4 Tips to Make the Most Out of Small Space Living in NYC

Those who live in New York City love it and could never imagine living anywhere else! Of course small space living is the norm in NYC, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still live large. Your home can feel open and welcoming, no matter the size. With a little planning and a lot of creativity, you can effortlessly unlock the secret to living large in your cozy NYC dwelling.

1) The first step is to clear the clutter. Maintaining a well-organized and uncluttered floor space is essential. Minimizing the interruptions in floor lines will reduce visual fatigue and create a more open environment. In addition, freeing up your floor space gives you more room to move around! When decluttering, it is beneficial to reflect on the emotional attachments you may have to your possessions. Asking these questions as you are purging can guide you to make more intentional choices about your living space.

  • Does this item add value to my life?
  • Have I used this item in the last year?
  • Do I have more than one of these items? 
  • Would I buy this item again?
  • How many times have I used this item
  • Does this item fit in my space?

2) Opt for multifunctional furniture that doubles as storage. This will not only save space, but it will also save money. Instead of investing in multiple furniture pieces, consider having one item of furniture with multiple functions. For example, consider replacing your lounge chair or sofa with a versatile sleeper couch. Swap out your coffee table for an ottoman that doubles as additional seating for guests. Choose an entryway bench equipped with storage compartments to neatly accommodate extra shoes. Explore the option of a room divider that features built-in shelving, and utilize dividers and shelf inserts to organize items neatly. Prioritize tables with drawers to increase storage capacity.

3) Use the vertical space in your home. Create storage where there once was none by adding floating shelves to your walls. Mounted storage cabinets serve as excellent space-saving alternatives, providing additional storage possibilities. Desks, televisions, and lamps are other items that can be mounted on the wall to help turn wall space into floor space. By utilizing these wall-mounted options, you can create a sense of openness and enhance functionality. Additionally, consider drawing the gaze upward with a fun light fixture, crown molding, tall window treatments, or elevated shelves.

4) Decorate to give the illusion of a more spacious environment. Small spaces often suffer from limited natural light due to having small windows or a lack of windows. Pull in as much natural light from your windows as possible. Embrace multiple sources of light for all other areas. Try vertical floor lamps in the corners of the room for a wide open feeling. Opting for a monochromatic color scheme or utilizing varying shades of the same color can make your space feel larger. Soft, pale, neutral colors on the walls and floor will give the biggest illusion of space. Use reflective surfaces like glass and mirrors to bounce the light from windows and create the impression of increased square footage. Finally, remember that there’s no need to fill every inch of your small space with decor. Leaving open space can make your home feel bigger and more airy. 

If you are searching for lighter colored window guards to complement your home, Sentry Window Guards is proud to be the first in the industry to offer 20 standard architectural colors in AAMA 2604 Powder Coating. This finish utilizes the newest green technology, providing an unmatched performance in durability exceeding all industry standards and is able to match any building facade and window frame colors. Sentry is also capable of matching any color that isn’t part of our standard color selection.

Just like you, Sentry Window Guards is proud to call New York City our home and the forefront of our mission is creating a safe and secure environment for your family. We provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices for your home or building. To learn more about our products and how they effectively promote window safety in NYC homes, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Sentry Window Guards Is Thankful For Our Customers!

We are so THANKFUL for our customers! At Sentry Window Guards our ongoing commitment is protect the safety of families, especially children. Our life’s work is to continue to be the most reliable window guard manufacturer in the country. We’d like to thank our customers that have supported us over the years and share what they have to say about Sentry Window Guards!

“I could not be happier with my experience with Sentry window guards. Ed and Clarivel were very helpful throughout the entire process, answering all my questions and making sure I had all the knowledge and materials I needed to properly install the guards in my home. Personal service and a great price; highly recommended!” – John O., Brooklyn, NY

“Just a quick note of appreciation. Javier was fantastic yesterday, and the child guards and rubber stoppers look great and work perfectly. Thank you for a job well done.” – Tore K.

