7 Space-Maximizing Ideas for Renters

 

Trying to live your best life while fitting all of your items in a small rented home is far from easy. But, there is no reason to despair. With a bit of DIY-ing, you can live comfortably in any home, whether yours or rented. However, we know it can be tricky to DIY in someone else's home. You will not have the freedom to move things around, get rid of certain items, or even add some of your things (things that include drilling or making permanent changes, for example). But, that too can be overcome. You need a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness. Thus, we have prepared for you seven different space-maximizing ideas for renters!

1. Declutter 

This one is not a space-maximizing idea for renters, per se, but it is an idea without which you cannot start maximizing your space. Thus, you must get your home in order before you do anything. First, go through all of your rooms and see what you have. Look at things that are cluttering your space. If those are things you haven't used in a long time and don't plan on using anymore, get rid of them. Of course, you don't have to throw them away - you have to find them a new home. So, ask your friends and family if they want them, go to your local charity and donate them, or even sell them. 

2. Utilize the Hidden Areas 

Your rental has a lot more space than you think! That space is just hiding from you. So, stop playing hide and seek with it and use it. Usually, that hidden space is right in front of you. It's above the cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedroom dressers, under the sofas and beds, etc. Don't let that space go to waste. You can fit so many of your items there! If you agree, start stashing all your extra items in those hidden areas. But, don't just throw them there without any order - that will make your home look like a mess. Instead, get yourself some nice bins and learn how to fold and pack your belongings to save as much space as possible. Ask professionals from moving companies, such as Spyder Moving, for some help if you don't know how to do this. 

3. Float On and Access Some of the Best Space-Maximizing Ideas for Renters

As previously mentioned, you cannot just add any piece of furniture you want in most rentals. The only pieces you can add are those that will not cause any damage to the floors and walls. Usually, this means no shelves! However, New Yorkers have invented a thing called floating shelves. These shelves don't require any drilling to the floors and walls and can be put pretty much anywhere. You can place them above your toilet, above sofas, etc. But, be careful - these are not very sturdy. So, don't use them for storing TVs, stereos, or anything heavy. Instead, use it for storing something light such as books, candles, photo albums and frames, etc. This is one of those small space tips to steal from New Yorkers as they are the ones who have mastered small-space living. 

4. Divide Your Space 

If you live in a studio apartment or in a home that has an entirely open space, it might not be easy to organize everything. Even if you clean and arrange everything neatly, something will always be in your way. To prevent this from happening, you should try to divide your space. One way to do this is to use extended, vertical shelves that go from the floor to the ceiling. This will completely divide your area, make it more functional, and provide extra storage. But don't forget to ask your landlord for permission first, as this is one of those space maximizing ideas for renters that will require a couple of nails here and there.

5. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture 

This one goes without saying - if you want to use your space in the best possible way, multi-purpose furniture is the way to go. So, if your budget allows it, consider investing in some multi-purpose pieces. Those can be small tables that can be folded and unfolded, stackable chairs, ottomans that can be used as chairs, tables, storage solutions, etc. You can find many of these pieces online and for a low price. So, use the Internet to find inspiration for decorating your rental and make it to your taste. Your landlord will probably have no concerns with one of these space-maximizing ideas for renters, but, to be sure - ask! 

6. Sofas Can Be Problem Solvers 

Small rental homes usually have all the necessities crammed in a tiny space. This means having your kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, office, etc., all in one area. Even though you cannot make your space bigger, and even though you cannot physically divide those areas, you can try to move things around. For instance, you can consider getting rid of a bed taking half of your studio apartment and replacing it with your sofa. Of course, that sofa must turn into a comfortable bed every night. This is a great tip for small apartments, especially as it will save you a ton of space and make everything more functional and visually appealing. 

7. Be Creative in Your Closet 

One of the last but certainly not the least space-maximizing ideas for renters is the one related to your closet, wardrobe, dresser, or anything else you have for your clothes and shoes in your rental. You can save space and have an organized and clean closet by using smart closet gadgets. For instance, you can hang shoe holders on the closet doors. Or, you can find some of those clothes hangers that can be used for hanging plenty of clothing items. There are even hanging shelves that you can buy and use as extra storage in your closet. Do some research, and you will undoubtedly find even more interesting and functional ideas for maximizing space in your closet and your entire home.

