Good news renters and small-space dwellers, the winners of Real Homes' So Chic Awards 2024 are here.

The competition was dreamt up so we could help our readers find the best and chicest furniture, appliances, decor, gadgets, home fragrances, and cleaning products for your small space. Whether you live in a compact apartment, small house, minuscule dorm, or an actual tiny home, these picks are just as functional as they are stylish.

We've browsed through tons of applications and determined that these winners are worthy of taking up space in your home — no matter how tiny.

Meet the winning products of the 2024 So Chic Awards

Below, you'll find the winner of each of our categories and why it's worthy of a So Chic Award. Our main judging criteria were:

• Functional: We want products that last and work really well. In small spaces, there isn’t much room to waste on picks that don’t work. We love multipurpose products and items that are top-rated at what they do.
• Stylish: Just because something helps you out around your home doesn’t mean it can’t be cute! We value products that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are effective.
• Affordable: Don’t get us wrong, we love splurging sometimes, but we get what it’s like trying to stick to a serious budget. Products should be affordable for readers just starting out, still living at home, or trying to save their cash.
• Sustainable: The planet really matters to us, and one of our pillars at Real Homes is sustainability. Our judges scoped out picks that make a difference, whether that’s through the product, packaging, or company efforts.

Best Luxe Mattress

WINNER: Helix Midnight Luxe

Sleep on a cloud with this luxurious pick from Helix. Loved by customers and reviewers alike, this top-of-the-line mattress combines pressure-relieving memory foam with durable steel coils. Finished off with a premium pillow top, you'll really feel the difference in lumbar support. You can feel safe when purchasing as it comes with a 100-night sleep trial.

Best Hybrid Mattress

WINNER: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Not sure if you're looking for a coiled mattress or memory foam? This cozy hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding ensures you get the best of both worlds. The high-density foam and premium steel coils are assembled in-house and layered under a breathable quilted top. The bed-in-a-box delivery includes free shipping, a 120-night trial, and a 10-year warranty.

Best Pillow

WINNER: Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow

With 4.8 stars and over 14,000 reviews, this hybrid pillow from Panda is a real revelation. This orthopedic-grade pillow is made with unique bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam which contours to your sleeping position. It's also filled with Active O2 Micro-pods™ which enhance breathability throughout the night.

Best Mattress topper

WINNER: Nolah Mattress Topper

Add some extra comfort to your bed with a comfy mattress topper, like this highly-rated option from Nolah. We were impressed by the premium AirFoam™️ technology which promises to be 300% more durable and dissipate heat 20% faster than traditional memory foam.

Best Comforter

WINNER: Sleepy's Signature Cloud Puffer Comforter

Dive into this light and fluffy comforter for best nights sleep. Our judging panel liked how full this comforter is, with 300 grams per square meter polyester fill. The microfiber fabric is soft to the touch and is available in cool gray, warm beige, and sage green.

Best Bedding

WINNER: The Company Store Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set

Turn your room into a luxe hotel with this sheet set from The Company Store. Made with 100% combed cotton percale, these 300-thread count sheets feel crisp and cool. Our panel appreciated how many colorways are available with everything from rich blues to pastel pinks.

Best in Bedroom

WINNER: Zinus Linda Wood Platform Bed Frame

Made from solid wood, this platform bed frame from Zinus is a pretty great option for small space dwellers. You don't need a box spring so you can save yourself an additional purchase. The Real Homes team appreciates that it is delivered in one compact, easy-to-maneuver box. Plus, it's easy to assemble in under an hour and tools are included.

Best in Cleaning

WINNER: Dyson WashG1

Dyson is back with yet another fan-favorite machine. This high-tech floor cleaner removes both wet and dry debris in one go, for your easiest Sunday reset ever. It covers up to 290sqm with one tank and is easy to maneuver around the house as it effortlessly glides under furniture. 

Best in Fragrance

WINNER: Voluspa Classic Candle Refill - California Summers

Say goodbye to buying bulky candles over and over again, wasting bulky packaging. This clever candle refill from Voluspa cuts back on waste and is easy to use. Just pop it into place and start burning. Our panel loved the fresh summery scent.

Best in Furniture

WINNER: Zinus Luca Reversible Chaise Sectional Sofa

Stuck in a small apartment with awkward spaces? This sectional sofa from Zinus is the perfect solution as you can customize the layout to a design that fits your needs. It's easy to assemble with four modular components- simply secure the brackets into place, no tools needed. 

Best in Kitchen

WINNER: Terra Kaffe TK-02

Our panel approves of this sleek automatic espresso maker from Terra Kaffe. Not only does it look stunning, it's just as practical as it is stylish. With both hot and cold drink options, this machine makes all kinds of espresso and drip coffee drinks. Plus, it comes with a heating element that can handle any type of milk from dairy to plant-based.

Best in Bathroom

WINNER: Sutera Stone Bath Mat

Say goodbye to set bathroom floors with this clever stone bath mat from Sutera. Made with 100% top-grade Diatomaceous Earth, the material absorbs all water after getting out of the shower - an essential if you're sharing a bathroom with roommates. It's also slip-resistant for extra safety.

Best in Outdoor

WINNER: Enbrighten Eternity Lights

Make the holidays easier with these handy outdoor lights from Enbrighten. Our panel with these powerful LED lights that can be controlled with a Smart App. Choose from millions of color combinations, modes, and effects, plus set them to a specific schedule or automation.

Will landscaping increase home value? If you're thinking about selling your home, you may be considering how the outdoor space will factor into your valuation, and how much of a bearing it has.

There are plenty of landscaping additions you can make to your front and backyards to improve the look of your home. But will it make a major difference when it comes to the overall value?

We asked gardening and realty experts for their thoughts, plus the best backyard landscaping tips to give your garden a makeover.

Can landscaping increase home value?

Excited to try some low-maintenance garden ideas for a stand-out display? When it comes to the warmer months, it's tempting to transform your outdoor space into a summery oasis. Maybe even grow a cottage garden? But before you break out the hedge clippers, you may want to think about the resale value down the road. Will landscaping projects increase what your home is worth?

"I've been in the landscaping business for over three decades and I can confidently say that well-executed landscaping does increase home value significantly," says Scott McLeod, owner of McLeod Landscaping Inc. 

"Enhancements such as a lush lawn, thoughtfully designed garden beds, and functional hardscape elements like patios and walkways can add curb appeal and make a strong first impression on prospective buyers. Specifically, well-maintained landscaping can boost a home's value by 5% to 15%, depending on the quality and extent of the work," says Scott.

Improving the look of the house from street level with front yard landscaping ideas can have a major impact. Neglecting this space can turn off would-be buyers if they notice a dying lawn. 

"A well-manicured lawn can increase the perceived value of a property by up to 10%. This is because a lush, green lawn can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, making potential buyers feel more comfortable and inclined to make an offer. Conversely, a neglected or overgrown lawn can be a major turn-off, potentially reducing the property's value by as much as 5%," says Itay Simchi, founder of Proven House Buyers.

Overall, most potential buyers take the front and back yards into consideration when purchasing a home. 

"A study by the National Gardening Association found that 85% of homeowners reported that their garden or yard was an important factor in their decision to buy or sell a home," says Italy.

Landscaping projects to try

So what can you do to improve the look of your yard and attract potential buyers? The good news is there are plenty of DIY landscaping ideas that you can pull off without professional help, from installing a fire pit (this fire pit from Wayfair is well-loved by customers with 4.5 stars and over 1,000 reviews) to building your own planters. 

You can even embrace some tropical landscaping ideas with vibrant flowers and leafy palms. But overall, buyers will look for classic additions that add value, not take away from it. 

"I highly recommend simple improvements like adding colorful flowers or trimming overgrown shrubs and a deck or patio surrounded by lush greenery to boost the value of your home. It shows that the property has been well-cared for and is move-in ready, which can be a major selling point for buyers," says Alex Locklear, a realtor and the founder of NC Cash Homebuyers.

Adding a dining or seating area with outdoor furniture to your backyard is also a great idea for attracting buyers. You don't even have to splash out on pricey furniture — you can snag a whole dining set from Walmart for under $125, complete with a table, umbrella, and four chairs. 

"Features like patios, decks, and fire pits add value to a property and provide additional living space for potential buyers. I recently had a client who was able to sell their home for $10,000 more than the initial asking price due to the addition of a well-designed outdoor living space. It not only increased the aesthetic appeal but also made the property more functional and desirable," says Alex.

But before you get carried away with backyard ideas, make sure you're not installing anything that might incidentally turn people away. "There's a fine line between assets and hindrances when it comes to landscaping's impact. You'll want to avoid anything that could be interpreted as high-maintenance or requiring really specialized care and costs, like overbuilt koi ponds or exotic plants and trees unsuited for our climate," says Rachel Stringer, professional realtor at Raleigh Realty.

Add a few touches while avoiding anything too difficult to take care of is the perfect middle ground for perspective buyers. "The sweet spot is focusing on regional plants and greenery that are relatively low-fuss, yet establish that highly-valued sense of lush, peaceful sanctuary," says Rachel. Knowing which gardening zone you're in can help when choosing which plants to add to your space.

Renting your first apartment can be an overwhelming experience. It’s hard to know where to start your rental search, how to budget for a big move, and all of the red flags to look out for when you view an apartment for rent.

But these five tips straight from the Real Homes team, which collectively has a whopping 33 years renting experience (with glowing landlord references to prove it) will help ease you from living at home with family, or a dorm with friends, to full-on apartment living successfully.

Think of us as your Real Homes big sisters, here to help you with everything from budgeting tips, finding your first apartment, watching out for rogue landlords, and once you’ve secured your first big city home, advice on where to save, and when to splurge when decorating your first apartment.

Essentials when renting your first apartments

Renting means preparing for the worst and hoping for the best in your new small home. Whilst we have a fix to boost terrible water pressure (our best high pressure shower head guide will save your sanity), it's our combined real-life rental knowledge and experience across more than 20 rental apartments (and three countries) that'll help the most.

Where we have recommended any specific products, we have detailed why we recommenced our highly-rated picks from trusted retailers so you can decide best where to splurge or save.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

1. Budgeting well is key

I wish I knew I’d be lumbered with yet another twin bed for my first year outside of dorms because I made poor budgeting decisions — cue the tiny violin — but now I've learned that lesson the hard way, I won't make it again.

Whilst we're not financial advisors, the wider Real Homes team has years of renting experience between us and we can offer sage advice on how to avoid rental scams, as well as budgeting smartly for your apartment furniture essentials. 

Before you commence your apartment search, think about your rental budget and how much you can realistically afford to spend on living expenses each month, which will include utility bills, grocery costs, and transportation.

Don’t forget to take into account an initial security deposit. Most landlords will require this fully refundable upfront payment to secure your apartment and its purpose is to cover any damages that may occur during your tenancy. Expect to cough up between one and two months worth of rent in addition to your usual monthly rental cost.

If your new pad comes unfurnished, keep the added cost of furniture in mind. We’ve got plenty of recommendations for the very best couches for small apartments, as well as Amazon's best budget friendly bed frames.

In fact, Amazon is a great place to shop for home furnishings as they offer a speedy delivery service and refunds are simple if you make any pesky measuring mistakes or simply, hate the item when it arrives. With plenty of sales, including Amazon Prime Day 2024 approaching in July, big ticket furniture items from the retailer are a sound choice.

Real Homes editor Punteha van Terheyden furnished her first apartment from scratch. She says, "I was moving out of my parents' home and in with my boyfriend and had a lead time of six months. The first thing I did was make a comprehensive list of what furniture, appliances and other items we had between us, including our bedroom and dining furniture and decided what we'd keep or sell.

"Then, I started a room-by-room list, made wish-lists of items I wanted compiled with plenty of time spent reading customer reviews, and figured out the budget we had between us for everything we needed."

Punteha signed up to retailer newsletters and as soon as their flash or seasonal sales popped into her inbox, used her allocated budget for shopping to grab the things she and her partner needed at discount.

She adds, "Over those six months, I stashed all my buys in a family' member's spare room and attic so by the time we came to moving in, we had absolutely everything we needed!"

Her top tip when compiling your furnishings list is to pick the best cookware you can afford as it really makes a difference and will save you having to replace them every six to 12 months like she did at the outset.

If you don't have months of prep time, don't fret. Emily Lambe, deputy editor at Real Homes, didn’t just move to a bustling city, but an entirely new country, and is uniquely qualified to comment on finding and furnishing a home in an entirely new place.

She says, “It was a bit overwhelming to start completely from scratch. All I had with me were the clothes and personal items I brought with me, so getting everything I needed for my first apartment took time. Don’t be in a rush to buy everything all at once. If you panic buy everything in one go, you may regret your choices down the road, once you have a little more budget to work with. Just get the absolute necessities and work your way up.”

It’s also a good idea to get a feel for the place before going all-in when buying furniture and decor. “I bought a set of garden furniture and used that in my living room for three months,” says Eve Smallman, content editor at Real Homes.

“By doing this, I was able to assess what furniture I felt would be useful in the space. This also allowed me to take my time kitting it out with essentials and finishing touches. Enjoy the journey, rather than rushing getting everything at once!” she adds.

I am personally an avid cook so kitting my kitchen out with essentials when I moved was a major priority (and, perhaps, some non-essentials. Hello Kitchen-Aid stand mixer, my beloved). 

I agree that quality cookware is a sound investment. My first choice is the Hexclad frying pan, available on Amazon, because, not only is it a highly rated non-stick piece of equipment, but it’s both dishwasher and oven safe due to its metal handle.

It's also a good idea to make sure you have all the utensils you need to cook, such as grabbing a set like the Staub 11-Piece Silicone & Wood Handle Cooking Utensil Set from Saks.

2. Old buildings can be problematic

Punteha's biggest apartment renting surprise was how much living in an old building became a nuisance for energy costs, and decorating.

She says, "My first apartment was in a drafty old city flat, first built in the 1920s. It was spacious because of the design period, but it was a bit damp, the air always a bit humid, and the windows not double-glazed.

“That made our laundry hard to dry (we ended up buying a dryer which isn't standard in UK homes), and our heating bill was immense. If I'd known that, I wouldn't have moved in, to be honest. It was a daily battle with condensation around the windows, and the plaster on the walls was crumbly so we couldn't hang things on the wall of our apartment unless using command strips from Amazon."

Personally, I think eclectic artwork is a fantastic way to personalize your space. This can be achieved via various gallery wall ideas or simple, framed statement posters, which are secured to walls damage free.

Command strips are super simple to use, don’t require any tools, and can be easily removed without damaging walls when you move out. Genius. If you’re still worried about adorning your walls, Punteha had the smart solution of utilizing shelving. 

“I had freestanding renter-friendly shelving units and storage units where I popped lots of photo frames filled with pictures of both of our loved ones,” she says.

As well as bigger storage units, making sure you have smaller ones for dry foods and miscellaneous items, such as the ZWilling J.A. Henckels Fresh & Save Assorted 3-Piece Glass Vacuum Box Set from Saks.

3. Finding your apartment

Once you’ve finalized your budget, we recommend using reputable websites to find your first city apartment. This is your safest bet for avoiding scams and swerving unsatisfactory housing conditions. 

Most sites have pretty fantastic search parameters, where you can specify your chosen apartment necessities. This ranges from your selected neighborhoods and minimum and maximum budget, as well as any non-negotiable requirements you may have, such as in-unit laundry facilities, and the number of bedrooms from a studio apartment and beyond. 

From here, scope out the market, readjust your priorities if your budget doesn’t stretch as far as you’d hoped, and create a shortlist of places you can see yourself living in.

4. How to find roommates

Living with roommates is a great way to make friends in a brand new big city, plus, sharing a space saves a little cash each month. In major US cities, particularly New York and Los Angeles, monthly rental costs have been ever-increasing and living solo has been an ever-decreasing experience for those in their 20s looking to rent a first apartment. 

Using reputable websites like spareroom.com and diggz.co will help you if you’re moving to a new city for work and perhaps you don’t know anyone yet, whilst simultaneously avoiding potentially dangerous renter scams with their vetted profiles. 

Instagram and Facebook will also be your new partners in crime; searching for roommates in localized groups, such as @friendzny and Los Angeles Roommates, is an amazing way to communicate with like-minded people, often offering opportunities for both long and short-term lets and sublets. 

These social media renter platforms exist for a ton of major cities, including, but not limited to; Boston, Chicago, Austin, and Seattle, and can even be as specific as particular neighborhoods.

If you do have the financial means to rent your own space, you’ll benefit from the sole use of your communal space and the ability to decorate your apartment, with renter-friendly DIY fixes, of course, to your personal taste.

However, if you don’t, I had an incredible experience living with pals during my first big-city rental experience. When I was looking for a new place to call home, I buddied up with two friends from my freshman dorm and we then shared a three-bedroom home for a year. We did not have the budget to decorate our space ourselves and made do with landlord-provided furniture but, boy, did we have a lot of fun. 

Eve Smallman, content editor for Real Homes, found her roommates online after living in dorms. “I used online site Spareroom to find a — you guessed it — spare room in a house share.”

She continues, “At every viewing I made sure to meet a couple of the housemates in order to get a feel for the vibe in the house and make sure I’d be comfortable living there.”

Throughout my 20s, I have lived on my own and with roommates. There are certainly pros and cons to both — not least bickering about whose turn it is to take out the trash — but, personally, I would choose roommates every time as I love the feeling of a busy home and the chatter that comes with it. This isn’t always the case, though.

“I live in a quiet, one bedroom apartment with my partner and find the cozy atmosphere really calming," says Emily. "While less space to work with can be a drawback, having less people in the house means we can really make it our own and settle in."

5. Attending viewings, signing contracts, and getting the keys

Searching for an apartment within your budget is one thing, but actually securing an apartment in a big city is quite the other. The rental market in metropolitan hubs is fast-paced, cut-throat, and, at times, demoralizing (remember: we've been there and are proof it all comes together in the end). 

As soon as you spot a new apartment listing online, contact the realtor or individual listing the room as soon as possible. If you already think that life moves quickly in cities, times that speed by 100 for the rental market. 

It’s imperative that you keep checking your chosen rental portals every single day and arrange your viewings, whether they are virtual or in person, as soon as possible. 

Punteha advises that when she was searching for her two-bedroom apartment to have space to welcome guests, she would schedule between 10 and 20 viewings to attend in one go within a couple mile radius for when she had time off work or over the weekend. 

“It was exhausting but so productive as it quickly helped us rule areas, styles, and essential apartment features in and out,” she explains. “We also did a mix of big real estate agent bookings, and small-family run independent realtors who had access to cool listings exclusive to them. "

Punteha ended up finding her first apartment through an independent agent recommended by a local friend. "He agreed to give us first refusal on new listings," she says, "and we signed our apartment up before it went online, helping us beat the gazumping madness." 

Prepare yourself to get knocked back, offer more than the asking price, and line up with hoards of other hopefuls at an open house viewing, all with one goal: securing the very same tenancy as you. 

When you’re viewing a potential new pad, keep an apartment inspection checklist of red flags to look out for, which should dissuade you from placing an offer. Check out the shower. How is the water pressure? Are there any signs of damp or pre-existing damage? Or does the landlord seem a little shifty about contracts? 

Emily advises, “Make sure you’re able to give the apartment a thorough viewing before putting a deposit down. Go around and photograph everything and take note of anything that may look out of place like a chipped door or loose handle. Always get everything in writing and keep a record of any changes made to the apartment."

Eve adds, "I rented my property in a very competitive area, so I was keen to say yes to the house as soon as I could. That being said, I still took my time asking the estate agent the history of the property and any issues the landlord had experienced while renovating. If you ask any questions and are given vague or unrealistic answers, it’s definitely best to move on and find somewhere else."

Once you’ve found your dream pad, your offer has been accepted, and there are no signs of any potential rental issues, it’s time for contracts.

It’s essential to have a tenancy agreement in place, outlining the cost per month, length of your tenancy, pet policy, and eviction or leaving notice periods. Be sure that the contract includes every person who will be living in the household so that you can all sign on the dotted line — this step is vital in the rare case that there should be a legal dispute between yourselves or the landlord later down the line.

So, your contract is now signed, sealed, and delivered to your new landlord. Guess what that means? You’ve made it!

The relief I felt at this stage of the first-time rental process was unmatched by anything I’d felt before. Whether your path to securing the keys was via countless roommate interviews, online viewings, or in-person open houses, it’ll likely feel the same. This experience certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, so raise a glass to your success. But don’t get too comfortable, it’s time for the much sweeter task of planning your interior decor choices, getting ready with that moving-in checklist and learning how to decorate your new apartment on a budget.

You may need a checklist for moving into a first house if you've found your dream home and want to know exactly what you might need.

We've asked cleaning and moving experts what they recommend grabbing. From cleaning products to fab furniture, there are many items you may not have thought about. 

If you're looking to remove house moving stress, getting all the essentials you need will certainly take some of your worries away.

Your checklist for moving into a first house

One of our top apartment moving tips is having a checklist of essentials. This will especially come in useful if you're moving into a new place.

“The first thing I tell first-time buyers all the time is not to rush out and buy a bunch of stuff to fill up their new space,” says Ryan Carrigan, CEO and co-founder of MoveBuddha.

He continues, “As long as you have the basics covered, take your time in decorating and figuring out what you might find is a whole new style and aesthetic for you.”

We have rounded up useful buys throughout, so you can get started on ticking off your list ASAP.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article. 

Cleaning checklist for moving into a first house

Picking out the best cleaning products is an absolute must when creating a checklist for moving into a first house. 

“They ensure that you start with a fresh, clean slate, eliminating any traces of the previous occupants and making your space truly yours,” explains Vanessa Terra Bossart, cleaning expert and founder of Green Terra Cleaning.

She continues, “From scrubbing away dust and grime to sanitizing surfaces, these products lay the foundation for a hygienic living environment.”

Cleaning checklist

• Vacuum: the Bissell Featherweight Stick from Amazon is highly-rated.
• Disinfectant spray: look for one that can kill viruses, such as the Lysol Disinfectant Spray from Walmart.
• Mop: the Swiffer PowerMop from Amazon is a best seller and one of the best mops.
• Cleaning cloths: the Homexcel Microfiber Cloths from Amazon have over 17,000 five-star reviews.
• Sponges: the Scotbrite Sponges from Walmart are heavy-duty.
• Duster: we like that the Uppercut Microfiber Duster from Amazon comes with multiple different heads.
• Kitchen trash can: the Amazon Basics Trash Can has a 5-liter capacity.

Furniture checklist for moving into a first house

While having a couple of first days sitting on floor throw pillows can be fun, you’re going to want supportive furniture long term.

Vanessa explains, “Furniture is not just about filling up space — it's about creating a comfortable and functional living environment.”

She continues, “Your couch becomes the centerpiece of cozy movie nights, your bed offers a sanctuary for restful sleep, and your dining table becomes a gathering place for shared meals and memories.”

Planning your furniture will ensure that you have everything you need to make your house feel like home from day one. 

Be sure to carefully select pieces that reflect your style and personality, so you can create a comfortable and inviting living space.

Furniture checklist

• Couch: the Comhoma couch from Walmart is budget-friendly and ultra-comfy.
• Coffee table: look for lift-top coffee tables, such as the Millwood Pines Eoghan Coffee Table from Wayfair.
• Dining table and chairs: the Lofka Kitchen Tables and Chairs from Walmart are so chic.
• Bed: we like the Latitude Run Suhavi Contemporary Bed from Wayfair, as do over 16,000 shoppers.
• Bedding: while this isn't a furniture piece, you'll need the best sheets, the best pillows, and one of the best mattresses for your bed.
• Wardrobe: go for a neutral-colored one, like the Prepac Armoir from Amazon.
• Nightstand: some come with chargers pre-built in, like the Khljju Nightstand from Amazon.

Storage checklist for moving into a first house

Once all your clothes and items are out of boxes, you’re going to need somewhere more permanent to place them all.

Vanessa says, “Storage solutions are the unsung heroes of a well-organized home. They provide a place for everything, from books and knick-knacks to linens and kitchenware.”

She continues, “Planning for storage options allows you to maximize every square inch of your home, ensuring that there's a designated spot for all your belongings and keeping your living areas neat and orderly.”

