Creating the Perfect Study Space in Your Apartment
Preparing yourself for school is typically a dreadful experience – especially if you lack a designated study space and adequate organization habits! Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be the case for this school year! As Ottawa’s #1 rental agency, we’re very familiar with all the tricks people use to make the most of their space.
So, break out your files, folders, and dustpans, and get ready to create the ultimate apartment study space with these student apartment tips!
3 Desk Organization Tips
While it’s important to keep your apartment space clean, it’s even more important to keep the desktop clean as it’s where you’ll be spending most of your time. Here are three home office organization tips to make sure your desk is looking as good as the view from your Ottawa apartment!
Keep Frequently Used Items Close to Your Dominant Hand
If you’re often reaching for a calculator or the phone, you might benefit from moving these things to the side of the desk your dominant hand rests. It may seem inconsequential, but awkwardly reaching over with your off-hand will easily disrupt workflow.
Only Keep What’s Necessary on the Desk
This may seem obvious, but it must be said. Keeping only must-have items on your desk is critical to organization and focus – especially for students in a studio or 1-bedroom apartment that might not have another large surface to move to.
Categorize & Store Similar Items Together
Scrambling to find the laptop charger that you swear you saw yesterday? Save time you would otherwise waste looking for things by organizing your items by similarity and keeping them in drawers/containers/bins. For instance, you can place laptop chargers, adapters, external drives, etc in a bin to free up space in your home office and save time for studying.
Creating a Study Space in a Studio
Is your study space a drawerless desk in a window-less corner with a stack of papers on it and hardly enough space for your laptop and peripherals? That can easily be changed by following a couple of study space apartment tips!
You can free up a shocking amount of space with stick-on/adhesive shelves. These convenient space-savers are attached to the wall by very tough adhesive materials so you don’t need to worry about drilling into the wall and risk damaging your apartment’s home office. These convenient areas are the perfect places to store your books, excess papers, and a source of light!
Speaking of light, a well-lit room is critical to improving your creativity and focus. It’s imperative that you locate your apartment’s study space next to a window and place a warm-coloured lamp on your new stick-on shelf or a floor lamp next to your desk. Try to avoid placing your lamp on the desk it takes up too much space.
Consider putting up a room divider if your apartment study space is in a shared area. Having privacy will keep you engaged in your work and free from distractions. Apartment rentals in Ottawa typically have enough space to avoid this step, but it’s always handy to remember if you find yourself in a shared-space situation.
Student-Ready Apartment Rentals in Ottawa
Every student needs their space – that includes you! Contact Ottawa Apartment if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality, and study-ready apartment rental in Ottawa. We offer rentals within the distance of every post-secondary institution in Ottawa and we’d love to have you as our next tenant!
Tips for Moving into a New Apartment in Ottawa
Moving can be stressful for anyone, especially if it’s your first time and you aren’t sure what to expect.
Whether you’re signing a lease or closing a deal, having a place to call your own gives you the freedom to decorate your space to reflect your personality. What can be more exciting than that?!
Although you’re taking your whole life and putting it into a box, moving doesn’t need to be a huge source of stress. To make your move a success, you need to be aware of all the challenges you may encounter and have effective solutions for problems that may arise.
We’re here to help you with our top tips for moving into a new apartment.
Save the Right Amount for Your Move
When moving to a new apartment, you need to make sure you feel comfortable with your decision.
Most of the time, there are certain costs you don’t account for and your move will end up costing you more than expected. It’s best to have enough money saved up to pay your moving costs, first three months' rent, security deposits, and your living expenses for the next couple of months.
To avoid getting caught unawares, ask your landlord if there are other additional costs you need to pay such as parking and storage fees.
Review Your Lease Agreement
While it may be tempting to flip over to the last page of your lease and sign your name, it’s crucial to read over your agreement.
This document contains important information and by not reading it, you put yourself at risk of violating your lease and losing your security deposit. Pay close attention to the procedure of rent payment, guest and pet policies, and availability of storage space.
Transfer Your Utilities
If you’re unsure which utilities are covered by your landlord, consult your lease agreement.
While it’s common for landlords to cover water, you’ll still need to set up gas, electricity, internet, and cable. Be sure to schedule installation appointments ahead of time so that you’re not left without wifi at your new apartment.
Pack Effectively
The best way to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything when packing is to make a list.
From bed sheets and towels to kitchen utensils, write down everything you want to take to your new apartment and even make a digital copy so you have access to the list at all times.
Once you know what you’ll have enough space for, it's time to decide what will be packed and what will be donated or thrown away. Go through everything you own and set aside everything you won’t be able to use or have no need for anymore.
