Summer is a popular time for moving due to favorable weather conditions and school breaks. However, moving during the summer months comes with its own set of challenges. From scorching temperatures to increased demand for moving services, it's essential to plan ahead and take necessary precautions for a smooth transition. In this blog post, we'll provide tips and strategies to make your summer move a breeze.
1. Plan and Schedule Early:
Summer is a peak moving season, so it's crucial to plan and schedule your move well in advance. Contact moving companies or rental truck services early to secure your preferred dates. With high demand, availability may become limited, so the earlier you book, the better. Create a comprehensive moving checklist to stay organized and ensure you cover all necessary tasks leading up to your moving day.
2. Stay Hydrated and Beat the Heat:
Moving in the summer means dealing with high temperatures. Stay hydrated throughout the process by keeping a cooler stocked with cold water and refreshing beverages. Take regular breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces to avoid heat exhaustion. Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing and wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's rays.
3. Protect Your Belongings from Heat:
Extreme temperatures can impact certain items during transit. Take precautions to protect sensitive belongings, such as electronics, artwork, or delicate furniture. Keep these items in temperature-controlled areas during the move. Consider using climate-controlled storage units or transporting valuable items in your air-conditioned vehicle to prevent heat-related damage.
4. Start Early or Move in the Evening:
To beat the summer heat, plan your moving schedule accordingly. Begin your move as early as possible in the morning when temperatures are typically cooler. This allows you to take advantage of cooler hours and avoid the hottest part of the day. Alternatively, consider moving in the evening when temperatures have dropped, providing a more comfortable moving experience.
5. Stay Organized with Summer Essentials Box:
Prepare a separate box or bag with summer essentials that you'll need on moving day. Include sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a change of lightweight clothes. Keep this box easily accessible, so you can stay comfortable and protected throughout the moving process.
Moving in the summer presents its unique challenges, but with proper planning and preparation, you can have a smooth and successful move.
Are you ready to schedule your move-in to Hohm? Our unique apartment homes offer a variety of floor plans with high-end modern finishes and our community features amenities that will elevate your urban living experience.
Moving to a new apartment can be an exciting yet daunting task. With proper planning and organization, you can make the transition smoother and more manageable.
Here are the top five tips for a smooth moving experience:
Create a Moving Checklist
Before you start packing, create a comprehensive moving checklist to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Include items such as contacting utility providers, updating your address, notifying important contacts, packing essentials, and scheduling movers or rental trucks. Having a checklist ensures you stay organized and reduces the chances of forgetting crucial steps.
Declutter and Organize
Moving presents an excellent opportunity to declutter your belongings. Sort through your items and separate what you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Clearing out unnecessary items not only saves you time and effort during the packing process but also helps create a fresh start in your new apartment. Consider hosting a garage sale or donating to local charities to give your belongings a new home.
Pack Efficiently
Packing efficiently can save you time, money, and headaches. Start by gathering sturdy moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Begin with non-essential and seasonal items, gradually working your way to everyday essentials. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, making unpacking a breeze. Use blankets, towels, or clothing to protect fragile items and maximize space in boxes. Additionally, pack an essential box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies.
Arrange Professional Help
Depending on your needs and budget, consider hiring professional movers to assist with the heavy lifting. Research reputable moving companies and obtain quotes in advance. Professional movers can provide expertise, save time, and ensure your belongings are transported safely. If hiring movers is not an option, enlist the help of friends or family members and reward them with a meal or small token of appreciation.
Take Care of Utility Transfers and Change of Address
To avoid any interruptions or additional charges, make sure to transfer or disconnect your utilities at your current apartment and arrange for their setup at your new place. Contact your internet, cable, electricity, and water providers well in advance to schedule the necessary transfers. Additionally, update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any subscriptions or memberships you have.
Moving to a new apartment can be a hectic process, but with careful planning and organization, you can make it a smoother transition. By following these five tips, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the moving process efficiently, allowing you to settle into HOHM Apartments as stress-free as possible. HOHM Apartments in Highlandtown is now leasing studio, 1, 2,3 & 4-bedroom apartments! Give us a call today to schedule your tour of our brand-new apartment community and ask about our move-in specials!
Baltimore is a vibrant and inclusive city known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong LGBTQ+ community. As Pride celebrations continue to evolve each year, 2023 promises to be an extraordinary time to embrace diversity, equity, and love. HOHM Highlandtown Apartments is luxury apartments located in Highlandtown, a hub for all things Pride!
