Apartments.com Room To Move Contest Blog

... But we HAVE to!

We're just biting our nails in anticipation of who will be the Grand Prize Winner of Apartments.com 3rd Annual Room to Move contest.  One lucky winner will receive a Grand Prize valued at $20,000+ including a moving package from our exclusive contest sponsor, Budget Truck Rental.

Stay Tuned, our winner will be announced soon!

....to work at Apartments.com and Classified Ventures!

Think the Room to Move contest is pretty cool?  Would you just LOVE to work at a fun, friendly and growing company like Apartments.com?  Well, we think that would be just swell.

Apartments.com is currently looking for energetic, innovative team players!  For more information on the open positions, at Apartments.com and at our sister companies, Cars.com, HomeGain.com and Homescape.com CLICK HERE. 

Apartments.com is the most visited national apartment Internet listing subscription service distinguished by more than two million rental listings from managed properties, newspaper classifieds and for-rent-by-owner units. Its personalized searches, highly visual ads featuring 360-degree virtual tours and professional photography, and comprehensive community listings, make it possible for in-market renters to access rental inventory from across town or across the country and make informed decisions quickly. The site's foundation of solid partnerships with the local newspaper and television station Web sites of more than 170 affiliates across the country includes the Chicago Tribune (www.chicagotribune.com), The Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com) and the Los Angeles Times (www.latimes.com).

Classified Ventures is a strategic joint venture among six media companies, including Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co. Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Knight Ridder Inc. (NYSE: KRI), The McClatchy Co. (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Co. (NYSE: TRB) and The Washington Post Co. (NYSE: WPO), whose objectives are to collectively capitalize on the revenue growth in the online advertising categories of automotive, real estate, and rentals. To execute on its objectives, Classified Ventures has four leading businesses – Apartments.com, Cars.com, HomeGain and Homescape.

 

Apartments.com would like to thank the Room to Move official sponsor, Budget Truck Rental.

If you're going to move, you've got to call Budget.  Once you find your new place with Apartments.com, Budget will help you with pretty much everything else.  With over 2,800 convenient, helpful neighborhood locations, Budget can provide you with reliable, easy to drive truck rental, packing and loading services through partners (call 800-477-9337 for more information) and even the boxes to pack your items!  Visit Budget Truck Rental now and get a FREE moving guide with lots of helpful tips on packing your truck and planning your move. 

Budget Truck Rental also provides car carriers and towing services, with 24/7 roadside assistance, you'll never have to worry about what "might happen".  Budget's friendly and affordable services insure a hassle free moving experience.

Around town, across the country or for your business, Budget Truck Rental is your partner for stress free moving.

The voting for the 2006 Room to Move contest has ended and now we're tallying the votes to determine this year's winner. $20,000+ in cash and prizes is at stake... who will take home the Grand Prize?

Thank you for your entries and votes which helped make this year's contest the most successful to date! If you're looking for an apartment, visit Apartments.com and search millions of apartments, condos and houses for rent. Corporate, senior and student housing too!

Don't forget to help one of our finalists get the freedom that they have long dreamed of!

Today is the last day to vote for your favorite finalist!  The winner will receive $20,000+ in cash and prizes including a moving package from our contest sponsor, Budget Truck Rental.

VOTE NOW!  And help one young adult begin his or her new life of independence!!

Today's "theme" is wall decor..  Often, in apartments, you're limited to the wall color that the building decides...  Not to fret, there's TONS of things that you can do with your white or beige walls to make your place a little more like yours rather than everyones.

Bombay Outlet online has some great deals on wall decor.  You'll find  things in this online shop that may be discontinued in the stores, overstocks or other fab finds.  The grill on the right is about half the price you'd pay in "fancier" department stores.  The tapestry on the right is only $16!  With large focal pieces like this, beware of overkill.  Use smaller sconces to surround the piece or hang two similar tapestries next to each other.  But don't try to fill your entire wall with pieces like this.  Too much of a good thing, just looks cluttered. 