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DIY interior design hacks to make your new house feel like home

 

Creating a warm atmosphere in your living space is the most critical part of making your house feel like home. The first step toward creating a sense of belonging is to think about what makes you feel comfortable, safe, and happy and then figure out how to incorporate those elements into your house or apartment. It doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor to make your new house homey. There are plenty of different DIY interior design hacks to make your new house feel like home and achieve a cozy feel! Follow this guide for some inspiration!

 

1 Set the mood

People seek beautiful home decor. The vast majority of us have already realized that browsing through home decor websites can ignite a creative spark we didn't even know we possessed. Creating inspiration boards for your house's design is the first step to achieving the home you've always dreamed of. You should take a step back and look at all of the photographs you've collected to get a sense of your design aesthetic after you've spent time searching for DIY interior design inspiration. There are many ways to express yourself creatively.

 

 

2 Know the space

If your new living space is small, you might feel lost. However, there are many easy tricks to make your small space look bigger. One of the easiest ways to do this is by hanging mirrors in each room of your new house. Mirrors help brighten a room since they reflect light around the area and give the illusion of the space being bigger. Light is also essential and can serve as a visual room-enlarger. If you place a torchiere or a canister upright in the corner of a room, the ceiling will be illuminated, making the room appear larger.

Even small spaces can shine and make your house feel like home.

3 Simplicity is an excellent way to make your house feel like home

If you've just moved into your new house, you might feel overwhelmed. You will have to handle many legal things and piles of moving paperwork, and it's crucial to have everything in order. You might not want to take up a paintbrush and give your house a makeover. One of the ways you can make your house feel like home without trying too hard is by rearranging your bookshelves. Organize your books, artwork, and memorabilia into a beautiful display on your bookcase. Empty the bookshelves and organize anything you want to keep there. You can arrange your books by color or size for a pleasing look. Think about your bookshelf as a display in a museum or art gallery, and you will undoubtedly create a masterpiece!

 

4 Get your hands busy

You can create many things yourself even without a lot of skill. The great thing about DIY is that you can reuse many materials around the house and turn them into something beautiful. For example, you could make photo frames with some pieces of wood or twigs. Wooden pallets can also be reused in many ways. You can reuse old glass jars and bottles as storage space in the kitchen or paint them into vases for your flowers. There are plenty of inspiring DIY projects like these on the web, so get to exploring!

 

Don't be scared to do some arts and crafts for your new home! There are many DIY interior design hacks to make your new house feel like home.

5 Now is the time to organize

If you haven't already moved and are still packing up, you might realize how much clutter you own. The movers at strongassmovers.com remind us that having fewer items to transport lowers the cost of relocation. Any unkempt corners, lampshades, curtains, rusty appliances, or dusty carpets that you've been keeping should be cleared out. And, if you don't utilize something, give it away to those in need. Less plastic bottles, old cardboard, newspapers, and the like will help your home feel less cluttered. Once you have all the belongings, you have decided to keep safely transported to your new home, and after the dust settles comes the time to thoroughly clean and organize your new home. Organize your closets and cupboards. It's time to reorganize your new kitchen shelves with labeled containers and spices arranged in alphabetical order.

6 Add color to make your house feel like home

If you want to make your house feel like home, you should add your personal touch. And what better way to do that than painting the walls! If you’re feeling extra creative, consider painting a mural on the wall. You might also want to paint some pieces of furniture to give them a fresh glow and flare. If you decide to paint away, make sure you understand what color palette you’re going for. 

You can express yourself through paint and colors.

7 Rearrange 

If you've had the same pieces of furniture in the same place in your old house for too long, it's time to change things up. Move your sofa in the living room in a different direction. The best way to create a cozy chat area is to cluster several armchairs together. A U-shaped or H-shaped seating area around a coffee table will make your living room look super comfy.

 

8 Artwork placement

A piece of art hung too high on the wall can look weird. Ideally, artwork should be hung at eye level. Don't forget about scale either- if you have big walls, go big with one oversized piece or combine smaller pieces gallery-style. Also, think about the theme of the artwork. You could organize them by topic. For example, put your florals in the living room to add some lively energy to it and your abstracts in the hall or your bedroom to wind things down. 

The bottom line

It's not in everyone's budget to pay an interior designer to come into their home and create beautiful and integrated decor. Many of us also prefer to be in charge of the design and express our individuality. We hope these DIY interior design hacks to make your new house feel like home will help you achieve that. Happy designing! 

