Holiday Hosting: Apartment Tips

The holidays are upon us! It’s a very exciting time of year when families and friends gather to enjoy each others company over good food. At Package Concierge, it is one of our team’s favorite times of the year! If you are living in an apartment like millions of other Americans, and want to host a gathering this holiday season, you might be wondering how to make it happen. Small kitchen, lots of hungry people and few places to sit? No problem! Here’s how you can enjoy Thanksgiving in your apartment with all the people you love:

Cooking- You probably don’t have much counter space and your oven likely can’t hold all the fixings you want for the meal, so, ask for help. Make it a pot-luck dinner and have everyone bring a different dish.

Space- Once everyone does arrive, where should you put everything? You can use chairs, an ironing board or TV tray tables to double as temporary space to hold all the delicious dishes.

Seating – As your friends and family settle in for the meal, don’t worry about all gathering around a single table. It might be easier to use the table to serve the food and have everyone sit on the couch or the floor during your meal. Be creative!

Decorations- If going out and buying decorations stresses you out, use leaves from outside to set the tone. Or, why not use items that can double as a decoration and a snack? Grapes, cheese and crackers, chocolates, seasonal candies—choose whatever you’d like.

When the meal begins, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in a mansion, hotel, banquet hall, or apartment, eating and enjoying a meal with your inner circle is perfect anywhere.

Have you hosted an apartment holiday party? What got your through the evening? Share your tips!

Thank a Veteran

This coming Monday, November 11th is Veteran’s Day. It’s the perfect time of year to give thanks to the people who serve our country and we’ve put together some ideas for how you can show your appreciation.

No matter how big or small, buying one meal can help get the veteran through the day with a smile.

Start the day off right by buying a veteran his or her morning coffee.

When you’re on public transportation, just like you would move for an elderly or handicapped citizen, offer your seat to someone who has served.

If you know a military family, offer to cook a few meals for them to get through busy days.

Writing a letter of thanks to someone in your family, a friend or a stranger just might make their day.

Have a bake sale in a veteran’s honor and give the proceeds to them or their family.

Many people open foundations for veterans or people who have been lost, think of donating to these types of charities.

These are all wonderful gestures you can make to show your gratitude and appreciation for the brave men and women who protect our country. Just remember, your thanks to veterans doesn’t need to stop with our ideas. Even the smallest of gestures will be cherished by service members, so use your imagination! Better yet, instead of showing veterans and active service members that you care on certain days in the year, make it a point to remember them throughout the year!What ways have you thanked a veteran this year or in the past?

Photo credit to Love, Love, Laugh, Hope Blog

Holiday Package Preparation

Yes, it isn’t even Halloween yet. And yes, you should be thinking about the upcoming holiday season. Especially if you plan to ship gifts to your loved ones across the country or across the world. Given the way the calendar falls this year, the holiday season is compressed by one week. You can thank a late Thanksgiving and early Hanukah for that (Did you know they’re on the same day this year?). With one less weekend to shop for deals, that’s one less weekend to prepare your gift packages.

Don’t think it’s a big deal? Well, some of the biggest names in shipping sure do. Amazon plans to hire 70,000 season workers to handle the increased load this year.  That’s up 20,000 from 2012.

Fedex expects an 11% rise in Cyber Monday sales, thanks to the increase in online shopping, making December 2^nd their anticipated busiest day of the year with 22 million packages shipped.

UPS also knows that because of the compressed holiday season, that they will be busier than ever. December 16^th, UPS’s peak pick-up day will likely see 34 million packages and they’re hiring additional works to handle the load.

If you want to get ahead of the curve, what should you do?

Shop Early. Instead of waiting for December to roll around, head out to the stores now and get your shopping done to beat the rush.

Ship Early. If you’re packing a gift yourself, or buying on the web, it would be best to do it early. The sooner you get your presents out, the shorter the lines and the shorter the wait.

If you’re like most people and wait until the last minute, what should you do?

Cyber Monday Deals. Given the short shopping season, the online deals on Cyber Monday (December 2^nd) will be worth the wait.

Last Minute Deals. Some companies offer last minute deals if you purchase much closer to Christmas (December 20^th or later) such as 75% off the full price you might pay in November.

Whichever route you take, this holiday season is sure to be one of the busiest yet.

How to Use Renewable Energy in Your Apartment

Generally, apartment dwellers don’t typically get to choose their electricity provider. Whatever company is in the building they lease at is their provider through and through. So for the energy conscious out there, how do you help the environment when you can’t choose your energy source? After all, there is a whole slew of renewable energy out there. Why not use it? If you’re a renewable energy enthusiast, as we all should be, but rent in a community that does not use  any of these solutions, here’s how you can play your part in helping the environment:

Renewable Energy Chargers:

If you’re like most people, you charge your cell phone or laptop at least once a day. Purchasing a portable renewable energy charger allows you to skip plugging those mobile devices into the wall, and save energy on some of the devices you use the most. They’re also great for camping, hiking or long road trips.

