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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. 

Creating the best home environment for your cat

August 8 is International Cat Day, marking the perfect occasion to dedicate a little extra attention to our feline friends, and to their wants and needs. Because cats tend to be more territorial, they require a unique environment to feel safe and happy. Check out some of our tips below to get started on creating the best home for your cat and being a better pet owner. 

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

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.

11 ways to maximize your nook spaces

Designing and theming nooks is an ideal way to turn your home into a multi-use space, whether you work remotely, have kids attending school virtually, or need room to devote to a creative project. Instead of discarding a small nook as a throwaway space, get creative in how you can use it to maximize your life at home. Plus, it can add a sense of order to your living space without taking up a huge footprint in your floor plan. Here are 11 inspirational ideas to repurpose your home’s nook spaces:

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.

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.

Turn your bedroom into a zen palace 

For many of us, our bedroom is our sanctuary. It offers a unique experience compared to the rest of the house. It’s where we’ll spend about a third of our day, yet we’re not awake for most of the time we’re there.   In that sense, the bedroom is a comforting, inviting place. At least, it should be. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to start letting your bedroom slip or allow life’s stressors to invade our safe space. Consider these easy steps to turn your bedroom into a zen palace, and keep it that way.

Turn your bedroom into a zen palace

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. 

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.

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

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.

5 reasons to rent a home instead of buying

The national housing shortage and increasing home values are causing more potential homeowners to take pause when considering their next place to live. Though a few millennials may opt for apartment life indefinitely, many are turning to the option of renting homes. Here are five things to consider when balancing the pros and cons of buying a house, plus tips for renting a house. 

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How to be a better neighbor

Creating the best home environment for your cat

Your 101 guide to composting at home

13 easy ways to replace plastic at home

The renter’s guide to sustainability

Trending plants to gift your mom this spring

11 ways to maximize your nook spaces

Caring for your pets in spring and summer

Lessons in home management from March Madness