10 Safety Hazards in Your Apartment That Might Surprise You

Your apartment should be a place of comfort and safety where you can relax and get away from the rest of the world. However, an unfortunate truth is that it can be full of potential health and safety hazards – especially to children and pets. Read on to learn some of the most unexpected hazards, and make sure you take the steps to eliminate them in your own home.

Purses and Other Bags

Whether it’s Mom’s purse, older brother’s backpack, or Dad’s briefcase, bags can contain a wide range of items that would be dangerous if they fell into a child’s hands. Most common hazards include medications, tweezers, nail clippers, safety pins, hard candy, pen caps, and loose change. Many of these items are serious choking hazards, and it only takes a few seconds of leaving a child unattended for them to get into someone’s bag and find one of these items. Prevent curious kids from getting into bags by always storing them in a high place such as a shelf or rack where children cannot reach. Make sure the adults in the family make a habit of keeping bags off of the floor or other low places, and ensure guests in your apartment do the same.

Dogs

It’s probably unthinkable that your beloved pup could harm a child, but animals can react in unpredictable ways if provoked. Be sure not to leave small children alone with the dog, and teach your children to be gentle with animals so as to not provoke them. Pet toys and food can also present dangers to children, so be sure that the toys have no small parts and keep food out of reach when it’s not being used.

Secondhand Gear

Hand-me-down child equipment and toys should be carefully inspected before use. The older the items are, the more likely it is that they could have cracks or faults – even if none are visible from the outside. Secondhand items may not comply with up-to-date health and safety standards, so be sure to check everything against CPSC guidelines. Saving money is great, but safety should always come first.

Corded Blinds

Many apartments have corded blinds, and the long strings on these blinds pose a serious strangulation hazard to children. Tie up cords and keep them high to reduce the threat they pose.

Balconies

When you live in an apartment, your balcony can be a sanctuary for you to get fresh air and see some green outside. However it can also be a hazardous place for children and pets. The chance that your child or pet could squeeze through the bars of a balcony is low, but not zero. It is best to take safety measures to ensure the unthinkable does not happen. You can purchase screens that attach to your balcony railing that protect children and pets, and some even allow them to still see through the bars.

TVs

Televisions keep getting more and more lightweight as technology progresses. If placed on a surface or console that is lower to the ground, the TV can easily become a hazard. A child could pull the TV down on top of them, and even bumping into a lightweight TV could cause it to topple over onto a child or pet. As long as your apartment allows it, securely mount TVs on the wall to avoid harm to little ones.

Dishwasher

Most of us know that detergent, especially in the form of pods, presents a tempting risk to small children. But did you know that the dishwasher itself can be a danger, too? If left unlocked or unlatched, dishwashers give children access to sharp knives and breakable items such as plates and glasses. Double check that your dishwasher is locked at all times, and hold off on inserting detergent until you are about to run a cycle.

Houseplants

They enhance decor and purify the air, but some houseplants are incredibly dangerous if ingested. Both children and animals can come to harm by eating poisonous leaves or flowers. Make sure to research plants before putting them in your apartment, and if you must decorate with dangerous plants, place them out of reach from little ones and furry friends.

Latex Balloons

The popular party decoration can be shockingly dangerous. If swallowed, the latex material can adhere to a child’s throat and constrict breathing. Keep an eye on children when balloons are present, make sure to quickly clean up any that pop, and consider purchasing foil balloons instead.

Hand Sanitizer

This one seems obvious, but some may not realize that hand sanitizer contains high amounts of ethyl alcohol that can cause intoxication or alcohol poisoning if ingested by a child. Don’t forget to keep watch over smaller bottles of hand sanitizer that may be in a purse or pocket, since these are more easily accessed than larger pump bottles sitting on a counter.

Take a look around your apartment and assess how many of these health hazards are present. You might very well be surprised at what you find, and you’ll definitely be keeping your family safer by performing regular checks.

Simple Tips for Adding a Guest Room to Your Apartment

Whether you have a one-bedroom apartment or three-bedroom, you can still create a space that guests will want to use when they come to visit you. Here are some tips for making your apartment guest room feel like home.