Try arranging a group of smaller framed photographs or prints on facing walls like the example on the left.  The art is available through Homevisions.com along with several other examples of this type of arrangement.  Arranging art in this manner will make the room look larger.  Try this instead of slamming your desk or bookshelf in the corner of the room.

Novica.com is a diverse and intriguing site that offers incredible home decor, jewelry, musical instruments and much more (they even have bean bag chairs!).   Novica offers art work from over 2000 extra-ordinary master artists from around the world.  You can shop by region (West Indies, India, Mexico, West Africa, Thailand, Brazil, Bali, Java and the Andes) or by category.  If you have a favorite animal and want to theme your room, you can even see all the items available that are related to, say, elephants (they have over 430 elephant items!).  They also have a painting selector tool that will help you locate art work by a style, region, subject, price range, dominant color or size.  Its a great way to shop, plus you get to read about the artists and the areas of the world where they create these gorgeous works.

There are amazing things that you can do with lighting in an apartment...  Create the illusion of a larger room, set a mood, compliment a theme.  From candles to christmas lights, here are a couple things to think about for your walls.

From Illuminations.com the pic on the left shows what can be done outdoors with their candle chains.  But don't let the lighting stop there, sure this would look great on a porch or balcony, but if you don't have one, you can also use this item around the perimeter of your kitchen door or front door.  Save a little electricity (and some cash) by using these in dark hallways or in the bedroom.  At right, also from Illuminations.com, a focal sconce with candles.  This would be a great piece for a bathroom, yes, a bathroom...  Keep other wall hangings to a minimum with this piece as the main focus in a room.  And of course, never leave a lit candle unattended.

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall....  It truly is amazing what a little light and a mirror will do for a room.  LightingDirect.com offers a huge selection of light fixtures, indoor and outdoor and has a pretty good supply of hard to find lighted mirrors.  Hang one of these at the end of a hallway, it gives an impression that the hall is longer than it really is. 

Spiegel online also has a great selection of wall decor at reasonable prices.  Items at Spiegel are constantly changing and going on sale so you'll need to check back often. Right now, they have some great examples online of grouping mirrors as well as using mirrors to make a space seem larger than it actually is. 

Possibly one of the sweetest finds I have ever found....  You can get these at a handful of places but Linens 'N Things has them online and at one of the lowest prices.  For $9.99 each these record album frames are not only great wall decor but great conversation pieces.  I'm sure you're dad won't part with that first edition Bob Dylan, but sadly, there are a lot of record shops going out of business lately.  (Just last weekend, I ran into a shop that had vinyl for sale at 4 for $1!  Luckily, I've still got my "vintage" Duran Duran, Echo & the Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs and Pretty in Pink vinyl in original, perfect condition!  Of course, that didn't stop me from snagging some quality Oingo Boingo and Peter Gabriel...)  Hang these frames in groups.  In a straight line above your sofa.  Arranged as a frame around another music themed poster.  The beauty of this frame is that you can totally make it your own and show off your great taste in tunes!

Stains and Spots

All stains are not created equal.  Here are a few tips on getting out the most difficult stains without ruining your clothing, upholstery, or other fabric and surfaces.

Blood – 1) Rub hydrogen peroxide gently on clothing and furniture to remove blood. 2) Rub moistened corn starch into blood stains on clothing rinsed in cold water.  Place clothing in the sun to dry and then run through a normal wash cycle. 3) Cover fresh or dry stains with meat tenderizer and sprinkle on cool water.  Let stand for 15 to 30 minutes and then sponge off with cool water. 4) Stains on leather can be treated with hydrogen peroxide, wipe off when the bubbling stops.

Coffee – 1) Rub denatured alcohol into the stain and then rise with water.  2)  Beat an egg yolk, with a white cloth rub the yolk into the stain and then wipe off.  3)  Apply a solution of half vinegar and half water and then wash.

Collar Stains – Rub shampoo into shirt collar stains, let sit for 30 minutes then wash.

Crayon - Toothpaste or an ammonia soaked cloth will remove crayon marks from painted walls.

