I have tremendous respect for those who have envisioned their lives being spent in one place, setting down roots and staying put… creating their “forever home”. Personally though, that mindset is very foreign to me. I think it’s because by the age of 18 moving became such a familiar concept to me that I learned to thrive off of the newness, change and growth afforded to me through experiencing living in so many different places.

On the flipside, I am quite familiar with the emotional rollercoaster (to say nothing of the stressful logistics and endless details) experienced when you call a place “home” for 1-2 year stints before moving on to restart/recreate the same feeling of “home” elsewhere. It’s exhausting! But every time I moved, I always made it my goal to create the most wonderful sanctuary possible - homey, cozy, and exceedingly functional to avoid clutter and disorganization. Because to love my space feels calming and nurturing, grounding yet liberating. I need it to balance out the craze of my world, and at the end of the day, caring for my space is a form of caring for myself.

Truth: yes, you will invest a bit of money into some things that you either won’t take with you, or won’t work in the new space and it may feel like a momentary loss or poor decision… but I’m telling you, it’s worth it. (I’m not talking tens of thousands of dollars, but rather maybe a few hundred… to each their own…). This is why I’ve become so die hard over Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace - it’s far easier for me to justify any investment I’m making into a temporary space, if I feel like I’ve gotten a good deal. AND, I’m a resale Queen… I’ll purchase something for the time I’m in a space then resell it when I’m done. It’s amazing what you can find, and it couldn’t be more true how your trash becomes another’s treasure…

Second truth: yes, you will be required to patch holes & put things back as you found them upon leaving (if you want your deposit back!) which requires effort, but the effort is also worth it. As you’re heading out, and grinding away at returning the place to mint condition, thank yourself for putting the time and effort into making it your own for the time you held onto it… and remind yourself how much joy your changes brought you.

Here are a few areas I have found tremendously important to consider anytime I go to recreate a feeling of “home” in a new place…

1) Closet Organization

I wish I had known this 20 years ago. The common setup of 1 top shelf & 1 hanging rod is SO INEFFICIENT! There is such sacred space that’s being forfeited underneath the hanging clothes… Challenge yourself to get creative. Each person’s needs differ (ie. some have more shoes than clothes, or some have more things they prefer hung than folded, etc.), but see how you can reconfigure your closet to become more functional. By adding in a small set of drawers or shelves, or a pre-built dresser, entering into your closet can suddenly become a fun experience because everything feels more accessible. And, it doesn’t require you to spend thousands on custom built-ins. (If space permits, yes of course add a dresser or other storage capabilities in the main living areas, but closets can be far better maximized when attention is given to how it’s being used/how it can be better arranged.)

2) Lighting

Often rentals offer very poor lighting options - either harsh LED’s, no dimmer switches, or just terrible ceiling fixtures that put out no light at all… Invest in bulbs, lamps & dimmers and supplement wherever you can. Soft warm lighting can make even the most dingy rental feel homey and relaxing.

3) Art

I understand the hesitation to hang stuff on the walls because it requires you to either know what you’re doing with respect to hanging the pieces, and/or patch holes at the end. Options: 1) hire a handyman (TaskRabbit makes this SO easy and affordable), 2) it’s worth it. Pieces of art, decor or mirrors truly hung on the wall is such an adult move… it will make you feel proud!

4) Curtains

Also an adult move. Curtains are like the icing on the cake, or a pretty accessory to match a great outfit. Often rentals have cheap blinds or just stark un-dressed windows. Curtains add privacy and a heightened level of decor… and they can be found pretty inexpensively, too. If you’re not into curtains, skip this :)

5) Furniture

It’s easy to create a hodgepodge look when you’re furnishing a rental, because (understandably) you seek out cheap pieces that can work in the moment. But rather than gravitating toward the least expensive, try sourcing pieces that you truly love and that go together. Yes, the goal is to have them fit the uniqueness of the space you’re currently in, but wouldn’t it be great if you could repurpose it longer term? Therefore seek out pieces that feel true to your personal style, that you like well enough to want to work with them/build them in somehow in a future place. Investment pieces are never a bad idea - if you truly love them.

6) Paint and/or Removable Wallpaper

Updating the walls to become a color or pattern that is soothing/appealing to you is a quick way to make the space feel like your own. *Assuming you’re operating within the terms of your lease!*

And, quick plug for my services - I’m here to help you, and I would LOVE to help you make the most of your space for the time you live there… because there’s nothing better than feeling like it’s yours. Click here to learn more about my design consulting services.

Until next time,

LG

A few shoppable resources to illustrate these ideas…