Ideally the previous tenants will have done a thorough job and left you with a clean sparkling home to move in to, but it’s important you check it’s up to your cleanliness standards. There’s no harm in checking cupboards and drawers to ensure they’re thoroughly clean before putting things away. Smells do find their way into a home over the years, so making sure any odours are neutralised is a good idea. One way to do this is by sprinkling baking soda over the carpet before vacuuming, and making a neutralising spray from equal parts water and white vinegar.
Two or three key pieces of statement furniture can really stamp your own style on a home. A unique dining table setting, an iconic entrance way light stand, a brightly patterned chair, can all make a house ‘your home’.
Consider colour, shape and texture. Even throw pillows can help inject your personal flair without costing the earth.
Your rental agreement may frown on nails. So leaning your artwork against walls can answer this challenge as well as being a great way to display it or even hide imperfections – as well as making it much easier to move it from one place to another should you feel the urge to rearrange your décor at any stage or move house.
Add some life by including indoor plants, and wooden textures or colours. A leafy plant is guaranteed to give colour and life, and wooden pieces of furniture like coffee tables will provide a rustic warmth.
You’ll need to check what your lease allows, but changing from basic blinds to beautiful drapes, perhaps even with a modern bold print, can totally freshen up the look of your home.
Rentals sometimes don’t have the kind of flooring coverings you would normally choose for yourself. By adding a rug or two, either laid on top of carpet or undesirable areas, you can distract the eye and add distinct colours and textures at the same time.
Lighting and lamp shades can make a huge difference to the ambience and feel of a space. Add or change existing bulbs with a unique lampshade and consider table lamps and up-lights in rooms to layer the lighting effect.
Creating a space that reflects your personality improves mental wellbeing, increases comfort, and helps you feel truly at home. The key is choosing reversible decorating solutions that can be easily removed when you move out, leaving no trace behind.
A tenant's guide to renting property with Summit Property Management.
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