While spring might have called dibs on the massive cleaning project that bears its name, winter is the season when your apartment’s appearance changes most. From white snow blanketing the exterior to the stockings that were hung by the chimney with care, winter is your opportunity to transform the look of your apartment and increase the curb appeal to future residents. Don’t be that place in your neighborhood with a tacky inflatable lawn decorations, sloppy snow shovel work, or the misspelling of a holiday greeting using string lights. You don’t need to transform your complex to look like Whoville, but a little effort goes a long way. Follow these winter appearance improvements and earn back the respect of your neighborhood.
Simplistic Holiday Lights
Outdoor lights should be clean and classic. Resist the temptation of buying this years hottest trend. Instead, think long term and opt for simple white lights over multi-colored ones. LED lights are best; they save you money and are better for the environment. But be weary of lights that are extremely bright. People shouldn’t be shading their eyes while admiring your neighborhood’s holiday displays.
When installing Christmas lights, preparation is key. Be sure to pick your locations before you purchase. Prior to buying, map out and measure where you’d like your lights to go, accounting for extension cords and timers from your power outlets. For multi-story apartments, don’t be a hero. If you are not confident on a ladder, consider renting an aerial scissor lift or volunteer to hold the latter as your kind-hearted neighbor climbs it.
Inflatables
Avoid anything that requires a pump. Tasteless inflatable decorations don’t even deserve the space they occupy in the storage shed all year. Listen, it’s not clever or original, it’s ridiculous and tacky. In what universe does Santa live in an inflated trailer? And let’s be honest, during the day, when the pumps aren’t on, your inflatable snowman looks like Frosty in late May; deflated and lying dead on your lawn. Once the Macy’s Day Parade ends, I don’t want to see another inflatable for the rest of the winter.
De-Trim the Tree
Once Christmas is over, take down your decorations and store them in a way that protects fragile items, reduces tangles, and saves space. Martha Stewart Living suggests winding each strand around a piece of cardboard cut to fit in a plastic bin.
Perhaps the worst thing you could do in the eyes of judgmental neighbors and residents, is to leave your used Christmas Tree laying next to the woodpile outside your building for weeks on end. Dispose of your tree promptly and responsibly. Tree mulching programs are becoming more popular in many communities. These programs allow your tree to be chipped and shredded, making mulch for gardens. Take your tree to a drop-off recycling center, or call to make an appointment. Some boy scout troops have even begun offering a pick up service for a small donation.
When it comes to holiday decorations, less is more. Stick with simple and elegant decorations that are likable, inexpensive, and easy to put up and take down and you will avoid the neighborhood children throwing snowballs at your windows while shouting “Scrooge!”
Merry Christmas, #Multifamily! _Trevor