Some of Vanessa’s top products include storage ottomans, wall shelves for your favorite items, and cabinets for hiding away clutter.

Storage checklist

• Shelves: pick a versatile piece, such as the Trent Austin Design Chiasson Shelf from Wayfair.
• Wall shelves: try to find ones made from reclaimed wood, like the Gracie Oaks Joao Shelves from Wayfair.
• Cabinets: the Sauder Storage Cabinet from Walmart will work in the living area, kitchen, and bedroom.
• Storage boxes: go for spacious ones, like the Iris USA boxes from Target.
• Food containers: the Rubbermaid 42-piece set from Amazon has over 80,000 (yes, really!) five-star reviews.
• Under-bed boxes: for example, the Budding Joy Storage Containers from Amazon are great all-rounders.
• Storage ottoman: the Songmics storage ottoman from Walmart comes in eight different colors.

Keep your checklist for a first home in mind when scouting out items and you’re sure to end up with everything you actually need.

“Take your time and don’t make the mistake of rushing to buy things you don’t need straight away,” Ryan finishes by saying.

If it’s an smaller home you’re moving to, you may find this apartment move-in checklist useful instead.

If you have yet to become acquainted with Emma Roberts' dolls — Leggy Jill, Blythe, Drunk Cowgirl Barbie — you are missing the best part of her self-described "storybook" Los Angeles home. 

The actor and Belletrist founder recently welcomed Architectural Digest into her Pierce & Ward-styled abode, and virtual visitors swooned over Emma's cozy, chic living room with calming neutrals, deep burgundy accent chairs, floral touches...and the unexpected doll collection next to her desk. 

By far one of the most creative small living room office ideas, Emma's bookshelf of "dolly kins" has become a viral sensation overnight, so we asked designers how to create a dolly aesthetic of our own. 

See Emma Roberts' dolls — and style your own collection to match

Charming or creepy, depending on who you ask, the ample collection puts a unique, retro spin on Barbiecore. Not the typical buys from the toy aisle, Emma's plastic pals are likely fun comic book store collectibles or secondhand store finds, according to Real Homes staff writer Eve Smallman.

If you've already assembled a small bevy of dolls like Emma, including some that have a whimsigoth decor edge, others with an antique twist, and others that are plain old hot messes (we're looking at you, Drunk Cowgirl Barbie.), we know exactly where you can start with displaying your collection.

1. Choose an aesthetic

"Decide on the theme or vibe you want to convey, whether it's vintage, eclectic, or whimsical, and choose dolls that reflect this aesthetic," suggests designer Nina Lichtenstein. "Mix and match different types of dolls, such as vintage porcelain dolls, handmade cloth dolls, or modern art dolls, to create an intriguing and cohesive display."

Just like when you look for easy upgrades for a small living room, you'll want a mixture of fabrics, the same way you'd opt for a variety of dollies. 

"Look for dolls with interesting features, unique costumes, or historical significance," Nina adds. "Pay attention to details such as scale, color palette, and overall composition to create a visually appealing arrangement."

2. Find a good display area

The next step is finding a suitable area to display them. Emma has creatively chosen to place her dolls next to her desk and mood board, adding a statement-maker to her makeshift office area.

"Consider placing [your display] on a dedicated shelf, mantelpiece, or in a glass cabinet to protect the dolls from dust and direct sunlight," Nina adds. "Position the display in a prominent yet harmonious location where it can serve as a focal point without overpowering the surrounding decor."

Peruse our favorite cute bookshelves for small spaces to display your toys. If you really want to add to the charm, you can select a shelf from an antique store or build a bookshelf of your own. 

3. Add personal touches

What works particularly well about Emma's collection is that there are personal stories and meaning behind each find. Up the ante with heirlooms and the like. 

"Incorporate decorative elements such as framed artwork, floral arrangements, or vintage books to enhance the overall ambiance," Nina adds. "Consider displaying family heirlooms or personal mementos alongside the dolls to create a personalized and meaningful vignette."

If you're one for home DIY project ideas, why not take things back to yesteryear and dress your dollies?

"You could even give them a makeover, dressing them up in outfits to match your home decor," Eve suggests. "Hey, who said you're too old for that?"

Meet our experts

Looking for more ways to spice up your collectibles? Learn more about bookshelf wealth and creative, unique ways to style your books, dolls, heirlooms, and beyond.

Suki Waterhouse's cozy studio is a great place to kick back and let endless inspiration flow. 

The model, musician, and first-time mom was photographed in a retro, boho space with a guitar by her side, and as a result, creative types like yourself might be in search of similar styles. 

Small office ideas like Suki's are fun yet productive, and it's important to strike a balance between the two. We asked a designer how you can achieve the retro aesthetic and stay on your A-game artistically. 

See inside Suki Waterhouse's cozy studio

Curious how to feel motivated in a small office like Suki? The key is to have a place where you can be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you start to doze. Case in point: the velvet sofa. 

"It's essential to strike a balance between opulence and comfort," designer Nina Lichtenstein says when discussing Suki Waterhouse's cozy studio. "Start by choosing a velvet couch in a rich jewel tone, such as emerald green or deep navy, to create a focal point in the room."

Wayfair's Liano Velvet Sofa in Goldenrod Velvet or the Bonrcea Modern Sofa Tufted Couch on Amazon are both solid jumping-off points for achieving what Nina refers to as "eclectic charm." (Psst: here's how to clean a velvet couch, according to the pros.)

"Pair [your couch] with plush throw pillows in complementary colors and textures to add depth and visual interest," she adds. "To enhance the luxurious feel, accessorize with metallic accents and soft, ambient lighting."

And to keep the inspo flowing, Nina recommends sentimental accents.

"Personalize the space with artwork, photographs, and meaningful objects that inspire creativity and reflect your unique style," she says. "Maximize natural light and incorporate plenty of greenery to foster a sense of tranquility and inspiration."

However, looks will only take you so far when it comes to making over a small office à la Suki. You need to have furniture that will help you stay focused and small office storage ideas are necessities. Something like the Industrial Charm Utility Cart with Wheels from Wayfair will keep your creative ideas in place and clutter-free. Don't forget to add things like a versatile desk or ergonomic chair, either. 

What to shop

If Suki Waterhouse's cozy studio is your jam, these pieces will help channel a similar look.

Trying to find more easy small office upgrades and small studio upgrades? We asked the experts: here are seven ways to zhuzh up your WFH and creative space,  according to the pros. 

Lindsay Lohan has returned to Hollywood with new releases like Netflix's Irish Wish (and the forthcoming Freaky Friday 2) but the star's base is along Kite Beach in Dubai, where she embraces coastal luxury to the fullest.

The actor and new mom relocated to the United Arab Emirates roughly 10 years ago, but every so often, we catch a glimpse of her elegant yet relaxed four-bedroom villa on social media and can't help but fall for the actor's style. 

If you're attracted to coastal decor but want to take the look in a modern direction, you can make it happen à la Lindsay Lohan courtesy of help from our expert designer. 

Lindsay Lohan at home

Whether you're toying around with small living room ideas or perhaps nursery ideas, Lilo's breezy sanctuary, which comes from the mastermind Kate Instone of Blush International, will inspire you to venture seaside. According to our expert designer Nina Lichtenstein, there are some basics to cover if you want to nail this look. 

"Embrace a neutral color palette, incorporating shades of whites, creams, and beiges as the base," she says. "Introduce pops of serene blue tones inspired by the coastal waters. This creates a calming and sophisticated ambiance."

Ruggable's Celestine Soft Blue Rug is a baby blue floral find with foggy-colored undertones and could be a great place to start, as is Mistana's Abby Geometric Hand Knotted Wool Rug on Wayfair. From there, bring in the neutrals with the furniture and sprinkle your home with wood and other natural elements to accent the aesthetic. Above all, keep your space decluttered and embrace the natural light with some of our favorite small living room curtain ideas, the way Lindsay Lohan does in her (slightly larger) space. 

"An open area layout that maximizes natural light and sheer window treatment can foster a bright and breezy atmosphere," Nina adds. 

But if you take a look at Lilo's living room and neighboring dining room chairs below, which have all made their way to Instagram, you'll notice a modern touch elevates the space, but it still feels homey, something she mentions during her house tour in The National News. It's "coastal calm," but with a hint of luxe. 

If you're going to go the small modern living room route, even with a coastal influence, you have to be mindful of shape and textures of the pieces you're working with. 

"Think about curved sofas, round coffee tables, irregular shaped accent chairs — they mimic the fluidity of a coastal landscape," Nina notes. "You can balance structured pieces with soft flowing lines to make a coastal and dynamic inspired space."

And perhaps what Lindsay Lohan's space does best is add unexpected accents, like her mix media wall art.

What to shop

Want to take the coastal look in a different direction? We've rounded up our favorite coastal cowgirl buys to help inspire you. Yeehaw! 

Maude Apatow's apartment tour in Architectural Digest wowed us from the get-go, quite literally. 

From the moment we (virtually) stepped into the pink, feminine entryway of her New York City home, we fell in love. There seemed to be plenty of breathing room, as far as Manhattan apartment standards go, yet the Euphoria star decided not to overcrowd the foyer. Instead, she opted to let the wallpaper do the talking, which makes perfect sense. 

If you're playing with small entryway ideas for your own space, we highly suggest using Maude's digs as your guide. 

Maude Apatow's apartment tour

New York is a concrete jungle, but all those with a green thumb will appreciate Maude's pink botanical wallpaper, which is accompanied by a brass mirror and a simple light fixture. It's a minimalist entryway, despite the intricate pattern, but the combination works perfectly. 

"I like the contrast from being in New York, things are kind of hectic, and the second I get into my apartment, I'm like, 'Ah, I can decompress,'" the actor says. "I feel relaxed when I walk inside. I think that was probably my main goal."

According to designers, Maude nails the latest small entryway mirror trend by opting for an oval selection. Ricky Allen, interior designer and director of Ever Wallpaper, told Real Homes' Eve Smallman that it "adds a touch of elegance and softness to the overall look."

Likewise, the wallpaper nails a small entryway decor trend by staying away from solids and giving the walls some flair. Ivo Iv, a home improvement expert and founder of Decor Home Ideas, told Eve that "a fun pattern on the walls could help define the space," which is certainly the case in this pink dream. (If you're a renter, you're going to want to stick with the peel-and-stick wallpaper route.)

Shop the look

Searching for the perfect way to greet your guests? We asked interior designers about the small entryway trends you need to try in 2024, and we have a feeling you'll find it hard to narrow down one pick.

Want to ace Cottagecore 101? The new Bryce Dallas Howard house tour proves she has effortlessly mastered the aesthetic, and you can recreate her gorgeous decor. 

The actor's Architectural Digest cameo showcases her inviting, floral, New York home in all of its glory. From the moment she opens her baby-blue front door, we're swept into a delicate and whimsical dream, complete with Wes Anderson-inspired hues, natural elements, and vintage accents. 

Now that we have the wholesome cottagecore on the brain, we asked one of our expert interior designers how to embrace the look as a small space interior design trend for 2024. 

What we love about Bryce Dallas Howard house tour

"I love the romantic feel," interior designer Nicole Cullum says of Bryce's home. 

One of this year's small space color trends is all about the fun pastels, like we see in the Argyle actor's space, from her blue entryway to mint window panes and baby pink dining room. Nicole recommends starting with a solid color and layering with prints and delicate accents from there. 

"Yes, it’s about layering, yes it’s about adding beauty [but] balance is key," she adds. 

To find that balance, pick and choose what's important and work with groups of threes.

"It’s about being collected and only using things that are special to you," she says. "It’s a very romantic look, but it needs to look like it’s carefully curated.”

Pay attention to detail. You'll want to add Grandma's knit throw onto your storage ottoman, but you don't want any element to feel forced. And don't feel obligated to have everything perfectly aligned. 

"A beginner mistake is that people lean towards symmetry and it looks really static and stale because you’ll just have pairs of things everywhere," Nicole says. "It’s about varying each shelf as its own moment, and leaving a place for your eyes to rest."

What to shop

Whether you're scoping out small-kitchen must-haves or living room essentials, there are a few things to keep in mind when embracing this feminine look. 

"With cottagecore, there’s a whimsy to it," Nicole says. "There’s a vintage romantic feel that you’re trying to capture and you do that with ceramics, natural woods, vintage pieces and textiles. If you layer pattern on patter, you get a more refined cottagecore feel."

These pieces carefully selected by our expert shoppers will help you get started with the style.

If you love cottagecore but want to go a little darker, try her edgier older sister, dark cottagecore, which gives the beloved whimsical style a gothic remix.

If you're looking for cozy and elegant, home inspiration, Tan France's guest cottage has it all. In a tour with Architectural Digest, Tan walked through the process of designing it, and let's just say, he gives his Queer Eye castmate Bobby Berk a run for his money.

Tan usually stays on the fashion side of the makeover show's transformations, but with Bobby set to leave the show, Tan has absolutely proved he's prime for the interiors slot, too. We've spoken to design experts to find out why his guest cottage style is on point, and picked out shoppable buys to match his decor.

For those looking for small space interior design ideas, Tan's place is filled with contemporary colors, textures, and finishing touches that make us swoon. As the Queer Eye theme tune goes, 'All things keep getting better' with each element Tan showcases.

Tan France's guest cottage

Tan's cottage is filled with ideas to make your small place look luxe.

Why we love Tan France's guest cottage

The presenter is known for his minimalistic yet effortless fashion (his Queer Eye looks always deliver), so it’s no surprise he’s brought this fab sense of style into his home.

“The low coffee table in the living room, for instance, brings in a blend of natural materials with a touch of modern elegance,” says Guillaume Drew, interior designer and founder of Or & Zon.

“Not only this, but the mint green color palette generates a calm and serene atmosphere,” Guillaume adds. “Implementing this color in home decor — be it through painting walls or adding blue-toned furnishings — may prove effective in replicating this.”

Pastel colors such as these are a key small space color trend for 2024, as they allow you to bring sophisticated vibrancy into your home while still making rooms look bright. This is a smart way to make a smaller room look bigger — you’ve got to work with what you’ve got, after all.

“It's clear Tan France has a polished yet personal decor sense,” says Joy Aumann, interior designer and founder of LuxurySoCalRealty. “He blends contemporary styles with antique touches, such as his copper jug, to create a welcoming environment reflecting his background and tastes.”

Even though this is a guest cottage, Tan has still found subtle but sleek ways to bring his personality into it, from patterned dinnerware to striking wall art. Joy adds, “I appreciate designers who find ways to incorporate meaningful personal items for telling their stories.”

One thing she has learned over the years is the most stylish spaces feel curated instead of contrived — making them feel like an extension of the person who lives there. In Tan's guest cottage, visitors can still feel like he’s hosting them, even when he isn’t directly there. 

If you don’t have a guest cottage (hey, we aren’t all famous presenters) and have a guest room instead, you can still add your own style to this small space for a similar effect.

Want to bring Tan’s style into your home? Joy suggests looking for antique secondhand furniture pieces with unique histories to add character. She says, “Pay close attention to details with quality materials and customized design touches.” 

If you're upcycling a thrifted piece, you can also add metallic handles — such as the ones in Tan’s kitchen — to make it look more expensive. Shh, we won’t tell anyone. 

Get the look with these buys inspired by Tan France's guest cottage

Makeover your home with these stylish buys similar to Tan's decor.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article. 

Together, these strategies help make a home polished and personal like Tan's guest cottage. “The best design stems from your own experience and perspective,” Joy finishes by saying.

Looking for more celeb-inspired ways to upgrade your kitchen? Olivia Rodrigo's quiet luxury kitchen has so many timeless ideas, just like Tan's guest cottage.

Could you *imagine* being a guest at Martha Stewart's home, mere days before Thanksgiving? That possibility is actually on the table this year — stiff competition for the turkey — and I've decided to manifest the potential weekend getaway into reality. 

Sure it's a bit premature, but my mother and I have our overnight bags at the ready for Martha Stewart's Booking.com venture, an experience the lifestyle expert just announced to her fanbase. Like the kindred spirits we are, I had left the news in my mom's Instagram DMs moments before she texted me the link to the contest. We're feeling hopeful, folks. 

Martha Stewart has long been my mother's inspiration for all things home — and my mom is mine — so we're going to throw our aprons in the ring and sign up with hopes that we're selected for the stay at her Westchester County farm, Cantitoe Corners. And since it's only $11.23, in honor of Thanksgiving and my mother's birthday, we're taking it as a sign. I am already dreaming about the small kitchen ideas that I will execute after reveling in the coziness at Martha's home. Perhaps we'll walk away with a few a million Thanksgiving table decor ideas, too. The possibilities are endless.

Martha Stewart guest house rental: what you need to know

Though the hostess with the mostess has been known for sharing her expertise with the world, she's now sharing the place she calls home on Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, November 19, 2023. Martha will invite two lucky Booking.com winners to enjoy the 150 acres of the perfectly manicured grounds of her Bedford, New York, home and throw a festive celebration in the mix, of course. (Those Thanksgiving decor ideas are going to be *chef's kiss*!)

"Every year, my Thanksgiving holiday prep begins weeks before hosting my family in Bedford, so I can’t wait to welcome the guests that book this experience to my fall-ready Tenant House on the farm and look forward to sharing my favorite Thanksgiving-inspired traditions during their stay," she told Booking.com.

What the stay includes

Curious what to expect upon arrival at Martha's (aside from perfection)? The itinerary includes: 

• A tour of the Tenant House at Martha’s Bedford farm where guests will reside overnight (which includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms)
• A guided tour of the property by Martha’s head gardener Ryan McCallister
• A  table setting and wreath-making demo with Executive Director of Design Kevin Sharkey
• Brunch prepared by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Thomas Joseph WITH MARTHA HERSELF
• Signed copies of Martha’s cookbooks and accessories

How to book

Martha Stewart’s Thanksgiving-Inspired Farm Stay will become bookable on a first-come, first-served basis on November 16 at 12pm EST, on Booking.com, and will take place November 18 –19 for only $11.23, per the website.

A few notes from the fine print (which we suggest you read in full):

• The minimum age for check-in is 21
• The event is available for a maximum of two guests 
• No children are permitted during the stay
• No parties are permitted during the stay
• Guests are subject to security screening prior to entry
• Smoking is not permitted on the grounds

Even if we're not selected, my mother and I will still be faithfully following all of Martha's recipes, hosting essentials, and decor ideas. If you haven't already, might we suggest perusing Martha Stewart's curated holiday collection with Etsy? It'll make your heart happy.

Make sure you're properly prepared for Turkey Day with these festive and expert-approved Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas.

Designing a small space is no easy feat, which is why Real Homes created its first-ever So Chic Awards this year. 

The competition was dreamt up so we could help our readers find the best and chicest furniture, appliances, decor, gadgets, home fragrance, and cleaning products for your small space. Whether you live in a compact apartment, small house, minuscule dorm, or an actual tiny home, these picks are just as functional as they are stylish.

We've browsed through tons of applications and determined that these 12 winners are worthy of taking up space in your home — no matter how tiny. From compact single-serve coffee makers to smart fragrance diffusers, take a look at the products that have earned the title of best in our So Chic Awards. 

Meet the judges

We tapped our editor-in-chief, head of ecommerce, deputy editor, and ecommerce editor to decide which products are fit for small spaces.

Meet the winning products of the 2023 So Chic Awards

Below, you'll find the winner of each of our 12 categories and why it's worthy of a So Chic Award. Our main judging criteria were:

• Functional: We want products that last and work really well. In small spaces, there isn’t much room to waste on picks that don’t work. We love multipurpose products and items that are top-rated at what they do.
• Stylish: Just because something helps you out around your home doesn’t mean it can’t be cute! We value products that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are effective. 
• Affordable: Don’t get us wrong, we love splurging sometimes, but we get what it’s like trying to stick to a serious budget. Products should be affordable for readers just starting out, still living at home, or trying to save their cash.
• Sustainable: The planet really matters to us, and one of our pillars at Real Homes is sustainability. Our judges scoped out picks that make a difference, whether that’s through the product, packaging, or company efforts.

Work from home hero

Winner: BenQ ScreenBar Halo Monitor Light

We know the pain of staring at a screen all day. It's unavoidable for most of us, but that doesn't mean it has to remain uncomfortable. This monitor light clutches onto your computer or monitor and provides additional lighting, so you're not squinting and rubbing your eyes every 10 minutes. The "downward-focused illumination prevents glare and reflections, ensuring a strain-free screen reading experience." This isn't something that'll give out in a couple of years either. With a lifespan of 17 years, you can use it from college until you're far along in your career, making it a more sustainable purchase, too.

Small space furniture champion

Winner: Zinus Logan Reversible Chaise Sectional 

A couch is a vital part of your home, but it's never easy finding one that fits in smaller living spaces. Whether you're a fan of nap time, host movie nights with friends, or prefer to WFH on your couch, Zinus' Logan sectional is the one for your tiny apartment or house. You can arrange the layout depending on what's best suited for your living room, and it's outfitted with green tea-infused ergonomic cushions. Oh, and you don't need tools to set it up!

Compact kitchen must-have

Winner: Bruvi Single-Serve Coffee Brewer

Coffee is a shared love among our team, but most of us can't afford to have a gigantic espresso machine taking up counter space (or most of our budget). That being said, we're not the types to settle for stale, off-tasting brews. Bruvi's machine looks sleek — have you ever seen a coffee maker with bamboo textures? — and meets Golden Cup standards (aka: sustainable drinks, pod disposal, and snazzy features). It has a touchscreen, a large water tank, and super specific brewing capabilities, whether you prefer a less acidic coffee, a strong espresso, or a matcha.

Best bedding choice

Winner: Night Lark All-In-One Duvet

Finding great bedding is a challenge in itself, and finding storage space for your seasonal sheets and comforters is another. That's why Night Lark's special duvet won our hearts. This option combines a comforter, duvet, and flat sheet, pleasing all kinds of sleepers — including those of us who don't care for the top sheet. It's also washable, which is a huge perk for anyone who doesn't want to deal with lugging their bedding to a specialty cleaner. It dries in an hour and a half, so no more disappointing nights with soggy sheets when you've left it a little too late. The brand is family-owned and B Corp-certified, too — we love it! 

Small bedroom superhero

Winner: Nolah Mattress Topper

Not only did Nolah's topper win a So Chic Award, but it's also been ranked as our best mattress topper for back pain. This is a must-have for anyone residing in a dorm or apartment who's stuck with their provided mattress. The two-inch pick comes in two firmness options and is available in twin XL size too for anyone living on campus. The "temperature neutral" construction is ideal for hot and cold sleepers as it'll keep you comfy all throughout the year. The trademarked AirFoam material goes the extra mile when it comes to relieving pressure, especially in comparison to traditional memory foam.

Best bedroom gadget

Winner: Dreamegg White Noise Machine

Living in small spaces goes hand-in-hand with noise issues. It could be an annoying next-door neighbor, a roommate who just doesn't get it, or surrounding city noise — regardless, it's not a fun experience. The Dreamegg White Noise Machine will cut it out. Aside from seven white noises, it also has seven fan sounds, 10 natural sounds, and a cozy nightlight. You can set a timer to leave it running until you're fast asleep and the gadget will clock your last settings and remember them. It helps that it's super compact, too, perfect for tiny bedside tables. Our head of ecommerce never slept better after introducing this to her bedroom.

Small bathroom essential

Winner: Hai Infusions Smart Showerhead

Don't underestimate the power of the humble showerhead. As our global editor in chief found, the Hai Infusions Smart Showerhead will completely transform any bathroom, particularly if you're living in a rental. No extensive installation or drilling is needed and you won't need to call a plumber. It comes in six chic colors and despite conserving water, the pressure is top-notch. Users can effortlessly slide between a mist or rain and the infusion port turns your daily ritual into a vitamin-infused aromatherapy sesh. There's also a little LED light to tell you when the water is warm (and when you've used too much) and you can track your water usage on the app.

Top-notch home fragrance

Winner: Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser 

Home fragrance fanatics know the struggle of keeping their candle and diffuser collections at bay. There's just not enough coffee table surface area or cabinets to keep them all in. That's why Pura's creation is so game-changing. Rather than swapping out large vessels throughout the seasons, this smart diffuser has teamed up with your favorite brands to provide the same delicious scents in one tiny gadget. Whether you love Nest New York, Studio McGee, or Anthropologie, you can get the same fragrances wafting through your home with a much smaller footprint. Plug it into the wall and let it do its magic. You can control the whole process through the app, choosing scent schedules, turning on the nightlight, and decreasing or increasing the intensity.

