I’ve lived in 5 states, and twice as many apartments and homes. As someone who was constantly moving around for the majority of my early adult life, I became very familiar with making a house (whether it was an apartment or an actual house) a home. If you’re in a rental, making customizations can feel daunting, and it can be confusing as to what you can and cannot do (while ensuring that you keep your security deposit).
Each time I moved, I implemented these five small upgrades, and they made a HUGE difference in the coziness of my rental. So if you’re looking for ways to make your space feel more like home, read on for my five tips!
1. Install Window Treatments or Blinds
Whether your budget allows for a rod and curtains, or if you’re just looking at woven wood blinds or Roman curtains, window treatments are my number one tip to elevate your rental. Just remember to take them down before you go and patch the holes! Or, ask your landlord to lower your lease for improvements made! I’ve been loving Everhem and The Shade Store recently, but Amazon also has incredible budget-friendly options.
2. Wallpaper
Installing temporary wallpaper can be a game-changer for drab-looking rental walls (especially if you’re not allowed to paint). I recently discovered Tempaper and I am obsessed with their designs.
3. Swap Out Light Fixtures
If you can find a light fixture that works with existing wiring, don’t be afraid to swap out old chandeliers and sconces. My favorite places to source lighting are Lulu & Georgia, Cedar & Moss, and Lightology.
4. Install Under Cabinet Lighting
This is an expensive looking upgrade that can be done quite reasonably. There are so many sticky LED strips to choose from these days, and if you mount them under your kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, the result is major.
5. Swap Out Sink Faucets and Shower Heads
This is another easy fix, but I’d probably call in a plumber to make sure the job is done right. Bonus points if you can add in an under sink water filtration system!
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