The smarter archives

Peruse past articles related to creating the perfect budget, saving for a down payment, pet proofing your home, vacationing on a budget and everything to do with education, innovation, finance and living smarter.

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8 tips to warming up your apartment (without breaking the bank!)

Whether you live in a newly built, freshly renovated or older apartment, you can't avoid the winter weather. Take a look at these 8 tips on how to warm up your apartment without breaking the bank [...]

6 tips for creating a fun and functional playroom

A playroom is a great way to keep toys out of sight and mind, and encourage independence. Here are 6 tips for creating a fun and functional playroom.

How to prep your home for winter: Part 1 - Indoors

Is your home ready for the winter months ahead? If not, we can help. Check out our six tips on how to get your home winter-ready, starting with the inside.

5 tips to prepare for a long distance move

If you’re about to embark on a long distance move and are wondering where to begin, we’ve pulled together this list of 5 tips to help you best prepare to move from one city to another […]

How to choose and install an A/C unit in your apartment for summer

With summer in full swing and it being a hot one already, you may be considering a window or portable air conditioning unit to beat the heat. Check out these tips on how to find and install the right one for your apartment […]

10 great reasons to rent right now

Looking to change up where you live and wondering if renting is right for your lifestyle? Check out this list we’ve pulled together with 10 great reasons why renting is a good idea right now […]

How to setup a litter box in an apartment

We love our furry feline friends, but their litter boxes? Not so much. So we’ve pulled together a few creative ways to keep them out of sight, no matter what size your apartment is [...]

Petiquette in today's world

When it comes to “petiquette”, things are a little different now than they were a year ago. Check out this post with tips and how-to’s to help make sure your petiquette is on point in this ever-changing world [...]

20 new hobbies to try while isolating

Have you ever been asked what your hobbies are, only to realize that “Netflix” is the first thing that comes to mind? If that doesn't satisfy you, we’re here to help. With quarantining comes an opportunity to learn new things and try new hobbies. Here are some fun hobby ideas that you can do in small spaces […]

5 tips to stay motivated while WFH

As many of us have recently changed our Monday to Friday status to “WFH” (“working from home”), we thought it would be a good time to share advice on the best ways to do so while staying positive and motivated. Here are some tips to keep projects moving while working from home […]

6 ways to stay busy during home isolation

Given what’s currently happening in the world, things are certainly anything but normal so we’ve put together a list of six ways to stay busy during self-isolation in your home – and even be ahead of the game when we get through it [...]

5 ways to make your cat feel more at home

Cats make amazing pets because they’re loyal, playful and low-maintenance (not to mention, super adorable). Ever wonder how to make your cat feel more at home in your apartment? Here are 5 helpful tips […]

5 quick tips to soundproof your apartment

Can you hear your neighbour’s music, conversations in the hallway, or cars honking outside your window? We can all agree these are unwanted (and annoying) sounds. Here are 5 quick ways to reduce noise in your apartment today […]

8 apartment amenities that make life that much better

One of the best things about renting an apartment? The amenities, of course! Having access to extra features that you’d otherwise have to pay a premium for, is all kinds of amazing. Though not all buildings are created equal, here’s a list of 8 amenities that make rental life that much better [...]

DIY hostess and holiday gifts

With holiday parties and gatherings galore on the horizon, the number of hostess gifts and presents you’ll need can add up quickly. Whether it’s an office Yankee Swap or a full-blown family get-together, we’ve got lots of great DIY gift ideas that are as thoughtful as they are inexpensive [...]

Tips for moving into your first apartment

So, you’ve signed the lease on your very first apartment. Now what? If this is your first foray into the real world outside of your family home, there are a few things outside of what furniture you’ll need and how you’ll decorate that may not be top of mind. This is a big, exciting step that comes with new responsibilities – and we’re here to help navigate some of what’s ahead. Read on […]

Smart apps for everyday life

Ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? With our lives getting busier and busier, it’s no wonder we rely so heavily on technology to get by – and our smartphones are no exception! Read on for a roundup of some great apps to assist you in everyday life. Whether it’s to help with budgeting or squeezing in that daily workout – there’s a little something in here for everyone […]

The upside to downsizing

Thinking it’s time to move on from a larger home to more compact living? We’re here to help! Downsizing doesn’t have to be stressful – it can be downright joyful. Read on to find out how […]

Oh hey, staycay!

While our instincts may tell us to start trip planning as soon as the summer months hit, there’s something to be said for staying put and enjoying what’s around us. We’ve gathered a few ideas to help you have a fantastic staycation – and keep a little dough in your pocket, too. Read on. [...]

Prepping for tax season

How is it possibly tax season again? While it comes at the same time every year, it still has a way of sneaking up on you. Don’t let it stress you out! These tips will help you get organized – and get the most from your tax return. […]

Tips for sticking to your resolutions

Is your “new year, new me” momentum fading fast? We can help! Stay on top of your New Year’s resolutions by reading these helpful tips [...]

How to create the perfect budget

Whether you’re looking to save for a vacation this winter or for a down payment on a home, creating a budget is a good place to start. We’ve got some great tips on how to get started [...]