Deodorant Stains – Sponge stain with white vinegar.  If stain remains, saturate with denatured alcohol and then launder at the hottest temperature the fabric will allow.
Glued On Labels – Spray (saturate) with wd-40 and use a paper towel to chip away at glue.

Gum – Use an ice cube to harden the gum and then a dull knife to chip it carefully away.  Cooking spray will also help remove gum from clothing and from in hair.

Heel Marks – Use a pencil eraser to remove black heel marks from flooring.  Before washing the floor, rubbing toothpaste on the mark will also help in removal.

Ink, Ballpoint Pen – Saturate fabric with an alcohol based hair spray then  blot the stain with a rag (not a paper towel), and then wash as usual.  This method may ruin some sensitive fabrics like silk, always spot test this method to make sure you don’t make a bigger mess than what you started with.

Ink, Water Based – These stains will normally come out with an all purpose cleanser like Fantastic or Simple Green.  As with the ballpoint pen method, please spot test your fabric first to make sure that the cleanser does not ruin the material.

Juice – Red or purple juice can be removed from carpeting by sprinkling salt on the stain as soon as possible.  The salt will absorb the liquid forming a paste that can be easily scraped up.

Magic Marker – Hairspray will remove marker from hard surfaces and some fabrics.  Some permanent markers are just that...permanent.  Some may fade with repeated washings.

Motor Grease/Motor Oil – Scrape off as much of the grease as possible, on clothing, rub lard or Vaseline into the stain then launder as usual.  The lard or Vaseline may ruin some fabrics, for more delicate items; try a spot stain remover instead.

Nail Polish – Acetone will remove this from most fabrics but synthetic fibers (ex. Polyester) will dissolve with acetone use.  Check the label of your clothing before using acetone.  If you spill nail polish on a wood surface, do NOT wipe it up while it is still wet, doing so will remove the color from the wood.  Wait until the polish is dry and then scrape it off gently with a credit card.

Oil – Cover oil stains on fabric with talcum powder, then cover with a paper towel and hot iron the fabric.  Launder as usual.

Pencil Marks – Believe it or not, fresh rye bread can remove pencil marks from non-washable wallpaper.

Red Wine – Use a dab of shaving cream (the kind in the can) to remove red wine stains from carpeting.  To remove a wine stain from clothing, soak the fabric in boiling milk.

Sweat – Sweat stains in clothing can be removed by soaking in warm water and vinegar.

Tar – Use an ice cube to freeze the tar and then scrape off with a plastic spatula. 

Wax (This method works for Crayon marks too!) – Place a piece of facial tissue over the stain and hot iron on top.  The wax will melt into the tissue and away from your fabric.  This method will also work with wax that is spilled on carpet but a brown paper bag should be used instead of the tissue.  Wax can be removed from hard floors by using a hair dryer and paper towels to absorb the wax once it melts.

Urine – Use a high concentration of dish detergent and water immediately on stain.  If on clothing, wash immediately. 

One thing to keep in mind, if a stain makes its way through the laundry without any pre-treatment, you’re pretty much stuck.  Heat, hot water and dryer cycles, will set a stain. 

We all are born, we all must die, we all must pay taxes and we all need to clean our homes (unless we like bugs and dirt).  It one of the most dreaded tasks and if you’re living alone, sometimes quite overwhelming.  If you’re determined to get it done without the aid of a professional housekeeper, here are a couple tips to keep you organized and on track.

Preparation and Planning

Make lists - You'll be working, perhaps going to school, keeping up with friends, and doing everything else you want to do before cleaning...  The time that you're going to have for "chores" will be minimal.  Keeping a list of the things you NEED to do, in priority order, help you keep on track.  If you create a checklist, each time a chore is completed, mark it out in big red pen, it’s a small thing, but when the entire list is done, you’ll feel like you really accomplished something (and you did!).