For conscious cleaning

Winner: Truly Free Laundry Wash

Our editor-in-chief Melissa has extremely sensitive skin, so this non-toxic detergent that's free of dyes, bleach, and other not-so-friendly chemicals caught her eye. There's nothing worse than clothes and sheets that cause rashes and reactions. The great thing about Truly Free's laundry detergents is that the brand has a fragrance-free option, as well as an original scent version that's gentler (as the fragrance comes from essential oils). Aside from caring for you, it cares about the planet, too. After your first purchase, you'll get refill pouches to keep more plastic jugs out of landfills. You'll get 50 loads out of one bottle and much cleaner clothes that doesn't come at the expense of the environment. 

Small space-savvy decor

Winner: Loloi x Rifle Paper Company Eden Collection Mughal Rose Blush Rug 

We're big fans of Loloi and Rifle Paper Co. at Real Homes, so when we saw a rug collab between the two we kind of freaked out. In a small space or a rental, rugs are the perfect style solution. They don't require landlord approval and they won't cause any damage to your space, but they will boost the overall appearance. The faded floral print will appeal to a wide range of tastes, whether you're a cottagecore enthusiast or a fan of boho. With these colors, it's not something that's going to feel untrendy after a few years either. This is an investment worth making to really spruce up a small space. You also won't be able to stop scooting your feet across the plush CloudPile material.

Wall art wonder

Winner: The Fantasy Collection Wall Collage Kit from Desenio

Decorating your walls is a fun and personal way to spice up your home. But it's easier said than done when you're in an apartment or dorm. Wall collages are hugely popular nowadays, and Desenio's kit wins for being easily customizable, affordable, and ideal for anyone who can't use nails to hang up prints. 

Small outdoor space selection

Winner: Zinus Dillon Outdoor Chat Set

You may not be able to squeeze a full-blown couch or dining set on your apartment balcony or compact patio but Zinus' small-space-friendly Chat Set certainly will fit. The armchair pair and table combo are stylish but made for withstanding the elements. Although the cushions are wrapped in weather-repellent covers, they're still incredibly comfy. The set comes all in one box with necessary tools included (so yes it'll fit through your door, and no, you won't have to buy a drill). 

Breakups suck, there’s no getting away from that fact, and even more so when you’ve been living together (or they’ve spent a lot of time at your place). So knowing how to refresh your home after a breakup is crucial (that is, if you ever want to feel at home there again). 

Admittedly, when you’ve spent a lot of time with an ex in a certain space, it can feel almost impossible to move past the breakup. Every area of your home holds a memory. Every piece of furniture makes you think of them. We get it. It's really tough. And, while refreshing your home can't fix your heartbreak, what it can do is help to kickstart the healing process. 

To help you to give your home the refresh it needs, we've rounded up a selection of expert-approved tips. 

Ways to refresh your home after a breakup

The truth is that our homes can have a rather profound impact on our mental health and so, knowing how to change up your space post-breakup can be super helpful in terms of getting you through this challenging season of life. 

1. Air out the space and change the energy

Abbey Sangmeister, burnout coach and therapist says: “Open the windows, light a candle that doesn’t remind you of the ex or sage the place."

Even if you're not into the idea of being able to change the energy of a space, the process of freshening the air — by opening a window or burning a candle (like this Molton Brown one from Amazon that I am low-key obsessed with) — or doing a sage cleanse (these sage smudge sticks from Amazon should work well for this) can be extremely cathartic. Plus, the process can help to remove any lingering smells that are linked to your ex, from their shower gel to their laundry detergent. 

2. Swap out triggering decor items with new buys  

It's understandable if you want to rid your space of anything that reminds you of your ex, so don't feel bad about switching out triggering items for new picks. 

"Moving triggering items out of sight or out of your life is a good first step," says realtor and property manager Melissa Zimbelman. "I like to follow that up with bringing in something fresh to distract myself. Fresh flowers or some new plants that need my attention to survive are always good. Some new accent pillow covers or a fresh bed linen set or duvet cover that I chose myself makes me happy. Buying a beautifully-covered, fresh journal to collect my thoughts and new plans in, feels comforting and refreshing."

Don't be afraid to get specific about the items that you're swapping out. If an item holds a memory that you'd rather forget, then there's no reason to keep hold of it. 

Kara Francis, mediator and divorce coach, says: “Start with a purge of all unwanted items — whether it's your former significant other's stuff that needs to be returned, and/or your personal items that no longer serve you and need to be donated or disposed of." 

She says that some objects might "carry a certain post-breakup energy," so if it's within your budget, then it's perfectly okay to donate or dispose of such items and start fresh. "However, be mindful that you aren't simply throwing everything away in order to avoid your feelings," she adds

3. Take your time 

It’s easy to want instant gratification when it comes to the look and feel of your home, especially after a breakup. While you want to get your home back to being your safe space, it’s important that you don’t rush things. 

"It takes time and love to create a home, especially if you are simultaneously navigating a break-up," says Francis. "Again, there's no rush here. There's no award for getting it done ASAP."

There are other pressing things on your to-do list you're probably worried about, so use decorating your home as a respite from that. "This isn't just another menial task you have to complete like washing the dishes — this is something fun and creative that you have complete power and control over," she says. "Lean into that, and enjoy the process!"

4. Update your bedroom 

For a lot of people, bedrooms can be the most triggering. To change the feel of the space, making little updates (think: brand new sheets, fresh candles, etc.) can be a good way to go. 

"Your bedroom should be your sanctuary and your sleep should be restorative," says divorce coach Ann Runkle. "What better way than cozy fresh sheets! Throw in a new pair of luxurious pajamas and you are off and running into your new beginning."

5. Move things around

Even if you don't purchase a whole new set of furniture, try moving things into different spots. "If you can, rearrange some furniture or items around your home to change the perspective," says Sanmeister. "Buying a new houseplant brings new life into the space and nature naturally brings calm and joy to a space."

Whether that means re-arranging each room or swapping furniture from one room to another, it doesn't matter, just as long as you're able to find a way to freshen up the space. 

FAQs

Moving on after a breakup can be tough, especially when you've shared your home with that person. But by taking the time you need to process the relationship ending and taking steps to refresh your space, you can begin to move forward. 

Moving into your first rental outside of the dorms is very exciting, but trying to figure out how to get your college apartment security deposit back isn't so much. Whether you’re living alone or with a roommate or two, moving into your first off-campus living space is an experience you are unlikely to forget. 

From apartment hunting to choosing furniture to waking up on move-in day, the experience can be stressful, but happy. 

However, one day that generally isn’t happy is move-out day. There is so much to do between boxing everything up, getting all the boxes out, and moving on to your second place. So it may come as a surprise when you get your security deposit back and the amount ends up being a fraction of what you paid. 

How to get your college apartment security deposit back

Let's first start with what a security deposit actually covers. "A security deposit typically covers damage to the home (excluding normal wear and tear), unpaid rent, or other lease charges during a renter’s occupancy of a rental property," says Tim Sedgwick, vice president of operations at Real Property Management, a Neighborly Company. So how can you get the full amount of your security deposit back? Here is what you need to do.

1. Take plenty of photos and videos

Before you start breaking down your moving boxes and unpacking, take photos of every room in the home and clock any rental red flags. If anything looks off, such as chipped paint, a scratched wall, or a cracked bathroom tile, take a photo. You can also take videos. Then e-mail these along with notes to your landlord so you aren’t charged in the future. They also may be able to repair things like broken electrical outlets and malfunctioning garbage disposals. 

Whether it's a big paper that’s due or rushing a sorority, we all get busy, but be sure to report maintenance issues as soon as you can. “Ignoring leaks, faulty electrical outlets, or broken appliances without reporting them to the landlord can lead to more significant problems," says Sedgwick. "If these issues worsen due to neglect, the landlord may deduct repair costs from the security deposit."

Plus, you’ll be less annoyed by that dripping sound coming from your bathtub.

2. Return your college apartment to its original state

Did you paint your bathroom blue only to discover it's against your lease? It’s not the end of the world, but you need to paint it back to the original color before you move out. "Students may paint walls, install shelves, or make other alterations without the landlord's permission," says Sedgwick. "If these changes are not restored to their original condition upon move-out, deductions for repairs can be made from the security deposit." Have a few paintbrushes and rollers on hand (like this highly-rated set from Amazon) to get everything back to its original state.

3. Make sure your space is sparkling clean

Your apartment was probably clean when you moved in. So, it’s important to leave it the same way. This isn’t just to be courteous. Your landlord is likely to deduct the cost of a cleaning service from your deposit. Keep in mind, it’s often cheaper to hire your own cleaner than to use your landlord’s.

Then Sedgwick suggests documenting it. "Take photos or videos of the cleaned and empty rental unit after you've completed all cleaning and repairs," he explains. "This documentation can serve as evidence of the property's condition when you left. By thoroughly cleaning and maintaining these areas, you can leave the rental unit in excellent condition and increase the likelihood of receiving a full or nearly full refund of your security deposit. Be sure to also review your lease agreement for any specific cleaning or maintenance requirements specified by your landlord."

4. Discuss pets before you move in — not after

Having a furry friend to keep you company while living in your first apartment is a lovely idea, but make sure your rental agency or manager knows. "Keeping pets without the landlord's permission or not following pet policies can lead to deductions for damages caused by pets, such as stains, scratches, or odors," says Sedgwick. So, if you already have a cat or are dying to get a Bernadoodle, don’t move into a building that doesn't allow pets.

5. Discuss notice periods and move-out dates

Make sure you read your lease so you know how much notice you have to give before moving out. It’s typically 30 or 60 days, but it could be more or less. “Some rental agreements require a specific notice period before moving out. Not adhering to this requirement may result in a penalty or a deduction from your deposit,” says Sedgwick.

6. Share your next address 

You’ll never get your security deposit back if the landlord doesn’t know where to send it. "Failing to return all keys and not providing a forwarding address can delay the return of your security deposit," he says. "Landlords need to ensure they can reach you to return any remaining funds."

Retrieving your full security deposit can be stressful, but by following these steps, it shouldn't be too big of a deal. One of the most important parts of learning how to be a good tenant and getting your money back is clear communication.

Without roommates around, you have the freedom to do what you want when you want. That being said, you might be scrolling for some tips for living alone — because if we're being honest, it's not all fun and games. 

With that freedom also comes more responsibilities, most of which are completely on your shoulders. Plus, sometimes it can be scary and overwhelming not having another person around to bounce things off of.

When it comes to living alone, understanding how to make the best of it is essential. If you find yourself living alone in your own apartment or house, the pros can outweigh the cons, especially if you follow these tips. 

Make the most of these tips for living on your own —comfortably

From finding a new hobby to getting up the courage to befriend your neighbors, these tips will help you live in solitude with ease.   

1. Take Advantage Personalizing Your Space 

Living by yourself can be a great way to explore your personal style. Thankfully there’s no one to make you take down your favorite band posters. Instead of having to constantly think about how to be a good roommate, you have free reign to choose the furniture and decorative elements you truly prefer. If you’re living alone, consider taking your time to find the right pieces that speak to your personal preferences in order to build the interiors of your dreams. Have a funky style? This is your chance to explore! Add some color or get creative. This is your place and it should reflect your own taste. 

2. A Cleaning Routine Built For One

With no roommates around to help with the dishes, one of the worst parts of living alone is that the responsibility is squarely on you to get your home in order. The upside? You’re the only one creating a mess. A great way to save yourself time is by creating a cleaning routine that makes sense with your schedule. Keeping your daily routine tidy can cut back on the amount of cleaning you need to do. By cleaning a little every day (or even weekly), you can avoid having to do deep cleanings that can last for hours. 

3. Explore New Hobbies Or Skills

With no one around to get annoyed with your drum kit noise or criticizing your lack of sewing ability, living alone presents the ideal opportunity for exploring new hobbies or honing in on new skill sets. Now is your time to work on the projects you’ve been putting off. This is a great time to start keyboarding lessons or learn to make carbonara. You have the freedom to find the hobbies you’ve always wanted to explore. 

4. Establish A Social Calendar 

It can be easy to avoid social interaction when you live alone but making an effort to be social can improve your happiness level. By scheduling regular social “dates”, whether that’s a weekly book club or a dance class on the weekends, you’ll be able to have a social life that doesn’t have to involve roommates. 

5. Meet Your Neighbors

Just because you’re living alone doesn’t mean you isolate yourself from the rest of the world. In fact, knowing your neighbors can be a helpful way to become more engaged in your community. Take the time to say a quick hello or make an introduction to neighbors you see. Knowing your neighbors is also a great way to keep the community safer and closer. 

6. Own A Toolkit 

Without a roommate in your home, you’re less likely to have the essentials. One of those essentials is a toolkit, including a screwdriver, hammer, nails, and screws. Even a small toolkit can go a long way when it comes to simple repairs or household tasks. 

7. Consider Throwing A Monthly Dinner Party 

Living alone presents the ideal opportunity to throw a party whenever you’d like. Throwing a dinner party will allow you to invite people into your home and become closer to friends. A dinner party consists of planning a menu, cooking and preparing meals, sending out invitations, and setting the table. Fortunately, there are also plenty of tips on throwing a dinner party to remember in even the smallest of apartments. Hosting a dinner party is a great way to make connections without even leaving your space. 

8. Fix Any Safety Issues

Living alone means you have plenty of freedom but one downside is that you need to be better prepared to confront any safety issues head-on. Safety precautions, from securing furniture to keeping a list of emergency contacts, are now solely your responsibility. Be sure to make a list of any monthly safety reminders, such as testing your smoke alarms, and check them off periodically. 

9. Be Ready For Emergencies 

It’s always a great idea to be ready for emergencies but living alone can mean you might not be able to pool together resources if a natural disaster or catastrophe happens. In order to be ready for an emergency, consider purchasing an emergency tool kit (like this celeb-approved one) in the unlikely event that you’ll need it. When living alone, it’s better to be safe than not. 

One title that many of us aim to achieve at some point in life is hostess with the mostess, however, when you live in a small space, it can feel almost impossible to impress guests. 

Hosting overnight visitors can be particularly challenging when you’re working with limited square footage. But regardless of if you live in a tiny apartment, rental, or dorm room, you shouldn’t feel like you can’t entertain the people you care about. 

With ample planning ahead and some strategic hacks, you can surely land your dream title of superior host. Here are 8 tips to help you keep your friends and family coming back for more — despite tight quarters. 

1. Plan far in advance

There’s certainly something thrilling about hosting last-minute guests, but for occasions when you know someone will be paying you a visit, try to plan as far in advance for their arrival as possible. Make sure you have time to make their sleeping arrangements extra welcoming, stock up on any hosting-related items, and purchase anything that will make their stay the best it can be. If you wait too long to prepare, you’ll not only be stressing yourself out but you also run the risk of not being able to find what you need.  

2. Do some decluttering 

I don’t want to call you out but if I had to guess I would say there are some items you could donate that are currently taking up precious space. Decluttering is not exactly the most enjoyable task but it’s crucial for maintaining a functional and inviting environment. Hosting also happens to provide the ideal reason to do a little purge in your space. Doing so will simply offer up more room for you and your guests to enjoy. 

3. Invest in a quality air mattress 

If your BFF is coming to town then you might be cool with sharing your bed for the weekend, but for guests who you aren’t as close to, utilizing an air mattress is a must. One way to ensure they have the most comfortable stay possible is to do thorough research on the best air mattresses on the market. Amazon is a great place to source one, and the reviews on each product are so honest that you can’t really make the wrong choice. 

4. Make a cozy sleep area 

Consider how you would want your sleeping area to feel if you were a guest and replicate that experience for your own visitors. Picking quality sheets (even if they’re just going on an air mattress) and a super-soft comforter will make your guest feel thought of and appreciated during their stay. Also, don’t underestimate the impact of small details. Adding things like a sound machine and nightlight to their sleeping nook can go a long way. 

5. Add an accent chair to your space 

My mom taught me that every guest room should have a spot for someone to sit and put their shoes on. This is where an accent chair comes in. If you have the space, consider adding a cute little chair or bench for your own visitors to sit in as they get ready. It’s certainly useful and will also make your home feel more intentional and complete. 

6. Create privacy with a folding screen 

Regardless of how close you are to the person you’re hosting, having some level of privacy is non-negotiable. If you’re living in a dorm room or studio apartment, this can be especially crucial to incorporate. A privacy screen offers a solution that can score both of you some sense of “alone time.” Put one up to separate your sleeping areas and store it in a closet or under your bed when you don’t need to use it. 

7. Stock your place with their favorite things 

One way to make up for the lack of space your home provides is to wow guests with the details. If you have a childhood friend coming to visit, stock your fridge with their favorite snacks or buy their favorite flowers and set them on their nightstand.  

8. Make sure you have plenty of plans 

There’s nothing worse than visiting someone only to feel bored during your time together. Making plans to spend time with your guests outside of your home will not only make them feel special, but it’s also a great way to avoid being cooped up inside a small space throughout the day. 

Winter will be here before ya know it bestie, which means temperatures will be dipping. You’ll be switching off your air conditioning and turning up the heater. However, the cost of heating an entire house or apartment can be hella expensive depending on the square footage. Fortunately, space heaters are here to save the day! 

These often accessibly-priced small appliances are useful for heating spaces such as bedrooms, dining rooms, and home offices. They can often be less expensive to run than your typical heating system.

Space heaters are helpful to keep on hand when two people living in the same house or apartment have different temperature preferences, making them a good idea for roommates and couples. If the person who prefers it warmer is in the bedroom and the person who prefers cooler temperatures is in the living room—everyone can be comfortable.

Here’s how much it costs to run a space heater as well as some practical tips. 

How much does it cost to run a space heater?

According to Colby Lund, Licensed General Contractor from Simply Sam Organization + Design, using a heater to solely heat a room can vary depending on the size of the space and the type of heater, but you can expect to spend $0.50 to $2.00 on average per day.  

According to the Energy Information Administration, the average cost of heating a home with natural gas heating is approximately $931 for the winter. On the other hand, the cost of heating a home with oil heat will be $1200. Electric heating is estimated to be $1359, while propane heating costs $1688. 

However, these statistics should be taken with a grain of salt because the cost is contingent on the size of a home, how often you run the heat, and how high you turn up the thermostat.  

How to save money by running a space heater

While space heaters are a great way to save cash, there are ways to stretch your dollar even further. 

“To save, we suggest getting a timed plug where you can have set times. For example, we have used a space heater in our bedroom and turned it on two hours before bed, and then on again around 6:00 am, and that seems to make us comfortable and warm without overheating,” says Lund.

A timed plug can be pretty inexpensive as well, with options on Amazon for as low as $6.99. Another option to consider is a smart plug that can be connected to a system such as Alexa and controlled with an app.  

Keep safety in mind

If space heaters are run improperly, they can be fire hazards. “As a contractor, we always suggest safer heating options, as space heaters can be unsafe,” says Lund.

It’s crucial to make sure there is nothing in front of the space heater and nothing can fall on top of it, as it could cause a fire. 

“You want to ensure they are safely used and not placed directly up against an item within the room,” says Jeffrey Palla, President of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company.

Palla also suggests keeping your space heater free from dust and debris. He recommends having at least three feet of space around the heater to assure both safety and efficiency. 

“You want to use them in places where children and pets cannot touch them or knock them over. It is also important to have space between the heater and the surrounding environment.” 

How to choose the right types of space heater

There are different types of space heaters to choose from. One type is a fan heater. “They blow heat over a heating source out into a room, [but are] the least efficient and should be used for individual heating,” says Palla.

If you’re looking for a safer option, Pall suggests using a ceramic heater. “This type of space heater uses heated ceramic materials to heat the area.”

Another choice is electric infrared, especially if you are prioritizing efficiency. “These heaters use infrared radiation as a heat source. They are more efficient than ceramic and fan heaters.”

Lastly, oil-filled heaters are electric and heat the oil in the heater to warm a room. Palla tells me, “They are quiet and provide a consistent heat experience.”

Ready to make the leap to a brand-new living space? Aside from figuring out how you're gonna make that happen and crossing everything off your moving-out checklist, you might also be wondering about the cost. Shifting your things from apartment to apartment can vary depending on several factors, including the distance between the two apartments, the size of the apartment, the amount of furniture and belongings being moved, and the time of year. 

However, on average, it costs around $1,000 to move into a small apartment. This price can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the factors mentioned above.

I contacted NYC’s #1 moving company Piece of Cake Moving & Storage to get some info on how to estimate moving costs, how to negotiate pricing, and get a grip on average moving costs. 

How do you estimate moving costs?

According to Najah Popovic, CMO at Piece of Cake Moving & Storage, there are two key approaches to pricing a move. When speaking to movers for quotes, avoid the mistake of simply asking for a quote flat-out. You should always ask if they charge by volume or the hour first. Moving companies utilizing a volume pricing formula will assist you with avoiding any hourly guessing estimates as well as hourly extra fee charges, which would be out of your control on moving day and are considered to be traffic and accumulated time required to move items.

Volume Pricing

Moving companies that are calculating fees with the volume of furniture in cubic feet to be moved rather than charging an hourly rate, will most likely offer you a flat rate that won’t be impacted by traffic, parking issues, or storage check-in delays.

Volume Pricing Formula:

Volume of goods + mileage + any special complexities  = estimate

In addition, the moving company of your choice will include a per cubic foot price on your quote. Popovic mentions that long-distance moves are priced on the cubic feet or weight and on the pricing model that your mover has in place. One thing to note is that long-distance moves could also include a storage fee if the delivery is delayed as well as extra stop charges. You should always ask your movers for all additional possible fees before you even think about booking them.

Hourly Pricing

Movers will also price your move based on the amount of time the moving truck will be needed. Travel fees between destinations might also apply, however, this is something you could negotiate with your moving company before booking them.

Hourly Pricing Formula:

Hourly cost + travel fees = estimate

Overall, Popovic advises you to familiarize yourself with the formula the moving company of your choice uses before you hire them. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage prefers quoting clients with a flat fee based on volume so time doesn't become an issue and so extra fees don't jump out and surprise customers.

Also, depending on the day of the week as well as the time of the year that you decide to move, could incur higher rates of up to 20% or more due to demand, poor weather, or holidays.

How to negotiate moving costs

When it comes to negotiating pricing with a moving company, Popovic suggests asking your moving company of choice what discounts are available. See if there are certain days of the week that are lower in demand and what the quietest time of the month is. As a rule of thumb, May to September are usually the busiest months of the year to move, in addition to the first and last days of the month, since those are the days when people’s leases tend to expire.

The average cost of moving by apartment size

Moving could indeed be a wildly high expense. According to Popovic, the cost of your move depends on certain factors, as well as the day, time, month, distance, number of items, special items, and handling challenges your move consists of. The price you are quoted depends on your own needs along with other factors, as the estimates should be viewed as a guide rather than guaranteed fixed prices. 

With this in mind, Popovic gave us the rundown on the average price for moving based on how many rooms you're trying to pack up.

Studio and 1-bedroom apartments

The majority of apartments in major cities such as New York are 700 square feet in size or even less. Most New Yorkers live in a studio apartment of about 300 to 600 square feet in size or a small one-bedroom apartment. Although the spaces are small, the perk is that you won’t accumulate much furniture, therefore, moving costs shouldn’t be on the higher end. For apartment sizes like the ones mentioned above, you’ll need at least two movers at an average cost of $400 to $750 — and that’s if your move is considered to be a local relocation. 

Let’s say you are moving oversized items down the stairs rather than using an elevator. For particular challenges like this, expect some additional costs. If it’s a one-bedroom apartment with more furniture, these moves could cost up to $600 to $1,200

2-bedroom apartments (or bigger)

Now, if you are more ambitious and are moving into a bigger space, then moving prices will spike up. These spaces in these apartments include multiple home office setups, as well as extra storage items such as pianos and more. According to Popovic, professional moving companies require sending three movers or more for these specific moves and could charge anywhere from $1,000 to more than $2,000. It all depends on the amount of furniture and items that require disassembling and reassembling from scratch.

