8 years renting: here’s what i’ve learned 🤔
i remember the moment i moved into my first apartment, i had just bought my first white comforter and couldn’t wait to set it up on my bed to make my room look so cute & aesthetic! 😌
then reality set in, i was a freshman in college, in a new city, with no job yet, and struggling to figure out how i would decorate my first apartment 😅
i spent many months without decor, but as i learned to budget and eventually got a part time job, i decided to dive into the world of thrifting and DIYing! it was a great way to stay within a budget but to be able to get decor/furniture! and little by little, my sad little apartment, started feeling like a home 🥹
i love the apartment i live at now, and ive made it into my dream apartment, but it didn’t happen overnight! i still have DIY pieces and items from my very first apartment as a reminder that sometimes, it takes months or years to furnish your whole apartment or home, and that’s okay 🩷
#lemon8partner #lemon8creator #rentertips #budgetfriendly #renterfriendly
Renting an apartment for an extended period, like 8 years, offers many valuable lessons about creating a living space that truly feels like home. One of the key lessons is that a home takes time to develop and personalize. It’s common to start with minimal decor—just a few throw pillows and simple photos—and gradually build up your space as your budget and style evolve. This approach prevents feeling overwhelmed trying to achieve a “magazine-perfect” look immediately. Budgeting is another critical factor renters learn early on. Beyond rent, other expenses such as utilities, groceries, subscriptions, pet care, and transportation must be considered to maintain financial balance. Carefully tracking monthly costs and prioritizing spending enables renters to afford occasional upgrades or DIY projects without financial strain. Thrifting and DIY projects become practical and creative solutions for furnishing on a budget. Many renters discover joy in repurposing secondhand furniture or crafting their own decor, which not only saves money but also adds unique personality to their homes. These projects often evolve alongside personal taste and make for meaningful mementos of the renting journey. Importantly, renters realize that creating a dream apartment rarely happens overnight. It’s a gradual process that often takes months or years, and that’s perfectly okay. Keeping some original DIY or thrifted pieces from early apartments can serve as cherished reminders of progress and resilience. Overall, successful long-term renting involves embracing patience, thoughtful budgeting, and creativity. By focusing on what makes a space comfortable and reflective of personal style over time, renters transform their apartments into cherished homes despite temporary constraints. This mindset encourages flexibility and positivity, helping renters thrive in diverse living situations.
