and Pillows and Blankets, Oh My

Kill two birds with one stone (keeping warm and decorating for fall) by putting some beautiful throws and comfy blankets out on display. There’s nothing better than cozying up with an earth-toned blanket on a lazy day. To create a “fall vibe” in your home, go for classic prints, like plaid, and materials like chunky cable knit. We especially love this one from Pier One Imports, this cable knit throw from Wayfair, or this inexpensive pumpkin throw pillow.

Light Those Candles

As the days get darker, you’ll need a little more light in your house to lift your spirits. Gather tea lights, votives, and rustic lanterns! Buy fall-scented candles to make your apartment feel (and smell) like an autumn haven. (Just don’t forget to blow them out before you go out or go to bed!)

Pumpkins!

Using mini pumpkins as accents for your home is such a cute way to welcome fall into your home! You can buy all different colors, shapes, and sizes from Trader Joe’s or any grocery store throughout the U.S.

Make a Wreath

Dress up doors, windows, or even an empty space above your stove or mantel with a colorful fall wreath. You can buy them rather inexpensively, or make one yourself using cobs of corn, mini pumpkins, zucchini, berry garlands or autumnal flowers to add splashes of orange, reds, yellows and browns. 

Berry Garland

If you have a banister or a mantle, run a beautiful berry garland along the wood to make just the right fall statement.

Create a Fall Centerpiece for Your Table

Decorate your table with a homemade centerpiece made from fall flowers, pumpkins, leaves, pine cones, and of course, candles. All you’ll really need is a few fall elements, a table top, and some imagination to create something that looks festive at every meal. Or, simply place different sizes of fall vegetables, gourds, pumpkins, etc. on the dining room table for a (cost-effective) centerpiece.

Fall Flowers

Use dahlias, ranunculus, and foraged clippings from your yard, even leaves and branches. Then style them in a simple vase, or rustic pot (depending upon the size of your arrangement) to create an arrangement that would look perfect on your mantel.

The post Filling your Apartment with Fall Decor appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

Summer is in full swing! And while we may not be able to jet off to some faraway waterfront locale, we can still get in on the easy summertime living. That means fresh, local food at the farmers’ market, warm walks around the community, and maybe even a picnic or two. It also means you should start thinking about freshening up the decor in your apartment. Ready to dress your home up for a summery staycation? Here are a few simple decorating ideas to help you welcome summer into your home.

Keep It Light With White. Paint everything white, from the walls to the furniture and then use cream, sand, or white textiles. The idea is to invite as much light into the room as possible.

Accessorize with citrus and herbs. Love the fresh produce that pops up locally every summer? A planter full of fresh basil or mint would make the perfect centerpiece for your dining room table. A bowl filled with lemons and limes would also make a colorful statement!

Printed pillows and blankets. One of the easiest things to change up at home are your throw pillows and blankets. For summer, consider going with bright, bold patterns in the shades you associate with summer. Yellow chevron; orange checks; bright green gingham. You can also play around with nature prints—maybe lemons to match the bowl on your table!

Nature-inspired materials. Take summer as an opportunity to bring different textures into your space. Maybe a jute rug, a few pieces of wicker furniture, or even just some new houseplants.

Amp Up the Bar. Fresh and fruity summer cocktails deserve a dedicated station. Whip up a mojito or mai tai at a well-stocked table.

Nautical or beachy accents. In place of your shore vacation this year, spruce up your space with natural objects and nautical-themed decor like seashells, coral, or throw pillows in lobster or anchor motifs.

The post Summer Decorating Ideas For a Stylish Staycation appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

May is here! And of course, with May comes warmer weather and beautiful flowers. By now you already completed your spring cleaning and your patio or balcony it is ready!

Patios and balconies do not get much love during the colder months, so we decided to dedicate this post to balcony cleaning tips and décor.

Find out how to get rid of rust and moss, left behind on your balcony/patio as well as how to decorate for spring without breaking the bank + win $100 Gift Card in our Patio Decor Contest!