Images:

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7 Decorating Tips for a Manhattan Style Apartment

 

Numerous people consider Manhattan to be the chicest borough of New York. All the popular movies and TV shows have created an illusion that Manhattan apartments are very spacious. However, the reality is different. Most Manhattanites actually complain because of the lack of space. Luckily, even though they lack size, they make up with modern furniture and style. So, if you are moving to New York or want to upgrade your NYC home, you've come to the right place. This article will share the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment.

 

Decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment: the ultimate list

Even though living in a small apartment requires some degree of sacrifice, your decor shouldn't be one of them. Small spaces are all about thinking outside the box and figuring out ways to make your home functional without feeling cramped.

 

For instance, one way of achieving this is to look for storage options. This way, you will have a place for your extra belongings while ensuring your apartment is unobstructed with extra furniture and stuff people accumulate over the years.

The Manhattan apartment palette

When it comes to achieving the Manhattan apartment look, the color palette you choose will play a significant role. Firstly, we need to use colors to help create an illusion of spaciousness and airiness. Therefore, when decorating your NYC apartment, be sure to choose bright colors for your walls. 

Secondly, opting for brighter shades goes for your upholstery too. This doesn't mean everything should be white. On the contrary, seek softer hues of some of your favorite colors. 

Lights play an essential role in your home's decor

Quite a few historic buildings can be found in Manhattan. These buildings are also known for their large windows. Their best feature is that they provide you with a lot of natural light, which is an advantage on its own. 

Having long bright curtains is a Manhattan apartment staple

 

However, don't be desperate if your windows are small. You can achieve the Manhattan apartment look by having curtains that pool slightly on the floor. They are a staple for Manhattan-style apartments and add richness to the overall decor.

Additionally, you can use mirrors and light fixtures to enhance the lighting in your apartment. 

Adding greenery is one of the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment

Living in a city that never sleeps, surrounded by traffic and cars, with just a few opportunities to enjoy nature, has forced people to bring nature indoors. Thus, home greenery is a must if you want to decorate your home Manhattan style. 

Bringing the outside indoors is one of the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment.

Having scattered pots around your apartment will give you nice little pops of green here and there. Not to mention, it will also add texture to the place.

Even if you don't have a green thumb, that's okay. Some plants require very little maintenance and are perfect for the residents of the busiest city in the world!

Type of furniture

Generally, we can divide the furniture in some of the most beautiful-looking Manhattan apartments into three groups.

1. Scandinavian

2. Contemporary

3. Sophisticated

The type of furniture you choose will largely dictate the decor of your Manhattan apartment.

 

1. Scandinavian furniture has had a significant influence on Manhattan apartments in recent years. The lines are clean and straightforward and create an elegant look. Also, they are incredibly versatile when it comes to the overall apartment vibe.

2. Manhattan apartments with modern furniture are the ones you usually see in the movies. This type of style favors modern furniture with pops of glass and chrome. 

3. Finally, if your idea of Manhattan-style apartments comes from shows like Sex and the city, you'll want to go for luxury pieces. The furniture can be partly antique, partly modern to achieve the whole look. 

In any case, you want to achieve a particular style by choosing the right furniture pieces and not having the place overcrowded with stuff. This is where professionals from nycministorage.com can help you. Keeping the things you don't currently need safely in a storage unit will be of great help.

 

Create areas with rugs

Area rugs are another way to define and break up the living spaces. This is especially useful for smaller apartments. Make sure you use the same color palette for your rugs. This way, you will achieve the flowing feel from one space to another.

Have colorful accents and modern artwork

If you have a monochromatic living room, you can spice it up by using an accent piece in a different color. For example, deep red cushions for your sofa or unique accent pieces in gold or marble will rejuvenate any space.

Additionally, you can hang artwork standing above your modern furniture. In these cases, contrast is a highly favorable feature.

Enlarge the space visually

Finally, the sacrifice most Manhattan residents usually make is their apartment space. Even though these apartments appear luxurious, they lack square footage. Therefore, it would be best to search for small apartment decorating tips and tricks to make it feel more spacious.

For example, you could go for bright white curtains - make sure you place the curtain rods a few inches from the ceiling. Or, you could have different light fixtures around the apartment.

 

Conclusion on decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment

These were some of the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment to get you started. Your next step is to research and plan how to use these tips to make the space suit your preferences while achieving the style you want. Happy decorating!