“Thanks very much for fitting us in today. The guys were very professional, efficient and a real pleasure.” – Christine W., Oliver’s Realty Group

“Ed, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated how quickly and professionally you and your company completed the installation of the window guards. It took less than four hours from my first call to you for the job to be finished. Your installers were right on time, completely professional and a pleasure to work with. As a small landlord in NYC, I find this kind of service very, very rare and I wanted to thank you for the great service.” – Bruce C., New York, NY

“We are a US-Top 50 window and door manufacturer based in NYC. Every time a project requires window guards, we have enjoyed partnering with Ed for more than 10 years. The array of color options Ed offers in the Sentry window guard selection perfectly compliment the design elements of each project and we’ve had many satisfied clients. Ed is a veteran in the business, knowledgeable and reliable. His team has always been first class, on time and on-point. This is one relationship that we treasure.” – Steven Y., Crystal Window & Door Systems, LTD

“I live in an apartment building in Manhattan; management wouldn’t be of any help to supply us with guards for our apartment. I called Sentry and spoke to Ed and he walked me through it and within 3 days we had our window guards installed in black aluminum, which no one else carried. Love the guards and the service.” – Jillian L.

“I’m a local window contractor in NYC. When we have various projects that need window guards, we purchase all our guards from Sentry/ American Architectural windows. We’ve also have instances when we’ve needed a guard within an hour’s time and Sentry has provided that service on a regular basis. Our clients love the look of their guards, which is not an easy task because the clientele we service are high end and are used to the best in quality.” – Ross A.

“Without Sentry Window Guards, my insurance would be enormous. Thanks Sentry for helping me lower by bills and protect my family.” – Tom J.

 

For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Beat The Heat This Summer

Summer is on and it is HOT! Here are a few ideas to help you beat the heat this summer and enjoy the season without burning a hole in your wallet!

  1. Visit a library: Many libraries have summer reading programs that encourage young readers with rewards and prizes. Some libraries even offer free or inexpensive events to participate in during the summer.
  1. Check out a movie: Some theaters offer $1 or discounted days during the summer for previously released movies. Call or visit your local theater for times and listings.
  1. Explore a state park: Enjoy exploring the great outdoors at a state park. Hike, swim, camp, bird watch, fish, have a picnic and more! Search online for state park options in your area.
  1. Enjoy local fairs and festivals: Look for local fairs and festivals in your area. Also keep your ears open for local fundraisers such as church and mall carnivals.
  1. Cool off at a water park: Check online for coupons and reduced admission fees. Some parks are cheaper on certain days or offer BOGO (buy one, get one) free coupons.
  1. Take it old school: Buy a cheap sprinkler and some water balloons at your local retail store. It’s a great and inexpensive way to cool off in your own backyard! Add a twist by using water balloons for playing marco polo, hot potato, volleyball, badminton or baseball!

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our business to help keep families safe. We hope these 6 budget-friendly ideas will help you and your family beat the heat this summer! For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Client Testimonials – Sentry Window Guards

At Sentry Window Guards our ongoing commitment is protect the safety of families, especially children. Our life’s work is to continue to be the most reliable window guard manufacturer in the country. We’d like to thank our customers that have supported us over the years and share what they have to say about Sentry Window Guards!

“I could not be happier with my experience with Sentry window guards. Ed and Clarivel were very helpful throughout the entire process, answering all my questions and making sure I had all the knowledge and materials I needed to properly install the guards in my home. Personal service and a great price; highly recommended!” – John O., Brooklyn, NY

“Just a quick note of appreciation. Javier was fantastic yesterday, and the child guards and rubber stoppers look great and work perfectly. Thank you for a job well done.” – Tore K.

