Hack the Litter Box 

The litter box is going to be your biggest challenge if you own a cat. Fortunately, a lot of outlets now provide self-cleaning litter boxes. Purchasing one of these will reduce the frequency of your trips to the dumpster. There are also many stylish litter box designs that you can find which help to "hide" the litter box in plain sight. Don't forget the accessories like a mat for your kitty to wipe its feet.

Storing Pet Food 

Speaking of blending in, those big and bulky sacks of pet food don't exactly go with the decor in most Chicago apartments, do they? Plus, where do you store those big sacks? You can purchase sealable plastic cereal containers and divide the food up to those. This will help keep your pet's dry food fresh and allows you to tuck the containers away out of sight in a cupboard. For a bigger investment, you can find stainless steel containers that are airtight and specifically built for pet food. 

Pet Hair Hacks

​​​​​​​If you have a pet that sheds, here are some tricks for dealing with pet hair. Purchase a paint roller and wrap some duct tape around it with the sticky side out. This gives you a much bigger surface area than a lint roller, so you can pick up stray hair much faster. Some brands of disinfectant wipes are now made specifically for hair as well. They're great for wiping down windowsills and countertops where you might not normally see stray pet hair. Plus, these pick up a lot of pet allergens in your apartment.

Pets are extremely common in apartments in Chicago, so chat with other pet owners to learn additional tips. And if you know someone looking for an apartment right now, don't forget to refer them to the leasing office at 866-473-1997.

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Less Is More 

Discarding things is always going to be one of the worst parts of cleaning a closet. Despite the fact that you haven't used something (or even thought about it) for years, it can be tough to let go. After Marie Kondo's theories went viral, everyone's been asking themselves if their things "spark joy." This question is a great way for you to make up your mind about whether to keep something or get rid of it altogether. If you're not immediately feeling positive about the item, it's best to trash or donate it. (You can also consider reusing it for something else.) If you're still having a really difficult time sorting things out, consider dividing everything into piles. Turning a big mess into a smaller mess can make it easier to tackle one thing at a time. 

Rearrange and Prioritize 

Look for places in your apartment other than your closet in which you can store things. For example, you can put your clothes in storage containers and pop them under the bed. Or put your board games in your living room, where they're more likely to get attention. Use hangers and shoe racks to save space and spare your clothes and footwear: Hangers limit the number of wrinkles, and racks save your shoes from being piled on top of one another. You can also thread your scarves through shower rings in an effort to both separate them and put them on display. 

Cleaning out and organizing a closet may take some time, but you'll be glad when you're no longer confronted with a major mess confined to one area of your apartment. If you're looking for a place in Chicago, Illinois with an even bigger closet, give North Harbor Tower a call today. We can help you find a new home to call your own.

The post How to Organize a Closet appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

1. Commit to Your Routines 

Whether you want to learn another language, master your kitchen or pay your bills on time, you have to set standing routines. The point of a schedule isn’t to constrict you; it’s to get you in the habit of doing things that you may not want to do. Routines do take some degree of experimentation to get right, but all people need to utilize them to get more done. Try limiting your use of technology during your productivity blocks, so you’re less likely to veer off course. 

2. Take Breaks 

Taking breaks is a way for you to give your brain a rest when you’re starting to feel resentful of the task in front of you. And while you need to be careful that your breaks don’t cause you to abandon the project altogether, a little freedom can go a long way toward increasing your overall productivity. Ideally, you’ll take breaks around the same time every day (according to your routines), but the reality is that breaks can’t always be on a regular time schedule. 

3. Be Nice

Productivity at home is a lifelong pursuit, and that means you have time to get it right. No matter how many times you fall off the wagon and how many projects fall by the wayside, the point is to get back up and keep trying. You’ll learn more about which hobbies fulfill you and how you can work them into your daily life. 

The apartments in Chicago are always going to be more valuable if you’re taking time out for yourself. If you’re looking for an apartment complex that values self-improvement as much as you do, call North Harbor Towers today. We can help you find a space that will put you in the mood to do more.  

The post 3 Tips to Reduce Stress and Improve Your Productivity at Home appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

Add Colorful Rugs

Whether you like contemporary design or a more modern style, adding a couple of bold rugs that reflect your personality goes a long way toward making your apartment feel like home.

Provide an Artistic Touch

What kind of art truly appeals to your soul? Add a common decorating theme to your apartment, taking advantage of any shelves, niches or windowsills to let your personality show with art displays.

Get Creative With Soft Furnishings

Fabric and a few decorative thumbtacks make it easy to add a lot of personality to your apartment quickly. Instead of painting an accent wall, purchase a drapery scarf, sarong or large piece of fabric that appeals to hang.

Add Removable Wallpaper

To create an accent wall that is easily changed back to its original appearance, check out removable wallpaper. If you're ordering online and aren't sure which pattern to use, print out a few pages and put them on the wall to select a swatch.