“ One Heart, One Love, One Pride ” is the theme of this year's Pride festival and will be held from June 19-25, 2023.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)
June 16, 2023 - Twilight on the Terrace
Head to Gertrude’s for Twilight on the Terrance, the largest gala benefiting The Pride Center of Maryland. Gertrude’s will host a night of dancing, performances from incredible local artists, fine food and craft cocktails.
June 17, 2023 – Pride of Mt Vernon
Stop by Mt Vernon from 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM for a pride filled, family and dog-friendly street festival featuring a stage with musical entertainment, shopping with artists, local vendors and more.
June 23, 2023 - Ridin’ the Rail at the B&O
Grab a ticket to the B&O Railroad Museum and hop aboard the Pride Train for a Pride celebration you won’t want to miss! Catch one-of-a-kind drag performances, followed by a night to remember with food, drinks, music and dancing under the stars.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)
June 24, 2023 – Baltimore Pride Parade & Block Party
Starting at 1:00 PM, at North Charles and 33 rd Street, The Baltimore Parade kicks off the day’s activities. The parade leads directly into The Block Party on Charles Street between North Avenue & 23 rd Street. Check out a variety of vendors, DJs, great food from local vendors and incredible talent that you won’t want to miss!
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)
June 25, 2023 – Pride in the Park
Head to Druid Hill Park on Sunday to continue the festival with music, vendors, incredible drag performers and so much more starting at 12:00 PM. Get there early so you don’t miss a thing and don’t forget to bring your picnic blanket and sunscreen!
Baltimore is a city that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and the spirit of Pride. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, celebrating Pride in Baltimore is an experience like no other. HOHM Highlandtown Apartments offers luxury apartments, world class amenities, and a welcoming inclusive environment for all.
How many of these Maryland state symbols are you familiar with?
Bird | Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore oriole is a distinctive inhabitant of Maryland's suburban areas and parks. The Baltimore Oriole migrates north from Mexico and South America in the spring and returns south for the winter. The Oriole weaves bag-shaped hanging nests often found on shade trees and feeds on fruit, insects and nectar. The Baltimore oriole is also the mascot and namesake for Baltimore’s baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. The Oriole Bird has been the mascot of the Baltimore Orioles since 1979.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by John F. Kennedy (@jfkwildlife)
Reptile | Diamondback Terrapin
The official reptile of the state of Maryland is the diamondback terrapin . Diamondback terrapins are the only turtles adapted to live in brackish water, as such, you will find these turtles living in costal marshes in Maryland. Diamondback terrapins have made their way to mascot status, becoming the official mascot of The University of Maryland College Park. In addition to being the mascot, The University of Maryland College Park donates a portion of sale proceeds from their “Fear the Turtle” merchandise to fund terrapin conservation and research efforts.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Reptile Report (@thereptilereportofficial)
Flower | Black-eyed Susan
The Black-eyed Susan has been the official flower of Maryland since 1918 when it was designated the “Floral Emblem” of Maryland by the General Assembly. Black-eyed Susans are members of the sunflower family and are perennial daisies or coneflowers. They are native to the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. The root of the black-eyed Susan is used in traditional and folk remedies to treat colds. These beautiful flowers are commonly found in fields and on roadsides, blooming between May and August.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Claudia Gaupp (@between.gardens)
Gem | Patuxent River Stone
The Patuxent River Stone became the State Gem of Maryland effective October 1, 2004. This stone can only be found in Maryland and the colors of rent and yellow reflect the Maryland State Flag. Have you ever seen one of these stones around Maryland?
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andi Jumalon Witherow (@andiro1969)
Crustacean | Blue Crab
The Chesapeake Bay is famous for blue crabs , which Maryland designated its official state crustacean in 1989. Blue crabs are omnivores, eating both plants and animals, typically consuming thin-shelled bivalves, annelids, fish, plants and nearly any other item that they can find, including carrion. The blue crab's scientific name ( Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) translates as "beautiful swimmer that is savory." In Maryland, blue crabs are the most valuable commercial fishery.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Larry White (@wildgamegourmet)
Dessert | Smith Island Cake
The Smith Island Cake became the State Dessert of Maryland on October 1, 2008. Named after Smith Island, Maryland’s last inhabited island that is reachable only by boat, the Smith Island Cake consists of eight to ten layers of yellow cake with chocolate frosting between each layer and slathered over the whole. Many variations of the cake have evolved, both in flavors of the cake itself and frosting. Have you ever tried Smith Island Cake?
