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The renter’s guide to sustainability

To celebrate World Environment Day this June 5, we’re talking all things sustainability when it comes to home. While renting may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of helping the environment, there are a number of reasons why it can be more Earth-friendly than owning. Plus, whether you own or rent a home, there’s several ways to make your home life more eco-conscious, which can have a cumulative effect over time. Check out our top green living tips below to get inspired!

Innovating the single-family industry through technology

13 easy ways to replace plastic at home

July 3 marks International Plastic Bag Free Day, an annual awareness event to reduce the use of plastic bags across the world. Many cities and counties across the U.S. have already committed to the cause by either implementing a plastic bag tax or charge at stores or banning them altogether. With just a few swaps in your daily home routines, you can also help reduce plastic consumption on the planet. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

How to be a better neighbor

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Over the course of the year, there are several “national” days that enlighten us on how to be a better neighbor. National Good Neighbor Day on September 28 is the most popular, and serves as a good reminder to strengthen community where you live by practicing proper neighbor etiquette. Whether you’re just moving in or have lived in your home for years, here’s how to be a better neighbor.  

Browse our homecare tips, seasonal trends, lifestyle solutions, and insider perspectives designed to make your everyday experience of single-family living simpler and brighter.

10 ways to clean your home more efficiently

Do you dread moving from room to room with a vacuum and a brush, digging into corners, scrubbing dirty sinks, and wondering where that mystery stain on the living room came from? Cleaning your home can be overwhelming, if you approach it without a strategy. Don’t worry—we’re here to help!

11 easy ways to turn your bathroom into a spa

Did you know that August is National Wellness Month? In other words, it's time to take a moment and treat yourself. One of the best ways to incorporate a daily self-care routine is to create a beautiful bathroom space that invites you to wind down and relax. And it doesn't take a renovation project or huge budget to make it happen. Here are a few of our favorite ways to turn your bathroom into a spa. 

How to replace your AC filter

To ensure your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency, you’ll want to make sure you get it inspected and tuned up at least once a year. While a tune-up can be complicated and should only be performed by a trained technician, there is one thing you can do as the resident that’s just as important and far easier: regularly replace your home’s air filters. Read on for our complete guide to help make this a simple routine that seamlessly fits into your maintenance calendar. 

Your complete guide to changing your AC filter at home

9 DIY home projects you can do in one weekend

The weekend is the perfect time to give your home TLC by tackling an easy DIY project. There are plenty of options to be inspired by, from décor upgrades to gardening and maintenance hacks, and you don't need to run out and spend tons of money on supplies to accomplish them. Instead, breathe new life into your old items using what you’re already likely to have around the house. With a focus on maximizing, reusing, and upcycling, these ideas present new ways to enjoy your home. 

How to take care of your luxury vinyl flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is a home feature that offers several benefits. It’s a durable surface and typically waterproof, so scratches, stains, and moisture that might damage other tiles won’t be as harmful. Vinyl also gives your floors a sleek, modern look, and has good thermal properties, which add comfort and warmth to your home. However, keeping this surface in good condition over time does require some maintenance. Learn how to take care of your luxury vinyl flooring with these do’s and don’ts. 

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American Homes 4 Rent | Blog

2022 home interior design trends we love

Home is no longer a landing pad between work, travel, and other responsibilities. Most people still spend a vast majority of time at home, and interior design trends for 2022 reflect this pace of life. While calming neutrals and a minimalist aesthetic are still on trend for many people, 2022 is also opening the doors to maximalism, complete with brighter colors and bolder decor all around. Here are some of the latest design trends for the year ahead, plus tips on how to incorporate them into your own home. 

Annual bedroom refresh 101

You can’t go play until you clean your room! Many of us have heard this mantra from a young age. While you certainly could ignore that advice now that you’re older, it turns out mom and dad knew what they were talking about. With May 10 marking official Clean Your Room Day, there’s no better time to get started with freshening up your bedroom, and keeping it that way. 

How to prepare your home for fall this Labor Day 

How to prepare your home for fall this Labor Day Weekend

How to prepare your home for fall this Labor Day

7 ways to repel mosquitoes at home this summer

Lighting tips to support your mental health at home

Good lighting, both natural and artificial, has a major impact on our mental health. It can reduce depression and seasonal affective disorder while boosting our sleep and circadian rhythm, giving us more energy throughout the day. On the other hand, bad lighting can quickly derail our well-being and lead to negative effects such as stress, anxiety, eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Below are lighting ideas for every room to support your mental, physical, and emotional health wherever you are at home. 

How to maintain your grill in top condition

No matter the time of year, cooking out on the grill is a hallmark of enjoying good food, company, and weather, from the warm sun of the summer months to the cooling days of early fall. To keep your grill in tip top shape throughout this season, it’s important to take care of it with both routine maintenance tasks as well as some seasonal ones. Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining your grill so it continues to serve as the catalyst for memorable backyard barbecues.  

7 tips to keep your patio furniture fresh this summer

The start of summer is upon us! While that means plenty of exciting moments, like backdoor barbecues, travel plans, hitting the pool, and watching fireworks under a starry sky, summertime also brings unique elements into your yard, from cushions wearing out in the sun to inclement weather damaging furniture. Maintaining a clean and fashionable patio doesn’t require breaking the bank or spending a ton of time, but it does take strategic planning. Here are tips to keep your patio furniture fresh this season.

Do’s and don’ts of decorating your patio

As the weather gets nicer, we want to spend more time outdoors among the chirping birds, sunny skies, and blooming trees. If you have a yard, it’s easy to do that right at home, without having to travel far. Check out our tips to transform your patio into an inviting destination this season, no major renovations required!   

