Winter is a thing of the past, and Spring is finally here! Along with warmer weather and cherry blossom season, the time to begin your spring cleaning is here. For renters this is an exciting opportunity to get a fresh jump on sprucing up your apartment at the front end of the new year!

We know that cleaning and organizing your apartment sounds fantastic, but we also understand that it requires time and energy that a lot of you reading this might not have an overabundance of in your everyday lives.

For this reason, we’ve decided to overview three time-efficient cleaning tips to make getting your apartment clean super easy just in time for the spring season! 

Tip #1: BREAK-DOWN “THE BIG 3” CLEANING TASKS 

 Cleaning your apartment can be broken down into what we call, “The Big 3” – The kitchen, the bathroom, and the bedroom. These are generally the areas of the apartment that are used the most and are going to take the longest to clean; this makes it super important that these areas are addressed first. Studies show that cleaning at least 1 of these three areas makes the most visual difference in the cleanliness of your apartment.

Cleaning is already exhausting enough as it is, don’t make it any harder by tasking yourself with cleaning every closet, nook, and cranny inside of your apartment in a single day. If you’re short on time, break down the significant 3 areas of your apartment as you see fit, and tidy up accordingly.

Tip #2: CLEAR THE CLUTTER

 A big factor in organizing your apartment home is knowing when to part ways with additional materials that create clutter; this means trashing the mountain of junk mail, old receipts, and even older grocery lists laying on all of your counter surfaces.

Doing this is a fast and effective way of cleaning your apartment when you’re in a time crunch. You will quickly find that having less clutter makes your apartment home feel more open and most importantly cleaner.

So, say goodbye to clutter, and hello to spring clean!

Tip #3: SMELLS GOOD, LOOKS GOOD.

 The smell of your apartment home matters when it comes time to freshen up. We all know that it’s unsettling when your apartment is a disaster area, but it’s even worse when the smell of your apartment matches the look.

Instead of adding insult to injury, try adding in a scent like a candle, a scented plug-in, or an essential oil diffuser to your cleaning process when you’re short on time. In no way are we saying a clean smell makes up for a messy apartment, but the aroma of your place goes a long way when you don’t have hours to deep clean your apartment.

Cleaning will always be a process, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a difficult process.

With the new year comes new resolutions. Amongst the top resolutions, each year is getting in shape. Running is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to start your fitness journey and DC is one of the most beautiful places to run.

What better way to accomplish your fitness goals than a run on one of DC’s various running trails? If you’re a person who already loves a good outdoor run or a person who’s looking to start incorporating outdoor running/walking for the first time, DC’s trails are perfect for a person of any experience level. So get your best running gear, and get ready to break a sweat because we’re going to overview some of our favorite running trails in DC.

Rock Creek Park:

Rock Creek Park is one of the most popular locations to enjoy a nice weekend jog. And this is for a good reason! Their paved, mostly flat roads make Rock Creek Park a pleasant and comfortable experience for all runners, walkers, and bikers. If you’re looking for a location to escape the hustle and bustle of normal DC life, Rock Creek Park is the ideal place to take a step back to enjoy some of the sweet, calming nature sounds. 

Anacostia Riverwalk:

The 20-mile long Anacostia Riverwalk trail located in Capitol Riverfront DC is an excellent location for individuals who enjoy mesmerizing views of the Anacostia River during their run. As a runner, this allows you to get the best of both worlds. You can capture all of your fitness goals, as well as achieve your peace of mind by cooling down while you take in 360-degree views of the unblocked views of the District. 

National Mall:

It’s every runners’ dream to punch in a mile or two in at the famous National Mall. If you’ve ever been to the Mall as a tourist, you know that you can easily spend hours exploring and taking pictures. But as a runner of The National Mall, your fitness goals are right at the palm of your hands. Jog down the long, paved walks of the Mall then sprint up Lincoln Memorial steps only to be rewarded by breath-taking views of the National Monument. 

For the best National Mall running experience, start your run early in the morning. This morning run will allow you to enjoy some peaceful isolation time. 

Mt. Vernon Trail:

The Mount Vernon Trail is a prime location for runners! This isolated 18-mile trail winds alongside the Potomac River, and offers some of the best-uninterrupted views of Washington, DC’s skyline. While exploring The Mount Vernon Trail, runners will have the opportunity to experience different wooded areas, parks, and historic neighborhoods, such as nearby Old Town Alexandria.

Embassy Row:

Embassy Row caters to the runners’ that don’t mind taking on a new running challenge. The terrain of this running trail is elevated. This uphill factor puts your running experience to the test and adds another layer to your workout. 

Once overcoming that obstacle, the reward for runners’ is very much worth it. The Embassy row trail features some of the most gorgeous, grandest, most historic homes you will ever see. Runners’ will also pass by countless embassies, over Rock Creek Park, and by the US Naval Observatory. 

There are so many running trails you have access to as a DC resident. Take advantage of living in this beautiful city and keep yourself distracted while you log those miles!  Cold weather running not your thing? Save this post for spring and use the treadmills in Crest Apartment’s beautiful two-level fitness center.

Donate your unwanted, lightly worn clothing this winter season

The winter is season is here! As you prepare to get out some of your new winter gear, don’t forget to donate some of your older, lightly worn cold season clothing to a local donation center near you. When you donate the clothing you’re making a pathway for someone else less fortunate to stay warm for the next few months. At Crest at Skyland Town Center Apartments, we believe in making an impact throughout the DC community, and that will always mean supporting each other. Visit one of the donation centers listed below and give someone the gift of warmth and security this holiday season.

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CENTRAL UNION MISSION (65 Massachusetts Avenue NW) is receiving donations of men’s, women’s, and children’s winter coats of all sizes from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily. You can leave donations with front desk attendants who can also help with unloading items if needed. Staff members also provide donors with a form for tax purposes, as well as thank-you bags. 

THRIVE DC (1525 Newton St NW) is accepting gently used winter coats, hoodies, gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, and sleeping bags, as well as new underwear, thermals, and socks. Items can be dropped off at the organization’s headquarters between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thrive will distribute items to clients on December 2, January 13, and February 3. People can also donate by purchasing items from the organization’s Amazon Wish List.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES (2811 O Street, SE) is accepting new and gently used, cleaned coats—larger sizes are especially needed. The organization is also taking new packages of socks. People can bring donations directly to the coat closet at St. Francis Xavier Church on December 10 and January 14, as well as two other locations during designated times.

MARTHA’S TABLE (2114 14th Street NW) is collecting winter clothing and cold-weather gear including hats, scarves, thermals, sleeping bags, and more to be distributed on its mobile food truck and at its two Martha’s Outfitters thrift store locations. 

BUILDING BRIDGES/WC SMITH. You still have time to donate to the WC Smith/Building Bridges Across the River coat drive for cold-weather outerwear for children. The coats will be distributed during the WCS/Building Bridges Holiday Bazaar for Villages of Parklands residents on December 11. A registry has been created at Target for easy purchasing, or individuals can contribute from the vendor of their choice. You can sign up to participate here. Coats for older kids are, particularly in need. Coats should be delivered by Dec. 6.