If you are moving into a three to four-bedroom apartment, this move will require a four-person crew to get you moved within a day and could cost between $1,500 and $3,500, if it is a local move. Popovic always advises keeping in mind that there are factors that could impact your move’s price such as the day of the week, month, packing services, distance between locations, stairs, and handling needs.

Prices will vary based on where you live in the country, too, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect before a quote comes through. Knowledge is power, bb!

You’ve probably dreamed about the day you *finally* leave for college for literal years. But now that it’s here, it can feel like a lot. With a mix of excitement, nerves, and the very real fear of being homesick, the whole idea of leaving can be stressful.

I remember when I moved into my dorm. I found the whole process super overwhelming. There was a lot to think about, from how to manage the unpacking process to how to deal with saying goodbye to my family, and it felt like a LOT. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to mitigate how much stress you have to deal with and how smoothly the process goes. 

To help make navigating the process of moving to college for the first time easier, we’ve rounded up a few tips and tricks that'll help you out.

The best hacks for a smoother college move-in

1. Take pictures of everything before you move in

According to TikToker @alliesandy, one of the best things you can do when moving to college is to take pictures of your dorm (from every angle) before you move in. That way, if any issues with your deposit arise when you move out, you can prove what the dorm looked like before you moved in and whether you are responsible for paying up or not.

2. Bring extra cleaning supplies to wipe everything down

Don’t just stock up on cleaning supplies to see you through the first few weeks — it’s also a good idea to bring some extra cleaning essentials with you so that you’re able to wipe everything down before you move in. The chances are that your dorm room has been cleaned since the last occupant moved out, but just in case. Having the right items will help you stay on top of your dorm cleaning schedule, too.

3. Coordinate with your roommate

Both @alliesandy and @collegetipsforbarbz recommend talking to your roommate before move-in day so you can schedule different times to move in. Let’s be honest, dorm rooms are hella tiny, so instead of trying to fit yourselves, all your stuff, and your parents into the space all at once, it makes sense to stagger your arrival times. 

4. Unpack and make your bed right away

As soon as you arrive, make your bed and then unpack. Otherwise, you might find yourself putting the process off, especially once you start getting invited to fun activities or social events. It’s worth spending a few hours on move-in day getting everything situated beforehand. Coming back at midnight with sheets still crumpled up on your bed is the worst.

5. Keep the clothes on your hangers ahead of move in

For ease, don’t take your clothes off your hangers ahead of move-in day. Instead, use a plastic sack or bag to cover them and transport them on the hangers. That way, when you arrive, all you need to do is hook them onto the railing and remove the bags. It also keeps them protected from any nasties in your car or if it starts pouring. Trust me, it’ll save you so much time. 

6. Remove all the packaging of new dorm items before you move in

It’s pointless taking all of your new dorm items to college still in their packaging. It takes up precious unpacking time and leaves you with a giant pile of garbage in a small space. Instead, remove all the boxes, plastic wrap, and containers from your new items before you leave home. Honestly, it’ll make moving in so much quicker.  

There’s no denying it — apartment living comes with some major pros and cons. Some of the perks are that apartments are generally a more affordable option if you are saving money to buy your own house one day. Additionally, apartment amenities can be plentiful. From rooftop pools and fully-equipped gyms to pet services and gated garages, apartment complexes can exceed all of your expectations. 

Large apartment complexes are growing more and more popular — especially in big cities. With that being said, because apartment complexes are often large, that means they can come with day-to-day living challenges. 

Noisy neighbors can keep you up all night and littered hallways can be unappealing to come home to. There are a number of reasons why you may need to file a complaint against your landlord. While it’s an unfortunate spot to be in, it’s better to be vocal about the things that are bothering you rather than suffer through a stressful living environment. 

Here, we’re highlighting exactly how to file a complaint against your landlord — don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself! 

What can I complain about? 

There are a number of situations that can provide you with the means to move forward with filing a formal complaint about your landlord or apartment complex. This list includes some of the most common reasons for submitting a complaint:

Complaints are not limited to this list but these will warrant a more formal complaint than an upstairs neighbor who always seems to be making noise. These issues should be taken very seriously by your landlord and/or leasing company. To give your complaint the most impact, you'll want to follow the steps outlined below.

Don’t ditch the details 

When you’re dealing with an apartment issue, it’s important that you keep detailed documents of everything going on in your space. Before proceeding with your complaint to either your landlord or management company, compile all of your documents and present them in an organized manner. 

If there are visible damages or neglect to your living space that need to be addressed, take photos of them. If there is an ongoing situation that you can see or hear, you can also try to get video proof. 

Additionally, be sure to log any phone calls or discussions with a property manager or a landlord when you have them. It’s also smart to follow up on any conversations with a recap email so all interactions are documented in writing. You don't want to be in an unfortunate situation if you have to break the lease.

Apartment complex complaints 

If you live in an apartment complex, filing a complaint may be a multi-step process — don’t let this intimidate you! There is likely a property manager who is your designated contact in the building. You should start all complaints with this person. When your issue goes above and beyond an issue that can be solved by this individual, you should file your complaint to the company of the property. As mentioned above, this complaint should be in writing and sent via email or mail directly to the holding company.  

Filing a complaint with a landlord  

If you deal with a landlord directly for all of your living needs or concerns, you should have your complaint conversation with them first. Prior to this meeting, make sure that you read your lease and understand all the terms and conditions and also understand what rights you have as a tenant. 

Come to the meeting prepared and knowledgeable about what is already contractual. If a meeting, conversation, or email does not solve your issue, you will need to file a complaint with a government agency. How you go about this will vary state by state, so be sure you research where to submit this claim based on where you live.

One important tip when dealing with your landlord is to maintain your status as a good tenant. Although you may want to give them a taste of their own medicine, you don’t want to give them any grounds to create a case against you. 

When to seek legal advice 

If you want to proceed with filing a formal complaint, it might be necessary to seek legal advice before proceeding. It’s possible that your complaint could elevate to small claims court. When dealing with complex parties or situations, professionals will have your best interest at heart. 

Congratulations must be in order — you’re about to move into an entirely new space! Whether it’s your first apartment or a new dorm, moving is a big deal and you should be proud of yourself. However, once the thrill of getting a new place wears off, you’ll likely find yourself with a seemingly endless amount of paperwork. This is all a normal part of the move-in process, but it can feel intimidating. 

Along with that tedious side of moving, your leasing manager should also schedule an apartment inspection. The inspection should be done by your landlord or someone who works on the property before your lease is finalized. If this is not mentioned in your move-in checklist, be proactive and schedule one right away. 

An apartment inspection is a similar process to renting a car. Before a rental agent hands over the keys, you typically take a lap around the car and note any damages — this way you’re both on the same page of the condition in which the car was lent to you. The same premise applies to an apartment inspection. When the landlord gives you your keys, they are renting the apartment to you in a specific manner — it could be brand new or it could have some wear and tear. Regardless of the condition it’s in, it’s important that it’s clearly documented so there is no confusion at the end of the lease term should any damages be reported.

Although it may be just another tedious process, an apartment inspection is an important step in your rental process, and it will ultimately protect you. Here’s what to keep in mind before your inspection. 

Room by room  

Not sure where to start? Overwhelmed by all the details there are to remember? It can be helpful to break things down by room. When walking through the space with your landlord or leasing manager, be sure to bring an inspection checklist with you. We suggest organizing your list in the following categories:

Throughout the apartment 

There are a few recurring items and maintenance issues that will be inspected throughout your apartment. For example, the wall and paint condition will be noted in every room. Ensure any scratches, damages, or cracks are documented. You might even be able to get these damages repaired before you move in if the inspection is done well in advance. 

Other general items that will be looked at include the condition of the floors, doors and locks, windows and blinds, and lighting. While checking each of these items, make sure you test everything thoroughly.

Bedrooms 

Most of the items found in your bedroom are listed in the section above or in the “tech & utilities” section at the end of this checklist. However, since the bedroom is one of the most important spaces in an apartment, be sure to give this space a good overview. 

If you have an idea of where your bedside table will go, double-check those outlets to ensure bedside lamps will work properly. If there is a ceiling fan or recessed lighting, ensure both functions properly. Lastly, if there is a connected balcony or outdoor space, double-check those locks so you can sleep with zero stress. 

Pro tip: While doing your apartment inspection, you can also use the time to make note of measurements and sizing for move-in day. Debating an upgrade to a king-size bed? Make sure it will fit. Eyeing a new dresser or oversized mirror for the closet areas? Double-check the width of the door for a smooth move-in. 

Bathrooms 

When it comes to bathrooms, the inspection is pretty straightforward. Ensure the toilets are in working order. Check the sinks, tubs, and showers for both cold and hot water that runs without clogging. Run the overhead fan so you know your steamy showers won’t fog the mirrors. Plus, if there are storage cabinets under the sink, give those a close review for any previous leaks. 

Additionally, if you’re renting a large apartment with multiple bathrooms, it’s wise to run all showers at the same time. This can be particularly helpful if you live in a space where morning routines take place at the same time or if you plan to host guests frequently. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the hot water runs well in multiple spots.

Kitchen 

A kitchen inspection is all about the appliances. Carefully check each one, even if it looks brand new. Open the refrigerator, check all the drawers in the freezer, turn on the oven, and check all of your stovetop burners. There is no detail here that is too silly to check. Similar to the bathroom, run the sink for both cold and hot water, and check under the sink for any potential leaks. Be sure to have a keen eye for detail in the kitchen. This is where previous leaks could have caused stains, rust, or even odd smells that you might momentarily overlook in the heat of the moment.  

Tech & Utilities 

Although this list might look long, you’re not going to want to skip out on some of the most intricate and often expensive aspects of your unit. Although it’s likely an onsite maintenance crew is available should anything go wrong, it’s best to get ahead of things and check:

Outside Spaces 

Your new space may have a balcony, elongated entrance, backyard, rooftop, or other space exposed to the outdoors. These areas will be harder to control due to good old mother nature, but it’s important to make note of their condition nonetheless. 

Keep an eye out for cracks in the exterior walls or on the concrete pavement. If you have a garage or parking spot, watch out for pesky oil stains. On the roof, check the drainage to prevent future roof leaks. Lastly, look for potential dangers. Are there large trees close to your space? If you’d like things to be cut and cleaned up before moving in, don’t be afraid to ask. 

This may seem like a lot to take in, but the future you will be happy you were prepared and confident when heading into your apartment inspection. If any of these items are not up to your expectations, kindly discuss them with management or your landlord to see what can be done prior to moving in. If any damages are permanent, be sure to document them with photos and share them in writing so you are not penalized down the line. Lastly, enjoy it — this is an exciting step in your rental process, and once it’s done, you’ll be ready to relax and settle in! 

Whether you're moving into a luxury building with lots of amenities or something modest that you’re sharing with a roommate (or perhaps even two), maintenance issues are a fact of life for apartment dwellers. Whether it’s something simple like a garbage disposal that just stops working, a light bulb that flickers or doesn’t turn on, or cracked paint — all apartments have maintenance issues.

However, if you’re new to apartment life, you might not know how to handle these issues. Are there some things you can fix yourself? Can you prevent major issues before they start or at least nip them in the bud? How do you know when to call your landlord? 

Here are ten apartment maintenance tips you need to need to know about. From what to do to get your security deposit back, to essentials you should keep on hand, and how to know when to call for help. You might just want to screenshot these. 

 1. TAKE PHOTOS WHEN YOU MOVE IN 

When move to your new apartment, there is no way everything will be 100 percent perfect. From cracked tiles to carpet stains — document any issues when you get in and notify your landlord. This will save you time, money, and energy when you move out. 

 2. KNOW HOW TO UNCLOG A DRAIN 

Handyman and Task Rabbit spokesperson Dustin Houston tells me it’s crucial to know how to unclog a drain yourself. “The most common maintenance occurrences I see in apartments are usually clogs or drain issues," Houston says. 

"Sometimes it’s as simple as using a plastic disposable drain snake to remove hair and debris from the drain, but sometimes it’s more complicated than that. For instance, drainage issues like clogs or leaks in the tub or sink can be related to a failing hardware piece, which may need to be replaced by the landlord.”

If plunging or snaking a drain doesn't work, notify your landlord. 

 3. DON’T NEGLECT MAINTENANCE ISSUES 

We are all busy and stressed. So while it might be tempting to ignore a broken garbage disposal or some other problem — this isn’t a smart idea explains Houston. 

“Neglecting normal maintenance issues (especially water-related) can cause a lot of damage that isn’t always visible at first," says Houston.

"While these issues are usually for the landlord to address, failure to communicate the issue to the landlord can substantially increase the extent of repairs and time needed to fully fix.” 

4.  KNOW WHERE YOUR SHUTOFF VALVES ARE 

“You absolutely need to be aware of where the breaker box is located, where the shutoff valve is for the water, and where the gas shut off is," Kat Christie, handywoman, licensed contractor, and founder of She Fixed That LLC tells me.

"If you are blow-drying your hair and blow a fuse, you're going to want to be able to switch that back on, so you need to know where the breaker box is. And, if you are running the dishwasher or washing machine in-unit and the water starts to flow, you're going to want to know how to shut that valve off before it becomes a true flood and causes a lot of damage.”  

5. DON’T FLUSH ANYTHING THAT ISN’T TOILET PAPER 

Clogged toilets might not feel like a big deal, but if your toilet breaks and you only have one in your apartment, it can be a complete nightmare. So be careful about what you're flushing. “You absolutely cannot flush anything down the toilet that isn't toilet paper — even those wipes which say they are flushable, are not,” says Christie. 

“These can cause clogs, and clogs can cause flooding or other issues down the line. I've seen countless people have issues clogging their toilets, and in an apartment, when you can't always get someone quickly to unclog, it can be an issue. I highly recommend getting drain covers to cover any sink, shower, and bath drains so that hair can't so easily go down the drain and become clogged.”  

6.  PURCHASE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER 

While many landlords provide fire extinguishers and are legally required to do in some states, you should have your own as well. 

Buy a new one, like this highly-rated Kidde fire extinguisher available on Amazon, and keep it under the kitchen sink because many fires start in kitchens.  

7. PUT NEW BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS  

It’s always a good idea to ask your landlord to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you move in because you don’t know when they were last replaced. After all, you don’t want these devices to fail in an emergency. 

8. CLEAN YOUR DRYER’S LINT TRAPS 

If your apartment has a washer and dryer, it’s important to clean your lint trap after every use. Not only will this help your clothing dry more efficiently, but it can also potentially save you money on your energy bill. 

Lastly, a build-up of lint can cause your dryer to break — or worse, start a fire. Fortunately, it takes less than a minute to do this. 

9.  CLEAN HVAC FILTERS REGULARLY 

Ask your building’s maintenance person or your landlord to have your HVAC filters changed. Most people don’t know to do this and it's likely they haven’t been changed for years. 

New filters will also make your machine run more efficiently, likely lowering your electric bill. Don’t forget to change filters at least seasonally or more often if you use your air conditioner year-round.  

 10. MAKE SURE THE FRIDGE HAS A NEW WATER FILTER 

Does your refrigerator dispense water? Much like the HVAC, it’s unlikely that the filter has been replaced in a while. 

No matter where you live, you want to assure your water is as clean as possible. Better yet, it’s far less expensive and more convenient than buying bottled water. 

A lease can be a lot like a relationship. Sometimes you jump right in and quickly realize it wasn’t right for you, or you stay in it until something inside you hints that it’s time for change. 

Whether you’re leasing an apartment because you’re not financially prepared to buy a home yet or you simply don’t want to commit to one space, there might be a situation where you need to break things off. Figuring out how to break a lease can certainly be overwhelming and stressful, but it shouldn’t keep you from getting out of a home that’s no longer serving you.

Rather than freak out about the process ahead, follow these simple steps to help you make that change. 

 Read the Room (and the Contract) 

To avoid making a rash decision, go back and read your lease before doing anything else. After you’ve read it once, read it again. It’s important that you fully understand what you agreed to when you originally signed the document, including any rent increases.

It’s likely that in your agreement there is a section about ending your apartment lease early. Unfortunately, there are often penalties and fees associated with breaking a lease early. So now what? You’ve read the agreement but know that ending it is still the best way for you to move forward. 

 Time to Have “The Chat” 

Just like when you end a relationship, communication and honesty is key. Because things are ending, there is no need to hold back or try to hide anything. The best thing you can do is give your landlord as much notice as possible. 

Life will always throw you curve balls — maybe a new job opportunity has presented itself or you need to be closer to family. Whatever the situation is, if you can be flexible with the timing of your move, it may go over better. 

If the break of your lease is urgent and is in violation of your agreement terms, you can try to find someone to take over and pay your portion of the rent. With that being said, your landlord may not be satisfied with a replacement tenant, so be sure to communicate well throughout the process.

 Come to “Terms” With Things  

If finding a replacement tenant is off the table, your landlord will likely present you with a termination offer. Keep in mind that you may have to pay a fee for breaking the lease prematurely. Note that leases, contracts, and penalties will differ for each state so it may be wise to do some research on lease terms for the specific state you live in.

There are a few examples or circumstances where a penalty cannot be enforced because the landlord is at fault. Again, this will differ state by state, but examples include unsafe spaces or health code violations. Also, active military who are called to active duty would not be in violation of any lease or contract and therefore cannot be charged with a penalty. Plus, if your landlord has entered your space without notice or permission this could also be in violation of your space. 

 Love Where You Live 

At the end of the day, you won’t be able to thrive in your day-to-day life if you’re not happy where you’re living. Whether by choice or by circumstance, a move is in your future and you need to end things with your current apartment. 

To make this life transition as easy as possible, be sure you have all of your facts straight and take time to prepare yourself to have a hard conversation. It’s also smart to be ready for multiple outcomes that your landlord might present you with. 

Ending your lease may feel intimidating but if you properly prepare for it, it can be a smooth sailing situation rather than a costly compromise. Either way, moving on to something new will surely be the best thing for you. 

If the next chapter for you includes a lease agreement, be sure to read those terms and conditions carefully. Propose going month to month to give you more flexibility or negotiate an exit strategy ahead of time, making your next move less stressful.

Pro tip: While this is all great information, if you are still confused or perplexed, it’s always best to seek legal advice. Be sure you read and understand your rental agreement before you sign it. Consult with a professional if things are complicated! 

There are a lot of things we love to “raise” in life. To raise a glass to a newlywed couple. To receive a raise in salary at work. Raise money for a charitable cause. Or raise the roof to your favorite music at a party. However, if there is one thing we hate to see raised, it’s our rent. 

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for rent to be raised over time, regardless of where you live. Over the last five years, rent has steadily been increasing across almost all U.S. states. You may be wondering how much you can actually afford.

With that being said, it is important to remember that each lease, each state, and each circumstance is unique. But the fact of the matter is your landlord can, and likely will, raise your rent at some point. While none of us enjoy dealing with a raise in rent, especially after finding the perfect apartment, so these tips will lift your spirits about the situation. 

 When can rent be raised? 

The good news is that your landlord cannot raise your rent whenever they want. Ideally, these terms are included in the lease agreement that you signed and the rental price must follow those lease terms. For example, if you signed a one-year lease, the rent cannot be raised until that one-year lease has expired. If your lease is only for six months, the same rules apply.  

 Where can rent be raised? 

As mentioned above, each state has different guidelines so it is important to read up on the trends in the city and state you are living in or considering living in. Some states are known for high rental costs and have a reputation for yearly increases. Other states are known for affordable housing costs with minimal raises. If you do some quick research you can see how your landlord might act based on their location. As they say in real estate, it is all about location. If you are tired of rising rent, consider relocating to a city or state that better fits your lifestyle — don’t be afraid of a little change!  

 Why is rent raised? 

This is the million-dollar question…why is rent so high? Why is it getting even higher? The simple answer is that landlords raise the rent because they can. Landlords benefit from a higher rental cost. Post-pandemic, we are seeing the difficulties of buying a home and landlords are reaping the benefits of rental properties. On the flip side, their personal cost of owning a rental property is going up as well. Inflation impacts us all, and rent is just one way we can feel impacted by it. The more costs incurred for the landlord, the more you’ll have to pay — unfortunately.  

 How high can your rent be raised? 

 Again, we wish this was a straightforward answer but each state, and even city, has different rights supporting both landlords and renters. Few cities have rent control — meaning there is a limit on how much rent can be raised. Unfortunately, that is the exception, not the rule. A simple online search can tell you if your city has rent control. 

On the bright side, your landlord will have to inform you of any raise in rent with advance notice. Anywhere from 30 to 90 days is standard practice for informing tenants of a raise. If the increase isn’t feasible for you, this time will allow you to find a space that’s more budget-friendly. 

 Rent is rising — What can I do next?  

Don’t be afraid to negotiate! When faced with a circumstance like this, it’s easy to feel depleted, frustrated, and just give in. Don’t give up so easily. You are a great tenant, right? List all the positive attributes you bring to the table in writing and present that to your landlord. If your landlord is suggesting a raise of $800, suggest a compromise of $500. You never know unless you ask. 

If the increase is inevitable, try to think of other ways you can cut costs around the house. If you have a two-bedroom living space consider a roommate. Remember, by adding another occupant to the house you are not only splitting the rental cost but also the expense of utilities and supplies. That can add up quickly and make a noticeable difference in your monthly bills.

If a shared situation is not for you, these tips can help you avoid a raise in rent:

Sure, the worst part about leasing a space is that you face the risk of your rent raising, but it’s actually quite common. You can choose to accept the increase or look for another place. Either way, you get to choose how it ends while your landlord does not. Remember to be realistic about the situation, and don’t be afraid to put in the work to find the right space.

There are very few things in life as stressful as moving. First, you have to find an apartment or house, apply for it, then sign the lease—and that’s the easy part. The moving process can be so daunting, especially if it's your first apartment. Once you find and book movers, the stress begins. 

You need to figure out exactly what you need in terms of packing supplies, make a moving-in checklist, then pack everything up in boxes, physically move all of your stuff, put it away at your new place as well as organize it. For many people, the process can take weeks if not months. It’s exhausting. 

However, there are some easy ways to eliminate some of these difficulties to streamline your move and avoid common moving mistakes. Here are 13 tips to make sure your next move is more productive, easier, and most importantly, less stressful.

1. DECLUTTER FIRST

It’s a bad idea (and more expensive) to move a bunch of things you don’t need, so professional organizers, Briana and Erica Spruille and founders of Just BE LLC , suggest decluttering before you move into your new home. “Do not bring anything that you do not want or use into your new space," says Spruille. 

"If your space is cluttered now or if you have unused items you can't find a place for now, the last thing you want to do is transfer that clutter to another place. You are then essentially bringing that energy into your new home.” 

2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH SUPPLIES 

There’s nothing as aggravating as having to go out and buy another box or two or some extra packing tape when you’re in a time crunch. When it comes to moving supplies, it’s better to buy too much than too little. Remember to keep your receipt because you can always return anything you don’t end up using.  

3. GET HEAVY-DUTY MOVING BOXES 

A broken moving box can be a disaster. Adam Lowy, founder of Move For Hunger, recommends hauling heavier items in heavy-duty boxes. “​​The typical brown moving box is not a bad place to start," says Lowy. 

"Make sure to upgrade to the ‘heavy duty’ for things like books and other heavy items or valuables. It’s better to pack heavy things like books in multiple, smaller boxes so they’re more easily movable instead of one larger, extremely, heavy box.” 

4. PACK BY ROOM 

If you want to stay organized when you move, don’t mix your kitchen dish towels with your bathroom towels. Pack every room separately. 

“You will also have the opportunity to fully assess your needs and ensure that you only purchase missing inventory/pieces,” Spruille explains. 

5. LABEL EVERY BOX 

Labeling your boxes is important for keeping track of all your items. It will also help movers know where to place everything once they get to your new space. “Every box, bag, and or bin should be labeled," says Spruille.

"This should include, obviously, the name of the room to which things belong and extend to include an itemized list of contents within each container. Everything from packing tape with individual room names to scannable labels that can include full box inventory can be found online.” 

6. COLOR CODE EACH BOX 

If you have lots of boxes, it’s a smart idea to color-code the labels. For example, make the bedroom black, the kitchen blue, and the bathroom red. This will also make it easier for movers to sort the boxes when they arrive and need to unpack.  