Trending plants to gift your mom this spring

This Mother’s Day, show your mom—or any mom in your life!—how much you appreciate her with a thoughtful gift that will continue to thrive and grow for months to come. Here are ten trending plants to make moms feel cared for this spring.

Caring for your pets in spring and summer

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and our pets are ready to roam outside and bask in the lovely weather. While this time of year brings plenty of excitement, it also introduces a few things to keep a close eye on. Here are our top tips to keep your pets safe and happy during spring and summer.

Spring bulbs to plant for summer blooms 

April officially kicks off the spring season by ushering in Lawn and Garden Month. You don’t even need to change your existing landscape to enjoy a garden of full blooms. All you need is a few pots, soil, and a mix of the right bulbs to get started. And, if you planted spring-flowering bulbs in the fall, you may be ready to take those out and replace them with new ones. Discover 12 different bulbs that will add beautiful color and texture to your home throughout the summer. 

Spring bulbs to plant for summer blooms

Home cleaning tips to reduce spring allergies

Spring is the air. There’s no better feeling than stepping outside, feeling the sun shining down on you, taking a deep breath as you walk across freshly cut grass, and… immediately start coughing and sniffling. Okay, we could probably do without that last part, but spring allergies are common in most parts of the country. The good news: There’s plenty you can do to combat those allergies and get back to feeling your best. Here are 10 home cleaning tips to keep those spring allergies in check.

Lessons in home management from March Madness

One of the most exciting times of the year is upon us: March Madness! If you’re not a big college basketball fan, however, the NCAA Tournament can still teach us some valuable lessons about life, planning, and, yes, even home management. Here’s a look at five of our favorites.

7 musts to usher in spring at home

As Daylight Savings Time begins and the warm weather takes up permanent residence, it’s the ideal chance to get your home—and body—ready for seasonal changes. With simple planning, you can get it all done and still have time to enjoy the best of spring with family and friends. Follow these ten steps to come out of winter hibernation: 

Your home maintenance checklist for every month

We all know that taking care of a home is a big responsibility. But, even if you understand that it takes work, you may not know what exactly needs to be done. Make it easy on yourself by following our annual home maintenance checklist and spreading out a few tasks each month throughout the year. Bookmark this page and set a calendar reminder at the beginning of each month to check it. You’ll get into a well-paced rhythm that doesn’t feel like too many chores in one weekend. 

11 tips to keep your home warm this winter

It’s a recurring fight every winter: you versus the cold. Even if you live in a typically warm climate, you’ll still find chilly days coming down on you, sometimes without warning. Luckily, there are plenty of tips to keep your home warm, many of which won’t add to your energy bill. Follow these steps to get started.

10 ways to lower your electricity bill

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average household spends approximately $115.49 per month on electricity. That can fluctuate based on your electricity consumption, where you’re located, the time of year, market changes, and a host of other factors. You can start fighting back against high costs by taking some steps in your own home. Are you constantly thinking: “Hey, my electricity bill is too high!” Here are ten ways to lower electricity bill payments.

Plant these bulbs in the fall for spring flowers

Winter eventually gives way to spring, when flowers and plants bloom and bring a much-needed burst of color. However, if you don’t properly prepare ahead of time and know when to plant bulbs for spring, your great spring awakening will be nothing more than a snooze fest. Read on to learn how to plant bulbs in fall and which types of flowers are the most vibrant for your home.

Caring for your pets in autumn and winter

The dog days of summer are behind us, but for pet owners autumn and winter can be just as tricky to navigate. As the leaves on the trees turn, there’s more pollen and dust in the air, which can lead to sniffles and sneezes for your pet. A pile of leaves can also hide wildlife, like ticks. And with snow and cold, you’ll need to practice extra care to make sure your furry friends are comfortable and safe outside. Here are a few things to look out for, plus our favorite strategies for seasonal pet care.

10 tips to winterize your home

As temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to start ticking items off your fall home maintenance checklist. Putting in a bit of effort now can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches once it really gets cold. Even if you don’t live in an area that traditionally experiences much winter weather, it’s still smart to follow these tips. Irregular weather patterns in recent years have shown that one unexpected winter storm can cause significant damage. Here are 10 simple ways to winterize your home.

 Best herbs to grow in the fall

Planting a kitchen herb garden may seem like an activity best suited for spring. But many varieties actually thrive in cooler temperatures, making fall a great time to start growing. Plus, when you incorporate perennial herbs into your indoor garden, you’ll help them get a jump start for next season compared to waiting until after winter. Not sure how to get started? Check out these tips and explore our list of the best herbs to plant in fall.

Best herbs to grow in the fall

Quick fixes to common home maintenance problems

Home maintenance problems can (literally) throw a wrench in your day. To save time, learn how to take care of minor repairs on your own schedule. With a basic set of tools and some background knowledge, you can quickly become your own handyperson. Find out which jobs are worth handling on your own, and learn how to incorporate green materials and methods into your home maintenance routine.

5 hacks to survive daylight savings time this fall (plus 3 bonus tips for kids)

The end of daylight savings time means we’ll set the clocks back one hour. While you might initially rejoice at getting an extra hour of sleep, the time switch can actually have a huge effect on your body and mental health. Find out why the end of daylight savings impacts your health and how to prepare yourself and your family for a healthy transition into the winter months.

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Seasonal

How to prepare your home for fall this Labor Day

How to replace your AC filter

7 ways to repel mosquitoes at home this summer

Lighting tips to support your mental health at home

How to maintain your grill in top condition

7 tips to keep your patio furniture fresh this summer

The renter’s guide to sustainability

Do’s and don’ts of decorating your patio

Annual bedroom refresh 101