Comfort is Key

The most important feature in a guest bedroom is (you guessed it!) the bed. If you have a spare bedroom, you can create a nice guest bed without breaking the bank. Look at consignment shops or online resale services such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to find a gently used bed frame. If you’re able to, purchase a new mattress for the guest bed instead of repurposing an old one you already have. If you have a one bedroom apartment, you can still make room for guests by adding a sleeper sofa or even purchasing a blow-up mattress. Sleeper sofas are great because they are multi-purpose and won’t take up storage room like an air mattress would. Modern sleeper sofas have cleverly disguised mattresses and look just like normal sofas.
Make sure you use soft and breathable fabrics for the bed linens. No one wants a houseguest who didn’t get any sleep. Do a trial run by sleeping on the guest bed yourself for a night or two. By doing this, you can make sure the bedding is comfortable and there is nothing that may cause your guests discomfort.

Like a Hotel, but Better

Another top tip for creating a guest room is to base it off of the best hotel you’ve ever stayed in. What made the stay so memorable? One thing you can easily do to make your guest room (or “room”) feel like a 5 star hotel is to focus on the little things. Just like a hotel, you want your guest room to be a home away from home for visiting family and friends. It’s important to stock the room with anything your guests may have forgotten, such as extra blankets and robes, clothes hangers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, toilet paper, soap and shampoo, a hair dryer, and even extra phone chargers. If you do not have a separate room, you can still keep these items on hand for guests who visit.

Keep Them Entertained

Guests need entertainment as well as comfort. Add a shelf with a few books or magazines on various topics. Make sure to provide a bedside light so guests can comfortably do their reading snuggled up under the blankets. If you put a TV in the guest room, consider leaving your streaming services logged in and create a “guest” user for them to browse on. Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to write the Wifi password in a place that’s easy to find!

One, Two, and Three Bed Apartments in Murfreesboro and Surrounding Areas

If you need a new apartment in a professionally managed community with room for guests, look no further than MMC Properties.

2 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Apartment

It’s hard to believe 2020 is already here! The start of a new year always brings new ambitions and goals, in hopes that these things will get accomplished or become healthy habits for the future. While we’re typically focused on resolutions for ourselves, why not commit to a few that are extensions of ourselves — resolutions for our apartment.

You probably spend the majority of your time at home following work. Does the new year have you thinking about new projects to take on or ways to make your time spent at home more enjoyable? Below are a few great apartment resolutions to make for 2020.

Create a Cleaning Routine

Apartments are smaller spaces than houses, so it is much easier to get them dirty and a lot less easy to conceal messes. That’s why you should follow a cleaning routine to keep your apartment in top shape. It’s easy to fall out of habit with your cleaning routine — that is, if you’ve ever created one before. For many, cleaning ends up happening when things start to look dirty… which isn’t a routine at all. 2020 could be the year you figure out how to keep your apartment clean without it becoming a daunting and time-consuming process. In order to do this, you’ll need to set some daily rules, such as:

  •       All dirty dishes get loaded into the dishwasher by the end of the day
  •       All dirty clothes are put into a hamper while others are hung up or put away where they belong
  •       And any other applicable daily tasks

When it comes to keeping dirt at bay, schedule a time to clean your apartment once a week. Some tips for a cleaner apartment include keeping all of your cleaning products in one place, as well as in a caddy so they’re easily transported from room to room. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should only focus on one cleaning task at a time. Schedule a day one week to clean the bathroom, a day the next week to dust, and so on.

Ditch the Clutter

Most of us start the new year with an accumulation of stuff. And more stuff than we had before. While the cliche saying goes “out with the old and in with the new,” we sometimes forget about the first part. It’s time-consuming to sort, and parting with that old tee shirt we never wear anymore can be harder than anticipated. With that being said, a clutter-free apartment makes room for the new and provides a much more relaxing atmosphere.

Invest in some storage solutions that will reduce the amount of clutter that is on your tables and counters as well as on the ground. Many storage solutions are multi-function and can work as decor as well as storage. Some people like to DIY storage solutions to save money, but there are some retailers who sell lower-cost storage furniture and other solutions that are suitable for an apartment dweller’s budget.

