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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. 

Your 101 guide to composting at home 

Composting benefits the environment by recycling organic resources and conserving landfill space. Plus, plant lovers can use homemade compost as a sustainable way to fertilize both their indoor and container gardens. Not only will your plants thrive when you add your own compost to their pots, you'll also save money on soil conditioners and fertilizers, as well as reduce your trash output. Here's everything you need to know about  how you can easily start composting at home. 

Your 101 guide to composting at home

How we’re stewarding the environment

Today marks Earth Day, an annual event to raise awareness about and demonstrate support for environmental protection. In celebration of the occasion, and in tandem with the release of our 2021 Sustainability Report, we spoke to our Senior Vice President of Sustainability Carrie Leonard about what our organization is doing to safeguard the planet.

How to brighten your home

Creating a bright and airy environment in your home is a great way to boost your mood and love the space around you. And it doesn’t have to require a lot of time or money. It takes just a little extra effort to let in more light each room. Not only will you appreciate the new aesthetics, you’re also likely to notice a difference in how you feel throughout the day and while you sleep. 

Easy upgrades for better health and wellness at home

We’re all aware that our surroundings directly affect our health, but did you know your indoor environment can impact your well-being, too? Creating a wholesome interior living space that supports your physical and mental health doesn’t require a complete renovation. Consider the following home upgrades to reduce pollution, protect your family, and support your day-to-day wellness.

Building a “Great Place to Work” to lead the industry

Our Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Lisa Phelps, represents a story of personal and professional success earned through resilience and perseverance. Now, she’s setting high ethical standards for the workplace that will shape a new generation of real estate innovators, working to make single-family housing in America more accessible. Since joining us in 2017, she has raised the stakes to cultivate a people-first company culture recently recognized as a Great Place to Work®.

How we’re creating a culture of belonging

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.

Your green office policy for working from home

One of the biggest changes to everyday life since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the shift to remote work for many office employees. And, while many have touted the environmental benefits of having fewer cars on the road, some work-from-home habits have simply shifted the carbon footprint from companies to employees. Learn how to work from home sustainably to make sure you really are contributing to a healthier planet, rather than causing more harm. 

Your 101 guide to recycling at home

Ever since we were young, many of us have been taught the benefits of recycling. It trims down the amount of waste that goes to landfills or incinerators. It prevents pollution and saves energy. It helps the conservation of natural resources. It even creates jobs in major industries, like manufacturing, supply chain, and recycling itself. Our fight against producing excessive waste starts inside the household. Read on to learn how to start recycling at home. 

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.

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.

3 philosophies to incorporate into your interior design

Revamping your home design isn’t just about buying new things; it’s about reshaping the framework of how you use your space. There are three interior design trends that truly embody this principle: wabi-sabi, hygge and biophilic design. Each one focuses on using your home to improve your well-being. Find out what each design style means and how to incorporate these interior design schemes into your home for a timeless, inviting result. 

 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.

Tag

Sustainability

10 ways to clean your home more efficiently

Your 101 guide to composting at home

13 easy ways to replace plastic at home

The renter’s guide to sustainability

How we’re stewarding the environment

How to brighten your home

Easy upgrades for better health and wellness at home

Building a “Great Place to Work” to lead the industry

How we’re creating a culture of belonging