According to a recent survey by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, 89% of investors in the U.S. are interested in putting their money into real estate. However, not all of these investors are the most fit to be landlords, resulting in some pretty rough rental options out there on the market today. Affordable apartments aren’t always the most comfortable spaces to live in, and a lot of times can keep you from feeling like you’re ever really truly settled in your own home. If you want to make your rental feel more like a space that’s genuinely yours, use these tips and turn your cheap apartment into your relaxing retreat.
Keep It Organized
One of the most common issues with more affordable apartments is that they tend to be smaller without much storage space. An easy fix to make your apartment look and feel bigger is to figure out your organization system early and stick to it. Trends show that the home organization market should rise in value by 3.4%, meaning there’s not going to be any shortage of storage and organization options you can add to your home any time soon. Pick up some affordable shelves and boxes to get started on sorting out your belongings in a way that makes sense for you.
Apartment-Safe Decor
Landlords tend to pick neutral paint colors and furniture options to include in their rental spaces to make it as versatile as possible, but that can put you in a tricky spot when it comes to decorating your home. Check with your landlord to see if you’re allowed to paint the walls, and if not, look for some temporary options like removable wallpaper. Don’t to forget to include some plants and other types of decor – these can really bring a bit of extra life into your space.
Light It Up
Not all apartment spaces are fortunate enough to have great natural lighting, and a poorly lit space can feel infinitely smaller. If you’ve got limited window space and natural light, make the most of it with strategically placed mirrors and lamps. Added lighting will make your apartment feel larger, while also enhancing the look of your space no matter what your decoration preferences are.
Keep In Touch With Your Landlord
Not all landlords are used to their new position and might be new to renting out their space, especially if you’re renting a room in a house. In 2016, about 27% of Americans rented their home. Even if your landlord is newer to the real estate market, it’s important to keep in touch with them when something breaks down and needs fixing to make your space more livable. For example, 10% of United States households have leaks in their plumbing that can waste up to 90 gallons of water per day. If your landlord is on the hook for the water bill, they’ll want to get any plumbing issues in your apartment fixed as soon as possible so they’re not losing money on their investment. Communicating issues is important; even if it ends up falling to you to fix, you might get a bit of assistance.
Not all apartments start out as the perfect place for you and your family to live, but a few adjustments, decorations, and maintenance options can help turn them into your new home. What fixes have you had to make in your apartment so far? What has helped you and your family see your rental as a home environment?
