Guide to Winterizing Your Apartment

The Ultimate Guide to Prepare Your Apartment for Winter

Find Your Drafts Cold weather always finds some way to sneak into your apartment. Here are a few ways to locate drafts in your home, and seal them up. Not only will your heat bill be lower, but you’ll find it easier to maintain the temperature you prefer in your home.
Love all the natural light your big windows bring in, but hate the cold air they give off? Try to put some insulation between you and your window. You can get window insulators that are simple to install, or you can even use bubble wrap to insulate your windows. If you are looking for an excuse to re-decorate, buy some heavy duty/thermal curtains.

Door frames can shift over time, leading to gaps between your door and the floor. If you have any exterior doors that don’t keep the cold air out very well, try a draft guard. There are even draft guards for sliding glass doors.

Try a Humidifier Have you ever wondered why everything seems drier in the winter? That is because cold air holds a lot less moisture than warm air. Dry air can lead to flakey skin, chapped lips, bloody noses, dry eyes, and even worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma. A simple solution to help combat the effects of dry air is to get a humidifier. There is a variety of sizes and price points on the market, enough options to appease anyone. You can even add your favorite essential oils and give your apartment an added feeling of relaxation.

Emergency Kit Bad weather can lead to some scary stations, such as power outages, or even getting snowed in. In case of an emergency like this it’s smart to have an emergency kit.

Some good items to keep in this kit include :

1. Bottled water

2. Flashlight

3. Lighter and candles

4. Portable phone charger

5. First aid kit

6. Extra blankets

7. Non-perishable food items

Change out your Bedding and Livings Room Décor As if you don’t need another excuse to go to Target and stock up on throw pillows, here is another one! Make your living room cozier in the winter by adding more throw pillows and blankets to snuggle up in.
You can make your bed warmer by purchasing flannel sheets, bigger blankets, and of course, add more throw pillows!

Have a Winter Storm Checklist Now that we have covered the best ways to live happily in an apartment in the winter, it’s time to implement them! When you know a storm is coming, it is important to double check these things…

1. Is your winter emergency kit all stocked? Did you break into your bottled water stash after your workout? Or did you take the batteries out of your flashlight for your remote? It’s important to double check your apartment’s winter emergency kit is fully stocked.

2. Charge everything! Anything that you can use to communicate with the outside world, or use to keep up on the latest news, charge it while you have the chance. If there is a power outage, there is a big difference between your phone or laptop being at 50% and 100%.

3. Turn up the heat. Keep your home warm in anticipation for a storm. It will get colder as the weather gets worse. If the power goes out, and your heat goes out with it, you will wish you would’ve kept it warmer earlier. Close door to any rooms that aren’t heavily traveled in. Closets, pantries, dens, are all spaces that are unnecessarily using heat.

4. Car Checklist: If you know you will be going out when a storm is approaching, or even in a storm, have a checklist like the one below to prepare yourself.

Full gas tank – If your car is so low on gas, cold enough temperatures can make what little gas you have left freeze. If you get stuck somewhere in a storm, chances are you’ll have to wait for help. Make sure your gas tank is nice and full.

Up to date on maintenance – If you want to venture out in a storm, make sure your car is ready for the elements. Double check that all your fluids are topped off, your car brakes works accordingly, your tires are aired up and have good traction, and that your car is in good working order.

Shovel – If you do get stuck you can use a shovel to help dig some snow out from under your car.

Kitty litter – Another helpful way to help get your car unstuck, is to help get your tires some traction. If your car gets stuck in the snow, sprinkle kitty litter under the tire treads. Kitty litter absorbs moisture and provides traction to give your tires some momentum. You can also use your floor mats from inside your car to give your tires traction.

Car emergency kit – Just like you have a winter apartment emergency kit, you should always have a winter car emergency kit in the winter. Fill this car kit with items such as bottled water, snacks, hand warmers, flashlight, and blankets.

The sooner you get these items checked off your to-do list, the less stressful winter will be. That means all you have to worry about during a snow day is which movies to binge-watch!

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Collective Connect Brings Team Members Together in Downtown Fargo

February 20, 2026

More than 50 team members gathered for the fifth annual Collective Connect, reinforcing a shared commitment to our residents Collective team members from across the region came together in Downtown Fargo for this year’s Collective Connect, an annual event focused on engagement, learning, and strengthening connections across the organization. Attendees traveled from Billings, Montana; Watertown, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and the Twin Cities, Minnesota, with others joining remotely. Hands-On and Practical The two-day conference was impactful and memorable, with engaging activities, networking opportunities, and shared laughter. One of the most memorable moments day was an interactive role-switching exercise designed to simulate an accelerated “day in the life” of key roles across the company. Participants rotated through scenarios as maintenance technicians, support office team members, and community managers. “My favorite part was the simulation Jade and Jacinto designed,” remarked Sydney Schultz, an Operations Support Specialist. “Watching individuals assume unfamiliar roles was compelling. It illuminated how routine challenges for one position can feel entirely foreign to another, offering a sharper perspective on the nuances of each role.” The challenges required quick thinking, collaboration, and real-time problem solving. It mirrored many of the real scenarios, like unexpected maintenance requests, that team members experience every day in service of residents. “As someone newer to the company, it gave me a deep appreciation for what my coworkers experience in their jobs,” said Dirk Monson, content specialist with Collective. “You understand quickly how interconnected everything is.” The exercise reinforced a core truth within Collective: no role operates in isolation. Maintenance, management, marketing, development, accounting, and leadership all intersect to create a top-tier resident experience. A Shared Commitment to Residents