Ready to Start a New Chapter?
There’s nothing better than sitting in your new kitchen or living room for the first time and realizing that you finally have a space all to yourself.
The process of signing a lease and packing up your belongings can be an overwhelming one but the tips provided in this guide will make things go much smoother. Our friendly team at Paramount Properties is dedicated to prioritizing your comfort and safety. We work hard to ensure that your new space is clean and ready for you to move into.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns and we’ll be happy to help.
Maximizing Space in a Small Bedroom
After a long, tiring day retreating into your bedroom to rest and recharge sounds like a dream.
A bedroom is primarily meant to be a place of rest, and you don’t have to do much to create a beautiful, relaxing space.
It’s so easy to be charmed by modern and luxurious design ideas that the purpose of a bedroom gets lost between trying to fit a small office or king-sized bed in a room that doesn’t have nearly enough square footage.
Arranging a small bedroom isn’t easy, but there are plenty of simple design tricks to make your small haven feel bigger and more organized. Below are innovative ways to fit more storage in your tiny bedroom without making it feel too cramped.
Add Storage Underneath Your Bed
Instead of collecting dust bunnies, the area beneath your bed can be used to add extra storage space. From off-season clothing to shoes, you can keep your belongings hidden yet within reach by placing them in storage boxes under your bed.
If your bed is too low to the ground, consider purchasing some inexpensive risers and make the most of the precious real estate.
Use an End-of-Bed Trunk
Whether you prefer a good old-fashioned trunk or a simple bench, adding this piece of furniture to the end of your bed is one of the best ways to maximize storage space while adding a new hangout spot.
Not only will you have created extra space to put your belongings, but benches also add a unique detail to a room that shows your personality and ties the decor together.
Minimize Your Nightstand
While a nightstand doesn’t take up too much space, choosing the wrong one can make the room feel smaller.
If you don't want to take up too much floor space, consider installing a floating shelf where your nightstand would usually be. It’ll provide you with enough space to showcase your trinkets or store your books while adding a quirky feature to your room.
Stash Your Dresser in the Closet
A common problem most bedroom closets suffer from is having too much hanging space and nowhere to store folded clothes.
Adding a bulky dresser is often needed to fit all your clothes, though it ends up taking too much space and causes a room to feel cramped. So what better way to maximize your space than stashing storage within the storage.
If your closet is large enough you’ll be able to save valuable floor space by keeping your dresser tucked away.
Your Perfect Place Is Just a Click Away
Less really is more when it comes to creating a sense of calm in limited space. There are a ton of ways you can make your small apartment work for you, all you need is a little creativity and you’re all set.
Our properties offer an extraordinary standard of living where tenants enjoy a safe, clean, and inviting environment. We take great pride in providing our clients with spacious and affordable accommodations where they can start a new chapter of their lives.
Get in touch with us or browse our website and find your dream apartment today.
10 Apartment & Budget-Friendly Decor Ideas
Making a space feel homey can be a challenge, especially when working with a small area and budget.
Increasing rent prices and decreasing square footage has us scrambling for budget-friendly apartment decorating ideas. You don’t need to spend a fortune to style your condo and make it look luxurious, the key is choosing the right decor that makes your space look larger rather than cramped.
Whether you’re looking to give your space a new aesthetic or simply want your apartment to feel bigger yet modern, the following decorating ideas can help you transform your packed apartment into a haven.
1. Mount Some Floating Shelves
If you’re lacking storage but don’t want bulky furniture to keep your belonging in, floating shelves offer the perfect solution.
Wood or metal shelving will go with almost all aesthetics, and when placed in a staggered pattern, will give your wall a unique look. You can show off a collection of decorative objects and mementos without having to take up any floor space.
2. Pile on the Throw Pillows
Many apartments have strict rules on what colour the walls are allowed to be, which in most cases are neutral shades of white and beige.
Bring personality to your apartment with plenty of fun, colourful throw pillows that contrast with the walls and make the space look full of life. If you decide to switch things up down the road, all you have to do is buy new pillow covers, and voilà!
3. Make Windows Taller
Something as simple as curtain length can make an entire apartment look much smaller than it is.
Even if your windows don’t reach the ceiling, hang your curtains as close to the ceiling as possible and make sure the ends reach the floor. This will give an illusion of a larger, more airy space.
4. Bring in a Bar Cart
Bar carts are one of the most underrated pieces of furniture out there, as they can be used as a console, drinks table, or coffee table. Not only can you style your cart to match the seasons, but you can use it to showcase beautiful books and other knick-knacks.