1.Rust Removal from Balcony or Patio

Even if you don’t have metal patio furniture, you may still find rust on the metal parts of plastic furniture and on your railings. If not cleaned off, it can stain your clothes and drip off onto the balcony floor. It can also be potentially harmful to children and pets so it’s best to get rid of it.

Move everything off the patio so that you can sweep the floor for any dirt or leaves. Next, grab a hose or a bucket and really wash away all the dirt buildup from the winter. Don’t forget to give the screen door a good rinse.

• Rag & Water

The easiest way to remove rust is simply with a rag and water. Get a bucket of water and lightly dip the rag and scrub away the rusted areas. You can also swap the rag or use it in combination with a wire brush if you need something stronger to scrub with. After cleaning, wipe off the areas with a dry rag.

• Baking Soda Method

You can also mix baking soda with water to create a cleaning paste. Spread the paste on the rusted surfaces and gently scrub with a rag or wire brush. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 Minutes and then wipe it off with some clean water, and then again with a dry rag.

• Lemon and Salt Trick

Lastly, the lemon and salt technique is another way to tackle those rusted stains. All you need to do is squeeze the juice of a lemon into a bowl, add some salt and apply the mixture over the rust. Then, scrub with a rag until the rust comes off. Wipe off with clean water and then again with a dry rag.

2. Moss Clean-up

Moss thrives in dark and moist environments, especially during cool weather. If not removed, it could cause surface decay. It is also slippery, which can pose a safety hazard, so it needs to go.

Household Supplies, there are many products in our home that can be used to control or kill moss like bleach and ammonia. While these are common products used throughout the household, we highly recommend diluting these products with water when using them outdoors where they can leach into the soil. The chemicals can alter the pH in your soil and cause an adverse response from your plants, and if it makes you feel more comfortable, we recommend using a Bio-degradable soap diluting with water for outside.

There are several chemical products you could buy to kill moss growing on your balcony, but the most natural way to remove its traces is to use white vinegar.

Here’s how to do such:

Step 1: Pour white vinegar directly on the moss and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Rinse the vinegar and moss off with a hose or wipe with a wet rag.

Step 3: Use a dry towel/rag to dry.
 

3-What About the Cushions?

If you have patio furniture with cushions, those pretty, patterned pillows tend to wear over time too and collect dirt. Here’s how to get them looking fresh this season too.

Step 1: Combine 1 quart of warm water, 1 teaspoon dishwashing soap (like Dawn), and 1 tablespoon Borax in a bucket.

Step 2: Dip a sponge in the solution, then use it to scrub the cushions on all sides.

Step 3: Let the solution soak in for 15 minutes and then rinse with a hose or in your bathtub/shower. Just make sure you clean your bathtub afterward.

You may also want to take this opportunity to redecorate your patio or balcony, with the new normal and social distancing many are working from home. If you really want to get creative, you can always add some flowers for color and decoration. A  cleaned balcony is a great way to welcome in the new season while providing yourself with a relaxing environment to listen to the birds ,watch the trees and flowers bloom while you work from your new beautiful space.

4-Here are some little chair ideas for your little balcony:

• Folding chairs: The ones you’ll find at IKEA range from $9.99 to $29.99, and are both little and portable.

• A little loveseat: Loveseats can be perfect for small balconies, and extra cozy when there’s a need to squeeze three people in. Just be sure to check the measurements before buying to ensure it’ll fit!

• A small bench: A bench is similar to a loveseat in that you can squeeze more people on it if you need to. The benefit to benches – they’re typically less bulky and expensive, and the options are endless – like traditional wood, reclaimed rustic wood, or vintage chic.

5. Add some greenery for an added breath of fresh air

There’s nothing that makes a space feel more fresh, calm and relaxing than beautiful greenery or potted plants. The type of plants to add to your balcony depends on how much space you have or want to allocate to them. Here are some options:

• A vertical garden – Square feet taken? Zero. There are tons of hacks for this – check out some here.

