Whether you’re going down the shore for the weekend or taking off the month of August, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a plan in place for your plant babies. Ahead, we break down the four most important tips for keeping your houseplants happy and healthy while you’re away and share the best products to make the prep-work simple. And if you’re looking ahead, we’re also rounding up some of the most low-maintenance plants.

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Photo by Traci Lawson via Flickr cc

While a summer spent in the city is typically an exciting time for New Yorkers, it can also be quite miserable for those whose apartments don’t have central air conditioning. For renters, though, a window AC unit makes the most sense since it’s a much cheaper alternative to installing central air and can be taken to your next apartment. Although installing your own air conditioning unit can be intimidating, 6sqft has put together a comprehensive list of AC installation tips to help you chill out and enjoy the short and sweet summer months ahead.

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Photo by Altifarm Enverde on Unsplash

As climate change and environmental issues continue to be hot topics on a global scale, more and more people are trying to do their small part at home. To get some easy lifestyle tips on how to “green” your apartment right here in New York City, we spoke to an NYC-based zero-waste expert and an eco-conscious interior designer who filled us in on things like eliminating single-use items, saving energy, and composting.

13 easy ways to go green

Image courtesy of Tuft & Needle.

Buying a mattress is no longer like buying a car, requiring showroom visits that put us at the mercy of unctuous sales agents and an SUV-sized investment. The advent of “bed-in-a-box” disruptors changed the game, but this new era has brought so many options that it’s almost impossible to comparison shop. There’s no perfect formula, and it really comes down to personal preference, so while we can’t tell you which mattress is perfect for you, below is a roundup of the current important entries in the mattress field, and why they’re so popular.

Don’t lose sleep over buying a mattress

Image courtesy of Snowe

In any season, we spend a significant portion–and probably not as much as we’d like–between the sheets. And if this past year has taught us anything, it’s that having a calming and comfortable place to rest can not be underestimated. But assembling a dream-worthy bed can be confusing, not to mention expensive. As with all things home-related, much of it comes down to personal preferences, trends, and pricing. Below is a guide to the best bedding available online, what’s new, and where to score fabulous sheets, duvet covers, and more, for less.

Make your best bed, this way

Photo (cropped) by Phil Hearing on Unsplash

Plants are an easy and inexpensive way to spruce up any room in a home, and this rings especially true in the bathroom where design choices typically don’t involve much more than the color of one’s bathmat. However, keeping greenery alive and flourishing in a room where temperatures can shift from cool and comfortable to hot and steamy in just minutes can be difficult. But don’t be deterred from growing a green canopy above your shower. Ahead, 6sqft rounds up 10 robust plants that enjoy high humidity, warm temperatures, and bright or low light.

10 plants to add to your bathroom here

Photo courtesy of AptDeco

Spring is the perfect time to reset, rearrange, and reimagine your living space. In addition to the annual deep clean that commences as the weather warms, updating the style and decor of your New York City apartment provides a much-needed physical and mental refresh for the months ahead. Whether this means selling furniture you’re tired of looking at or buying gently used designer and vintage items to personalize your abode, there are several websites to help New Yorkers in the process.

Full list here

If you’re like me, sleep does not come easy. Whether your mind’s racing or you just can’t get comfortable, the most “relaxing” part of our day can often be the most frustrating. Add to that a year of pandemic- and political-related stress, and sweet dreams seem to be nothing more than a nightmare. But the right pillow can help in this department, whether it gets your body in the right position (all pillows are not created equal when it comes to side, stomach, and back sleepers), cools you down, or just brings the right amount of calming energy. Ahead, we’ve rounded up this year’s best available pillows for every type of sleeper at every price point.

Check out the list here

Photo courtesy of Floyd

Narrow stairwells, small doorframes, tiny apartments, multi-purpose spaces–these are just some of the factors that make purchasing a sofa for an apartment challenging. But today, there are a lot of new direct-to-consumer brands that specialize in modular furniture, as well as tried-and-true companies that have adapted their designs for an urban lifestyle. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best couches for apartments, but don’t be fooled–you probably won’t want to give these away when you do upgrade to a bigger space.

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Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

With winter bearing down on us, it can often feel impossible to get warm. But in addition to layering on fuzzy socks and turning up the thermostat (if you’re one of the lucky New Yorkers who has this control!), there are some easy tips and tricks for keeping the temperature and mood in your apartment cozy all winter long. Not only is it important to reassess some of our more functional home accessories like bedding and window dressings, but it’s also smart to consider how design can help a space feel warmer as we hibernate for the rest of the chilly months.

See 6sqft’s list of winter-ready hacks