The post Reducing Noise Unwanted Noise in Your Home appeared first on The Belden-Stratford Blog.
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Living in an apartment is all fun and games until you realize the neighbors upstairs are heavy walkers. Noise complaints in an apartment complex are difficult to deal with, mainly because there is very little that can be done to address the issue. The chances are that your neighbors upstairs aren’t involved in late-night tap-dancing contests, and it’s unlikely that your neighbors are actually blasting their TV with oversized speakers. Even the most well-insulated apartment complexes are subject to noise issues, and complaining to your property manager is not going to get you much more than a bit of empathy. However, there are ways that you can insulate your apartment to make your home less subject to the intruding noise of your neighbors.
Here are a few strategies that can help you reduce unwanted noise in your apartment:
- Pad the floors. Using throw rugs and carpeting where possible can make a huge difference in insulating some of the noise in your apartment.
- Use tapestries and drapes. Just as rugs will help to alleviate some of the noise and echoes from the flooring, using plenty of textiles on the walls will help to reduce environmental noise.
- Position furniture strategically. Lining shared walls with your couch can help to reduce the impact of noise from that shared space.
- Use white noise machines. Investing in a white noise machine or making a habit of having light music playing in the background as you go about your business can help to block out unwanted noise as well.
- Turn on the ceiling fan. Using a ceiling fan can help to reduce the amount of noise you hear from upstairs neighbors.
Dealing with unwanted noise from your neighbors is frustrating, and unfortunately, it is a common reality for so many who live in apartments. While there are certain situations in which unthoughtful neighbors will make a bit too much noise, chances are that you can significantly reduce your risk of feeling bothered by these unwanted noises by making simple changes. By being strategic with your design choices and utilizing technology in smart yet considerate ways, you can reduce the amount of noise pollution impacting your home — and perhaps even feel a little bit more friendly toward your neighbors.
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Kitchen clutter takes away from the enjoyment of the heart of your home. After all, the kitchen is where you likely spend the majority of your time. In your apartments in Chicago, you’re surrounded by the best features a kitchen can offer. Why not make the most of them by avoiding kitchen clutter with these useful tips?
Keep Only Essentials on the Counter
There are certain kitchen items that you use on a daily basis. These include things like spatulas, knives, stirring spoons and spices. Keep these in a large open-mouthed jar on the kitchen counter. Store all other items in drawers and cupboards. If you have appliances that you use on a daily basis, such as a blender for breakfast smoothies or a toaster oven for late night snacks, keep these out on the counter to save time. Otherwise, store kitchen appliances away where they won’t add to kitchen clutter.
Clean Up After Each Meal
One of the most common causes of kitchen clutter is the leftover mess after making a meal. Be sure to stay on top of cleanup. Put away condiment jars after making a sandwich. Put dirty dishes into the dishwasher after a meal, or wash soiled dishes immediately. Arrange sink supplies such as cloths, soap, and scrubbers into a neat area by the faucet. The sooner you clean up kitchen messes, the easier they will be to soak up with a sponge or dishcloth.
Don’t Use the Kitchen Counter as a Desk
Finally, avoid using your kitchen counter as if it were a desk. Paper clutter from mail and junk mail can make your kitchen counter less inviting to make a meal. Instead, place a table near the front door to catch keys, mail and your purse if relevant. If you don’t like the idea of a whole table, hang a wicker basket near the front door to corral keys and mail, so they don’t end up on your kitchen counter.
These are some useful tips to avoid kitchen clutter in your Chicago apartments, although you’ll likely be able to come up with a whole lot more once you see available floor plans. For more information or to schedule a viewing, please contact us today.
The post Tips and Tricks to Avoid Kitchen Clutter appeared first on The Belden-Stratford Blog.
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