7. DON’T FORGET TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES 

From lamps to collectibles, we all have breakable things. “The worst thing to happen is moving into your brand new home, opening your box with all your precious valuables, and finding them all broken,” says Lowy. 

“The simplest thing to do is wrap your breakables in newspaper or bubble wrap to keep them from shattering in the back of your moving truck.”  

8. ASSESS YOUR NEW SPACE  

Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer, and founder of Shantaeize Your Space suggests taking it all in before you get started. “If you have the opportunity to do a walk-through of your new home, take full advantage," says Duckworth. 

"Take pictures and videos of every room and closet space. This is also a great time to take measurements of closet space that way you can get the appropriate materials needed to maximize the areas for potential.” Another great time to grab pics and look at the space you'll be living in is during the apartment tour. You can take measurements then, too!

9. PLAN NEW SPACE BEFORE YOUR MOVE IN 

Making advance plans for storage and furniture arrangement can save you time in the long run. “Bring sticky notes with you so that you can write out designated spots, take pictures of them and then use those pictures as a reference when you move in," says Duckworth. 

"For example, in the linen closet, you know that one shelf will be for your towels and the other shelf would be for toilet paper and maybe another shelf will be used for cleaning supplies. It will make the process of moving in that much easier.”  

10. START PACKING AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE 

Most of us are guilty of underestimating how long it will take to pack. So, it’s rarely too early to get a handle on things. "We all have more stuff than we think we do and we think that we can get packed up in a week and that is not the case," Duckworth tells me. 

"A lot of my clients that I work with or at the end of the transitional period and there’s usually a couple of boxes of things that they just threw together in a box because they needed to move quickly.” 

11. CONSIDER RE-USABLE MOVING BOXES 

Hate breaking down boxes? Want to make your move more eco-friendly? According to Duckworth, there are moving companies that can provide reusable boxes. 

“There are also great companies out there that have reusable moving boxes that you can rent and they will drop off and pick up from your new location. Definitely do your research and look into eco-friendly ways to move your belongings,” Says Duckworth.

12. DON’T DO IT ALONE 

Moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Duckworth recommends hiring help whether it’s professional movers, a professional organizer, or even a junk hauling company to get rid of your old things.”This will save you so much time and stress in regards to the process of moving," Duckworth says. 

"Working with a moving company is also great because they will take care of all the heavy lifting and be able to get all of your items to and from your new location in a timely manner.” If these services aren’t in your budget, you can always ask a friend or two to come over and help.

13. READ THE REVIEWS 

You don’t want to accidentally hire someone who could steal, break or misplace your personal items. So before you agree to work with a moving company, check out reviews on Google or Yelp first. It’s also a good idea to compare multiple contractors to get a sense of what these things cost in your local area.  

Okay — so you’re probs reading this because you’re searching for an apartment (here’s an item checklist for when you’ve got one, BTW). I know that feeling of scrolling through sites, dreamily looking at homes that look straight out of Selling Sunset. But bestie, you’ve got to be realistic.

When looking for a new place, you need to think about your hard-earned dollar. Yes, having a gorgeous interior may be the dream, but there are ways to decorate your apartment without breaking the bank. So, you can stay within budget and live the good life.

I’ve spoken to experts to find out just how much rent you can afford, ways to budget to keep to this, and what happens if you can’t afford your rent. This way, you can get your quarters in order, and move into the right apartment for you and your wallet.

Keep on scrolling for all the info you need to get started…

How much rent can I afford?

First of all, you need to consider your current income-to-expense ratio. “A good rule of thumb for renters is to set aside about 30% of your income for rent,” says Ryan Barone, CEO of RentRedi. “That being said, you know your priorities and spending best — you may spend more or less than 30% based on your values.” It is also worth checking your landlord and city’s salary requirements for renters. “For example, in New York City, renters are required to make an annual salary equal to 40 times the monthly rent on the apartment they’re applying for,” he adds.

It’s also worth noting that if you don’t have any regular repayments, you may have a bit more to play with when you start booking in apartment tours. “Someone with no other debts such as car payments, student loans, etc may be able to afford a bit more,” says Kendall Meade, certified financial planner at SoFi. “I recommend that you sit down and build out your budget to see what would fit comfortably, while still allowing room for savings.” The key is in planning, people.

How to budget when renting

Okay, now you’ve figured out how much rent you can afford, it’s time to put a budget plan in place. Meade says that a great first step for this could be the 50/30/20 budget. “This is a system where you divide up your monthly income into three categories, based on percentage. 50% towards needs, 30% towards ‘wants’ and arguably the most important, 20% designated for ‘savings’ and other money goals like paying down debt.”

She says that it’s worth keeping in mind that if you are in a very high cost-of-living area, your costs may not fall within this range. Therefore, it is majorly important to adjust your wants category to offset an increase in needs, while maintaining your savings whenever possible.

If you plan out your budget and you are ever spending more than you are bringing in or don't have any room for savings, Meade explains that you may need to make some big changes. “This could include moving to a lower cost option, getting a roommate, or trading in your car for a more affordable option.”

Only a li’l bit off having enough? Meade suggests removing your card from shopping and takeout sites to stop impulse purchases, doing an audit of your subscriptions (do you need to pay for your ex’s Netflix? No!), and waiting 24 hours before making any non-essential purchases.

FYI: I personally find it helpful to carry a smaller wallet, like this cute FurArt one that’s Amazon’s Choice, rather than one that has space for cash. This is because I always seem to spend more when I have cash on hand.

What happens if I can't afford my rent?

Worried about having a change of circumstance that could leave you struggling? Thinking about what happens if your landlord ups the rent? There are lots of reasons why you could end up in this sitch. If you do, you def need to own up to the problem, in order to make it easier to solve. “Depending on where you live, a number of things can happen if you break your lease,” explains Barone. “Paying one or two months of rent is a common penalty for breaking a lease, but this can range depending on your landlord and/or the lease terms you have agreed to.”

To start with, Barone suggests reading your lease agreement carefully to see what your landlord’s terms were when you signed. This will give you a good idea of what to expect if you need to get out of your lease earlier than planned. From there, communicate closely with your landlord and see how you can both mutually help find a solution. “Some landlords might be okay with an early move-out and the more notice you can give, the better. It’s always best to talk with them and see to see what is possible to accommodate.”

Barone also adds that depending on your landlord’s circumstances, some may be able to accommodate a unique arrangement for you. This setup could mean discounted rent in exchange for maintenance duties. “You really won’t know until you ask, so strike a positive relationship with your landlord to see what’s possible,” he adds.

If you do work out a special arrangement with your landlord, make sure everything is laid out in your lease or a lease addendum. This way, everything is clearly documented. I recommend printing your contract and putting it somewhere safe and accessible, such as in a file organizer like this Amazon Basics one, which has over 44,000 five-star reviews.

Now you have all the deets for getting your apartment finances in order — yay to being an adult! I hope you find a place that you love, and that your move goes well. You’ve got this.  

Up next: This is the ultimate apartment moving-in checklist 

Going apartment hunting? If you are reading this, you're probably thinking of moving into your own space, which is so, so exciting! You can decorate it how you want (well, within landlord-approved reason, obvi) and do what you want with your space. 

But, before you can enjoy your new pad, you've got to find it. The reality is, it can be a slightly tricky process. The good news is, I've been where you are and I'm here to help. 

But first, let's start with a confession: When I first toured an apartment I didn’t ask the right questions or look out for the right things and I really regretted it. I ended up moving into somewhere that was rather pricey for pretty little space. So now, whenever I tour a new apartment, I make sure to take my time, ask the right questions, and think critically about the space. And I'd recommend that you do too. 

I know, I know, it's easier said than done when you're in a rush to find the perfect apartment. However, it’s vital that when you go on your first apartment tour — or any apartment tour — that you make sure you’re checking the right things and asking lots of questions. 

1. Ask lots of questions

First things first, always ask lots of questions, even if things feel rushed. Remember, it’s your realtor or agent's job to make sure that they show you everything that you need to see and answer every query that you have, so don’t feel bad about taking up their time. At the time you’re probs going to feel a li'l overwhelmed by the whole process, so it’s worth writing a few questions down before your tour and taking them with you to refer to. This should help to make sure that, when it comes to your questions, you don’t end up missing anything. Not sure what to ask? Screenshot our list below.

2. Check the electrical outlets

Electrical safety is no joke, so it pays to take this stuff seriously. I once rented an apartment that had unsafe power outlets. I only realized once I had moved in and saw sparks coming from one of them (after which, I promptly moved out). So, as you walk around the property, make sure to keep a close eye on the electrical sockets, checking that they’re properly attached to the wall, aren’t loose, and look in good working order. Not sure whether an apartment’s electricals are safe? Request that the realtor has them inspected before you move in. 

3. Look for signs of rodents or pests

It’s also a good idea to know how to spot the signs of rodents and other pests. As you tour the apartment, keep an eye out for rodent droppings (gross but seriously necessary), scratching sounds within the wall (this can be a sign of rodents or insects), and nibbled carpets or curtains. You can also ask the realtor if any problems with pests have previously been reported. 

4. Check for fire safety items

Don’t forget to think about fire safety. As you look around the apartment, you might want to focus on the aesthetic appeal that the property offers, but it’s vital that you take the time to check for fire safety features as well. You want to be looking out for well-placed fire alarms and checking that they actually work, or asking the realtor to check for you. You also need to check to see if the apartment has a fire extinguisher. And, it’s also worth noting whether the apartment complex has a fire escape and how you would access it in an emergency. 

5. Check the light fixtures and fans work

The last thing that you want is to move into an apartment and go to turn on the fan or lights, only to find that they don’t work, or aren’t working effectively. So, it’s important that when you’re touring an apartment you always check that they’re working properly.  

6. Make sure the oven and stove work properly

It’s a good idea to turn on the oven and stove while you’re touring the property so that you can check that both are working and safe to use. You'll be out of luck if you're unable to safely prepare and cook food there, so it's def worth checking that both work correctly. 

7. Run the water

Another important thing to check is that the water in the apartment runs properly and gets hot. So, make sure to turn a few taps on and off as you walk around. If you’re concerned about water pressure and having a powerful shower, it’s also worth turning on the shower and letting it run, so that you can see how good the pressure is. 

8. Check that the locks work

It’s also a good idea to ask the realtor to demonstrate the locks to you and to check that every lock is working correctly. Household safety is important, which is why making sure that the locks are secure and work effectively is so vital. 

Helpful tip: Don’t just check the door locks, also ask the realtor to check the locks on the windows too. 

Moving into your first apartment? Yas, that’s a big deal. You’ve probs got a lot to think about RN, like apartment decorating ideas, so you def want ways to make that move-in process as breezy as poss. That’s why I’m here, to take some of that work away from you.

There’s nothing worse than moving into an apartment, wanting to do something, and then finding out that you haven’t got the right things to make it work. This ain’t your parents’ place, peeps, you’ve gotta get everything yourself. So, I’ve put together a checklist of items that you’ll need for each room.

This covers the four key apartment rooms: The kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area. Some items you might need for each room, and some items you might end up swapping about as you get comfy in your living space. But trust me, having them all will make your life 10x easier.

Let's get started — scroll on down for each list. Oh, and free to screenshot and tick them off as you go, so you know what you still need to buy. 

What do I need for my first apartment? The ultimate checklist

No need to get stressed, this is everything you need to make your first apartment move-in a piece of cake and help shape it into a space that feels like home. I’ve also shopped some buys, to save you the effort of scrolling through sites trying to find what you need.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

Bedroom checklist for first apartment

• Bed: Beds with storage are such game-changers! Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair are all super stores to shop these at.
• Mattress: Mattresses in boxes are much easier to transport. Our top three, tried and tested by us, are the original Casper (it's our fave overall), memory foam Nectar (this is our no.1 memory foam mattress), and the memory foam Siena (we think it's such good value for money). 
• Sheets: Make sure to get at least two bedding sets (here's where to get them from), so you have a wash and a wear.

• Pillows: You can’t sleep without one (or I sure can’t anyway!).

• Comforter: Duvet inserts will help you keep warm at night. Our fave is the Brooklinen down comforter if you need to bag one.
• Curtains: Blackout ones are the best, and these Wayfair Basics ones are such a steal (Wayfair has loads of blackout curtains worth checking). 
• Nightstand: Easy-to-assemble ones are the best, such as this 17 Stories one on Wayfair, which also doubles as storage space.
• Night lamp: Different kinds include battery, sunrise alarm clock lamp (this JALL one is Amazon's Choice), and essential oil diffuser lamp (how adorable is this cactus lamp, which has over 3,500 five-star ratings on Amazon?). 
• Wardrobe and/or drawers: BTW, clothes racks and closet organizers are great for making the most out of the space.

• Mirror: Ones with wiggly borders and rattan textures are so in RN. 
• Storage: Ottomans, storage furniture, and over-the-door organizers are all great bedroom organizers 

•  Laundry hamper: Go for either a big hamper, a bag, or a bin

Kitchen checklist for first apartment

What’s cookin’, good lookin’? Well, hopefully lots of things, once you’ve got everything you need to get started.

• Appliances: Small kitchen appliances are best for apartments, such as small coffee makers and small air fryers.

• Pots and pans: Non-stick pans are seriously amazing — we really rate the Our Place Always Pan here at Real Homes.
• Knives: I recommend getting a set like this Syvio set that’s Amazon’s Choice.
• Cutting board: Chop that fruit and veg without damaging those surfaces.

• Trash can and bags: A good kitchen trash can is a necessity.

• Dish towels and oven mitts: For cleaning up wet stuff and picking up hot stuff.
• Food storage containers: I have these glass ones from Amazon, which are perfect for leftovers.
• Dinnerware: Proper dishes are much better than eating off paper plates. I’m seriously in love with this swirly blue set, which is Amazon's Choice.
• Utensils: Knives, forks, spoons, and teaspoons are the essentials.
• Spices and pantry essentials: I store my spices in a spice rack, as well as keep my pantry organized.

• Scales: It’s not worth trying to guesstimate when cooking or baking, trust — these Amazon Basics ones are Amazon’s Choice if you need a set.
• Cleaning supplies: All-purpose cleaning spray and vinegar are key cleaning products, as are mops. 

Living area checklist for first apartment

AKA, the Netflix and chill zone. This list has all the items you need to spread out and make the space your own.

• Seating: One couch and a couple of armchairs are plenty for an apartment.
• Coffee table: Because you can’t put your mug on the floor. BTW, lift-top ones make for a great additional storage unit.
• Curtains: Go for ones that block out the light, like these BGment curtains that have over 40,000 five-star Amazon reviews.
• Lighting: Overhead lighting, lamps, and/or floor lamps are your key options. I love this Orren Ellis floor lamp on Wayfair, and this elegant Threshold lamp from Target.
• Shelving and storage: Tall, thin bookshelves work well in small spaces.
• Rugs: Amazon, Wayfair, and Walmart are all great places to shop for rugs.

• TV and TV stand: For catching up on your fave shows.
• Plants: Go for ones that easily stay alive (ah, ah, ah).

• Wall art: Fy! And Deseino are my go-to places to look for art pieces.

Bathroom checklist for first apartment

• Shower curtain: These are generally made out of either fabric, PVC, or PEVA. Need one? This gorgeous sage green Dynamene curtain is Amazon’s Choice.
• Bath mat: They’re such an easy way to spruce up a bathroom. This bright peach one from UO is so Insta, as is this Persian-style one from Anthropologie.
• Towels: Gotta stay dry.

• Toilet brush and plunger: Brush-wise, you can grab ones with plastic heads (like this stainless steel set that's Amazon's Choice) or disposable heads. In terms of plungers, you can get standard rubber ones, ones with flaps, and accordion-style ones. Over 6,000 Amazon shoppers rate this Clorox plunger because of its sturdiness and discreet look.
• Trash can and liners: Ones you can get include ones with pedals, ones with removable lids, and just open ones. This Amazon one is just the right size, and a fab price too at just under $23.
• Toilet paper holder: Sticky adhesive ones, like this Layuki holder on Amazon, will stay put on tiled walls.
• Toothbrush holder: Choose one with room for your toothpaste too, such as Urbanstrive's which is also Amazon’s Choice.
• Soap dispenser: Why choose a boring one, when you can get a cute one, like this mushroom-patterned dispenser from UO?
• Shower caddy: Keep your lotions and potions all in one place.

• Cleaning supplies: It’s super important to regularly clean the bathroom.

All set for your new apartment? You should be once you’ve ticked all these off. Once you’ve got the essentials down, you can then play about with more decor and organization ideas, to really make the space your own. The fun is officially about to begin, bestie.

Up next: How to organize a small apartment, according to the experts 

Moving into your first apartment? Upgrading to a condo? Regardless of where you decide to set up shop, there are plenty of rental red flags that should not go unnoticed. 

Be sure to tick off all the details you need to sort out ahead of time and make the job easier with our moving-in checklist.

We can't be there to sound the alarms while you sign your lease, should there be any major issues, but we can give you a few pointers from the pros that will make your search for a home a lot easier. 

Rental red flags you need to know how to spot

Before you find the feng shui for your space, you'll need to scope out the property to make sure it's comfortable and safe. It's easy to spot some potential problems — rodents, broken appliances, creepy, kooky, and spooky neighbors — but other parts of the rental process could be just as problematic, but not as obvious. These scenarios have us waving red flags.

Day-to-day amenities don't work

Keyanna Bowen, the founder of East+Lane and the host of Rental Redo on Magnolia Network, insists that you should eyeball a rental the way you would a property you're considering purchasing — in the end, they're both home. 

Start with the "day-to-day non-cosmetic things." Do the toilets flush properly? Have you flipped all of the light switches? Is the water pressure OK? These necessities can often go unnoticed in the excitement of perusing a rental apartment, condo, or house for the first time, so make a checklist if you need to!

Unattended areas are neglected

If hallways, laundry areas, outdoor spaces, and mailrooms look like a disaster, take it as a sign that the apartment itself might also need some TLC...or a lot of TLC.

"Check the maintenance," suggests Chelsey Brown, the founder of CityChicDecor.com and author of Rental Style: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Apartment or Small Home (available on Amazon). "Seeing how the management or landlord upkeeps a home or complex can tell you how they will upkeep your actual unit."

And should something seem less than stellar upon move-in day, bring it to the landlord's attention.

"A unit we moved into in Brooklyn in 2019 did NOT have fresh coats of paint when we moved in, and had scuff marks from the previous tenant, along with cracks that weren’t covered up," Becca Siegel of Halfhalftravel.com recalls.

Take pictures throughout the journey so you have proof if something is out of whack. It's always good to photograph your space upon arrival and before you hit the road, so you have documentation that shows you were a good tenant and maintained the space well.

Lease details are murky

Pump the breaks if you have a landlord who's loosey-goosey with lease agreements or is forcing you into terms that you're not comfortable with. You're going to have to read that fine print thoroughly, friends. "Make sure you’re understanding what you’re signing," Bowen implores. Clarify how much rent is and what utilities are included in your agreement.

Payments are being rushed

We get it — you're excited about creating a space of your own. You're ready to implement apartment hacks to utilize every last possible inch of space. It's an exciting time for sure, but don't rush into handing anything over — especially finances. 

"A legitimate property manager or landlord won’t ask you to hand over a large sum of money before seeing the rental property and reading through the lease," says RedFin's chief economist, Daryl Fairweather. "However, during the application process, you can expect to pay certain fees upfront, such as application fees and a background check, whether or not you ultimately sign a lease for the property."

The landlord is unapproachable

Though you likely won't have much contact with your landlord, a property owner should still be approachable — especially considering a stranger is moving into their space! 

"If you hear that the landlord or manager is 'out of town,' sick, or otherwise detained, but you’re still expected to pay a security deposit or first and last month's rent upfront on the spot, you may be facing a scam," Fairweather notes. "Scammers are good at making everything seem legitimate — some even reference a fake lawyer or other third parties who look after things in the owner’s absence."

Brokers aren't upfront about utilities

Even if you're in the smallest of spaces, the shoebox to end all shoeboxes, calculate what your monthly utility bill will look like so there aren't any surprises when you move in.

"Ask the management or landlord what the average cost of electricity is per month in a similar unit to what you’re looking for," Brown recommends. "In poorly-insulated buildings, you could be paying hundreds of dollars per month on electricity. One time, my electric bill was $290 for a previous studio I was living in mid-summer!"

It's all in the details, folks. But now that you know what to do when scoping out rentals, it's time to sign the lease and make your way in. The next step? Designing your small apartment on a budget. 

Are you moving into a brand-new apartment? If so, yay, that’s so exciting! If not, well it’s always good to have info like this in your back pocket, ready for when you do actually move. There are lots of things to keep in mind when you’re moving in, so it’s worth getting organized early.

I’ve moved around multiple different places in my time, and I know that the task can feel really overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure where to start. But we’re all in this together, peeps, and the hard part of apartment hunting is over! So, I’ve put together an apartment moving-in checklist, for everything from a loft to a studio apartment, so you can get everything in order.

This covers the whole process, from when you first decide to move right up to when you’re in boxes. Basically, no matter what stage you’re at, there’s no need to get stressy.

Screenshot this list, and get ready for your moving journey…

12 things you need to do before moving into an apartment

Want to be organized AF? Work through this article as you go through the stages of changing places. 

1. Give notice to your previous landlord

If you haven’t got on this already, you def need to sort this stat. Check that your move-out date and move-in date align, and if they don’t make sure to make arrangements to get your furniture in storage and for somewhere to stay.

2. Read the lease agreement

Yes, it can be super easy to just skim the boring paperwork and sign away. But it is really important to take time to read it thoroughly, as there may be clauses that affect what you can do once living there. Get a delish drink from your coffee machine, have a sit-down, print out your contract, and highlight and make notes if needed. Once you’re happy, then sign it and return it ASAP.

3. Secure renter’s insurance

Another cost? I feel ya. This one is necessary though, trust. You’ve got to keep your belongings protected, as you just don’t know what will happen. It’s important that the insurance you get covers theft, fires, and any other damages so that you know you’ll be okay in case the worst happens.

4. Book time off work

Sorry, but cramming in packing, moving, and unpacking into a couple of weekends just isn’t a good idea. You’ll tire yourself out, and you may even run out of time to do everything. Instead, make sure you have a couple of days for packing, moving, and then unpacking. This will make the whole process a lot easier, and mean you won’t be worried or frazzled while working either.

5. Arrange your utilities

If you aren’t living in an apartment with all-inclusive bills, you’re gonna need to sort out your own utilities. Contact electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable companies, and make sure that they’re all set up for the new place. If you have existing plans at your old place, you can simply move these over.

6. Declutter your home

Before you begin packing, it’s a good idea to have a proper declutter (FYI, here's how to do that). This way, you won’t be packing up junk, and will be able to move into your new place with a fresh start and just the key necessities. Go through everything and decide if you use the item and if you really want to keep it — if the answer is no to either or both, get rid. Anything that’s in good condition, you can gift to friends and family or donate to Goodwill.

7. Pack and label boxes

Go into each room, armed with a few boxes, and put all your items in boxes. You can categorize these for each room, to make it easier to find what you need. For example, in the bedroom, you could have a clothes box, bed box, and nightstand box, while in the kitchen you could have a food box, utensils box, and cookware box. BTW, I recommend labeling these so you know what’s what — you can either do this with a marker pen or with a label maker, like this Phomemo one which is Amazon’s Choice.

8. Get moving help

I know you’re totes independent and brilliant, but moving just isn’t a job you can do by yourself. See if any friends or family (preferably with big cars or vans) can help you out with the task. If you have a lot to shift and want to hire a moving company instead, be sure to book this a few weeks in advance, as you don’t want to leave it ‘till the last min. My top tip is to book an early morning timeslot, as the moving company will get the job done quicker, as they’ll be nice and fresh. 

9. Change your address

Whether you know you’re gonna be getting important letters or not, you need to let any companies that you have agreements with that you’re changing address. Get in touch with your bank, credit card company, and any other place that may be sending you physical post. To cover yourself even further, you can also submit a change-of-address request to your mail service, so your mail gets redirected.