5. Add Some Drama With a Mirror
An oversized mirror is a quick and easy way to add some drama to your living room while also giving the appearance of a bigger space. This piece can take the place of framed art and bring more natural light into your apartment.
6. Incorporate a Little Greenery
Plants can add a lot of character to a room, livening up the space with their brilliant colours and shapes.
Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance succulents or large, leafy plants, there are endless species to choose from. Able to decorate a console or give a pop of colour to a dark corner, their versatility is one of a kind.
7. Hang up Art
Beautiful art pieces don’t necessarily need to be worth thousands of dollars, you can make your own charming artwork at home.
Grab a few paint colours and unleash your creativity on the canvas or print out some pictures of cherished memories and hang them in a unique pattern on an empty wall.
8. Add a Splash of Colour With a Rug
Area rugs are usually used to soften up a room and make it cozier.
However, if you’re looking to add some colour to your space, pick out a bold area rug and strategically place it under a coffee table or in front of a couch. You could also try layering smaller rugs to add more texture and colour.
9. Create a Statement Wall
Turn an empty wall into the focal point of your room by painting it a vibrant colour or applying a patterned wallpaper.
Choose a colour that highlights or nicely contrasts with the colour of your furniture. Remember, an accent wall doesn’t need to take up an entire wall and can simply be a small nook.
10. Install Shelving Above Your Headboard
If you’re lacking wall and floor space to display and store your belongings, consider incorporating shelves above your headboard.
This will not only save you some much-needed space but can become a feature in your bedroom by putting on display picture frames and other keepsakes.
Your Dream Apartment Is Just a Click Away
With over 8,000 apartments to choose from, your new home is closer than you think.
All Paramount buildings offer exceptional value in some of Ottawa’s most convenient and desirable locations. We take pride in providing spacious, bright, and affordable spaces, ensuring our tenants experience an extraordinary standard of living.
Get in touch with us today and take the first step towards starting a new chapter in your life.
Things to Do in Downtown Ottawa in the Summer
Since Ottawa is the capital city, many think that all there is to do is visit museums and government buildings, but there’s so much more out there to explore!
With the luscious green grass and warm weather, Ottawa is a great place to be in the summer. Aside from the main attractions like visiting Parliament Hill and the Byward Museum, there are loads of underrated fun activities you’ll love.
From festival-filled streets and overflowing lively markets, you can spend the entire season and not run out of things to do. Whether you’re new to the city or simply have not found the time to go out and explore, below are a handful of exciting attractions you and your loved ones can enjoy.
Spend the Day at Hogs Back Falls
If you told someone that there’s an entire waterfall hidden in the city, they wouldn't believe you, but it’s true!
Hog’s Back Falls is one of Ottawa’s hidden gems. Also known as Prince of Whales Falls, the park is composed of a series of waterfalls along the Rideau River and several heritage locations that include a pavilion with historical displays.
The park also features various hiking trails and walking paths, along with picnic tables and a concession stand. You can easily spend a day at Hogs Back Falls, enjoying a nice picnic with a view after your hike.
Rafting, Paddling on the Ottawa River
On hot summer days, nothing beats getting soaked during a paddling trip on the Ottawa River.
Some of the world's best whitewater action can be found just a few minutes outside the city’s centre. Float along an urban section of the river, or for those craving an adrenaline rush, try out a fun tubing experience.
There’s no need to worry if you don’t have your own equipment, as many outfitters and marinas rent out canoes, paddle boats, and kayaks.
Explore the City by Bike
With over 800 kilometres of recreational pathways wrapped around the city, there are plenty of cycling opportunities to be taken advantage of.
Grab your bike and plan your adventure, or rent one and take a guided tour exploring the capital's most beautiful spots. To make the most of your day, plan to stop for a refreshing drink and locally made refreshments, which there is plenty of downtown. If you’re looking to try new, diverse foods, you can’t go wrong with the Byward market.
Experience Ottawa in All Its Summer Glory
Whether you’re new to Ottawa or are thinking of starting a new chapter in a new apartment, we’ve got you covered.
With over 7,000 apartment listings your dream apartment is closer than you think. Our experts will gladly take care of the heavy lifting, all you’ll have to do is tell us what you want and leave the rest up to us.
If you’re thinking about moving to Ottawa or want a change of scenery, get in touch with us today to learn more about our available apartments.
5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Apartments
As the weather gets warmer and the grass greener, it’s time to say goodbye to all the winter clutter lying around your home.
Though it may seem like having a smaller apartment means less cleaning will be required, there are many small things people overlook when tidying their apartment.
So, what should you put on your spring cleaning list of areas to tackle? Below are some simple tips and tricks that’ll help you achieve an organized, clutter-free space in time for you to enjoy the seasons ahead.
