For many people, renting is an accessible way to have their own space within a budget that’s not a huge commitment. This is particularly true for those struggling to get a foothold on the property ladder. When you’re a renter, it can be frustrating to feel like your living space isn’t your own. With restrictions on paint and décor, it might be hard to truly make a space feel like an expression of yourself.
The effort and care put into keeping a positive and tidy home environment has a direct impact on your mental health. Making adjustments to your home to reflect your personality and unique needs can deepen your connection to it which will help you feel more safe, secure, and comfortable.
Let’s explore some ways to make your temporary dwelling feel more like a permanent one. Determine where your efforts will have the most impact and how you can maximize them.
Making Structural and Decorative Changes
Putting your own stamp on a space can be an important part of making it feel like home. This can be superficial like decorative accents or changing up wall color. Creating zones of color schemes throughout your home that reflect how you want to feel in each of those spaces can be helpful. Make sure to check the rental agreement to see what you can and cannot change. You can also make an effective aesthetics upgrade with simple rental improvements, like hanging pictures and curtains or adding soft furnishings in accent colors.
Changing the property’s layout will make it feel more like your own space. An archway could be built in an adjoining wall to create a more open area. Installing partition walls can give roommates or family members more privacy if they are currently sharing spaces. Changing the placement of kitchen appliances and cupboards can help to create a more open-concept area.
Before making any changes, it’s important to contact your landlord about home improvements for their permission and input. If you communicate how your improvements represent a good return on investment for the property, they may be more willing to give you some leeway. In some cases, they’ll be open to partially funding the changes or providing a discount on your rent.
Organize
Many renters make the mistake of viewing their property as a temporary residence. They don’t completely unpack or leave clutter lying around. Adopting some solid organizational practices is one way to make your rental property feel like a forever home.
Installing floating shelves with adhesive fasteners is one rental-friendly solution. These are simple to remove while still supporting a reasonable amount of weight. You can then unpack and display any decor or family photos that have been stored. Upcycling bookshelves from a thrift store or flea market can provide you with space to store books, pictures, and keepsakes.
It’s important to find efficient ways to get rid of clutter in your home. If you have a table in your entryway, the underside can be used to store shoes and bags. Attaching some fabric or cupboard doors to the table can help hide its storage functionality while also keeping the area tidy. Similarly, purchasing an ottoman for your living room can provide a convenient location to store blankets or seasonal coats. Anything that can help you maximize your rental living space can empower you to feel more relaxed and positive.
Maintaining a Healthy Environment
Feeling safe in your rental is key to feeling at home. Home is supposed to be a sanctuary from the stresses of the outside world. One of the most important ways you can make your rental property feel like a forever home is to ensure a healthy environment.
This should include minimizing the potential for pests in your home. For instance, rodent infestations can be harmful, possibly exposing you and your family to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Not to mention that the droppings and presence of such pests can make for an unsanitary environment. If you find evidence of pests, inform your landlord so they can arrange a visit from a pest control professional. It’s also wise to take measures to avoid the potential for pest visitations, such as minimizing discarded paper and cardboard that make for good nesting materials.
Another health aspect is the cleanliness of your drinking water. There are various water filtration systems available commercially, some you can simply affix to your kitchen faucet. Though, filters that can remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs, also known as forever chemicals) usually involve systems that attach to your home’s water main. Again, this is something you should discuss with your landlord before proceeding.
Happy Homes
Making a rental space feel like home can take some effort but has a positive impact on your life. Superficial and structural improvements are possible, but it’s important to check with your landlord first. Adopting solid organizational practices helps you maximize your space and reduce clutter. By keeping your home environment healthy, you’ll feel safer and more comfortable. Even though you may not own the property, it’s still an investment and there’s no reason you shouldn’t take steps to make it a true home.
