Don't Hike or Camp Off-Leash

It's only natural that you'd want your dog to enjoy nature the way you do, but there are a lot of hidden dangers in the Great Outdoors that can harm your pup. If you take your dog for a weekend away from the city, he'll be tempted to drink water from unsavory places and frolic in the foliage he's not used to when he's in Chicago. If he's not tended to, he might pick up intestinal worms, ticks or other unwanted problems that can cause you a lot of worries (and money) when you return from your restful respite. Keep Water With You at All Times

Lots of places around the city will offer water for Fido, but you don't want to assume that's a given. When you take your dog for a walk, bring a bottle of water and a collapsible water bowl so you can hydrate him if he starts to get overheated. 

Steer Clear of Fireworks

Between baseball games, Independence Day, and a number of other celebrations that occur during the summer months, fireworks are par for the course. While you may want to enjoy these festivities with your best friend, you'll actually be doing her a disservice if you take your dog to places where there's an overabundance of people and loud noises. 

Fireworks are amplified in the sensitive ears of animals. At best, they'll be scared. At worst, they might actually suffer hearing damage. 

Take Pet-Specific Treats to Cookouts

It's so tempting to look at those begging puppy dog eyes and find a people-treat that'll make him happy — but don't do it. Make it very clear to other guests, too, that your dog isn't to be fed scraps. Ribs, chicken and other seemingly innocent foods can actually harm your dog if they have spices, bones or elements that aren't suitable for pets.

Are you looking for a pet-friendly apartment community that offers beautiful views and tons of amenities? You've found your new home! Stop by The Belden-Stratford, and let us show you around!

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Candy Colors

With the identification of Living Coral as the color of the year comes a wide array of gorgeous candy colors to enjoy. As with the rich coral hues of 2019, these candy colors should exude happiness and brighten your mood at a glance. Choose the ones that speak to you most, and then pick up throw pillows, blankets and other decor pieces in those hues.

Wicker Accents

Wicker accents are all the rage this year. You can add wicker to any room in your house to give it an interesting splash of color and texture. You can find wicker baskets, chairs, tables and more in a wide range of colors or even paint your own.

Stone Elements Throughout Your Chicago Apartments

With their smooth textures and natural tones, stone elements can beautifully balance the candy colors and wicker accents you add to your apartments in Chicago. You can find stone decor elements in the form of knickknacks, lamps, and tables. You can also fill decorative dishes with smooth river rocks or polished stones in interesting patterns.

Vintage Lamps

Vintage lamps will bring your spring design together beautifully. You can find vintage lamps in any style imaginable. You just have to choose a design that will work best with your other interior design elements. Select a combination of table and floor lamps to add height and variation to your design. You can also acquire vintage bulbs to go with your lamps if you want to go that route.

As you add these decorative elements to your apartments, your interior design will start to come together wonderfully. As you complete this project, reflect on other ways to improve your living space. If you would like to explore your apartment upgrade options, contact us at The Belden-Stratford by calling 866-452-6177.

The post Spring Decor Trends for Your Apartments in Chicago appeared first on The Belden-Stratford Blog.

Downsize Before Making a Move

Moving can be more hassle-free if you have less “stuff” to move. Downsizing before a move can minimize the amount of material to be packed, moved and unpacked. It also may give you the freedom to update some of your furnishings after move-in.

Plan Ahead

Most of the stress of moving results from the lack of proper planning. As soon as you know a move is in your future you can begin by packing off-season clothing and items you know you won't need throughout the transition period. Begin making arrangements with a mover and planning for all utility changes.

Decide How Involved You Want to Be

Do you want to take on the responsibility of packing, labeling and transporting your belongings, or should you consider professional help? This can depend on the number of items you will be moving, your budget, and how much work you want to put into your move. You can literally “go it alone” or have a professional moving company take care of everything from packing to the moving. It is always best to unpack your own items.

Ask for the Guidance of Your Apartment Building Manager

Perhaps nobody knows more about the ins and outs of moving into your new apartment building than that of the building manager. Make sure you have the proper dates aligned and know about how and where to use the building's facilities like elevators and entranceways. Know where to park vehicles used in your move and any other pertinent information.

Focus on the Benefits, Not the Process

When you begin to focus more on how nice your new space will be, how convenient it is and how you will enjoy its beautiful park, lake, and city views, many of the hassles of moving will quickly dissipate. Do you know of someone in search of exceptional apartment living in Chicago? Spread the word. Tell them about The Belden-Stratford.

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