Solar Powered Window Thermometers:

Super easy to use, this solar powered window thermometer clings to your window and displays the temperature outside. Since it collects power from sunlight during the day, you will never need to worry about taking it down to change batteries.

Wind Powered Outdoor Lights:

Recently, Ikea developed an outdoor lighting fixture that is powered by wind. This clever item is not only trendy and sure to add a uniqueness to your outdoor space, but its functional too. It’s a easy as letting the breeze that comes across your balcony power the lights.

 

Water Powered Alarm Clock:

 

Just add water? Well, not exactly. This cute desk fixture is not really powered by water, but in a way it is. The water acts as a conductor for a zinc tablet within the device, essentially creating a battery without having to buy batteries. It’ll save you money and the hassle of finding batteries that fit.

Renewable Energy Toys:

There are many options for renewable energy toys, including things the kids get to build themselves. Toy cars, robots, dancing flowers, racetrack sets: options abound. And these are a great way to start teaching kids about being responsible to the environment.

Although these options are not likely to slice your energy bill in half, they are great ways to still use and be involved with renewable energy, even while living in an apartment. And they all make great conversation pieces!

College Care Packages

By now, it’s been several weeks since college students have returned to school and for most, it might be several weeks more before their doting parents get to see them again. The solution to this is simple. Send a care package! If you’re not sure what to include in your college care package, we can help. Here’s a great list of fun and practical items your college student will be happy to receive:

Snacks- Treats and other things to munch on are a given for any college student. Time between classes, or days they don’t want to go to the dining hall result in major snack attacks. Chips and pretzels make great savory snacks while cookies and candy can help recover from a bad day.

Asprin- With all the early classes, study sessions and late nights on weekends, a couple of asprin will definitely come in handy. In all likelihood, they’ll catch a cold during the year (especially around finals) so some cough drops couldn’t hurt either.

Flashcards- Encourage good study skills and send flashcards, or other supplies that might help them earn high grades. Make the gesture fun-loving by leaving a note or two scattered in the box to let them know you’re proud.

Entertainment- Everyone has to unwind at some point and one of the best ways to do that is with a good book, movie or a board game with friends. One or all of these items is an easy way to remind the college student in your life to enjoy themselves.

Stress Ball- College is a fun time for everyone, but it can also be a time of great stress. Maybe your student is worried because of classes, friendships, new loves or big life choices. Whatever it may be, a stress ball will surely help ease any worries.

Air Fresheners- Boy or girl, if they’re sharing a room with someone else or maybe even a group of people, they will certainly need a freshening up from time to time. Send static air fresheners or sprays. While you’re at it, send some cleaning supplies. Who knows when the last time they washed their room was.

Once you’ve collected all your gift items, arrange them in the box however you’d like. We suggest using packing material in the colors of their school. Or stuff it with extra socks and underwear, just in case. Without a doubt, your college student will relish in the gift and eagerly await their next visit home.

Photo credit to timesunion.com

Affordable Apartment Cities

In a tight economy, everyone is looking to pinch pennies where they can, but more often than not, the place you live isn’t something you can compromise. Did you know that 35% (NMHC) of the US population rents? That’s a big number! And a lot of those renters are living in apartments. So why not make the most of your renting experience and enjoy affordable and comfortable living quarters?

Over the past few years, extensive studies have been conducted on what makes a city affordable. The jobs, the people, the businesses, etc. They’ve even taken into account the housing available in these cities and what the average person pays for rent. And from all that information, Package Concierge has compiled some of the best lists about affordable cities for renting:

Huffington Post

Zillow

MSN

Time

Kiplinger

 CBS

Although the lists do vary, the unchanging variable is the cost of living. Some cities median wage is higher than others and being able to live comfortably in that city is easily attainable for its citizens. The majority of cities on this list have the luxury of providing their people with a job, a home and a pleasant life, all thanks to a lower cost of living. Regardless, a city near you should definitely be on these lists. If you have the opportunity to move so your home is nicer, your wallet is fuller and you’re happier, take it!

Popular Fall Packages

There’s a distinct crispness to the air as we turn from hot and humid to a mild and comfortable atmosphere of the Autumn season. Any day now, leaves will begin to change just as the days grow shorter. Kids will flock to apple orchards and pumpkin fields as the rest of the family prepares for upcoming holidays. For some, it is there favorite season and the popular packages of this time of year show why:

Sweaters- The seasonal clothing of choice for men, women and children is the sweater. It’s the perfect layering garment that can be added to warm up through a cold day, or take off when the sun returns at full force.

Pies- With pumpkins and apples in season, the purchasing of pie skyrockets in the Fall. For some people, these delicious treats aren’t available locally and must be shipped to their location. For others, they simply have a favorite baker’s goods they can’t live without.

Bulbs- Flowers, trees and shrubs are cheapest in the Fall. And for people looking to get a head start on their spring gardens, this is the best time to order flower bulbs.