View this post on Instagram A post shared by beazleybakes (@beazleybakes)
Dinosaur | Astrodon johnstoni
Astrodon johnstoni was designated the state dinosaur of Maryland in 1998. Astrodon johnstoni, who were herbivores, lived in Maryland from 95 to 130 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. These giant sauropods weighed up to 20 tons. Astrodon johnstoni had small heads, long necks, long tails, and strong, solid legs. Fossilized teeth of the Astrodon johnstoni were found in Maryland in 1858, marking one of the earliest dinosaur finds in the country and the first in state.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Page about prehistoric fauna (@extinct_animal_facts)
Fish | Rockfish
In 1965, Maryland designated rockfish , also called striped bass, as the official state fish. Between April and June, rivers feeding Chesapeake Bay provide spawning grounds for most Atlantic Coast rockfish because adult rockfish swim in the ocean but lay their eggs in fresh water. Rockfish that are born in the Bay spending their first 3 to 5 years there before migrating to the Atlantic where they may live up to 30 years.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Central Coast Fishing Charters (@central_coast_fishing_charters)
Be sure to keep an eye out for these state symbols next time you’re out hiking or just driving around our great state of Maryland!
It can’t be overlooked how much our homes shape our moods, actions, and even our outlook on life. Home is where we start and end each day, and it holds the power to change the way we live and spend our time dramatically. Our homes are there to care for us and help keep us feeling our best. A few small yet meaningful changes can make for a far happier home. Here are our top 11 tips to make your home here at Hohm Highlandtown Apartments its most comfortable.
Make Your Bed
Do you have to make your bed if you just mess it up again the next night? Though it seems like a waste of time, the simple act of making your bed can increase productivity and boost happiness . Making your bed takes no more than a few minutes and can set you up for success from the minute you wake up.
Don’t Let Dishes Pile Up
The sight of a mountain of dirty dishes in the sink can be a huge stressor. The best way to avoid the buildup is to rinse a dish as soon as you use it and stick it in the dishwasher. If you don’t have a dishwasher, wash the dishes by hand and set them on a drying rack. It might feel like a chore in the moment, but a clean kitchen is sure to boost your happiness and protect your family from sickness.
Keep Surfaces Clutter Free
Too much stuff can be one of the biggest sources of stress for people . Your home should be a peaceful place. One of the easiest ways to keep your home tidy is to get into the habit of keeping surfaces clean. Though it’s tempting to throw your mail and keys on the table, put those things in designated spots and you won’t have to pick them up later.
Return Your Room to Its Normal State
One of the best practices to get into is putting a room back to normal before you leave it. After you’ve cooked, put away all the ingredients, empty the sink and wipe down the surfaces. This practice can be difficult to make a habit but the happy feeling you get when you enter a clean room is worth the extra effort.
Decorate with Photos
Identify the memories that make you happy and display them on your wall. Put up your wedding photos, pictures of your grandparents and your kids’ first day of school shots. When you walk by those photos, you’ll remember how happy that moment was, and it will surely brighten your day.
Add Some Natural Elements
House plants are not only beautiful, but they also help reduce toxins in the air , boost your mood and improve productivity. If you don’t want the commitment of a houseplant, try adding a bouquet of sunflowers to your counter for an instant mood boost. Greenery makes an excellent addition to any room. Try incorporating plants in your bedroom for better sleep !
Make a Zen Space
Our homes have become our office, our gm, our movie theater, our restaurants, so having a designated space for unwinding is crucial. The best way to create your personal zen space is to pick a spot that’s comfortable — it could be a small corner or a spare room. Decorate your space with cozy items that make you happy. Set aside time every day to go to your zen space and meditate, practice yoga or read.
Show Your Personality
It’s empowering to express yourself, and home decor is one of the best ways to do it . Make a list of everything that makes you happy. Look at your list and incorporate those things into your home. Whether it’s paintings of the ocean, tea towels with cat print or the color pink, placing things around your house that reflect your personality will make you happier to live in the space.
Let the Light In
The brightness and color of light directly affects mood . Blue light can increase productivity, bright light can heighten emotions and natural light can boost happiness. Open the windows, pull back the curtains and let the sunshine in. If you live in a dark space, add lamps and dimmers to boost the brightness and your mood.
Choose Mood Boosting Colors
The colors in your home can directly affect your mood . The best way to optimize your space for positivity is to choose what specific mood you want to create and use those colors accordingly. Use yellow for an energizing feel, try blue for a calming space and use green for comfort.
Fill With Fragrance
Smell is the sense that is most closely related to memory . Have you ever smelled an old book and been transported back to your elementary school library? Try filling your home with fragrances that remind you of good memories. Filling your home with pleasant fragrances is sure to lift your spirits.
Find Your Happy Place at Hohm Highlandtown Apartments!