Throw It Around

To finish unifying your overall decorating theme, adding a few special touches that can be moved is an easy way to go. A few throw pillows, blankets, and other small decorating options make it pop and take it easy on your wallet.

By using some of these options to add a touch of personality to your apartment, you'll be able to make it yours in no time, without having to worry about whether that deposit is lost for good. If you're looking for apartments in Chicago that have that appealing modern feeling, North Harbor Tower apartments have tons of updated character that make it easy to feel like you've come home.

The post Making It Yours: Personalizing Your Apartment Without Losing Your Deposit appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

Rent a Storage Unit

If you have tons of stuff and you’re running out of storage space in your apartment, it might be a good idea to invest in a storage unit. Doing so will open up your apartment and get rid of the unwanted stress of having too much clutter. However, it’s important to use the storage unit for things you actually want to keep — if you’re throwing stuff in there that you may want to get rid of, keeping it there will just waste money. So before investing in a unit, try to organize your things and keep only what you need. Luckily, storage units are pretty cost-effective nowadays and come in various sizes for your needs.

Don’t Leave Dishes in the Sink

This is a bad habit many of us fall into. While it’s easy to start piling your dirty dishes in the sink, those stacks won’t get any smaller, and it just reinforces poor habits and creates more stress in the long run. So do your best to clean dishes right away or put them into the dishwasher once they're used. Once you start building this practice, you’ll notice a big stress relief and more satisfaction with your apartment.

Go Through that Paperwork

Stacks of paper can make a space look very untidy; not only that, they can build up pretty quickly. In order to remove the mess, it's best to make it a priority to go through these papers and put them in the appropriate places. If you have an abundance of paperwork that you must keep, consider investing in a filing cabinet. Moving needed papers out of sight and into an orderly, designated space helps your apartment look fresher and less cluttered.

Use the Space Efficiently

Another easy way to get rid of the mess and clutter is to use your apartment efficiently. If you have a lot of stuff that you need (but that is cluttering up your living space), try placing these items in cabinets, drawers, under the bed, or in containers or other storage resources. This will help to keep your apartment organized, cleaner and less stressful.

Looking for spacious apartments in Chicago? If so, then head on over to North Harbor Tower and check out their exciting floorplans!

The post Tips for Keeping a Clean Apartment appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

1. Plan in Advance

Impromptu, spontaneous soirees are fun, but they often leave a lot to be desired in terms of the number of attendees who can join. By planning your event at least a week in advance, you'll give people with kiddos and other obligations time to make your get-together fit into their calendars.

2. Designate Dishes

You don't need to spend a ton of cash by catering your party. Instead, designate dishes to each guest so you'll have a full table of delectable bites once everyone arrives. It may sound silly, but if you put everything into a spreadsheet, you'll be able to easily track what people are bringing so you know if you need to head to the store to cover any gaps before guests arrive. Here's a quick run-down of things you'll likely need:

• Appetizers
• Salads
• Chips
• Entrees
• Desserts
• Drinks
• Plates and cups
• Napkins or paper towels
• Plasticware

If you're aware that some people on your list have dietary restrictions, try to keep this in mind when you're parsing out the menu. For example, vegetarians would be completely fine with a chicken-topped salad, as long as the chicken stays in its own lane (or in a bowl next to the salad greens).

3. Provide the Sunscreen!

If you'll be entertaining guests poolside or enjoying a barbecue chef's famous ribs, be a good host and have sunscreen on hand. Your guests will thank you when the sun starts scorching and they realize they didn't bring any UV protection.

4. Load Up Your Music

You never want to wait until the room's fallen awkwardly silent to realize you don't have any music ready. Load up your list before people get there. If you have an eclectic crowd coming, try to mix a little bit of everything so each guest will have the opportunity to enjoy his or her groove.

Are you searching for a Chicago apartment that offers a long list of incredible amenities? You've found your new home! Check out the reasons our residents love our North Harbor Tower community!

The post How to Plan a Summer Get-Together for Your Friends appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

This new less-is-more attitude can, however, make it difficult to shop for gifts. Your friends who have just spent many hours decluttering their homes are probably not in the mood for a knickknack that is similar to something they just threw out. That's why you should forget the material things when looking for gifts. Instead, choose one of the following five ideas:

Movie Tickets

Buy a gift certificate for your recipient's favorite movie theater. If you're searching for a small, inexpensive gift, consider purchasing a DVD vending machine gift certificate and tying it with a ribbon to a pack of microwave popcorn. 

Massage or Spa Certificate

Spoil your recipient with a manicure, pedicure, or with a muscle-soothing massage. 

Babysitting Certificate

Do you know a parent who could use a night out? Create a gift certificate that entitles the parent to a free night of babysitting provided by you. 

Dinner

Treat your recipient to dinner or give them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. 

Membership 

If the person you're shopping for likes to visit certain attractions, such as the zoo or national parks, purchase an annual membership for them so they can visit the destination multiple times during the year. 