• Herbs – Why not grow a little herb garden on your balcony? Here’s a balcony herb garden guide to help you out.

• English Ivy (or another outdoor climbing plant) – A great way to add color and décor to your space using plants is to look into outdoor climbing plants and choose one you love. They work well with a bare wall or along a balcony railing. And bonus, they add privacy!

• Potted plants – Whether you hang them or place them on your balcony floor, many potted plants are simple to care for and are perfect for adding more color to your space.

6. Don't forget about the bells and whistles

Once you have key elements and pieces of furniture added to your little balcony, you can add in the bells and whistles to make it truly a dreamy oasis.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Candles – for just the right mood lighting

• Pillows – to accompany any kind of seating

• Blankets – faux sheepskin is always encouraged

• A basket – to hold blankets and pillows

• A mini BBQ – because yum! Plus, there are lots of little grill options (Electrical grill only)

• An ice bucket – fill it with ice before you head outside to keep your drinks cool

• An umbrella – to protect yourself from the sun

There you have it, all the small balcony decoration ideas that you could need to turn your apartment balcony into a can’t-wait-to-get-out-there space. We have a feeling this will no longer be the least used area of your home.

The post Broadlands Patio Decor Tips + Contest! appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

Working from home has its own set of unique challenges. Follow along for a few of the tips we've found most helpful in creating a work environment that establishes a healthy work/life balance, increases productivity, reduces feelings of stress, and more.

These tips will help you make sure that you’re successful, both at getting your work done and at maintaining your mental well-being:

1. Get Dressed

It might seem like a simple tip, but it’s a crucial one. It was tempting to stay in pajamas all day, but any day you give into temptation will be a much slower to start and less productive overall.

You don’t need to dress as formally as you might for work, but the simple act of changing clothes serves as a signal that it’s time to wake up and get things done. “Don’t underestimate the power of putting on clothes suitable for public viewing. It makes you feel human [and] confident and helps draw the line between being at work and being at home,” says Heather Yurovsky, Muse career coach and the founder of Shatter & Shine. “Feeling human” might seem like an odd thing to have to actively think of, but it’s especially important at a time like this, when the breakdown of your everyday routines might make you feel cut off from your “normal” life and the “real” world.

Getting dressed also applies to other appearance-based tasks: Take a shower, brush your hair, even put on makeup if that’s what you’d usually do. You don’t need to go as all out as you would for the office if you don’t want to, but waking up and taking care of your appearance can go a long way toward helping you feel like you’re taking care of yourself.

Besides, just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean that no one from work will see you. It’s 2020 and we’re all about to have a lot of video meetings.

2. Designate a Workspace or Home Office

One of the big challenges when it comes to working remotely is keeping your work and home lives separate. If you never fully disconnect from work, your work productivity will suffer and your home life can take a hit as well.

If you’re used to going into an office each day, the separation between work and home is physical, and you want to try to recreate that as much as possible with a designated physical workspace at home. You may scoff at the idea of a separate room for a home office if, like me, you live in a small apartment. I’m writing this in the room that is my office, kitchen, living room, and dining room all in one. Your workspace doesn’t have to be its own room—in my apartment, it’s a corner—but it should feel as separate from the rest of your home as possible.

Try to make your workspace comfortable with a chair you can sit in for eight hours a day and a few decorations. Find an area with good natural lighting if at all possible. Even if you don’t usually spend a lot of time outdoors, losing out on the time you spend outdoors during your commute can start to weigh on you quickly, and it will only happen faster if you don’t have natural light coming in.

Entering your workspace will help you turn “on” at the beginning of the day and get down to work. On the flipside, leaving your workspace will also help you turn “off” at the end of the day and fully disengage. That’s why it’s also important not to spread yourself across your home—while it might seem great to be able to move from desk to couch to bed, if you let your laptop creep into your downtime space, it makes it harder to keep your work separate from your home life.

