Decorating on a Budget

When living in an apartment, it can feel like you have limited options to personalize your space since you cannot make any drastic changes to the unit itself. There are many affordable ways to dress up your rental space and make it your own! Whether you are a fan of DIY projects, thrifting, or finding a great deal, read on to learn about some simple, budget-friendly decorating ideas to help infuse your own style and personality into your home.

Walls
Mirrors, wall decals and simple wall art pieces are all great options to decorate your space without the hassle of painting walls (if that is allowed at your apartment).

Mirrors are one of the easiest things you can put up in your space to change it up. Mirrors give the illusion of a larger and a brighter space.

Wall decals or removable wallpaper are great options for apartment living because they add some fun, without the potential for damaging your walls since they stick directly to the wall with no hardware required!

Canvas prints or other wall décor can easily be hung to create a statement wall. Whether you find a fun, cheap framed print, or you make some DIY wall art (Pinterest for the win), you can fill a wall easily with these items.

Windows and Lighting
Curtains are a great, inexpensive way, to dress up your space. With blinds usually being included in your unit, you can take it one step further by incorporating some curtains. Whether you use a funky pattern, or a neutral color, curtains can create a sense of warmth and add a cozy touch.

If you are looking for an opportunity to add some extra light, you can add a fun table or floor lamp anywhere in your apartment.  There is also the option of adding some accent lighting by finding some cheap, sticky LED lights on Amazon to mount under cabinets, in a bookcase, or anywhere else that could use some brightening up.

Floors and Furniture
Area rugs, runners and bathmats are all a renter’s best friend. These items protect your flooring, but they are also a great way to add some color and comfort into your space.

Buying multi use furniture is a great option to save some space, and some money. Whether it be an ottoman with storage, or a futon couch that doubles as a bed, multipurpose furniture helps to make the most out of the room you have.

Accessories

Throw pillows, blanket ladders and pottery and are all ways to accessorize your unit. Accessories can be moved from room to room and are easily changed out if you change your theme or color pallet.

Adding a houseplant is another great way to add some color and life to your apartment. Don’t have a green thumb? Luckily, there are many low maintenance houseplants out there, or you can go maintenance-free and get an artificial plant.

Where to buy furniture and décor?

There are so many options these days to take and upcycle used items, or to find new items cheap. Between Amazon, Target, thrift stores, and places like Facebook marketplace or Craigslist, you can furnish and decorate your home for less than ever before. Using a selling platform like Marketplace and Craigslist can also help you make some of your money back when you decide to redecorate.

You don’t have to spend your entire savings to make your space YOURS. These cheap tricks to dress up your space will help you go from drab to fab in no time!

First Apartment Essentials

Moving into your first apartment is so exciting. The feeling of finally being on your own, having freedom, and truly getting to call a space yours. It’s one of the best parts about being in Property Management, because we get to watch our residents sign their lease and move in to their new home.

However, it’s important this brand new place of yours is stocked with the essentials. We have put together the ultimate first apartment checklist, so you are aware of the must-haves when it’s time to move in.

Bedroom essentials:

  • Mattress
  • Bed frame
  • Mattress protector
  • Sheets & bedding
  • Spare set of sheets
  • Pillows
  • Blanket
  • Nightstand
  • Desk lamp
  • Dresser
  • Full-length mirror
  • Door hooks
  • Under-bed organizer
  • Hangers
  • Laundry basket
  • Phone charger
  • TV

Bathroom essentials:

  • Bath towels
  • Bathmat
  • Shower organizer
  • Soap dispenser
  • Shower curtain, liner & hooks
  • Toilet plunger & brush
  • Trash can

Kitchen essentials:

  • Pots & pans
  • Chef’s knife
  • Bread knife
  • Tongs
  • Baking sheets
  • Silicone spatula
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Plates
  • Bowls
  • Utensils
  • Toaster
  • Oven mitts

Living Room essentials:

  • Couch
  • Chair
  • Coffee table
  • Coasters
  • Side table
  • TV
  • TV stand
  • Streaming device
  • Lamp/lighting
  • Blanket

Misc. essentials:

  • Ironing board
  • Iron
  • Vacuum
  • Broom & dustpan
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Rugs