Find Your Home at Neon Flats in Minneapolis

February 16, 2026

We are eager to welcome Neon Flats to the Collective family, further expanding our presence in Minneapolis, which is currently anchored by ElseWarehouse in the North Loop . The Center of Everything Neon Flats is situated ideally for a true urban lifestyle without being Downtown. It’s located at the corner of University Avenue and Hennepin Avenue in the Nicollet Island/East Bank neighborhood of the University community. The area, often called Downtown Northeast , is nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River. This highly desirable location offers close proximity to downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. Residents are just steps from public green space along the Mississippi River, plus nearby Chute Square and Holmes Park. The neighborhood boasts over 50 restaurants, bars, and cafes within walking distance of Neon Flats. Some of our favorites: Dining Arturo’s Pizza Flamin’ Thai & Sushi Ichiddo Ramen Izakaya Cafes Northeast Tea House Pa Tea & Poke Parcelle Shopping Surdyk’s Kramarczuk’s West Photo Neon Flats boasts a Walk Score of 94 and a Bike Score of 96, making it easy to get around without a car. Residents also benefit from convenient access to public transit, with nearby bus routes and light rail connections providing easy access to downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, surrounding neighborhoods, and beyond. Life, Elevated While the location sets Neon Flats apart, the quality and care put into the community elevate the experience even further. Thoughtful design, modern finishes, and resident-focused amenities come together to create a place that feels both comfortable and intentional. Neon Flats is also a pet friendly community, welcoming residents and their dogs and cats. Neon Flats has 30 individual apartments, offering 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans . Access to dedicated off street parking is available via an enclosed skyway. The building also features controlled access for resident security and peace of mind. Inside, each apartment at Neon Flats offers modern finishes. Apartments feature granite countertops, modern appliances, and large, oversized windows that bring in abundant natural light. Each space is designed to feel comfortable, functional, and contemporary. A Great Addition "Neon Flats is a great addition to our portfolio and a natural fit for Collective," said Scott Houle, President of Collective. "Neon Flats' connection to the neighborhood matches how we intentionally craft places people are proud to call home. We are excited to welcome Neon Flats into the Collective family." We look forward to serving residents at Neon Flats and continuing to grow our presence in Minneapolis with communities that are well located, thoughtfully designed, and deeply connected to their neighborhoods.

Meet Sydney Schultz: Turning Experience Into Opportunity

By - - • February 4, 2026

For Sydney Schultz, no two days in property management ever look the same. That’s exactly how she likes it. “Every day is different. It’s full of surprises,” she says. “The best part is the direct contact with residents. That’s how you build relationships and build real community.” Sydney joined Collective in May 2021 and has steadily grown within the company through hands-on experience, curiosity, and a commitment to learning. Sydney’s path to property management began at NDSU, where she studied management communication with a minor in tourism and hospitality. While still a student, she launched her career in the industry as a community assistant in student housing at The Bridges. That early role sharpened her interpersonal communication skills and confirmed she thrives in fast-moving, people-centered environments. Since August 2025, Sydney has helped co-manage Dakota Park Apartments in South Fargo. As one of the largest communities in the portfolio, communication and organization are everything. “This position fits how I like to operate,” she says. “I’m detail-oriented and organized. I care about standards and doing things the right way. Every experience is an opportunity to learn something.” Sydney’s mindset proved to be exactly what was needed during a recent two-week re-keying project at Dakota Park . With 419 units, common areas, garages, and entrances, the project was a massive logistical effort that required tight coordination with residents and vendors. “I was seeing keys in my dreams,” she laughs. “But seeing everything come together was incredibly rewarding.” Even on mornings that start with water leaks, sewer gas concerns, or unexpected maintenance issues, Sydney keeps her focus on what matters most: residents. She’s especially proud of creating personalized move-in gifts that help residents feel at home from day one. Small details, she says, make a big difference. “I genuinely care about resident retention. I want people to love where they live and stay with us as long as possible.” Sydney believes great teams are what make difficult days manageable. “A strong team is vital in this job. I think of myself as a mentor more than a manager. When people support each other, we’re able to create better experiences for residents.” That team-first mindset is one reason she’s stepping into her next chapter at Collective as an Operations Support Specialist. Sydney sees the transition as another opportunity to grow. “I’m excited to keep learning,” she says. “Especially working with our other regions and pursuing certifications in Montana and South Dakota. I want to become fully certified in property management.” Outside of work, travel is Sydney’s reset button. She and her husband, Austin, make it a point to take an annual trip together, often returning to places that shaped her early life growing up in the Mountain West. Her favorite trips include spots like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. Yellowstone is particularly special as it’s where her husband proposed. In the end, the culture is what keeps her here at Collective. “A good team makes even a bad day here better than a good day anywhere else.”