Longer summer days can be the perfect inspiration for an organizing and decor refresh, and a few simple changes can make your space feel like new. If you rent, there’s no need to sacrifice style and organization. If you rent, there’s no need to sacrifice style and organization.
Whether you’re looking to clear out clutter, find clever ways to make the most of your storage, or simply want a decor refresh, renting doesn’t have to be an obstacle to your goals. These three summer tips can ensure that your rental feels welcoming and bright all season long—without sacrificing your security deposit.
Summer Declutter and Reorganize:
Decluttering may not feel as exciting as other refresh options, but it can do wonders for your home—regardless of where you rent. Keeping your space free of clutter can have mental health benefits, make it easier to keep the space pest and dirt-free, and simply breathe new life into the area. If you’re ready to declutter, there’s no better time than the summer.
The summer season makes it easy to declutter and move out any unwanted items (without fear of inclement weather standing in the way of your plans). Depending on your lease specifications and any limitations, now can be an excellent time to host a garage sale at your house or a yard sale with other residents at your apartment (just be sure to get it cleared with management before making plans).
Learn more: Summer Decluttering Tips for Renters
Reorganizing can not only make your rental feel more welcoming, it can ensure you are making the most of your space. This is important for any home, but is especially vital if you live in a small apartment, tiny home, or have roommates or children and need extra room.
Helpful Tips For Reorganizing Your Rental:
- Add Storage Options: Purchase a standing pantry or armoire to use for additional storage if you don’t have a closet, pantry or linen closet in rooms that may need them. This extra storage can help keep things tidy and out of the way—which is key to creating a welcoming home.
- Change Out Your Furniture: In a small space, furniture should be doing double-duty. Items like coffee tables with storage underneath, headboards with shelving, and fold-out beds or tables can all add functionality to your rental. Swap out bulky furniture with options that add storage or simply fold away when not in use.
- Use Vertical Space: Capitalize on your vertical space to make the most of your storage options. Using wall-mounted baskets and bins, adding shelving or bookshelves, or using hooks all can help you display and store your favorite items without sacrificing floor space.
Learn more: Stylish Storage Solutions for Closetless Rentals
Add or Make New Summer Decor:
Renters facing a shorter lease or alteration restrictions often find themselves putting off new decor simply because making the space feel more like home comes with extra obstacles. If this is you, now is the time to spruce up your rental with a few fun changes. Since you need to be open to temporary decor solutions, there’s no reason to avoid seasonal decor. Just swap it out when the time comes.
Learn more: Top 5 Move-Ready Decor Items for Renters
For summer, opt for bright, airy colors. Lemonade yellows, watermelon pinks, and light beachy hues are all great options that can brighten your rooms and fill them with a nod to the summer sunshine. Use command hooks to hang art and swap out your bookshelf’s items with items that evoke summer fun. Seashells, colorful throw pillows, and fresh greenery can all liven up your room without compromising on your lease requirements or spending a lot on decor.
Ask for Permission to Paint:
Painting your rental may not be an option depending on your lease agreement, but it doesn’t hurt to check in with your landlord or property manager to see if there are any options available. Especially, if you have a long-term lease agreement or you are about to renew your lease, your landlord or management company may be more inclined to allow you the extra customization.
Landlords know that tenant turnover is expensive and time-consuming, if you ask to paint as a renewal incentive, it may be an easy trade-off that allows you to further customize your space. If you get permission, consider choosing a light airy option that will work well for summer and beyond. Whites and pastels can all serve to make the space brighter and feel more spacious. This is particularly helpful if you have a rental that doesn’t have a lot of natural light, or you simply want to optimize the natural light you do have.
Learn more: How to Decorate a Rental without Natural Light
Don’t have permission to paint? Consider using light and large tapestry for added pops of color, or opt for removable wall paper to ensure a damage-free decor option for your walls.