Photos used:

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How to avoid moving day disasters

 

Are you planning to relocate to another home and want to avoid moving day disasters? To achieve this, you will want to carefully plan every aspect of the relocation process and familiarize yourself with potential pitfalls. If you are curious as to what precisely the most common relocation disasters are and how best to avoid them, My Home Sweet Home has prepared a small guide for you. We will walk you through everything you need to know for creating a smooth, enjoyable, and disaster-free moving process!

Most common moving day disasters

"Knowing is half the battle," as the famous 80's quote says. By knowing what the most common moving day disasters are, you will already have some ideas on how to prevent them. When it comes to relocations, here are the things you will want to watch out for:

• Being a victim of a moving scam

• Broken/Damaged belongings

• Friends "bailing" out

• Movers refusing to transport some items

• Not being able to fit some pieces through the door

You can avoid moving day disasters by conducting proper research.

You may also want to take some steps to strengthen your home security. When moving into another area, you might be unfamiliar with the crime rate. New homeowners might also seem like an enticing target. Take the necessary precautions, and you will be able to sleep soundly.

Moving scams and how to avoid them

The unfortunate truth of the moving industry is that many "scam artists" are looking to relieve you of some of your hard-earned money. These rogue movers can quickly transform your relocation into a disastrous one. So, what can you do to avoid having to deal with them?

The first step is to conduct proper research when searching for a mover. In other words, you need to do your homework. Before you entrust your belongings to a moving company, you will want to check whether your movers are licensed, insured, and properly certified. Furthermore, you will want to check if there are any official complaints filed against the moving company in question and check their online reviews. You may also want to verify that your movers are associated with at least one prominent moving organization such as the BBB and AMSA.

Be wary of scammers.

You can come across many unwanted moving expenses if you are not careful. By conducting extensive research, you will avoid overpaying your movers and minimize any chances of a disaster. It literally "pays off" to be as thorough and meticulous as possible.

How to avoid broken/damaged items

One of the most common moving disasters is when your belongings arrive at your new home only for you to find that some of them are broken or severely damaged. It is pretty common to find yourself with shattered glass and damaged furniture after the move, especially if you are conducting a long-distance relocation.

The best way to avoid this is to be extra careful when packing your items. You will want to use proper packing supplies and quality boxes, avoiding any that are damaged or obviously falling apart. Furthermore, you will want to utilize specialty boxes for sensitive items such as artwork, mirrors, or TVs. Ideally, you will want to invest in telescope boxes for this occasion.

You will also want to wrap any breakables in bubble wrap, foam, or newspaper and place heavy items in smaller boxes. Whatever you do, try not to place several heavy items inside one box, as that is equal to inviting a disaster to happen. If you are unsure of your packing skills, you can choose a moving company that offers packing services and have them pack your belongings for you. Professional packers always use high-quality packing supplies and will ensure that your items receive maximum protection.

Don't risk friends "bailing out"

The fact of the matter is that relocations are costly endeavors. You will probably want to ask a couple of your friends to help you relocate to reduce moving costs. But your friends might suddenly "bailout" on you when the moving day arrives. And this can spell disaster for your moving plans.

Your friends can be a great help, but you might want to have alternative options.

To avoid moving day disasters due to the lack of labor, you will want to have other alternatives at the ready. Contact a labor-only moving company ahead of time and make some arrangements just in case. While it is possible to find help at the last minute, this will usually cost more. When we talked to the experts at teddymoving.com, they recommended contacting your movers at least a week or two in advance. Of course, you will want to allow yourself the time to conduct some research about your hired help, which means that you may need to start thinking about this even earlier.

How to prevent movers from refusing to transport some items

The easiest way to avoid this particular disaster is to communicate clearly with your movers. Check with them and ask for a complete list of non-allowable items before you start to pack. If you are uncertain about a specific entity, consult with your movers.

Getting the couch through the door

To avoid this quite common moving disaster, you will want to measure both the couch and doorways before the relocation. You may also want to try to take the hinges off the door, remove couch legs, or search for another point of exit. At this point, you may encounter some common doorknob problems, as well. Therefore, you must start thinking about this early and take the necessary steps.

The best way to avoid moving day disasters - Choose a reliable moving company

While moving can be very stressful, having top professionals by your side will make it significantly easier. It is in your best interest to hire movers with sufficient knowledge and experience, as well as the ones that have a stellar reputation. You will want to take the time to ensure that you are working with the best moving company in your area. When it comes to making moving less stressful, working with reputable movers is the way to go. With their help, you will not only avoid moving day disasters, but you will experience a smooth and reliable moving process!

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