There’s nothing worse than not feeling settled in your humble abode. If you haven’t raised enough money for a deposit and you are becoming a seasoned renter, the sense of being truly home can feel far away. Deep down, you know that this patch of bricks and mortar that you are living in isn’t yours. It’s not permanent and the money you pay out for it each month is lining a landlord’s pockets rather than paying for your own asset. Nevertheless, you can make a rental home feel more like your home. You simply have to alter your mindset. Take a look at these simple steps that will see you feeling a little more content in your rental home.
Making A Rental Home Feel Like Your Home
Temporary Is Good
French people pride themselves on renting rather than owning. The notion that renting is a bad thing is very much an American and British concept. Head across to mainland Europe and Parisians pride themselves on renting rather than owning their dwellings. They don’t care to be tied down and love the freedom and flexibility that renting can provide.
If you love traveling or your job takes you to different parts of the country for months at a time, you may not be in the best position to put down roots yet. Renting is a way to explore different locations, property types and test out budgets. Enjoy your time renting before you commit to buy.
Furnishings
Some people who rent love the convenience of living somewhere that is fully furnished. Companies like Interim Homes specialize in providing exceptional apartments that have outstanding fixtures and fittings. This means you don’t have to hire a moving truck every time you move. Instead, you can pick up and leave without the stress of shipping goods, sofas and beds.
On the other hand, some people miss the comfort of having their own furnishings around them. If this is the case, rent a blank canvas. Buy your own furniture and get used to your new sofa and dining room table. When you buy your first property, you can move in with your own furniture. Then you won’t have to worry about shopping for big-ticket items before move-in day.
Work With The Landlord
If purchasing your own home is a little way off, talk to the landlord and see if you can personalize the rental home a little. The chances are if the apartment needs a lick of paint, they’ll be more than willing for you to do it and choose the color scheme so long as you do a good job and pay for the materials. This can be an effective way of bringing your own taste into your dwelling even though it might not be yours.
If you have a long lease or you’re planning to stay for at least a year or more, adding a touch of personalization can make you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. Just make sure you know what is expected out of you as the tenant first. You should also consider having some home insurance to cover your personal things in the case of an emergency such as a fire, weather, or other emergencies.
Remember that renting your current home is only temporary. Once you have saved up enough for a deposit, have developed a top-notch credit rating and you know the location you want to base yourself in, you’ll be ready to put down roots. Until then, try to enjoy the rental experience and the freedom and flexibility it brings. You can have a rental home and still make it feel like home.
Do you have other tips to make your rental feel like your own home? Please share them in the comments below.