Although there is still snow on the ground, spring is coming (I promise). With the brighter days ahead, we all want to open those curtains and windows letting that fresh clean air breeze through our home. However, opening those windows could stir up the dust that has been collecting throughout the winter while bringing attention to the clutter you forgot you had. Why not start this spring off right? Let’s take a look at why spring cleaning is so beneficial and some tips for getting a jump start on your newly decluttered home.

Why Should We Spring Clean?  

Most people dread the thought of a deep cleaning for anything, but research has shown some surprising positive correlations between thoroughly cleaning your home and an improved daily life. Spring cleaning does more for you than improving the smell of your home. Here are just 6 benefits you will experience through the simple task of cleaning and organizing your home.

1. How many times have you spent time searching for a needed item, spent money replacing that item, only to find it tucked away in that “put away” spot you forgot about. When you clean your home, it can be like Christmas in March. You tend to find things that you forgot you possessed. By taking the time to re-organize your home, you could save yourself time and money. Moreover, the rise in productivity within your home creates an environment filled with increased energy and a more positive mood.

2. William Shakespeare reminded us that, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” The time will come while you clean and organize your home, to determine if an item is still needed. Although we tend to want to keep everything, not everything should be kept. You can establish three piles for items as you go through the things in your home: Keep/Put Away, Trash, Donate/Sell/Give Away. Organization experts recommend that if you have not used something since last spring, or longer, maybe it is time to let it go. If you are like me, you hate to throw away something that is still useful (in some aspect). If it is time to part ways, but you believe the item is still useful, you could donate it, sell it, or give it to a friend.

3. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) completed research noting the importance of spring cleaning and the direct correlation to a reduction of allergy symptoms. Although this is a great way to relieve allergy symptoms, everyone can benefit from decreased allergens in the air.

4. Cleaning can make you happy. Yes, I know it is surprising, but researchers have found that the act of cleaning provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Thus, the achieved success of a clean home improves happiness. You should try putting on some of your favorite tunes and turn cleaning into a fun work out. Did you know that women could burn up to 1804 calories and men up to 2108 calories just by cleaning? Here is a cleaning calorie burning break down for you.

5. Let’s be honest, we all feel better when the space around us is clean and functional. Cleaning has been shown to  reduce stress and has been viewed as therapeutic. Just remember the old phrase, “slow and steady wins the race.” Take a break if things become too much or overwhelming. The goal is not to win a race, but to find that de-cluttered balance in your home. Experts suggest that you should focus on one room at a time while cleaning. Becoming involved in trying to do to much in multiple rooms at one time will result in increased stress, decreased outcome, and hesitation in maintaining a clean home.

6. Believe it or not, the act of thoroughly cleaning your home frees up brain space for other essential decision making tasks. In a study conducted by David Tolin, founder of America’s Anxiety Disorder Center at Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living in Connecticut, a clutter filled home does more than just create a breeding ground for mold, dust, and debris; it wreaks havoc on the mental health and brain function of the individuals residing in the home. The study showed that those tested exhibited “stress overload” in the area of the brain that governs decision making (orbitofrontal cortex) when they were asked if they should throw away an item or keep it.

You have embraced the benefits of spring cleaning, completed the tasks needed to declutter your home, and now it’s time to reward yourself. You now can enjoy the warmer weather, get outside, and have fun without worrying about coming home to a messy cluttered filled home. Just kick back, relax, and have some friends over. You’ve earned it!

It seems like just a short while ago we were ushering in the beginning of 2017. Now here we are, welcoming another Christmas season and the end of the year. As we reflect on the past year here at Bridger Property Management, we want to thank all of you, our friends and renters at Brookside Park Apartments and Kagy Village Apartments, as well as our great staff and management. All of you make these apartments the welcoming home that they are and one of the most desirable Bozeman apartments to live in.

Some of you may travel to be with family this Christmas, but if you will be in Bozeman, be sure to enjoy some of the local events and activities. Here are a few ideas:

Dec 02 at 04:30pm – Christmas Stroll in Downtown Bozeman
Downtown Bozeman
Bozeman’s most beloved holiday tradition and come kick-off the holiday season in Downtown Bozeman! Join us for fun activities, great food, and fun. Bring the whole family to ride on the horse-drawn wagons, get your picture taken with Santa Claus.