10. Clean the apartment

As well as cleaning the home you’re moving out of, you need to clean your new apartment too. Trust me, the previous tenant and the estate agent ain’t going to do the hard work for you. Clean cabinets and surfaces with all-purpose spray (Mrs. Meyer’s on Amazon is our fave here at Real Homes) and cloth, as well as vacuum and mop the floor. This way, you know it will be free of any dust and germs before you get fully moved in.

11. Take note of any existing damage

While you’re in your new apartment cleaning, before you have all the boxes in, check for any damages. Look for scratches, marks, and any broken pieces on doors, walls, skirting boards, windowsills, and the floor. If you spot anything, snap a pic and take a note of it, and let your landlord know. We gotta keep that deposit protected, honey.

12. Plan for any furniture

Measure up your new apartment, room by room, and take notes of each one’s size. This will make planning for furniture 10x easier, legit. See if you have any existing furniture that will fit, and if not make plans to replace them. Don’t stress about getting everything straight away though — so long as you have a couch, table, bed with a mattress, stove, and fridge, you should be golden for moving in.  

Ticked off everything on this list? Congrats — you’re officially ready to get outta your old place and get moved into your new space. I hope your move goes smoothly, and that you have the best time enjoying your new apartment. You’ve got this, bestie.

Up next: 15 tips for moving into your first apartment

My studio apartment was one of my absolute favorite places to live. When I was studying, it was my li’l haven — just the right size for me to live in the big city. It had everything I needed to feel at home and saved me mega bucks as well.

You’re probs reading this because you’re curious about what it’s like to live in one too. Maybe you’re thinking about moving into one, or maybe you want to be prepared before moving into one. It’s def a unique living sitch, so I’ve delved into all the deets you need to know about them.

TBH, it was always a li’l confusing explaining to friends and family what it was like. No, it’s not a whole apartment. Yes, I can roll out of bed and make a cup of coffee. There are def pros and cons of living in one, which I’ve gone through as well.

Want to know more about studio apartments? Scroll on down for all the info…

What is a studio apartment?

A studio apartment is a self-contained living space, with one room that has a living area, bedroom, and kitchenette within it. The bathroom is usually separate from this, with its own room. Studios are usually designed for just one person, or a couple living together (perf if you’re boo’d up).

How does a studio apartment work?

It def can vary from place to place, but it generally includes a small kitchenette with a stove, fridge, and sink, a living area with a couch and bed, as well as some storage space. The bathroom will include a toilet and sink, as well as likely having a shower. Everything is pretty much in one zone, meaning you won’t have to move between rooms, except for going to the bathroom. 

Pros and cons of living in a studio apartment

Thinking about going for that studio life? I've weighed up the pros and cons of living in one (I'm talking from experience, legit).

Pros of living in a studio apartment

• It is often cheaper than other apartment types.
• It requires less furniture and decorations, which can save money and time.
• It is typically easier to maintain and clean, as there is less space.
• It offers privacy and independence, as there are no shared areas.
• It is often conveniently located in popular areas.

Cons of living in a studio apartment

• It can feel a li’l cramped.
• It may be difficult to separate activities.
• It can have limited storage space, which can make organizing trick
• It can get real noisy, especially with closeby neighbors.
• It can have less natural light, which can make the space feel dark.

Tips and tricks for living in a studio apartment

Looking at moving into a studio? Here are some helpful ways to make the most out of the unique living space. I've also rounded up some buys, in case you need some decor inspo too.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

Maximize your space

Since you only have one room to play with, you’ve gotta make the most out of what you have. Invest in multi-functional furniture such as a bed with storage, storage ottomans that can double as seating, and a desk that can also work as a dining table.

Keep decor minimal

You may want to fill your room with loads of decor, in order to try and disguise how little space there is. Hiding just doesn’t work in studios though, and it will only make the space feel even smaller. Instead, opt for breezy, minimal decor, sticking with a color palette that you like and a few personal objects here and there. This will make the space feel more open, which equals a more relaxing living vibe.

Get creative with storage

When you only have a li’l bit of space, you have to think outside the box when it comes to storing items. For smaller spaces I always recommend utilizing vertical space, such as with over-the-door organizers, floating shelves, and tall and thin shelving units. This way, you can keep all that clutter off the floor, which is oh-so-precious in a studio apartment. 

Make sure to get out and about

Trust me: I know how weird it can feel living in one tiny place. It can feel like you can’t move around very much, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed. Make sure that you go outside at least once a day, even just for a 15-minute walk, so you have a change of scenery and can clear your head too.

Create zones

Make each area it's own by using small rugs to separate out the kitchen, dining area, bedroom, and study zone. Not only will this look cute AF, but it will help you get into the right mindset when you’re in each area — for example, you don’t want to feel like you need to work in bed, nor do you want to feel sleepy while you’re studying.

FAQs

Up next: How to organize a small apartment, according to the experts 

Whether it’s market conditions, budget, or the time of year, finding the right apartment can be incredibly frustrating. It’s also a multi-step process. There’s the initial search. Even if you begin by looking online — it's easy to find yourself up late at night sorting through listings, searching through classifieds, and sending out inquiries all trying to find that perfect first apartment. 

All of this can be exhausting. Then there’s the physical aspect of getting out there and doing the legwork — meeting with landlords and leasing agents — seeing beautiful places and likely some less-than-desirable ones as well. 

When you finally find the right place, there’s often a lot of paperwork like applications, some of which may feel a little bit invasive. 

However, there are lots of ways to streamline the process, ensuring you not only find the right home but also don’t lose it to another prospective tenant. Find everything from your dream loft to a cozy studio apartment.

Here are ten apartment-hunting tips that you’ll definitely want to screenshot. 

 START BY SEARCHING ONLINE 

Moving into your first apartment? Even if you aren’t quite ready to move, it can’t hurt to go online to get an idea of what’s out there explains Broker Jacqueline Kurtz of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “It’s good to start looking online to get a sense of the market," says Kurtz. "You can save searches for what you are looking for and also save specific buildings that you like.” 

 MAKE A LIST OF PRIORITIES 

Before you begin your search, Broker Mihal Gartenberg of Coldwell Banker Warburg recommends making a list of priorities. “A first-time renter needs to consider what is most important to them within their budget — location, size, and amenities. The popular locations will be the most expensive on a price-per-square-foot basis,” Gartenberg says. 

“Renters can find larger apartments in less popular areas. Amenities can include everything from a doorman to an elevator to a gym. So what is most important to you? Answering this basic question will help narrow down the search considerably.” 

 WORK WITH A BROKER OR AGENT 

If you’re in a major city, the market can be very competitive. Working with a broker or agent, especially if you must relocate for a job or another reason may make this process much easier explains broker Adjina Dekidjiev of Coldwell Banker Warburg, “Ask your network to recommend a trusted real estate broker who knows the market well and has relationships with owners; this will save you a lot of legwork and time, and although you very often have to pay a fee, it's worth it in the long run.”

Agent Robert Elson of Coldwell Banker Warburg also advises working with a broker because they have market knowledge that can help you not only find the right place but also help assure the application goes through. “Only they will have the depth of knowledge and experience to advise you on the neighborhood you’re interested in. If you see something you like, do not hesitate. In the rental market, if you do not move quickly, you can just as quickly find yourself without a property to rent,” Elson says. 

 READ THE REVIEWS 

If you’re moving into a large apartment complex, don’t be afraid to Google the address or name of the complex and read the reviews. If several recent reviews note the same issues over and over again, such as problems with vermin, thin walls, or unresponsive maintenance staff, it’s probably true. If you find the right place, living in an apartment can be better than moving into a house.

DO A FINAL WALK-THROUGH BEFORE YOU SIGN THE LEASE  

No matter what your budget is, it's rare a landlord will deliver an apartment in perfect condition. There may be a dead outlet or two, a dripping sink, or a light fixture that needs to be repaired. 

These things can be nuisances to deal with after you move in. So, it’s in your best interest to make sure there aren’t any major problems before you pay your security deposit or sign any paperwork. Ask for an apartment tour and a second one after if you'd like to review the space again.

 CHECK THE RULES 

Checking the building’s rules is crucial before you sign a lease. For example, if you’re a smoker, moving into a non-smoking building means you must go outside to smoke. Ask yourself if you really want to do that. There may also be rules about guests, subletting, and noise. 

 READ YOUR LEASE 

While leases can be really lengthy documents, it’s crucial to read your lease before signing anything. This can come back to haunt you later. 

For example, if access to a laundry room isn’t in your lease and the landlord decides to close the laundry room for renovations or another reason — you’ll end up spending a lot of time at the laundromat and there will be zero recourse.  

 CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE 

Before you start the apartment hunting process, it’s a smart idea to check your credit score. If you have good credit, it puts your rental application at an advantage compared to those with lower scores “Ensure you don't have high balances, and make monthly payments on time,” says Dekidjiev. 

 COLLECT YOUR PAPERWORK IN ADVANCE  

Things move fast in most markets, so it’s crucial to be prepared and ready to submit an application as soon as possible. “First-time renters and younger apartment hunters would be to get all paperwork ready so you can apply to an apartment quickly and not lose out to someone who has all of their documents ready,” says Kurtz. 

Broker Ellen Sykes of Coldwell Banker Warburg recommends gathering your pay stubs and bank statements for at least the most recent two months. “Then get together your tax returns for the last year, locate your driver's license so you have it with you, and get a letter from your employer saying how long you have been employed and at what salary.”

The landlord may request copies of these documents and you don’t want to scramble. 

Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or looking for a place to call home in a new city, finding the right apartment can feel like a daunting task. 

As the housing markets in some cities become more competitive and rentals become harder to come by, finding an apartment requires tact, organization, and field sport-like skills. Even for those who are adept at wading through classifieds, apartment hunting can be tricky. 

With complex apartment applications, scammers, and short turn-around times between tenants all in the mix, it can be tempting to settle for less than you hoped for. However, if you have a better understanding of the process, you have a better chance of finding the place of your dreams 

 Have Your Paperwork Organized 

Rule number one: You need to prepare for when the right space comes along. Before your apartment hunting even begins, you need to collect any paperwork you might need for apartment applications, such as pay stubs, job contract letters, bank statements, and more. 

Time is often of the essence when it comes to applying for rentals. Without this information, you could risk not being prepared enough to submit an application in time and losing the place you wanted. 

 Deep Dive Into The Online Marketplaces 

Those with a penchant for hunting might prevail in finding a rental in the online marketplaces, like Zillow Rentals, Apartments.com, Apartment Guide, and the like. Even if you spend a good amount of time searching for what you want, at the most popular classified websites, you may still come up short. 

If this is the case, you could try less popular online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. When searching through any online classified be sure to take the proper safety precautions to avoid scammers.  

 Take A Walk Through Your Dream Neighborhood  

Although many realtors, brokers, and property management companies post their listings online, there are always landlords who prefer word-of-mouth and don’t advertise online as much. 

In order to find the unlisted apartments, take a walk around your choice neighborhoods to search for “For Rent” signs. Walking around the neighborhoods will also give you a feel for the space and give you a better understanding of the place you want to live. 

 Pay Attention To The Details In Ads  

Here’s a scenario: You’re a skilled home chef who lives in the kitchen and you’ve found the ideal apartment. There’s just one catch, there’s no oven! Without thoroughly reading through classified ads, online and in print, you won’t get the full story and might waste time viewing apartments that don’t fit your criteria. 

Instead of rapidly viewing as many apartments as fast as possible, make a list of your “deal breakers'' (examples include needing a place with in-unit laundry, a certain number of bedrooms, or an outdoor area). If an apartment doesn’t meet your basic requirements, it’s best to move on. Your dream place might be right around the corner. 

 Consider Your Dream Place 

In order to get the best sense of where you want to move, make a list of all the aspects of your dream apartment. Although you likely won’t find one that checks off all your wants and desires, you might get a better understanding of what elements are wants and what are absolute “deal breakers" so once you move in you can make the most of your apartment.

 Uncover The Best Locally-Used Websites  

Although there are plenty of rental websites that are used in many cities — such as Zillow and Trulia — your own city might have a locally-used rental classifieds website. 

In order to find out what websites are commonly used in your city, you’ll have to ask around or do online research.  These sites allow you to filter down by type of rental, rent cost, neighborhood, and plenty of other factors.

 Talk To Your Friends And Acquaintances 

Even better than deep-diving on the internet is finding out what rentals or management companies are recommended by friends or acquaintances. 

By talking to people in the city you want to live in, you may find that there are commonly-used rental companies and locally-used classifieds you wouldn’t otherwise find. 

Reach out to friends (and friend of friends) to see if they know any apartments up for rent or have any tips on finding the best one locally. 

 Communicate Thoughtfully Throughout Your Search 

As you contact landlords and management companies in your search, be sure to always communicate using courtesy. Be sure to communicate clearly and answer any questions they might have before they ask. 

You never know if their approved tenant will end up falling out last minute, leaving them to consider the next person.  

 Hire A Broker To Help  

Especially for those searching for an apartment in a high-value city, such as New York City or Los Angeles, a broker or agent can help you narrow your search easily. 

Brokers also have access to unlisted vacancies or inside knowledge on new apartments accepting tenants. This will put you ahead of the game on your apartment search and can help you secure the place of your dreams. 

Navigating the rental application process isn’t always clear-cut. From background checks and credit reports to pay stubs and references, hunting for your dream apartment comes with plenty of factors that can feel like hurdles. 

It can be disheartening to have your application denied. Some laws state that landlords and management companies must inform you about the reason or reasons. Even if you don’t have the exact information for the reasons your apartment application was rejected, just know that there are plenty of factors that come into play. 

For instance, while some places might be more forgiving for your credit check, others may require a stellar credit score. As rental preferences may differ between management companies and landlords, understanding each of these elements are crucial to getting approved in the application process.   

 The Background Screening  

It’s common during the application process that the management company or landlord conducts a background check for each tenant on a rental application. A background screening could include several searches, including a deep dive into your rental history, your employment history, and your criminal history. 

Even though there are plenty of reputable companies that conduct these services for landlords, it’s good to check if your application was denied because of a red flag on your background screening by ordering one yourself. If you find any false information on your screening, address it by contacting the background screening service directly. 

 The Credit Report 

One of the most talked-about elements of applying for an apartment is the credit report, a document from one (or all) of the top credit agencies that details your payment history and debt amounts. With every credit report also comes a credit score, a numerical grade determined by a number of factors in your credit history, which becomes a lot of people’s focus. 

If you find that your credit score is below average, there are clear-cut ways to improve the number. From paying down debts to paying your credit card bill in time, you can raise your score and raise your chances of being approved for an apartment. This will also help for future purchases, like if you take out a loan for a car or house. 

Even with a great credit score, many companies may find details on your credit report that need work. For instance, a high debt-to-income ratio could be a factor in determining whether someone can pay the rent on time. Another red flag would be if you had a great credit score but have recently taken out plenty of credit. This signals that you may have lost your job or are living beyond your means, all factors that make you a less-than-desirable applicant. 

For those with credit card debt or past collection charges, reading through your credit report can help you comprehend the story you are telling when applying to apartments. On the other hand, if you have an outstanding situation, such as being the victim of identity theft or if you’re going through a life transition like a divorce, be sure to disclose that information to the landlord or management company for them to take into consideration when viewing your report.

 No Recent Employment Records  

Cash flow is important to landlords. Even with hefty savings, it can be difficult to be accepted for an apartment without a job or legitimate proof of employment. 

Those who are moving across state lines or into new cities might have a challenging time being accepted without a job in place. Even if you have to take on a temporary gig between jobs, it’s important to communicate your current financial situation to who could be your future landlord. 

If you’re planning a move, consider saving your pay stubs or employment agreement for proof that can accommodate your application.  

 Income To Rent Cost Ratio 

If having employment isn’t your problem, then having a low income to rent cost ratio could be. In cities like New York, landlords use rules of thumb, like the “40x rule” to determine whether an applicant can reliably pay rent. 

This criteria dictates that one must have an annual income of at least 40 times the monthly rent of the apartment. This means that if you want to rent an apartment that costs $2,000, they determine that, in order to reliably afford rent, you would need to make $80,000 a year. 

In other cities where rent costs and salaries are lower, the “40x rule” may not apply. Still, it’s worth doing the math on your own to determine what price you can pay in rent and which apartments might consider you a good applicant.  

 Lack Of Rental References (Or Bad Ones)  

For those who have lived in rentals previously, having good references is imperative. By contacting references, your possible future landlord can make better-informed decisions on who to approve. 

If you’re unable to include past rental references for whatever reason (including those who are moving into a rental for the first time in their lives), adding employment and personal references will have to do as it’s a big red flag for landlords and management companies to see an application with no references. 

As a prospective tenant, it’s your responsibility to know that the people you add for references will be willing and able to refer you in good conscience.  

 Pets 

Some landlords and management companies have strict rules about the number and type of pets allowed in an apartment. Some rentals do not allow pets at all. 

When filling out an apartment application, be sure to check with the rental company about whether they accept pets to reside in the unit. 

Be truthful on the application about the pets you will have moved in and be sure to note any pet deposits or other requirements throughout the process.  

 Incomplete Information 

Answer truthfully and thoughtfully when filling out an apartment application. It’s important to note the number of pages and be sure to fill all of the pages when submitting. If you run into questions while filling out the application, communicate with the landlord and management company in order to make your application the best it can be. 

Another reason your application could have been denied is that it did not include the application fee. Most applications require a fee, whether you can pay it online or with a check, and without this portion of the application, you won’t be considered. 

After submitting, check with the landlord to find out if you have any missing components that could cause your application to be denied.

 Too Many Stellar Tenant Applications  

Whether you were late to apply or your rental market is flooded, one of the main reasons your rental application was denied could be that there were simply too many applicants. At the end of the day, the most coveted apartments, especially if you live in a high-value rental market, may see an excess of applicants. 

There are bound to be tenant applications with higher income, a higher credit score, or better references than you. Especially if the apartment you’re applying to has already been on the market for a while, the landlord or rental company may already be in the process of approving other tenants.

Don’t let this deter you. There will typically be other people interested in the apartment but by making your application as best as it can be, you’re giving yourself a great chance of securing the place of your dreams. 

Regardless of why you were denied your application, the only way through is forward. Be sure to apply to the places you love in a timely manner and only use truthful and accurate information when applying. 

Rental rights and laws differ from country to country, state to state, and city to city. If you feel that you’ve been discriminated against in your rental application, refer to your local, state, and federal laws to determine whether you can file a complaint. Tenants unions and non-profit organizations are resources that may help you make this determination. 

If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re moving into your first apartment, or are thinking about making that first move. Congrats! It’s so exciting having your own place. Having somewhere that’s your own is super special, so ofc you want to organize as much as poss and utilize all the moving hacks before settling into your new place.

There are lots of things to consider, but don’t stress. You’re reading this piece, which means you’re already a step ahead of the game for everything from a loft to a studio apartment. It’s def a good idea to have important info in the back of your mind, so you know exactly what to do before you bring in all the boxes.

I’ve put together some top tips for things to remember when moving into your first-ever pad. These cover a range of different areas, such as keeping your finances in check, getting your cleaning in order, and putting together plans for the future.

Ready to get started? Scroll on down for my top tips for moving into an apartment…

15 useful AF things to remember when moving into your first apartment

Get your head in the apartment game with these different tips and tricks…

1. Set a budget

Work out how much you can spend on rent, groceries, utilities, and other essentials, and make sure to stick to this every month. You can plot this out on a spreadsheet, or even just on the Notes app on your phone. By doing this, you won’t spend more than you have, meaning you won’t be caught bein’ broke. 

2. Measure your furniture

Whip out the tape measure, and make sure that any furniture that you have or that you’re thinking about buying actually fits in your space. You don’t want to have super stressful apartment move-in day, carrying up the couch Friends style, and then finding it won’t even fit through the door frame. 

3. Start with the basics

Yes, it can be so tempting to just blow all your budget on making your apartment cute AF. But trust me, decorating is so much easier when you already have the basic big furniture to work around. A bed, couch, table, chairs, refrigerator, and a stove are all the essentials that you need to have before you move in — everything else you can find afterward.

4. Change your address

Thinking it will be easy to trudge back to the ‘rents to grab your letters? No bestie — we’re adulting here! Update your address with the bank, post office, credit card companies, and anywhere else that may be sending you mail regularly. This way, you won’t miss any important letters or bills.

5. Buy cleaning supplies

If this is your first-ever apartment, chances are you don’t have cleaning supplies already. In terms of cleaning products, I recommend investing in a quality all-purpose spray like Mrs. Meyer’s on Amazon, a kitchen cleaner, a bathroom cleaner, and an air freshener. In terms of tools, I recommend sponges, dusters, and microfiber cloths (Spontex’s are my faves, and Amazon has a cute pack of three ).

6. Create a cleaning schedule

As magical as it would be, there’s no cleaning fairy to tidy up your messes — you’ve got to do it yourself. IMO, the best way to keep on top of this is by creating and following an apartment cleaning checklist. Not only does this stop dirt gathering, but it also means that you won’t be cramming all your cleaning into one stressy sesh.

7. Set up utilities 

First, check that your utilities aren’t included in your apartment. If they aren’t? Get them set up, ASAP. Setting up electricity, gas, water, and cable before you move in will ensure you have everything in place on the first day. Just picture that first evening being nice and warm, watching TV with the lights down low. Vibes, right? Much better than just showing up and spending the night shivering.

8. Clean before moving in

Want a fresh start? That’s why you’re moving into your first-ever apartment, am I right? Make that even fresher by giving your apartment a clean before you move in (JSYK, here's our guide on how to do that). This will allow you to get rid of any germs and dust previous tenants have left, as well as get into areas that won’t be so accessible to clean when you’re fully moved in, such as cupboard shelves. 

9. Check for any damage

Let’s be real, deposits are not cheap. So, you def need to make sure you future-proof yours, so you don’t lose any unnecessary dollar when you eventually move out. Before moving in, check walls, surfaces, skirting boards, and flooring for any damage. If you find anything, make a log of this in writing, take pictures, and inform your landlord. Your future self will thank you later, trust. 

10. Learn your apartment rules

If you’re renting or living in an apartment block, you need to make sure that you’re following any house rules, as you don’t want to upset your landlord or neighbors. Useful things to check include quiet hours, pet policies, and parking regulations. By familiarizing yourself with these before you move in, you won’t be at risk of making boo-boos once you’re in there. 

11. Invest in storage solutions

When you’ve not got a lotta room to play with, making sure everything is organized is especially important. This will then keep your apartment clutter-free in the long-run. Storage solutions like over-the-door organizers (this SimpleHouseware one on Amazon has over 9,000 five-star reviews, BTW), storage ottomans, and under-bed storage organizers are all great options for utilizing as much apartment space as poss).

12. Purchase renter's insurance

I know, I know — another extra cost. But this is a worthwhile expense, as you just never know what could happen. Protect yourself in case of fires, thefts, or any other total disasters with renter’s insurance. I def recommend choosing one that covers all your home contents as well as spendy items like your cell phone and laptop.

13. Keep important documents organized

If this is your first place, you probs have VIPs (Very Important Papers) that you need to keep track of. It’s a good idea to have your lease agreement, renter’s insurance, and any other legal docs all in one place, so you can pull them out if you have any issues or need to look back for reference. I like to use magazine holders for this (FYI, these smart black ones are Amazon’s Choice), as they fit easily into small shelves and spaces.

14. Stock up on pantry essentials

Obvi, you’ll be doing a big ol’ grocery shop before you move in — but don’t just fill your cart with fresh fruit and veg. Be sure to pick up plenty of dry foods like rice, grains, and pasta, as well as canned foods, sauce jars, and spices. It’s handy to have these always stocked in your cupboard, so you won’t run out of food to eat. I like to put my dry food in clear jars, such as these ComSaf ones on Amazon, as it makes it easy to see when they’re running low. 

15. Make friends with your neighbors

Apartments are a great size for people living by themselves, but it can get a li’l lonely if it’s just you, or only one other person. When you move in, remember to knock on the doors of any close by neighbors, and introduce yourself. You could also see if there’s a Facebook group or WhatsApp group that you can join. By making bonds with neighbors, you’ll have a community support network, as well as nearby people to rely on in emergencies. Oh, and it’s always good to have new besties.