Why You Should Rent an Apartment In A Growing Area

When it comes to renting an apartment, several factors can determine which community is right for you. Whether you are looking to be close to schools, fun activities, or to save on rent, sometimes the best place to rent an apartment is an up-and-coming area with a lot of promise.

There are many benefits to renting an apartment in a growing area on top of the existing benefits of apartment living. No matter what you are looking for in an apartment, do yourself a favor and check out the communities in an emerging neighborhood; they have a lot to offer!

Lower Prices

The most obvious benefit of renting an apartment in a growing area would be lower costs. The more established areas that are in the most convenient locations will have higher rental costs when compared to neighboring areas that are still developing. With a less popular area comes fewer nearby shopping and amenities and perhaps longer commutes to work, so be careful and do your research. The positives can, however, outweigh the negatives. 

Growth Is Exciting!

Being a part of a growing area is very exciting. You will be well established and familiar with the area as you watch it grow from trendy part of town to a highly sought-after neighborhood. This can happen fast, even if you only live in your apartment for a year.

Usually located near larger cities, growing neighborhoods are never far from the action. As larger cities fill up and more people come to the emerging neighborhoods near them, the shops, restaurants, and other activities shortly follow. More than just things to do, smaller, up-and-coming neighborhoods each have their own unique character and culture.

Renting Can Be Smarter Than Buying

The opposite of what everyone always tells you, renting a house or apartment can indeed be smarter than buying a home. If you are unsure whether you want to remain in the area you’re currently in for years to come, you should not be buying a house there just for the sake of buying a house. A general rule is that if you want to stay in an area for 5 years or more, it might be best to buy. However, if you do not want to stay that long, if you’re a college student, or if you just are not ready for all of the extras that come with homeownership, renting is probably the path for you. 

Rentals In Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, and South Nashville

For rentals at great prices in growing areas of Middle Tennessee, check out our communities!

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Most of us see Thanksgiving day as a time for joy. Making memories is the only thing on our to-do list while we kick off the holiday season with good food and family. However, believe it or not, Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous days of the year for those that host it. With all that cooking, socializing, and drinking (sometimes too much!) happening in the same place, tragic accidents occur every year on this otherwise great holiday. Keep reading to learn more about how to protect your apartment or rental home when the festivities start.

Prevent Cooking Fires

Nothing stops the festivities cold turkey like a fire. Unsurprisingly, cooking is the leading cause of home and apartment fires on Thanksgiving. Make sure you don’t leave cooking food unattended. If you’re frying a turkey, first make sure your complex allows it. Then make sure to keep the fryer outdoors and away from all structures that can catch on fire. Ask your apartment manager to check your smoke alarms beforehand to ensure that they’re in good working condition in case a fire does break out, know where your fire extinguishers are, and keep baking soda close by to nip flames in the bud. 

Diminish the Risk of Injury

Of course, burns are a likelihood on Thanksgiving, but the chances of a scald or burn can be reduced by refraining from wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking, and keeping children at least 3 feet away from the stove at all times. 

Also be cautious of which family member gets to wield the large carving knife, even if they swear they’re the man or woman for the job! Remain aware of who has been drinking, and be prepared to discreetly reduce the flow of alcohol if it appears that some folks have had more than their share. These may sound like obvious warnings, but knife and alcohol-related accidents are two of the biggest reasons for emergency room visits on Thanksgiving!

Secure Your Doors and Windows

Hosts aren’t the only ones who need to watch out for their homes on Thanksgiving. Break-ins always increase around the holidays because burglars know that people are less likely to be home. If you have to travel for Thanksgiving, especially if you’re gone for several days, be sure to set your burglar alarm if you have it, put lights on timers, and let the apartment staff and trustworthy neighbors know when you’ll return so they can report any suspicious activity to the police.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Remember, Thanksgiving is a day to enjoy. Remain vigilant of safety concerns but don’t forget to have fun with it!