Dec 2 at 11:00am – Christmas Stroll at the Emerson
Emerson Cultural Center – 111 S. Grand Ave
Kick off your Christmas Stroll celebration at the Emerson! Join us for free gingerbread house making, live dance performances, and special activities throughout the building.

Dec 2 – 17 Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00pm – A Little House Christmas Play
Verge Theater – 2304 North 7th Ave, Suite C-1
Eight days before Christmas, the Ingalls (Pa, Ma, Mary and Laura) have invited some folks to dinner to celebrate the completion of their new home.

Dec 6 at 4:00pm – Hope & The Holidays Toy Drive
Map Brewing – 510 Manley Rd
Please help local children experience the joy of Christmas. You can make a cash or gift donation to assist children and families in need. Wednesday, December 6th from 4-8 at MAP Brewing we’ll be hosting a toy donation drive.

Dec 8 at 6:30pm – The Winter’s Madrigal
Kaleidoscope Youth Theater – 1602 W Beall St
Just imagine… A room dimly lit by candles and sparkling lights on a Christmas tree forest. Music begins and glittering fairies swirl out from pines to dance around guests’ tables bringing magic to awake an old castle asleep for hundreds of years. Welcome to Kaleidoscope Youth Theater’s, “A Winter’s Madrigal,” a traditional medieval English feast set inside a fanciful theater production.

Dec 9 at 8:00am – Belgrade Festival of Lights
Belgrade Special Events Center – 220 Spooner Ave Belgrade, MT 59714
The Belgrade Community Coalition will be presenting a pancake breakfast, culinary contest, holiday shopping vendors, kids activities, Santa, music and a 5K Jingle Jog. Many local Belgrade business will be hosting specials for the day and the event will end with a celebration in Downtown Belgrade from 4 – 6 pm.

Dec 12 at 5:30pm – Family Christmas Carol Outing
Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ – 2118 S 3rd Ave
Join members and friends of Pilgrim Church as we sing Christmas carols at a variety of locations around town.

Dec 17 2017 at 11:00am – Live Reindeer at Murdoch’s
Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, 2275 N 7th Ave
Delivering presents all over the world in one night takes a bit of magic and a lot of practice, too. Rudolph and his team are busy training, making trips around the world preparing for Christmas Eve.

There are many other things happening in Bozeman through the month of December. You can find lists of events at Alleventsin and Bozemanevents.

This Christmas season we want to extend our gratitude to all the great people that live and work with us. May your apartments be cozy and your hearts filled with joy.

Merry Christmas,
Bridger Property Management

It’s that time of year again. School is starting, and along with it is the annual population surge as thousands of MSU students move into Bozeman. With an estimated enrollment of 15,000 students, you can bet that there is a huge surge in demand for housing. In just the last year alone, we have watched numerous new apartment complexes going up around the city preparing to meet the demand.

If you are one of those searching for an apartment in Bozeman, you know the stress of searching for an apartment for rent: driving around the city, looking at locations, inspecting rooms, talking to management. Oh, let’s not forget the whole application process, credit checks, references, medical history (kidding).

That’s not even bringing up the additional complication of having roommates. Do you sign for the apartment rental yourself and trust that your roommate won’t skip out on you? After all, you met them a week ago at the bar, surely only the most trustworthy individuals looking for roommates would be found there. Right?

Trust but verify you say. “I’m going to keep everyone honest by adding my two roommates to the lease.” Sounds like a good idea till all of you have to go through the application and approval process. Great, that potential roommate you met recently had  questionable credit and a not-so-great background. Meanwhile, there are 5 other applicants for the same room and management may pick someone else.

Yes, hunting for an apartment rental in Bozeman can be a stressful prospect, but it’s not all bad. There are many good companies like our own Bridger Property Management Inc., that will help you navigate the process. The importance of working with someone who is transparent and straightforward about the process of renting the apartment you want can’t be overstated.

With all the options for apartments for rent in Bozeman, be sure to do your due diligence on the management company you will be working with. Keep in mind that these are the people you will have to deal with on a regular basis. When rent is due, if you have a maintenance problem, or difficulties with other neighboring tenants, all of these are issues that will require dealings with the apartment management company.