With a style all its own, Hohm brings well-designed living spaces and community-focused amenities—all tucked behind a thriving and lively main street. Our unique apartment homes offer a variety of floor plans with high-end modern finishes and our community features amenities that will elevate your urban living experience. Make yourself at Hohm!
Creating a positive environmental impact starts at home. Through sustainable living, we can live a lifestyle that attempts to reduce society’s reliance on the Earth’s natural resources. Apartment dwellers can take earth-conscious steps towards making their home an eco-friendly zone and reap the numerous benefits that come along with sustainable living, which include cost savings and a healthier life. To help you take the first step into sustainable apartment living, here are 9 tips:
Reduce Your Energy Use
There are numerous ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption, like making sure to shut down your computer, unplugging idle electronics, and turning off lights when they’re not in use. Speaking of lights, make sure you’re using LEDs , which are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and have a longer lifespan.
Conserve Water
Did you know the average American uses an average of 82 gallons of water a day at home? What’s more, nearly 1 in 10 people around the world lack access to clean water . Do your part to reduce water consumption by turning off the water when it’s not in use (this includes while washing hands), taking shorter showers, only running your dishwasher when its full, and reporting all water leaks to your Leasing Office. Conserving water protects our ecosystem and can also save you money on your energy bills!
Use Green Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthy conditions - the removal of dust, allergens, and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. However, certain cleaning products may contain chemicals associated with eye, skin, or respiratory irritation, or other human health issues . Making the switch to green cleaning products can help to reduce the human health and environmental concerns that come along with cleaning.
To identify greener cleaning products, consult the EPA’s Safer Choice program , which certifies products that contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment.
Opt for Energy Efficient Appliances
While you may not have a say in the type of larger appliances used in your apartment home, swapping your smaller appliances for eco-friendly alternatives can make a huge difference in your energy bill and carbon footprint. Though they can cost more up front, energy efficient appliances will save you enough in utility costs that they’ll often pay for themselves in a short time.
Shop Sustainable Furniture
Often made of cheap single-use materials derived from questionable working conditions, fast furniture is manufactured quickly and en masse to keep up with passing trends. That kind of consumption is having real ramifications on the planet. The EPA estimates that over 9 million tons of furniture is tossed in landfill each year. What’s more, as furniture decomposes, it can emit harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide.
When furnishing your apartment home, first opt for secondhand pieces to help keep them out of landfills. If secondhand isn’t an option, opt for pieces made from sustainable materials and by brands that are doing their part to reduce their environmental impact .
When it comes to floor coverings, choose rugs made with natural materials like organic cotton, seagrass, jute, and wool.
Control Temperature Naturally
Besides adding a touch of design and personality to your apartment, window treatments provide shade against the sun in the summer and trap heat during winter. When choosing window attachments, look for products certified with the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) Energy Improvement rating for increased energy savings and added comfort.
Control the temperature in your home more naturally by opting for an open window vs air conditioning or adding or removing layers of clothing. And when it is time to turn on the thermostat, make sure to schedule your programmable thermostat for optimal energy savings.
Reduce Your Overall Consumption
Recycling items you’re no longer using is a great way to reduce your footprint, but reducing your consumption in the first place has an even bigger impact.
Buying less isn’t about purchasing only sustainable brands or shopping secondhand. It’s about being thoughtful with what you buy, thinking about the future, and spending your hard-earned cash on things you’ll actually use.
Opt for Zero-Waste Consumables
Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture and reflect our tendency to prioritize convenience over durability and consideration of long-term impacts. Of the 300 million tons of plastic waste produced each year worldwide, half of that is for single-use items.
Zero waste alternatives can be found for nearly every single use plastic consumable – like toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent and more!
When it comes to living a low waste lifestyle, perfection isn’t the prime objective. Simply swapping out one or a few of your “normal” items for these zero waste products is a significant move.
Compost Food Waste
Tossing food waste into a garbage bin might seem like no big deal, but food waste sent to landfills can seriously impact climate change. When food waste is trapped in a landfill without air, it releases methane, which is a potent gas that contributes significantly to global warming.
One way to avoid this is to compost your food waste . Composting is a process of naturally recycling organic materials like leaves and food scraps into decomposed matter that enriches the soil. Composting simply speeds up the process of decomposition by creating the ideal environment for microorganisms to feed on them.
You can add compost to your window boxes or mix it with potting soil for indoor plants.
Creating an eco-friendly apartment has immense benefits, from ridding your space of dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, improving your health by avoiding products and materials that contain toxic chemicals, and saving energy by using lights and electrical appliances that are power efficient. Practice the tips mentioned above and create an eco-friendly apartment. Not only will you save money, but you will be doing your part in saving our planet.