Best Apartments in Murfreesboro for MTSU Students

Ah, college. You’re away from your parents for the first time, and you get to move into your very own place. But with so many apartments in Murfreesboro – many of them rather pricey or way across town from campus – where are MTSU students to go? For many students at MTSU, being close to campus is the most important thing about choosing where to live. Being close to campus is ideal, since you have a shorter commute, you can run home between classes, and you’re right in the thick of the action – never having to miss an exciting event on campus because it would take too long to get there. So, what are the best apartments in Murfreesboro for MTSU students? We can help answer that! Here’s a great list of apartments, based on approximately how far they are from the main campus!

Walk to MTSU From Your Apartment

Imagine never having to deal with finding parking on campus! When you live in the apartments at 1418 East Main and 1434 East Main, this dream can become a reality. Situated just a stone’s throw from MTSU, these affordable Murfreesboro apartments are ideal for the student who wants to be as close to campus as possible. With studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom options at 1418 and studio and one bedroom floor plans at 1434, these apartments have a plan to suit every student.

Apartments Under 5 Minutes From MTSU

Only one mile from MTSU, College Park Apartments has studio, one, and two bedroom floor plans for MTSU students to enjoy. Just up the street from College Park are the University Lofts, which have one and two bedroom plans. Not only are both of these apartment complexes close to MTSU, but they are also close to historic downtown Murfreesboro and all the dining, shopping, and entertainment that area has to offer. 

Apartments 5-10 Minutes From MTSU

Although the headline says 5-10 minutes, these apartments are really just a little bit more than 5 minutes away from MTSU. If you want to be close to campus but not too close, look no further! Kingwood Apartments, Northfield Lodge Apartments, Summit Townhomes, and Northfield Commons Apartments are your best bets for apartments that get you close to MTSU while still allowing you to step outside of its immediate sphere. 

The best part about these apartments is that their locations are so convenient that even after you graduate if you get a job in Murfreesboro you’ll likely be close enough to work to keep living there! No one enjoys moving, so this is a definite plus. All of the apartments discussed above are professionally managed by us here at MMC. We know you’ll appreciate our commitment to serving the residents of the apartments we manage. 

 

Advantages of Living in a Luxury Apartment

When some people think of apartment living, they picture a cramped, outdated space where the walls are thin and the sink is always leaking. This idea is generally misinformed, and there are many apartments with both updated features and reasonable pricing. However if you want to experience a lifestyle that’s a step above the average, you should look into renting a luxury apartment. Here are some of the advantages of living in a luxury apartment complex.

You Will Feel Safer in Your Home

Part of the luxury of these types of apartment complexes is that they are usually located in an ideal area. In addition to favorable locations, luxury apartments often have increased security measures that regular apartments simply do not have. These can include extra security guards, cameras, and other methods of protecting your possessions.

You Will Live in a Beautiful, Comfortable Environment

Luxury apartments often boast features such as large rooms, updated appliances, and stylish features like hardwood style floors, walk-in closets, and other premium touches. In a luxury apartment, all of the colors, finishes, and styles are designed to complement each other. You won’t find any outdated design features in a luxury apartment!

It’s not just the interior of your apartment that will impress; it’s also the grounds. Luxury apartments often have professionally landscaped and maintained grounds that you will be proud to see each day. You will also likely get to enjoy access to top-of-the-line amenities such as luxury pools and fitness centers. Luxury apartments staff and service people are another drawing point. The high standards of customer service means your requests and concerns will be addressed in a timely manner by courteous professionals.

You Will Experience Fewer Maintenance Concerns

Luxury apartments are made using updated, high quality materials and appliances. Since the intention is to provide a truly luxurious living experience, it makes sense that only the best would be used. With higher quality building materials and home appliances, you will experience less mechanical failure within your apartment. This means you can spend less time waiting on maintenance workers to show up and more time enjoying your gorgeous apartment.

You can gain the advantages of the luxury apartment life by renting an apartment through MMC. We have luxury apartments in Murfreesboro and South Nashville that will not disappoint those looking for a premium living situation. Get in touch with us to find your luxury apartment today.