Prioritize – If you’re short on time, plan which things need to be done first.  This may include taking out the trash (leaving that one go will cause odor problems), sweeping and washing windows and mirrors.  Think about things that you need to do to keep sanitary (cleaning out the refrigerator) and things that will make the biggest impression (believe it or not, if you’re having guests over, cleaning your door will give the impression of a clean apartment!).  A little dust isn’t that big of a deal, but pet hair bunnies across your floor is a bit disgusting.

Communicate and agree with your roommate - If you have a roommate, BEFORE you move in together, decide who is going to do which tasks.  Agree in writing if you have to.  More arguments seem take place over "who's going to do the dishes" than from anything else.  (Another tidbit that will keep harmony with your roommate is to always clean up after yourself.  If you make the mess, you best be the one to take responsibility for it!)

Money - Set up a jar or bank in which to put your spare change.  Cleaning supplies can add up to a substantial amount and isn’t usually figured into living expenses.

Clean often – It is much easier to climb a hill than climb a mountain.  By keeping on top of your dirt and trash, not only will you have less to do, but you won't have to give up an entire day to do it.  Alright, cleaning the toilet isn't the greatest thing to experience in life, but  it IS MUCH easier to keep on top of it once a week rather than looking forward to the mess that will build up over the course of a couple months.  Remember what your mother always said "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".  Plus, always looking in the back of your refrigerator will probably save you from some yucky surprises later.  It's the same for taking out the trash...  There's only so many odors that nice air freshener or incense will cover up.  Some smells just don't want to go away....

The Basics

Start from the top down. – Dust first, and then vacuum.  There’s nothing more maddening than seeing your clean floor full of dust nuggets.  Also, if you have space rugs, take them OUTSIDE to shake them before you vacuum.

Some things you can’t put off. - Sweep the floor and vacuum often.  Those little scraps of left over fried chicken, or potato chips will attract mice, ants and other vermin.  No one likes that, especially your landlord!

Use the right kind of cleaners. – It might be basic, but that’s the name of this category…  Don’t use furniture cleaner on your windows and vice versa (don’t laugh, I’ve  done it!)  NEVER mix cleaning solutions.  Some, like ammonia and bleach, could be toxic. Use a lint free cloth (not all paper towels are lint free) on windows and mirrors. 

Wash up afterwards and use gloves.  Change your clothing immediately after you’re finished with your cleaning.  You’ve just made your apartment spic and span and now those germs may be on your person! Anti-bacterial soaps are made for a reason.
To avoid running back and forth between rooms, put all your cleaning supplies in a caddy and take it with you as you move from room to room.

Wash windows on a cloudy day instead of a sunny day.  The heat from the sun will make your cleaning solution dry more quickly, causing streaks.

To make it easier on yourself, listen to music.  Cleaning is one of the best workouts you can have; consider your day of cleaning equivalent to two days at the gym!  And reward yourself when you’re done with a giant bowl of Ben & Jerry’s!

Keep your mind off it by listening to a book on tape or cd.  Get wrapped up in the latest romance or mystery and your cleaning will be done before you know it.

Stick with it!  Pick a day, figure out your plan and then go to it without interruption.  Turn the TV off and don’t pick up that phone call.  It’s much easier to keep with your project than to go back to it after an interruption.

Hey, don't forget to VOTE! 

It's the last week to cast your vote for who you think deserves $20,000+ in cash and prizes in the 3rd Annual Apartments.com Room to Move Contest sponsored by Budget Truck Rental.

Will Amber finally be able to rid herself from the influence of Captain America?  Will Josh be able to sleep in a REAL bed?  Or will Vanessa be saved from the constant sight of her father in his boxers?  It's all up to you!

Cast your vote NOW for Amber, Josh or Vanessa!  Voting ends this Friday, June 16th at Midnight.  Vote once a day* every day for your favorite and stay tuned for the exciting winner announcement!

*Votes will be accepted once per 24 hour period per computer.

If you haven't already read the essays of our three finalists..  WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??

You can vote every day, once a day* for your favorite finalist until June 16th!

VOTE NOW!

And good luck to all our finalists!

*Only one vote per 24-hour period from an individual computer will be counted.