Make a Plan
Having a set of guidelines helps us navigate our daily tasks while optimizing our time.
Thinking of all the tasks you’d like to accomplish during your spring cleaning can easily become overwhelming, discouraging you from getting the job done.
Schedule a day for each room, making sure to include break times in between cleaning so that you’re not exhausted by the end of the day.
Start by Decluttering
While decluttering involves tossing things away or donating them, a big part of the process relies on organization.
Space management in small apartments is key, which is why everything deemed unuseful should be disposed of accordingly. If you stumble upon an item you can’t remember the last time it was used, it’s probably best to put it in the donate pile.
Once you’ve decided on what items to keep, make sure they have a dedicated space and a purpose.
Clean the Blinds and Curtains
Famously known for collecting dust and other allergens, window coverings are an often overlooked chore.
Though it may not seem like a priority, cleaning your blinds or curtains is an essential part of spring cleaning, as dirty curtains spread harmful particles that affect indoor air quality.
Not only will you be removing any harmful allergens but you’ll end up with sparkling clean windows that’ll make your apartment feel like a completely different space.
Organize and Clean Your Cabinets
Although it may be time-consuming, cleaning your kitchen and bathroom cabinets is well worth the effort.
To ensure the cabinets are properly cleaned, clear out everything from the space and wipe down the surfaces using a damp microfiber towel.
This is also a good time to get rid of the items hiding in the back of the cabinets that are taking up precious space and have no real use.
Clean Your Floors
A big mistake many homeowners make when cleaning their floors is forgetting to wipe off tabletops, countertops, and other elevated surfaces.
Only once all the debris and dust are on the floor should you begin to vacuum. Be sure to thoroughly vacuum any carpets and rugs, as they store a lot of dirt and grime.
Find Your Dream Ottawa Apartment
There’s no better way to welcome spring than with a clean and inviting living space.
Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to reset everything in your home, whether that means finally getting to the chores you’ve been putting off or scheduling maintenance appointments.
With over 8,000 great apartments to choose from, your dream apartment is just a click away. Our team at Paramount Properties works hard to surpass your expectations for quality and lifestyle.
Things to Do in Downtown Ottawa in the Springtime
The start of the new season is just days away, meaning it’s time to trade your winter gear for more spring-appropriate clothing and make your way outdoors.
There are plenty of fun activities and places to discover in Ottawa year-round, spring being no exception. The green grass peeking through melted snow is enough to put everyone in a cheerful mood and have them looking forward to spending hours by the lake or sipping colourful drinks on patios.
With nearly all covid restrictions lifted, there’s no better time to go out and explore the city in its springtime glow.
Visit Parliament Hill
Whether you’re interested in learning more about Canadian history or simply want to admire the beautiful ancient architecture, Parliament Hill is a must-see attraction in the heart of Ottawa.
The grounds are much more than artfully designed government buildings. Statues, great views, and other significant points of interest can be found as you wander around.
Grab a bite to eat from one of many restaurants in the area or get some take-out and have a picnic on the luscious green grass facing the peace tower.
Explore the Byward Market
Hungry? In search of cute souvenirs? The Byward Market has anything and everything you’re looking for.
From boutique shops and artisan crafts to local restaurants and lively clubs, you can spend the entire day exploring the market and experiencing the downtown nightlife. No matter your dietary needs or preferences there are countless options to choose from.
Check out the National Gallery of Canada
When walking through downtown, you may have noticed a giant metal statue of a spider standing in front of a glass building.
Located near the Rideau River and Byward Market, the dazzling glass building is home to amazing art pieces created by Canadian and international artists that have been carefully collected over decades.
An inner courtyard and cafe are located onsite for you to take a break and relax before heading to your next destination.
Take a Cycling Tour Around Ottawa
With nearly 800 kilometres of multi-use pathways around the Ottawa region, you can go practically anywhere with a bike.
Rent a bike or join a guided tour to explore some of the city’s most scenic places and attractions. You’ll be able to bike alongside the canal and through backroads of charming neighbourhoods, showing you the best Ottawa has to offer in a short period of time.
Looking For an Apartment in Ottawa?
With the snow melting and the sun shining high above, spring has finally reached Canada's capital.
The weather can greatly impact the success of your move, as you don’t want to be lifting boxes in the heat of summer or on wintery cold days. Not to mention, you’ll be all settled to relax and enjoy the wonderful summer months.
Get in touch with Ottawa Apartments to learn more about our available apartments. We work hard to maintain our reputation for providing unbeatable value, safety, and cleanliness in the city’s more sought-after locations.