Halloween Costumes- For the expert costumer, sometimes the local stores just don’t cut it. Children, teens and parents alike seek the best and most unique Halloween costume to be the talk of the town. And sometimes, those are only available online.

Turkeys- In several weeks, the American tradition of Thanksgiving will bring families together and also increase mail order turkey sales. Anyone can buy anything on the internet these days and food is no exception. For the perfect holiday meal, some people get their turkeys shipped in.

These Fall packages showcase what is most important during the changing season. And in most cases, as it comes down to it, family is the center of these packages. People are preparing for meals and good times with their loved ones.

5 Great Cities for Green Apartment Living

The progress society has made in terms of eco-friendly technology and building standards mean that more people are seeking ways to live green and have a smaller footprint on the environment. One of the ways you can help the environment is to live in green apartments when seeking a home in a city or urban area. Every city is working in its own way to make the Earth a better place for future generations, but there are a few that stand out above the rest. Although there are green apartment sand for-rent communities throughout the U.S., these 5 cities (in no particular order) have high concentrations of green-built communities, and go the distance in making it easier for you to live green.

Washington, DC:

Washington, DC is where the U.S. Green Building Council (the nonprofit that created and oversees LEED certification) is headquartered. That alone gives this city an edge. With at least seven apartment communities in the area that have achieved LEED certification by being built with sustainable construction materials, recycling waste material, and choosing fixtures to reduce the amount of fumes and toxins released into the air, DC is a great place to be involved in the green movement.

Denver:

Denver has a lot to choose from when looking to rent green. Many apartment buildings have been renovated from old industrial locations and given unique decor themes for the community. These projects help cut down on wasted materials and green-house gases that construction equipment releases into the atmosphere.

The city also offers light rail and bus service, plentiful farmers markets, and is located near the natural beauty of the Rockies. Forbes also named Denver the number 5 top healthiest city in the U.S. If that doesn’t convince you, perhaps you should visit the majestic mountain city for yourself.

Chicago:

Going green in Chicago is a city-wide effort. Not only do they have the country’s second-largest public transit system, but they also initiated green roof projects, encouraged hotels, and restaurants to go green and have a myriad of green places for rent.

The previous and current mayors of Chicago have also shown great support for the Chicago Climate Action Plan, an initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The city also hosts the Chicago Center for Green Technology, the first rehabilitated municipal building in the U.S. to achieve LEED Platinum rating.

Portland:

Portland is, in general, a great place to live green. Those who want to rent have a wide range of eco-friendly options. Beyond recycling and energy-efficient appliances, many apartment buildings in Portland were built green from the ground up and are LEED certified. Many green communities also have bike storage and car-share options, like ZipCar.

In addition to its green apartment communities, Portland also has a focus on locally grown food, a vibrant public transit system, and was rated number two on Virgin Vacation’s “11 Most Bike Friendly Cities in the World” list.

New York City:

Everyone knows New York is a place unlike any other. Its architecture is iconic, and believe it or not, much of it is also green! Through the 2000s, multiple laws have been signed into effect in NYC to ensure many new construction projects meet green guidelines, including apartment and condo buildings. New York City is also home to Melrose Commons, one of the few LEED for Neighborhood Development Platinum certified neighborhoods in the country.

Even the Empire State Building achieved LEED Gold certification in September 2011, a great example of green retrofitting of existing buildings.

Surely, one of these five great cities has a green apartment ready for you to rent!

Inspiring Quote

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” –Steve Jobs

Myths About Packages

Between FedEx and UPS, nearly 25 Million packages were shipped each day in 2012. That’s half a million going to each state—day in and day out. With that many packages traveling across the country and even more internationally, it’s no wonder myths about shipping packages pop up everywhere. We’ve collected some of the biggest package myths and have put the rumors to rest. Here’s the truth:

Shipping in More Boxes Saves Money: If you have several items to ship, the myth is that packaging them separately will save you money. Unfortunately that’s not true. Since delivery carriers charge the most for your first pound, you would end up spending more by splitting up what could be in a single package.

Mail Doesn’t Move on Sunday: If you mail something at the end of the week, or on Saturday, people assume their package will take an extra day or so to ship. In reality, mail never stops moving. Sunday is a work day for package carriers and what you send at the end of the week, will be there Monday morning.

Smaller is Cheaper: Since weight is a factor in shipments, it makes sense that the lighter the object, the cheaper the package. However, because the first pound is the most expensive pound (as previously mentioned), a small package can set you back just as easily.

 Insurance Isn’t Worth It: When sending packages, people think paying for insurance is a waste of money. Where in fact, it is best for you to ensure the safety of your shipment no matter where you send it. Also some food for thought, UPS and FedEx cover the first $100 value of your package free.

Go Big or Go Home: If you need to ship something, the rumor says that it’s best to use the big companies—that they’re bigger, better and all around more trustworthy. You can certainly use the big brand name locations, but the hometown shipping companies are just as cost effective.

With this brand new knowledge, you can go about your shipping needs feeling confident that you can add as many packages to that 25 Million a day as you want.