Up next: How to organize a small apartment, according to a professional

While the arguments on renting versus buying wager on, there’s less discussion about the pros and cons for the type of home people might choose. 

While everyone's housing preferences and needs differentiate, it's clear that apartment living has plenty of advantages for many. 

When it comes to finding the best apartment for yourself, there are plenty of aspects to keep in mind. From more communal living and walkable neighborhoods to less maintenance and lower costs, there are plenty of reasons apartment living can be better for your day-to-day life than moving into a house. 

Here are just a few reasons why living in an apartment could be the best place for you to call home. 

 Having Less Space 

While having more space can be more comfortable for large families or those who work from home, having less space to clean and decorate can save you time and money in the long run. 

Generally, because houses tend to be larger, you end up purchasing more furniture and other decor which could add up. Having fewer rooms to fill means you'll save on these items. 

Another one of the best day-to-day reasons that smaller spaces, like a studio apartment, might be advantageous is that there are fewer surfaces, textiles, and square footage to keep clean, saving you time each week.  

 Enjoying Communal Living  

For social people, apartment living can increase their social circle. Especially for apartment buildings that feature more common areas, such as pools, patio areas, or screening rooms, communal living allows you to get to know your neighbors. 

Communal living can also be great for reducing loneliness, especially in residents who are elderly or going through a life transition, such as divorce. 

In the end, if you want to meet more people, you might want to opt for a larger apartment building where many of the residents might share your common interest.  

 Less Maintenance Issues 

Depending on a number of factors — mainly geographical location and the size of your family — there are some clear comforts that a house can bring rather than an apartment. 

On the other hand, if those aspects aren’t important to your home life, then you might want to consider how your list of responsibilities might be reduced if you live in an apartment building. 

Even for apartment owners, housing associations typically handle responsibilities such as lawn care and security. For renters, landlords who have more tenants (such as landlords who own entire buildings) could be more adept at quickly handling day-to-day issues, such as broken toilets or peeling paint. 

 More Walkable Neighborhoods   

Often, neighborhoods with apartment buildings can have more walkability than houses, which are typically located in less populated neighborhoods, suburbs, or in more rural areas. 

Even for those who prefer not to walk, the lack of public transit options and long bus wait times could force you to purchase a car in order to get around. Because of the nature of how suburban neighborhoods are laid out, especially in the United States, a car might be required in order to do the day-to-day errands, such as grocery shopping or visiting the doctor. For those in a walkable neighborhood in an apartment building, public transit could be a more viable option. 

Another benefit to living in a walkable area is that walking can be good for your health, both mentally and physically. Getting exercise and being outside are just a few ways to keep you fit.  

 Security Reasons 

While there are plenty of private security systems and home security cameras on the market, typically apartment buildings will already have those measures in place. 

Many buildings have surveillance cameras, security guards, secured doors, and other measures in place in order to cut down on crime and intruders. 

Moving into an apartment also means you are surrounded by close-quarter neighbors — people who you can easily reach out to in an emergency situation.  

 Less Expensive  

Most houses tend to have more square footage, including garages or outdoor areas, such as yards or patios, meaning that many times, houses will be more expensive to rent than apartments. 

More square footage also means bigger utility bills, especially during the summer or winter when you have to turn on the air conditioning or heat. 

When you factor in maintenance costs as well as monthly costs (such as the gym or access to a pool), you might be saving more money by living in an apartment versus a house.  

 Less Yard Work Needed   

Houses often come with front yards, backyards, patios, or other outdoor areas that require regular upkeep. For apartment buildings, outdoor spaces are often limited, with courtyards or patios being looked after by building managers and other tenants. 

For those moving into a house, it’s worth considering how much of the yard work responsibilities (such as pulling weeds, mowing grass, or watering flowers) will fall on you versus the landlord. If you want to avoid any of those tasks, opting to move into an apartment instead can save you the hassle.  

Second best is never as good, at least that's what we're always told. But there's something to be said for a rebound. Maybe not in your dating life, but it's very much true for your living situation — even if you get stuck with a tiny apartment. This is something content creator and freelance copywriter Lexi has proven. Her uplifting home is a case study on why you shouldn't be disappointed if the first thing on your list doesn't work out.

"This apartment was a total backup choice for us," she says, after living here for a year and a half. "We had our hearts set on another apartment that actually got rented out by someone else while we were still touring it, so we settled for this one. The apartment hunting scene in Boston is super competitive and unfortunately we were looking in October, which is a month later than you want to be looking in this area because of all the colleges here!"

We caught up with Lexi about her space. We also developed some major interior envy (and wildly applaud her for the work she put into her rental). See the pastel-coated home, below.

What's your home like?

I live in an attic apartment of a classic old New England-style house, which means the third floor.

How did it look before you redecorated?

Oh my God, SO rough! When we were touring it, the landlord was actually there repainting and retiling the bathroom floor, which was urgently needed. Luckily, once we actually moved in, the bright primary wall colors were all repainted to a neutral gray-blue, which I don’t love but I don’t hate either. But I will say, it was not a cute apartment when we moved in — it needed a lot of TLC. And still does!

(Editor's note: Lexi shared the Zillow listing with me and talk about magical transformation — we're talking a Mia Thermopolis-level glow-up).

What is your personal interior design style?

My interior design style is kind of all over the place. I feel like the word “eclectic” is totally overused, but I think it is the best word I could use to describe it! I like a mix of mid-century pieces alongside some Danish pastel, and then I find myself really drawn to pieces that I don’t really have a term for — just things that are designed simply, functionally, and beautifully. I’m an aesthetics-first girl, so I don’t bring anything into my home that I don’t think is cute, but a marriage of form and function is ideal. I like a colorful and quirky space!

 How did you choose your color palette and decor?

Total instinct! I know I just went on about taking my time and being choosy, but often I’ll know right away if I’ve stumbled on the right thing for my place. Take my little Wiggle Room side table for example — I knew the moment I saw it that I needed it and that I wouldn’t find one that I liked more, but at the time that I purchased it, I didn’t really have a lot of similar colors in my bedroom. It didn’t matter to me though! In general, I just follow my instincts and operate under the belief that if I feel strongly about a piece, it belongs in my space, even if it’s different from the other stuff I have. I don’t mind having things that don’t match.

What's important to you when it comes to designing your home?

Beauty. It’s kind of a bad answer, really, isn’t it? Because I think in the mind of a rational person, functionality is number one — and it should be! — but I’m just not a rational person, and for me, being surrounded by cute things is always my first priority.

I think the most important thing I’ve learned since moving here is not to rush things; when we first moved in, I was so desperate to cover up the ugly-duckling bones of the apartment that I brought in pieces quickly just for the sake of having them. Now, if I feel like my home is missing something or there’s a specific thing I need, I take my sweet time in finding the perfect version of it for my space so that I’ll love it for a long time (and not Facebook Marketplace it within a few months).

Where did you get all your cute decor and inspo?

So as far as appliances & paint are concerned, both came with the apartment. None of it would be what I would have chosen, but when you’re living in a city apartment, sometimes you have to accept that stuff. The only things that qualify as appliances that I picked out are my Fellow Stagg Kettle and my Smeg milk frother, both of which I’m very obsessed with. 

Where do you get inspo?

Everywhere, but mostly Instagram! I save posts that really inspire me to a folder I have called “home” and I refer to it often to give me direction when I’m looking to bring in a specific something. Some of my favorite accounts for inspo are @anothachoppaand @nella.beljan, both of which curate posts from designers and creators from all over the world. As far as specific people’s homes I adore, I love the relaxing minimalism of @tatiananbodner ‘s home, Kayla Blanks’ sunny Brooklyn apartment, and everything going on at @anotherflat__.  

Biggest challenges with decorating your apartment?

The space itself. Living in a converted attic comes with a LOT of challenges — the ceilings come down at weird angles, the rooms are oddly shaped, and the living area, in general, is very cramped. Another challenge has been the floors. They’re original hardwood from when the house was built, which is so cool, but they haven’t been well maintained at all and the wood has stripped in some places. We’ve gotten splinters just from walking around, and have to wear slippers or thick socks in the apartment at all times!

Were there any obstacles or frustrations when putting it all together?

So many! Where to even start… If I had to boil it down to one major obstacle, it was the shape of the living area. Due to it being a converted attic, there’s a wall that juts out into the living area that shortens the room significantly and makes it really hard to style. For me, a sofa, coffee table, media console, and TV are a must in any living room, and just fitting those basic building blocks into that space was really challenging. I still don’t think it’s a great fit, but we’ve done our best with it and I’m content with how it looks considering the space we’re working with. 

Advice for other apartment dwellers and renters?

My first piece of advice is a total Marie Kondo-ism, but give everything a home. Every object in your place should have a home, and when you’re not using it, it should be in that home if possible! That’s the number one way I keep myself sane while owning a lot of “stuff” in a really small space. I have a specific place for my remote control, my stationery, my extra candles, my teas — literally everything. 

My second piece of advice would be to take it one thing at a time! Like I said earlier, I’ve made the mistake of buying a bunch of cheap, poorly made pieces just to decorate a space and try to make it feel “homey” as quickly as possible, and I really regretted that. And as a result, I ended up having to get rid of a lot of stuff over the course of several months as I replaced those pieces with more thoughtfully chosen ones. Don’t do what I did; if you’re eager to decorate a space quickly, take a deep breath and remind yourself that there’s no point in decorating for decorating’s sake. Choose your pieces carefully, and choose ones you really adore, ones that make you smile. If you do that, you can’t help but love how it turns out!
 

What does home mean to you?

I’ve struggled a lot with both mental illness and chronic illness/chronic pain for most of my life, so for me, home is the ultimate sanctuary. It’s where I recover, it’s where I rest, it’s where I can curl up with a cup of tea and my heating pad and an 800-page fantasy novel. My home is the only place where I know I’ll feel 100% comfortable, both physically and mentally, and that’s everything to me. 

What projects are next?

If I’m being completely honest, the thing I’d like to do most is move! There’s a lot I love about our current apartment, but all of my favorite things about it are things I brought into it, things that would come with me into my next space. I do kind of like the wonky slanted ceilings of our converted attic apartment, as they present some fun design ideas for hanging things, but overall I think this specific space comes with a lot more limitations than it does opportunities, and I think I’d really be able to spread my interior design wings in a different apartment. 

So for now, no future projects planned at the moment for this apartment. I think I’ve done with it what I can, and I’m happy with how far it’s come!

Now more than ever, we’re all looking for ways to save money. With the price of our fuel bills increasing, and the cost of living being generally on the rise, it really is time to get tactical with our money. 

If you’ve reached the milestone of homeowner, the challenge of looking after your home can seem like a big one. The fact is, many of us are living in homes that are poorly insulated - most often without even realising it. No matter how high we crank up the thermostat, if the warm air floods out too easily through the walls or roof, we’re not going to feel warm and we will be wasting a lot of money. 

This is where some careful planning and thinking ahead comes in. Investing in your home’s insulation now will end up saving you money in the long run. Innovative products like SprayCork from CorkSol are making it easier for us to increase our home’s energy efficiency, but it comes with many other added benefits too. Here’s our top 5 reasons why your walls are an update worth investing in…

1. It will save you money

SprayCork is an insulating render that can be applied to either the outside or inside of your home, and it works to prevent the warm air in your home from escaping through the walls. This means that you’ll be able to turn your heating down, so you can spend less on bills and still keep warm. Sounds like a win win?!

2. It can help protect the planet

Sustainability is high up on our agenda, and creating an energy-efficient home goes hand in hand with protecting our environment. A lot of the world’s pollution comes directly from our homes, with the gasses escaping and leaking out into the atmosphere. A sustainable surface coating such as SprayCork helps to trap the warm air in, so you can turn your heating on less, and allow less hot air to pollute the planet. 

3. It can reduce road noise

If you live on or near a main road, the constant hum of road noise may feel like an inescapable inevitability. But, SprayCork can help to reduce this! The cork adds an extra layer of soundproofing to your home, reducing external noises for a more calming, tranquil space. 

4. It can prevent damp

Hands up if you’ve ever suffered with damp in your home. We hear you. The great thing about using cork is that, as a natural material, it is permeable. This means that it allows moisture and condensation to pass through the surface, rather than sit on the walls and create damp spots. If your walls can breathe naturally, the air you breathe in will be cleaner and fresher, creating a naturally healthier home.

5. It will up your kerb appeal 

There’s no denying that it feels good to return home every day to a house that looks nice from the outside. Most of us feel a sense of pride for our homes, so a facade that’s aesthetically pleasing simply makes us feel good. Not only this, but upping your home’s kerb appeal can even add value to your property if you do come to sell it. SprayCork, when used as a render on the exterior of your home, creates a clean, crisp and fuss-free aesthetic you’ll be keen to show off.

Head to corksoluk.com to find out more, make an enquiry or to find your local approved applicator.

Nestled in Brooklyn, New York lives furniture designer Sophie Collé with her (very cute) cat. And they reside happily in a veritably uplifting palette of pink. Much like in her work, Collé plays with "familiar colors and forms," paying tribute to her favorite city shades, artists, and designers in her home. This translates into a space that's very much a joyful representation of her skill and personality.

"It's an old loft space, which I have always wanted," says Collé. "The 8-foot-tall windows are what I fell in love with immediately." Those two features may have been the selling points of this rental but it still took a lot of creativity to get it to where it's at today. 

Step into Sophie's World.

Where did your style inspiration come from?

Collé proves how your home can be anything and everything that you want it to be with a little perseverance. "A lot of my inspiration comes from the world around me," she says.

"Colors I see in New York and Miami, movie sets and TV shows from my childhood, toys, the life of Barbie and other characters, really anything that has humor or sparks joy, I try to incorporate into my work. My biggest direct inspirations are groups such as Memphis Milano, Superstudio, Studio 65, Italian radical design at large, and artists such as Joan Miro, Calder, designers such as Nanda Vigo, Jean Royère."

Collé's hand-painted cloud-like squiggles feature throughout her home and plenty of curves make it onto her furniture too. Many of these motifs were made by Collé herself. It allowed her to experiment with her skills but also keep costs down.

"I also love the colors of the Roccoco and Baroque fine art movements," she says. "Those clouds and pastel colors are to die for!"

Collé made the wiggle kitchen island above and then attached it to a pink IKEA Kalax unit, uniquely elevating her cooking space for way less than if she'd had bought it custom-made elsewhere. Collé says it was "the easiest island hack ever!"

How else did you keep costs down?

Aside from cute decorative accents like squiggle mirrors, colorful swirl candles, and houseplants, Sophie made some bigger edits to the space but always with her budget in mind, even if it meant holding out for longer than she wanted.

"I definitely worked in shifts and phases," she explains. "Since I was running my business at the same time, it couldn't happen all at once! Painting the house was relatively cheap, but filling it with all the vintage pieces I have now took time, but it was so worth it!" 

Collé notes that she found her Art Deco couch on Facebook Marketplace for just $125, adding that she "saw the exact same couch for $900 on Instagram the next day." She was adamant about playing the waiting game, too. "I made sure to stick within a certain budget and if the pieces were too expensive, I patiently waited until I found something better," she says. "Doing all the labor myself was also a huge cost benefit, since I didn't have to hire any outside laborers or painters."

Were there any problems you had to face with the space when you moved in?

When you rent, it's pretty rare that your home is completely ready to go, so it's worth having an open conversation with your landlord ahead of moving in. Doing so will ensure you can make the changes you want for your home without any issues down the line. They may even do a lot of the work for you!

Collé had a couple of workarounds to factor in, notably a painted green chalkboard wall, which thankfully left the room when management kindly painted it white for her.

Faux plants were also left by previous tenants, which is an easier swap out for sure. Storage, however, was an issue. Collé says there was virtually none in her apartment, including "no closets!" That and she found there were very few outlets on the walls, pushing her to seek out clever solutions.

Another large design problem on her hands was the bathroom. She was unimpressed by the original state of the space. "The entire bathroom was floor-to-ceiling brown and gray tile," says Collé. "That had to go as soon as possible!" It was replaced with a white foundation and she added a perfect sprinkling of pink accents over top, including a sleek hot pink shower curtain and wavy bath mat.

What was a favorite home decor addition of yours?

As well as the cool column find and wiggle kitchen island creation, Collé chose glass block windows, which she was thrilled about. Though changes like this aren't the first thing that comes to mind when you're renting, they're often completely possible to do — just check with your building manager.

"It was an expansive wall that didn't receive the surplus of light that I have in this loft, and the glass blocks have let it flood through which is amazing," she says. "All my friends thought I was crazy for cutting into my walls but it was so worth it! The windows were even pretty affordable from Lowes."

Bright pops of contrasting color are weaved throughout Collés home. She's done this through artwork, plant pots, her own work on display, and even through little storage crates that are perfect for holding home office supplies or everyday knick-knacks. 

So if you're renting a dull apartment or maybe your bedroom needs a major dose of dopamine, pay homage to Collé's space. Any place inspired by hers will serve up all the happy vibes you could ever want.

What does your home security look like? If you’re a renter or you live in a flat, chances are, your home security system is lacking, or even completely non-existent. As Christmas approaches, now is the most important time to ensure you have peace of mind both in and outside of your home. 

Many renters rule out the idea of installing home security as they assume it’ll require drilling into walls and installing wires. You can be forgiven for thinking this is too much of a faff if you’re not entirely sure how long you’ll live there and you’d risk losing your security deposit.

And the situation is tricky for flat owners too. How can you protect your home if it’s in a shared building with shared access? Keep on reading to find out how and why you should look to invest in protecting your rented home or flat this winter.

1. Your possessions, safety, and peace of mind should be a priority

As house prices soar, our finances don’t always follow suit, and reaching the prestigious milestone of becoming a homeowner is only becoming more and more difficult. As a nation, we’re spending more of our lives in rented properties than ever before — with most people buying their first home in their mid to late 30s. That’s a lot of years of renting, not to mention, collecting valuables, and compiling expensive items. Your possessions, safety, and peace of mind are important regardless of your homeownership status and you want to protect what you own.

2. Many home security systems are designed with renters in mind

You can now find portable home security systems that require no wiring — making for easy installation and the ability to take them with you if you were to move. The Ring Stick-Up Cam Battery is perfect for renters as there’s no drilling required, so you won’t risk permanently damaging the wall. The same goes for the Ring Alarm, which comes in a variety of packs to suit any home. That all-important security deposit must always be kept in mind, and with a camera and alarm like these, you’ll have nothing to worry about. 

‘Many traditional alarms involve a permanent fixture that you can’t take with you when moving home,” says Dave Ward, managing director of UK and international at Ring. ‘Unfortunately, that means renters and flat owners often feel they can’t have access to security solutions. But with Ring’s innovations, this is no longer the case.” 

3. Home security systems make for seamless home deliveries

Hands up if you love online shopping. Yep, we see all those raised hands, and we love it too. But there’s nothing worse than when you miss your delivery and have to spend time tracking it down. Thankfully, home security systems can help you monitor your deliveries (even if you live in a flat). With a product like the new Ring Intercom, you can use the Ring app from wherever you are and be alerted when someone is buzzing your apartment. 

Whether you’re at work, out with friends — or even just laying in bed — you can speak to the delivery person directly from your phone to best advise on how they can safely deliver your package. Should they leave it with your favourite neighbour, in a safe space inside the building, or are you around the corner so able to retrieve your goods in just a second? "Ring Intercom is specifically designed for apartment dwellers. It transforms their audio intercom functionality to give flat owners the ability to remotely speak to and buzz a visitor into their building from wherever they are in the world using their smartphone or tablet. The Auto-Verify for Amazon Deliveries feature even provides secure, time-limited access for Amazon Delivery Drivers to deliver directly to your doorstep, so you won’t have to wait indoors for that important Amazon Delivery again," says Ward.

4. Home security tech isn’t as expensive as you may think

It’s easy to rule out even thinking about home security, as in the past it’s been associated with big houses and large cameras drilled into your wall. But as tech has evolved so rapidly over the years, so has security. Now home security kits are much smaller, and most importantly, less expensive, making them more accessible to a variety of budgets. For example, you can buy the Stick Up Cam for less than £60. Now if that’s the cost of peace of mind, we say it’s well worth it. 

"Previously, renters and flat owners felt excluded from security, with their home set-up making it feel like peace of mind and convenience just wasn’t an option," says Ward. "But now that there are devices that are really easy to install and across a range of price points, this is no longer the case."

5. You will thank yourself in the long run

While monitoring your deliveries is all well and good, having a home security system for any type of property can prove vital for preventing potential crime. With the Two-Way Talk feature on most Ring devices (including the battery camera devices for renters and flat owners) and a siren on the Alarm, you can deter potential incidents from even happening. And if a crime does, unfortunately, take place, having a recording (with a Ring Protect plan) can act as crucial evidence. You’ll also feel more in control knowing exactly what’s going on around your property at all times. 

Knowledge is power after all, so setting your rental up with a modern home security system like Ring could be one of the best choices you make this year. 

Wondering where to move to in order to see the most sunshine? Whether you’re relocating within the UK or moving to the country from elsewhere, selecting the right place will optimize your chances of enjoying warm weather.

While record temperatures have been reached over recent months, if you’re moving home it pays to know about the statistics over the long term as well as the details. It might be important that you’re in the warmest place in England, for example, or more crucial that you find the driest place in the UK.

Our list shows that you can find the sunshine in some locations you might expect – and some you perhaps wouldn’t, so check out the details and make sure you’re equipped with the best outdoor furniture to benefit from the warmest parts of the UK.

The best places in the UK for sunshine

OK, the UK has a climate that’s temperate and humid. But that’s not to say that you can’t find locations that have long total hours of sunshine. Whether you rent a property or even just a room, own a home or are in the process of buying a house or flat, this is what sun-seekers need to know.

1. Eastbourne, East Sussex: Brighton's bustling cousin

Eastbourne can lay claim to being the sunniest place in the UK with 1,892 hours of sunshine annually, according to Met Office data. Eastbourne has the merit of a gorgeous sandy beach to rival the Dorset beaches, and is right next to the glorious Seven Sisters cliffs, as seen above.

You might equally be tempted by neighboring sunny Brighton which offers plenty of ways to make the most of the rays. ‘Just head out on a sunny Saturday and you will see so many locals out for a picturesque stroll along the beach, taking a picnic to the iconic Devil's Dyke or discovering the breath-taking white cliffs of the Seven Sisters Country Park,’ says Howard Barden, head of tourism & venues at VisitBrighton. ‘For those looking for a little extra excitement, our fantastic connection routes mean you’re only a short bus ride away from the South Downs National Park which is home to several stunning vineyards such as Ridgeview and Bolney, which offer fantastic wine tastings.’

As for house prices, if Eastbourne’s attractions have convinced you to up sticks and move there, you’ll need to know that over the past year the average property price was £308,468, according to analysis by Rightmove. Relocation to Brighton will cost you more with an average property price of £450,938 over the last year. 

2. Bognor Regis: traditional seaside style

It’s a close run thing at the top of the chart when it comes to the best weather in England. Bognor Regis receives an average of 1,852 hours annually, according to data from the Met Office. In comparison, parts of Scotland get fewer than 900 hours, which should give you an idea of just how sunny the West Sussex town is. Like the idea of living there? Properties in Bognor Regis had an overall average price of £342,088 over the past year, Rightmove reveals.

3. Ipswich, Suffolk: a top location for sunny hours

Average hours of sunshine are one of the factors that influences wellness and in a survey by Hillarys that assessed a range of these, Ipswich proved a savvy choice. How much sunshine are we talking? According to Met Office data, the average per year is 1,742 hours. What’s crucial, too, of course, is the price of a home and properties here cost £253,040 on average over the past year, says Rightmove.

Explore a little further and although you will have to invest more in your home, you can discover some appealing locations. Tim Dansie, director at Jackson-Stops Ipswich says, ‘It’s fair to say that Suffolk’s heatwave has gone well beyond its record amount of sunshine this year. It’s these year-round seaside towns that are uniquely accessible to London which continue to reach dizzying heights. 

‘Sale prices in Woodbridge, with its with river and coastal views, regularly exceed the surrounding inland villages by 30 per cent. We’ve had more London buyers than ever before turning to our shores for more choice and better value for money, as well as guaranteed sunshine as the driest place in the UK. The resounding theme has been buying here not just for a weekend pad, but for a full-time family home offering a better quality of life.’