Did you know that de-cluttering can actually help you feel less stressed? Yes, a 2010 study showed that many participants who described their homes as cluttered expressed higher levels of a stress hormone called cortisol. So, keeping your home clutter free can be very important for your mental health. Another factor that can affect your mood and happiness is the lighting in your home. A light-filled home can actually help brighten your mood. So, if your current home is dark and drab, come check out our apartments in Chicago, IL. They boast wrap-around windows and stunning views that are sure to lift your mood. 

The post 5 Gifts That Won’t Become Clutter appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

1. Drunken Bean

Thanks to a friendly staff of people who are willing to welcome you as soon as you walk into the space, this place has made a name for itself. People love it for its cozy atmosphere and tasty pastries. Be advised: There aren't a plethora of outlets available, so if you're planning to work all day, get there early.

2. Two Zero Three

If you're looking for a place to take clients that's got an aesthetically appealing vibe in a space that's pretty quiet, you've found your match! Located inside the Virgin Hotel, Two Zero Three caters to business travelers and locals who want to work not far off the Magnificent Mile. The coffee concoctions are creative, and the space is sure to please anyone you're sharing your time with.

3. Dollop Coffee

Love people watching? Dollop's got you covered! Thanks to an enormous array of seating options, from backless barstools to comfy couches and seats that overlook the goings-on of Chicago, Dollop is a go-to place for people who enjoy a great cup of Joe inside an inviting atmosphere.

4. Cupitol Coffee & Eatery

If delicious food and unbelievable coffee are the things your dreams are made of, Cupitol is here to please. Fill your belly or caffeinate your body until cocktail time comes around. This space was created to allow friends to enjoy each others' company, acquaintances to get reacquainted, and business relationships to flourish. It's the perfect place to go if you're looking for a delicious dish alongside your cup of java.

If you or someone you know are on the hunt for a Chicago apartment that's within walking distance of great coffee shops, we'd like to introduce ourselves! Stop by North Harbor Tower so we can give you a look around!

The post Chicago Coffee Shops Worthy of Your Consideration appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

Thankfully, one of the amenities at our luxury apartments in Chicago, Illinois, is a 24-hour library that is perfect for getting you back on track. Learn how best to utilize this space and other key tips for working and studying at home in this quick article.

3 Key Tips for Staying Focused When Working or Studying at Home

• Have a set work schedule and don't let friends or family members drop in during it. While being a remote worker has its benefits, such as not having to clock in at any precise time, it is still a very good idea to establish a set schedule. Having a set time of the day dedicated to work helps get you in the habit of focusing on work and can retrain your brain to be most productive at the set time. These same reasons make schedules a good choice for students as well. Additionally, for whatever time period you set aside, also be sure to set limits against accepting visits and phone calls from friends, neighbors, and family members who may otherwise distract you.

• Stay out of the kitchen. One great reason to take advantage of the 24-hour library for your intensive work or school projects is that it will help prevent you from snacking. The first year of telecommuting can be like the first year of college with the freshman 15, because it's just so easy to use food as a distraction. 

• Invest in a noise-canceling headset. One thing about living in Chicago, even in a luxury apartment complex such as ours, is that noises are bound to happen, from occasional construction work outside to barking dogs being walked down the hallway inside. Investing in a high-quality noise-canceling headset today will go a long way in helping you stay focused and relaxed tomorrow. 

Questions About the On-site Library? Contact Us!

If you have any questions about the on-site 24-hour library or any other amenities at our Chicago apartments, don't hesitate to ask! Contact our front office staff to learn more. 

The post Student? Work Remotely? Use These Tips for Working at Home appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.

1. Go Ice Skating

Nobody said you have to be stellar on skates to enjoy the experience of an outdoor ice-skating rink. In fact, if you can barely stay vertical atop the blades, you'll fit right in with tons of people who are putting their own skills to the test. 

2. Sip Hot Cocoa Outside

Whether you head to a local park or take an urban hike by hitting the city sidewalks, a steaming cup of hot cocoa should accompany your stroll. It's important to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, but it's also important to keep your body toasty and warm. Hot chocolate has a way of adding a childlike whimsy to an ordinary day, especially when winter's still on the calendar for a few more weeks.

3. Check Out the Zoo

Although the zoo is home to many types of animals all year long, certain species are more likely to spend time outside when the thermometer is still on the lower part of the scale. If you're bummed that the polar bears and penguins never seem to want to come out and play when you visit the zoo in June, schedule a trip to their habitats in the winter instead. 

4. Take a Stroll Around the Botanic Garden

Just as the zoo has an alternate personality when winter settles in, fauna and flora showcase different sides of themselves during this part of the year. Some of the flowers you're used to may be deep in a slumber, but you'll likely encounter a few plants you didn't even know exist. As an added bonus, the Botanic Garden tends to be a lot less crowded when it's cold.

One of the best ways to enjoy Chicago's winters is from the comfort of your own beautiful downtown apartment. Take a look at the views our North Harbor Tower apartments could offer you!

The post 4 Ways to Enjoy What’s Left of Winter appeared first on North Harbor Tower Blog.