If you’re working at a table you need to use outside of work or a room you spend a lot of time in, pack up your work each evening to make the end of your day decisive. When I worked remotely in my last job, I was working on my personal computer, so I’d make sure to close all the tabs and programs related to my job as soon as I was done for the day. The key here is to do whatever you need to do to “leave” your workspace.

3. Keep Clearly Defined Working Hours

Just as you designate and separate your physical workspace, you should be clear about when you’re working and when you’re not. You’ll get your best work done and be most ready to transition back to the office if you stick with your regular hours. Plus, if your role is collaborative, being on the same schedule as your coworkers makes everything much easier.

If you live with other people, this separation is even more critical. Communicate with the people you live with to establish boundaries so you can cut down on distractions during the workday—and then disconnect and give the people you care about your full attention. Having a separate time and space to work will allow you to be more present in your home life.

4. Build Transitions Into (and Out of) Work

Your morning commute not only gets you to work—from one physical location to another—but it also gives your brain time to prepare for work. Just because you’re not traveling doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carve out equivalent routines to help you ease into your workday.

Maybe you usually read or listen to music on your commute. You can do that at home. Or maybe you can spend some time with a pet or loved one. You can even add in a workout (preferably at home because of the new coronavirus, but see what is being recommended where you live) or spend some time on a hobby (again, make sure it’s appropriate given the health recommendations where you are).

At the other end of the day, the evening commute does the reverse. “Commuters often take for granted the time they have in the car or on the train to wind down from a hectic workday and mentally prepare themselves for their evening routine.” Yurovsky says. Generally, you’re not going from getting a huge presentation done right to making dinner or doing chores. If you try to jump directly, “your brain doesn’t have time to hit the reset button, which can make you less present as you transition back into your personal life.”

Give yourself something that will signal the end of work and serve as a buffer. When I worked from home, I made it a habit to take my dog for a long walk as soon as I was done for the day. It helped me decompress with something physical and fun, and the habit was self-enforcing since my dog would lie in front of the door when it was time to go or would come looking for me if I was taking too long.

5. Don’t Get Too Sucked in by the News—or Anything Else

You probably already take a few breaks throughout the day at the office, and that’s fine to do at home, too. Using that time to throw in a load of laundry is OK, but try not to look at your new work arrangement as an opportunity to finally clean out that closet or anything else that takes a lot of sustained focus.

Right now, one of the biggest distractions is the news. And if you’re working remotely because of the new coronavirus, checking in on COVID-19 updates is going to be at the front of your mind. It’s good to stay informed, of course, but it’s also easy to scroll yourself into an anxious mess.

I suggest setting timers for any breaks you take. You don’t want to get too immersed and forget that you’re at work altogether. If you’re someone who’s susceptible to getting distracted every time you get a news alert, turn your notifications off during the workday, too. The news will still be there after 5 PM.

6. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

If you don’t usually work from home, chances are there will be some bumps in the road if you have to suddenly go fully remote. The key to steering through these bumps is communication—especially with your manager and direct reports. Either before you make the switch or as soon as you know it’s happening, come up with a plan that lays out expectations for how often you should check in and how you’ll convey any changes or new assignments to one another. Do the same with anyone you usually work collaboratively with throughout the day.

This plan is likely to change as you go. And that’s OK. This is a new situation for everyone. So make sure to circle back and change the plan if problems come up. You’ll also encounter unique challenges as you try to do your job remotely, which can vary greatly depending on the type of work you do. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the same people you would usually turn to for help—even if you’re not in the same building as them.

You might find it’s best to check in with your boss and coworkers over the phone or through video chat. This will cut down on miscommunication and break up some of the social isolation that can come from working from home.

7. Don’t Forget to Socialize

When the whole office suddenly starts working from home, you’re cutting off a lot of the casual social interactions you’re used to having throughout the day that help you feel less lonely and break up the monotony of work. “People forget they need to be around others because it’s the small talk and random fire alarms that keep your days feeling unique and prevent that hamster-wheel feeling. When you work from home, you don’t have that,” Yurovsky says.

