6 Budget-Friendly Tips to Revamp Your Rental

For many folks, renting a home is the way to go. It’s a flexible living space. It’s affordable. It’s easy to pack up and go. But for all the convenience of a rental, it doesn’t always come with that lived-in, home-like feel. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to revamp an apartment, condo, or house that don’t cost a fortune. Here are our tips for turning your space into a home.

Make it Thrifty

With everyone and their mother on the KonMari kick (Marie Kondo’s popular method of simplifying and organizing), one person’s de-clutter is another’s decor. Explore thrift stores like Salvation Army and Goodwill. Check out sites like OfferUp, LetGo, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist to find furniture, housewares, and decorations that people are selling (or giving away for free!) in your area. And while you’re there, why not sell some old furniture to put towards the new?

If you’re feeling adventurous, visit a nearby college campus around move-out day. It may surprise you how many furnishings students will throw away for the summer.

Make it Green

Who says you need a yard or patio to make a home feel outdoors-y? Houseplants not only boost air quality but create a relaxing atmosphere.

For extra benefits, keep a potted herb like basil or mint in your kitchen. They’ll add some extra flavor to those home-cooked meals (and save your grocery budget some stress!).

Make it Yourself

Why not get in touch with your creative side? Revamping a space with your own two hands is incredibly rewarding (and fun!). Just be sure to check with your landlord first to determine what kind of updates you can make.

From small touches to full-on upgrades, you can find a wide variety of rental-friendly DIY projects online. Get inspired on sites like Pinterest, Apartment Therapy, Remodelista and Architectural Digest.

Make it Versatile

Pressed for space? Make your furniture work double duty. While shopping around, look for furniture that can function as something else – like futons, ottomans, loft beds, pull-out beds, chairs, etc.

Make it Work

If it isn’t broken, why dump it? Before you go and spend money on furniture (new or used), take another look at the pieces you already have. Sometimes a little re-arranging, repurposing, switching out hardware or cleaning up is all you need. Here are a few ideas on how to breathe new life into your old furniture.

Make it Snappy

If you’re really looking to invest in some new furniture, knowing when to buy is key, July is historically a good time to buy furniture. Why? Because stores usually hold furniture between the months of April and October to make room for new styles. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for “last chance” sales during this time.

Another great way to buy furniture on a limited budget is through rental services like CORT,  Rent-A-Center, and Inhabitr. They not only offer modern, stylish pieces, but can deliver them right to your new place.

Whether you make a few small adjustments or a full overhaul, your rental is your space. Take your time. Get a good look at each room and really think about what you want that space to be, what kind of moments you want to experience there, what kind of life you want to build. New furnishings can certainly help, but at the end of the day, it all comes back to you and your goals.

Which brings us to our most important tip of all. Make it Yours.