Looking for apartments for rent and moving into your new home can be a difficult task. You might be living in a new city, starting a new job, and generally just feeling out of place. As a first-time apartment renter, it’s important to be mindful of your budget. Between rent, utilities, furniture, and decor, there are a lot of expenses to factor in.
First of all, you need to make research, choose the right location, go through a tenant background check, sign the lease agreement and personalize your space. But with a little bit of effort, you can make your rental apartment feel like the home you always wanted.
Get to know your neighbors
It’s always nice to have friendly faces around, and you never know when you might need to borrow a cup of sugar. Plus, getting to know the people who live around you is a great way to get insight into the neighborhood itself. While looking for apartments for rent, take some time to introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them.
Start with a blank slate
When you move into a new rental apartment, it is important to start with a blank slate. This means getting rid of any furniture or decor that you do not absolutely love. It can be tempting to try and make do with what you have, but it is important to start fresh in order to create the home that you truly want.
Get rid of anything that is damaged
If there are any pieces of furniture or decor that are damaged, it is best to get rid of them. Not only will this help to improve the look of your home, but it will also help to create a more positive and healthy environment.
Bring in your own furniture and decor
One of the best ways to make your rental apartment feel like home is to bring in your own furniture and decor. This will give you the opportunity to personalize your space and make it truly your own. If you are on a budget, consider shopping at thrift stores or garage sales for affordable furniture and decor.
Paint the walls
Another great way to personalize your rental apartment is to paint the walls. You may need to get permission from your landlord before doing so, but it is worth it in order to add your own personal touch to the space. Choose paint colors that reflect your personality and make you feel happy and relaxed.
Add some greenery
Adding some greenery to your rental apartment can help to make it feel more like home. Plants can help not only to add a breath of fresh air into your apartment, they add a touch of nature and life to the space.
If you’re someone who lacks a green thumb, know that there are alternatives such as silk or fake plants available and require little to no maintenance – ideal for those who don’t have much time for gardening in between work and other commitments.
Hang up artwork
Hanging up artwork is a great way to add personality to your rental apartment. Choose artwork that reflects your interests and taste, and be sure to hang it up in an area where it can be easily seen and enjoyed.
Invest in cozy bedding
There’s nothing worse than coming home to an impersonal and cold bedroom. Make sure your bed is comfortable and inviting by investing in soft sheets and plenty of pillows.
Don’t forget the kitchen!
The kitchen is often one of the hardest rooms to personalize in a rental apartment since most landlords forbid painting or making major changes. But you can still add your own touch by hanging up some art or buying colorful dishes to brighten up the space.
Light some candles…but be careful!
Candles can bring a certain specialness to every home, regardless of the style or size. With an array of sizes and scents to suit any mood, candles instantly create a cozy atmosphere, transforming mundane areas into inviting refuges. Whether you light a few tea lights for a cozy evening in or opt for larger pillars to brighten up a room, the glowing ambiance of candles is both inviting and relaxing.
Candles can also create the illusion of more space due to their warm amber shadows, perfect for making a small area appear much larger. You just need to make sure they’re completely extinguished prior to leaving your apartment as the risk of fire is real and you don’t want to come back home after a long day out to find burned curtains or furniture.
And finally, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the whole process don’t forget that there are people out there to help. Whether you need an extra set of hands or an opinion from someone else, don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for their support.
Conclusion
Making your rental apartment feel like home doesn’t have to be difficult (or expensive). Following these tips will help you get started on the right foot when renting your first apartment.