Combat this by talking with your coworkers throughout the day through Slack, calls, text, Zoom, or however your company communicates. If you usually ask your coworkers about their weekends, keep that up. If you’d usually comment to them about a specific topic, reach out. These little interactions go a long way.

You can also schedule morning video call kickoffs with your whole team so you make space for that first-getting-into-work small talk, or carve out time for other check-ins throughout the day.

While you’re at it, don’t just check in with coworkers about this project or that TV show you both like—really check in. Lots of us are feeling anxious and uncertain right now, and suddenly being isolated at home can amplify these feelings. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a coworker just to ask how they’re doing.

All this doesn’t just apply to the workday and people you work with. You may not be able to meet up with friends for dinner after work, but you can organize a group of people to discuss a book or TV show or just to catch up over Google Hangouts. You don’t even need to plan that much: My best friend and I live in different parts of the country but stream TV shows simultaneously so we can text about them in real time. And Facetime your mom, will you? When the world is freaking out, it’s more important than ever that we reach out, connect, and take care of one another.

The post 7 Tips For Working From Your Van Metre Apartment appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

With all that is going on and everyone talking about cleaning and sanitizing, we wat to bring some tips about Spring Cleaning, the pressure to get tidy may have you worry, panic and biting your nails. Wondering, where the heck do I even begin?

If that sounds familiar, then LISTEN UP.

We have a helpful how-to on how to prepare for spring cleaning as well as get you motivated to accomplish your dust duties and clean out those “dark places” you’ve been avoiding. After all, you should save the worrying for more important things, like start planning your summer vacation to the Caribbean?

Tips to Spring Clean Your Apartment

1. Have a plan in place

To reduce the amount of chaos going on in the rest of your apartments, draft out a simple plan on paper. Think about which room needs your attention first. When do you expect to have your spring cleaning complete?

If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can follow the schedule below and get in the Spring Mood!!

2. Schedule a time to start your cleaning

Just like having a plan, you want to mark off your cleaning days with a time to start and stop. Put it on the calendar. Having a scheduled time to start your clean will help keep you on track.

3. Declutter, declutter, declutter

When it comes to decluttering, try donating what you don’t need rather than throwing it out. Donating to others is always a good feeling. Imagine your apartment sparkling clean and driving off with a box of items to donate to those in need. It’s a great feeling!

The adage is true if you don’t love it, if you haven’t used it in over a year, or if it doesn’t make you smile get rid of it and  donate to Our local donation center!

Quick Tip: "The process of giving will only serve to open your world in ways you could not even begin to imagine and you will feel a lot better than before you actually proffered that help in the first place." Adam Richards, Habits

4. Get organized

It’s much easier to give your apartment a deep clean if your things are already put away. It’s the perfect time to implement a place for everything, and everything in its place. The best way to remain organized is to allot certain hours of day, the de-cluttering and cleaning up it doesn’t have to be for a long time, 15 to 30 minutes a day is enough.

Quick Tip: Grab 3 bins: one for things to throw away, put away, and donations.

5. Check your cleaning supplies

The last thing you want when you are ready to clean is to realize you are out of furniture polish! Check your and Supply make a list of all of the items you need to pick up the next time you go out

6. Make yourself a new playlist

Create a fun channel on Pandora or playlist with your favorite music streaming service. Music is a great way to stay motivated and can make tedious obligations like cleaning fun. Pretend the mop is a microphone and belt out P!nk as you make those kitchen floors shine.

7. Have your favorite quick snacks and beverages ready

Are you a coffee lover? Then start by making a fresh pot before tackling the cleaning. Fill your water bottle with fresh cold water and stay  hydrated! Have your favorite quick meals or snacks on hand as well. If you aren’t hydrated and eating throughout the day, you will run out of energy before you can reach your goals.

8. Time to Start Spring Cleaning

Now you are ready to start your spring-cleaning journey! Best of luck and remember to have fun.

The post How to Prepare for Spring Cleaning Your Apartment appeared first on Broadlands Blog.