“Thanks very much for fitting us in today. The guys were very professional, efficient and a real pleasure.” – Christine W., Oliver’s Realty Group

“Ed, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated how quickly and professionally you and your company completed the installation of the window guards. It took less than four hours from my first call to you for the job to be finished. Your installers were right on time, completely professional and a pleasure to work with. As a small landlord in NYC, I find this kind of service very, very rare and I wanted to thank you for the great service.” – Bruce C., New York, NY

“We are a US-Top 50 window and door manufacturer based in NYC. Every time a project requires window guards, we have enjoyed partnering with Ed for more than 10 years. The array of color options Ed offers in the Sentry window guard selection perfectly compliment the design elements of each project and we’ve had many satisfied clients. Ed is a veteran in the business, knowledgeable and reliable. His team has always been first class, on time and on-point. This is one relationship that we treasure.” – Steven Y., Crystal Window & Door Systems, LTD

“I live in an apartment building in Manhattan; management wouldn’t be of any help to supply us with guards for our apartment. I called Sentry and spoke to Ed and he walked me through it and within 3 days we had our window guards installed in black aluminum, which no one else carried. Love the guards and the service.” – Jillian L.

“I’m a local window contractor in NYC. When we have various projects that need window guards, we purchase all our guards from Sentry/ American Architectural windows. We’ve also have instances when we’ve needed a guard within an hour’s time and Sentry has provided that service on a regular basis. Our clients love the look of their guards, which is not an easy task because the clientele we service are high end and are used to the best in quality.” – Ross A.

“Without Sentry Window Guards, my insurance would be enormous. Thanks Sentry for helping me lower by bills and protect my family.” – Tom J.

 

For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

Know the Dangers of Lead Paint on Window Sills in New York

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, lead poisoning is “the number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States.” In their most recent survey, approximately 4.4% of all children aged 1-5 have levels of lead in their blood that equal or exceed the threshold level of concern established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). And while these numbers are down from just a few years ago, lead exposure is a great concern.

Most lead-poisoned children have been exposed in their own homes. If you rent your apartment or home, controlling your family’s exposure to lead is more difficult to control. Many New York City apartments are older dwellings and even though lead-based paint has been banned for residential use since 1960 older buildings contain old layers of lead paint.  Lead paint was typically used on kitchen and bathroom walls and throughout homes on doors, windows, and wooden trim. Unless tested you can’t be sure if it was used in your home or apartment. Before you move in, ask the landlord if the paint has ever been tested for lead. If it has, ask to see the results. However, landlords in New York State are not required to test paint for lead, nor are they required to allow a prospective tenant to test paint for lead before renting.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

The most common way children get exposed to lead is by mouth. They may chew on a window sill or other area that contains lead.  Symptoms of lead poisoning vary. They may affect one area or many parts of the body. Typically, lead poisoning builds up slowly after many small exposures to lead.

Lead toxicity is rare after a single exposure or ingestion of lead.

Signs of repeated lead exposure include:

  • Abdominal pain, cramps
  • Aggressive behavior, irritability, fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Headaches
  • Loss of developmental skills
  • Loss of appetite
  • High blood pressure, anemia. Kidney problems
  • Numbness or tingling in the extremities
  • Memory loss

NYC Lead Paint Notice

New York City law requires that tenants living in buildings with 3 or more apartments complete the attached form and return it to their landlord before February 15, each year. If you do not return this form, your landlord is required to visit your apartment to determine if children live in your apartment.  This form also applies to dwellings built from 1960 – 1978 if the landlord knows lead paint was used.

Please see below for the form or click on the link below-

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/lead/lead-annual-notice.pdf

Sentry Window Guards is the leader in home and business safety. Contact us today to learn more about our window guard products, our experience and leadership in understanding NYC requirements and how we can assist you.

Sources

http://www.ag.ny.gov/environmental/lead/lead-paint-hazards

http://www.healthline.com/health/lead-poisoning#Symptoms4

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml

NYC Health Lead Poisoning and Window Falls