4. Tenby, Wales: the Welsh Riviera

Is this the Cinque Terre in Italy? You'll be amazed to discover that this picture-perfect town is Tenby in south Wales, and it gets a whopping 1,667 hours of sunshine per year. How much will it cost you to move there? ‘Properties in Tenby had an overall average price of £295,671 over the last year,’ says Carol Peett, MD, West Wales Property Finders.

Note, though, that there is a rival claim to Tenby’s when we’re considering the sunniest places in the UK. ‘Dale, also in Pembrokeshire, disputes this as it claims it is officially the sunniest place in Wales,’ says Carol.

Our verdict? Either location could prove a winning move.

5. Central London: it's sunnier and warmer than you think

If you're debating whether to move to the best places to live in London and are worried it'll rain all the time, you needn't: London gets a very decent 1,559 hours of sunshine per year on average, according to the Met Office, with temperatures on average a few degrees warmer than Scotland. 

The catch? You already know about the (extortionate) house prices, but – it's London, and we'd expect nothing less (or more). What’s the average cost of a property here? A whopping £704,979 in the last year, according to Rightmove’s analysis.

6. Aberdeen: the granite city

You might be surprised that a Scottish city makes it into the list of the sunniest places in the UK, but it’s true. Aberdeen has an average of 1,447 hours of sunshine on average per year, according to Met Office data. 

What’s more, Aberdeen led the rest in the best location for wellness survey conducted by Hillarys, which reveals the city has ‘26 spas and wellness centres, 40 parks and receives on average 77.9 hours of sunlight a month. There are approximately six GPs surgeries per square kilometre in Aberdeen which gives the city an overall wellness score of 46’. Winters are mild, too, and rainfall low.

If you like the idea of moving to Aberdeen, the average property price in the past year was £191,792, so all those sunny hours will cost you less.

7. The Isles of Scilly: slow living and warm winters

If it’s the colder months of the year that you want to escape and you’re searching for the warmest place in the UK in winter, turn your attention to the Isles of Scilly. They boast a temperate climate unusual for the UK, and have abundant sub-tropical vegetation that thrives due to the unusually warm winters (rarely below 50ºF/10ºC). The slow pace of life here has tempted many people looking for a change – no town here is bigger than a Cornish village. 

St Mary's is our top choice, with its own airport, bank, and shops. It's not the cheapest place to buy property, with a flat costing an average of £235,000 in the past year, according to Zoopla, and a detached property £335,000 – but once you've seen this stunning corner of the UK, you'll see why it's a popular place to live. 

Which UK county is the sunniest?

East and West Sussex on the south coast of England can lay claim to being the sunniest counties in the UK. Investigate Hampshire, too, if you’re looking for a sunny location in which to live. 

‘The southern New Forest, and in particular the Georgian market town of Lymington benefits from a micro-climate,’ says Kevin Allen, associate director at John D Wood & Co. ‘It’s a natural phenomenon caused by topography abutting the renowned sailing mecca encompassing the Solent and to its immediate south, the Isle of Wight. The island is so strategically placed that it takes the brunt of the prevailing south westerly weather giving the New Forest a somewhat protected climate, with bizarrely twin tides. 

‘All too visible to any gardener, the growing season extends way beyond that which is found 20 miles inland – the daffodils for example, are out and flowering long before those inland have even broken the soil! Similarly, at the end of the season gardens more inland are often “put to bed” in October whereas the season extends right through to late December on the coast. Suffice to say when it’s hot – it’s HOT, and can be somewhat akin to a Mediterranean climate.’

What are the driest places in the UK?

If you’re searching for the driest places in the UK, think the east and south, which, according to the Met Office, are ‘drier, warmer, sunnier and less windy than those further west and north’. 

The wettest parts are found in the mountainous regions including Snowdonia, the Lake District, and the Highlands of Scotland. You’ll want to think twice about living in north west England, western and mid Wales, south west England and parts of Northern Ireland to swerve the rain, according to the experts.

Is your brand a market leader? Does it represent world-class innovation, design and quality? If so, discover the Real Home Awards 2022.

Earlier in the year, we invited companies to enter their products in our Product Awards. We test a lot of products for the home, so we wanted to hear about the latest innovations and firm family favourites. The purpose? To choose winners in a number of categories showing how much a good purchase can change the day-to-day lives of our readers.

Well, after sifting through hundreds of entries, and judging them against a number of merits including design, sustainability, and value for money, we have chosen our winners.

The judging

We marked these products out of 10 to the following criteria:

• Value for money
• Design and aesthetics
• Ease of use
• Sustainability
• Technical spec
• Maintenance and aftercare

We then added up the scores, making adjustments where we had done full product reviews on our site and came to final scores. The highest scoring products won in their category. If we felt a brand was a better fit in another category, we moved them accordingly.

The judges:

Real Homes Product Awards 2022 Winners

There were 15 categories in our awards to represent the things that really matter to our readers. From kitchen must-haves that make food prep and cooking fun, to the DIYer's best friend for all things home makeover, we have selected winners for each category and also highly commended entries, too.

See who the winners of each category were below.

Kitchen must-have

Overall winner: Haier Cube 90 Series 7 fridge freezer
This four-door fridge freezer is the perfect design for a family. It not only has humidity control tech to keep your groceries fresh for two times longer, but also has a zone that can be switched from fridge to freezer, as needed, to adapt to your food storage needs. It looks pretty flash too, with anti fingerprint finish and digital touch display controls on the outside. We love all the flexible space inside – especially the six-bottle wine rack.

Highly commended: Franke All-In Food Prep Station
Whether you love or hate cooking, food prep can be messy. This food prep station is a great way to turn your sink into a multifunctional space for washing veg, chopping, sorting compostable bits and storing ingredients. The parts are durable and made from a combo of bamboo, recyclable polymers, stainless steel and heat-resistant silicone. So it ticks our boxes of being sustainable and reducing our need for loads of different boards and accessories.

Bathroom goals

Overall winner: Elisa Emilie Customisable Mixer Shower
Made in Britain and built with solid brass to last, this scores highly from the point of view of air miles and longevity for sustainability. It looks great and easy to use too, satisyfing all we look for in a bathroom product.

Highly commended: Duravit D-Neo range
This stylish range will work in so many spaces and we were impressed by Duravit's lifetime warranty. This timeless range is therefore durable in more than looks.

Dreamy bedrooms

Overall winner: Dreamland Snowed in Organic Cotton Mattress Cover
We are all looking for energy-saving buys this year and unlike the alternative – an electric blanket – this heated mattress cover can be used year-round with material properties to aid cooling in summer. It is organic cotton and will cost as little as 1p a night to run.

Highly commended: Dusk Portofino range
If you want the luxury look without the price tag, Dusk is the place to go. This set washes so well and works in pretty much any bedroom design, making it a great core set.

Small space hero

Overall winner: Wren Kitchens Shaker Chelsea
If your budget and space are small, you can still have a beautiful and functional kitchen as this range from Wren shows. There is a wide range of unit types to choose from so if you think you don't have room for a mini bar, island or all the drawers you could ever need, think again. The range offers slimline worktops should you prefer to enhance the space, and comes in loads of timeless colours.

Highly commended: RAK Ceramics RAK Petit
Small spaces deserve to be stylish too and the Italian designed RAK Petit range would be a striking addition to even the teeniest bathroom. Thought has also been put into maintenance with clean lines that create a fuss-free look for easy aftercare.

Smarter living

Overall winner: Franke AQ Sense Monitor Cooker Hood
Launched this year, this innovative product combines the need for extraction with some smart tech for making it easier to stay connected in the kitchen. Watch recipe videos or simply put on your fave hits to cook to. Video aside, it also constantly monitors air quality, turning itself on to rid the room of VOCs, humidity and more to restore fresh air.

Highly commended: Wiser Smart Heating
With complete control and visibility of the temperature in every room, the Wiser Smart Heating system is a great way to make the most of your underfloor heating and electrical heating devices. Compatible with IFTTT and voice operated on Alexa or Google Assistant, you can have as much control, or as little involvement with you heating as preferred. It can easily be added to your heating system by a qualified heating engineer, too.

Highly commended: Wunda Home Heating system
We all need to be smarter with our energy usage and Wunda has created this award winning underfloor heating combined with smart zoning technologies to keep your bills low, but your house warm. Not just that, the sensors and thermostats do more than control heating – they can measure humidity too, to offer better air quality overall and prevent mould.

Eco brand of the year

Overall winner: Simba Sleep
From material provenance to deliveries, Simba Sleep is well aware of their impact on the environment. They aim to be NetZero by 2030, offer carbon neutral deliveries (and are made in the UK limiting air miles) and all of their mattresses are 100 per cent recyclable. Returned items are sold as refurbs on eBay and their textiles are OEKO-TEX certified, too. On top of these sustainability measures, they work towards a better community fueling British industry – their springs and wool are from Yorkshire and mattresses crafted over the Lancashire border in Manchester – and they are proud of their NHS discounts and mattress supply for End Youth Homelessness.

Highly commended: Howdens
Their affordable Greenwich kitchen range won't cost you or the Earth either. It is made with high levels of recycled materials, and is 90 per cent recyclable at end of life. With a 25-year guarantee, you won't have to worry about that for a while, but rest assured it comes with plenty of benefits in use too. There are lots of colours to choose from, and the materials have antibacterial qualities, perfect for food prep. A wide range of sizes and adjustable legs, drawers and shelves mean you can easily get a design that suits you, plus they have worked hard to ensure their delivery meets high standards of sustainability with a fleet of vehicles fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil. We also applauded the other products they entered such as their flooring with sustainable cork underlay and the range of energy efficient Lamona appliances.

Keeping it clean – laundry

Overall winner: Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry 11kg SpaceMax Washing Machines
Firstly, these machines are A rated for energy efficiency, but they feature further technologies to ensure they limit water usage and allow washing at cooler temperatures. We also feel confident in Samsung's 20-year guarantee and appreciate the ease of use these machines have with StayClean detergent drawers and AI washing to measure the load and determine how much detergent, water and fabric softener are needed.

Highly commended: Candy Rapido Washing Machine
This nifty little machine has nine rapid programmes to save time (and energy) on your laundry. There is also a Daily Hygiene cycle which takes just 59 minutes to sanitise your clothes. There is app connectivity too, meaning you can get washing tips and set reminders on your phone for wash day. It also has an A energy rating.

Keeping it clean – floorcare

Overall winner: Miele Triflex HX2
Well known for cylinder vacuums, we were happy to see this upgrade to Miele's market-leading cordless on our list. It has 60 per cent more power than its predecessor and an extra wide floor head for speedy cleaning. On top of this it can detect different floor types to adjust its power accordingly, thus saving energy. We like the LED headlight too for spotting dust as we clean. Finally, the 120 minutes total run time is because it comes with a spare battery and second charger so you never run out of juice. In theory, that 120 minutes could be much longer if you buy more batteries!

Highly commended: Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Dyson always deliver on supreme suction and tech that makes cleaning easy (note the anti-tangle hair screw on this model) but we were happy to see them packing the functionality of their higher spec vacs onto such a compact model. If you lack space, this is perfect. It also has automatic power adjustment across surfaces and a fancy Piezo sensor that basically counts dust particles showing how deep your clean is.

A lick of paint

Overall winner: YesColours Emulsion Paint
A fun range of colours with emphasis on sustainability – YesColours is so on brand that we couldn't not give them the lick of paint award.

Best cover up

Overall winner: Graham & Brown wallpaper
Designer looks at a reasonable price tag. A beautiful range we always find faves in and good eco initiatives.

Highly commended: Feathr Vera's Garden
This beautiful design may be an investment but imagine the impact in a bedroom, living space or home office.

Hard surfaces

Overall winner: Cosentino –Silestone HybriQ+
Cosentino is known for their focus on sustainability and their updated Silestone range is no different. It is blended from mineral raw minerals with equal (or better) performance than quartz and is made with a minimum of 20 per cent recycled materials. The collection is stunning and carries a 25-year warranty.

Highly commended: Showerwall
Forego the faff (and grout to clean) of tiles with these wall panels. They are lightweight, waterproof and hardwearing and come in a range of styles and sizes for maximum design flexibility. Carrying a 30-year guarantee they are easy to maintain and fit – they can even go over tiles if you are looking for a quick transformation.

DIYer's best friend

Overall winner: Blinds2Go Click2Fit
We love anything that is really easy to fit and change up when we want. This option is perfect for renters too. A big tick from us. There are loads of materials to choose from, plenty of designs and you can get blackout or thermal options so you could have a summer and winter set if needed. It really is so easy to change your space.

Highly commended: Tile Giant tiles
For a wide range of affordable tiles for every wall, floor and more, we love Tile Giant. There are 83 stores in the UK, but their regular promotions can be picked up online, too. Ultimately very affordable, you don't miss out on style and you can easily find a look to suit your home be it modest or grand, old or new, colourful or classic.

Outdoor transformation

Overall winner: Tile Giant Beyond range
One of the most enduring changes you can make to your outdoor space is updating your patio or terrace. We loved the versatility of this stylish range from Tile Giant which features not only natural wood and stone effects, but also fancy terrazzo and chic white. They are frost proof, algae resistant and easy to keep clean and very affordable too.

Highly commended: JYSK garden collection
If you don't have scope to re-landscape your garden it is amazing how much you can do with furniture and accessories. JYSK exhibits cool Scandinavian design across their furniture, parasols, garden storage and lighting in sizes for every space and at price points for every wallet.

Make it your own

Overall winner: JYSK
This category recognises brands that make it easy for everyone to make a house their home. In this case, we wanted to find renter friendly products that are affordable and versatile and JYSK does just that. From quality furniture to plentiful home decor accessories, you can shop JYSK whatever your style.

Glow up

Overall winner: ESPA
ESPA has a range of bedding and fragrance products to transform a space, but we wanted to applaud their range for letting you 'glow up' in every sense of the word. Wellness has become so central to the modern home, that we think any brand that allows you to create zen spaces both visually and in terms of scent and self-care is one to be celebrated. From weighted blankets to beautiful candles, you can definitely invest in yourself at ESPA.

What is the Real Homes Awards?

Not to be confused with The Real Homes Homes & Garden Awards (which finds the best home transformations), the Product Awards celebrate the finishing touches. We are talking about the furniture that makes our house a comfy home, the appliances that make life easier, and the final touches to add personality to your space. We call on everyone from mattress manufacturers to wallpaper makers to enter, giving us chance to highlight the brands doing big things to help our readers improve their homes, whatever their budget.

Whether you have found the home of your dreams or not, you will want to know how much it costs to move house, before working out if you can afford the property in mind. House moving is not always as stressful and undertaking as it's portrayed, but it does come with expenses that can quickly mount up. From something as simple as bubble wrap (trust us, you'll need a lot more bubble wrap than you think) to hiring movers, moving house can add a sizeable cost to an already expensive purchase.

Using a house moving checklist can help you plan for you move – but how much will you need to budget for? And what are the ways you can save on moving house? We've asked property experts to comment. 

How much does it cost to move house in the UK?

The big question is whether you're moving between rented flats or between owned houses. Moving between flats doesn't have to cost much, especially if you're not moving very far. A local moving van can be hired for £150–£300 for a day, which is plenty for most one- to three-bed flats. Typically, they'll help you load the furniture on and off the van, too, making the process easier. You'll also need to factor in the cost of a deposit on the new place (up to five weeks' rent) and the cost of hiring a professional cleaner (£150–£400 a day depending on the size of your property), unless you want to spend the last day of your tenancy furiously cleaning.  

Overall, expect to pay £1,000–£3,000 if you're moving between rental flats. 

Moving house where purchase of the property is involved, on the other hand, can quickly go up into the thousands. Colby Short, co-founder and CEO of GetAgent, explains: 'Moving home can be an expensive process, with it costing an estimated average of £7,000 for moving home essentials, such as conveyancing, mortgage valuations, removals and stamp duty costs, as well as optional costs including financial advisors, mortgage brokers, property surveys and building insurance. 

'The cost of the new home itself, plus estate agent fees are not included in this estimate, with average estate agent fees usually ranging between 0.75% to 3% (+ VAT). The final fee depends on the location, type and value of the property.'

'Other considerations that may cost you during the moving process include mail redirections, storage, packing materials, professional cleaning costs and care for your children or pets while moving. With all of these factors in mind, it’s clear to see how the cost of moving homes can really add up.'

How can I save money on moving house?

Although moving house inevitably will cost you money, there are things you can do to make your overall moving spend a bit less. Brean Horne, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet, offers up some guidance on how to save money when moving house:

1. Declutter

'Moving to a new place is a great opportunity to declutter your home. Take some time to look through belongings and decide how much you really need to take with you to the new property, and what you can either donate to charity or pass on to friends or family members who might be able to get better use of items you no longer use.'

Want to offset the cost of moving with some of this stuff you no longer need? 'You might even be able to make some extra money by selling stuff online through sites like Depop, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Vinted. This could help you raise funds to cover other moving expenses, such as removals or arranging home insurance for your new home.'

2. Sort out your bills

'Before moving home, inform utility companies and other organisations such as energy and water providers, to let them know you’re changing address with plenty of warning. This will help to settle any outstanding balances on your bills, and avoid being charged for utilities that you haven’t used. 

'Be sure to take metre readings for gas, electricity and water on the day you move out and also from your new property as soon as you move in and keep them for future reference in case there are any issues with bills. Both your previous and new companies will use these readings to calculate your final bill as accurately as possible, without having to spend any extra money on usage.'

3. Don't forget to transfer other accounts

Don't forget about other accounts and services you may need to transfer to you new address. These can include: 

• Your bank and credit card companies
• Your employer
• Insurance companies
• DVLA
• TV licensing
• Electoral roll
• Local council (for your council tax payments)

It's not just about not paying twice for your TV license. Not updating your details can negatively affect your borrowing ability in the future.

'Ensuring your address is updated across your accounts can help manage your credit score. Out-of-date details can negatively affect your credit score because they make it harder for lenders to confirm your identity. This can increase the chance of your application for new credit being rejected.'

Cost to move house UK: a case study

You may still be wondering, 'but how much does it really cost to move house in the UK, in real terms?' We've asked Ava Kelly, Digital PR & Content Strategist, at Love Energy Savings, business utilities and price comparison retailer, to give us her own real-life example. Ava is moving house at the moment and here's what she told us: 

'Hiring a van / truck and moving yourself rather than with a removals company can save a couple of thousand pounds, which is what we are doing in two weeks' time.  Recruiting friends and family to lend a hand lifting and building heavy furniture has been a godsend.

'Estate agents' fees are very high but can usually be negotiated down. For example, if you're buying a house with a partner and you both are selling houses, negotiate down the commission the estate agents will receive if you list both properties with them. This can bring their fees down from 3% to as low as 0.75%.

'Solicitor fees are another big expense, but shop around. Many online conveyancers offer deals far lower than local solicitor branches. You don't need to actually meet your solicitor to get work completed, and items like ID verification can be done via zoom calls so don't miss a bargain you could get with an online firm.'

Securing the keys to a new apartment = super exciting, as long as moving mistakes aren't made in the process. While I'm doing my best Meryl Streep impression to shout "Congrats girl," there's a lot to do 'til you're eating takeout on the floor.  

Self-care (mentally and physically) is a non-negotiable when you're trying to slay your moving checklist. It's important to remember that mild panic when moving into your new dorm or pad is pretty normal. Go easy on that coffee and let's work through the issues that pop up when you're packing up.

Signing that lease *can* be liberating but the logistics behind transferring your treasures between two places can be tricky. And while friends and fam can offer up all the help, only you really know what's inside the boxes, and how urgently you'll need certain things. You'll need to be strict with identifying important items and what you'll need in arm's reach when renting.

So, as much as I know you've got a hundred things on your Notes app to tick off, spare five minutes to read through these packing mistakes. 'Cause, I'm telling you, TFW you're eating pizza on the floor after it's all done is gonna be litttttt.

Moving mistakes to avoid

Not packing your property properly can be spendy and cause unnecessary moving day stress. Lifting heavy items incorrectly can damage your back, or if they're dropped can result in bruised tootsies. Time is money, so don't be a moving martyr, bb.

Plus, if you've got pets, you'll need to take Madame or Monsieur Floofy's needs and requirements into account. And no, that doesn't mean giving them a box to hide in or tear up.

From their own lived experiences, the Real Homes team members have plenty of moving hacks and have shared their packing mistakes when moving home, so that your process is swift, smooth, and stress-free.

1. Not leaving your essentials in an accessible place

Got yourself a first-night box? Turns out, it's the one moving box you're forgetting to pack, but really should. Luckily for you, we've learned the hard way, so you're not caught out when you switch spaces.

"Packing your home by room makes sense — until you realize you use items in the same room at different frequencies," says Lindsey Davis, editor-in-chief, homes ecommerce, Future. "Instead, make up a couple of boxes for that first day/week to make sure you aren't rummaging for the essentials."

Within it, she adds, you'll want to make sure you have an eating and drinking set per person or roommate, small kitchen appliances, a chopping board, non-toxic cookware, and a couple of good kitchen knives, as well as some bathroom must-haves.

Get your roomies to pack a weekend bag including a couple of outfits... oh, and some deodorant, too. All of that lifting and moving will have everyone breaking into a sweat, and if you're not able to use your friend's or family's bathroom in the interim to bathe or shower, it's going to smell a li'l funky!

Phone chargers tend to disappear during moves, so invest in a portable power bank instead (make sure to pre-charge it first). You'll be calling around for help, and reinstating contracts with energy suppliers and internet providers so a fully-juiced cell is essential.

And, speaking of energy, if the past owners or tenants moved out a while before you've moved in, the likelihood is that you'll have no lighting, so make sure you've got a plan of action so you can see at night time. You don't have to use your best candles, some cheap tea lights (along with a few matches or a utility lighter) will do.

2. Forgetting to use luggage to pack

You don't have to keep a stack of old boxes in the new apartment you're moving into or pay a storage company a small fortune for cardboard containers. Your ideal storage ideas might be right under your nose.

"It might be obvious to some to point out the benefits of using your suitcase for moving, but what about all of your backpacks, totes, and beach bags?" says Davis. "If you are boxing these up rather than using them to transport items, you're missing out."

Davis also notes that backpacks are another smart bag worth utilizing, especially for things like books or smaller items that get lost in the mix of bubble wrap and cardboard.

3. Not using appropriately-sized boxes and bags

If you've ever tried to cram your groceries into one bag at the store, you'll know the struggle is real when carrying that heavy load home. Even if you do have a car, if you take this risk, you're literally asking for the bag to split open. 

The same goes for packing bags and boxes when moving home. Get your ducks in a row well ahead of time by sourcing boxes of various sizes (small, medium, and large) so that you're adequately catered for and haven't got fragile items rattling around in empty space.

Amazon is a good place to start for boxes, but if you're using a self-storage facility, they might be able to help. Try Public Storage, Extra Space, U-Haul, CubeSmart, LifeStorage, or Simply Self Storage.

I personally swear by clearly-labeled Ziploc sandwich bags for keeping fixtures and fittings organized when it comes to reassembling large furniture, like your bed frame for example.

4. Packing away your tools

Trust us, tearing open a box with your hands, or opening packets with teeth is a health and safety risk that's not worth taking. Broken nails are annoying, and a trip to ER will slow down your settling into your new abode at the very least.

"You will almost certainly need a pair of scissors when you move," says Davis. "Keep them on hand along with a couple of screwdrivers, an Allen key set, and a small wrench for furniture building."

Once you're in and ready to decorate, having these five must-have DIY tools around will help you to begin redesigning your blank canvas.

5. Assigning too little (or too much) time to pack

We've all dealt with deadlines before. Be it that assignment or exam you had at high school or a work presentation you've had to prepare and deliver like a boss. But, weirdly, we might deal with social time constraints a little differently. Unfortunately, having too much time on your hands can be just as bad as procrastination. So, like Goldilocks, planning has to be just right, when moving.

You'll need to decide whether you're getting professional help, moving DIY, or asking a few pals to help out (in exchange for a few beers, of course). Yes, it sounds cliché but fail to prepare and you'll prepare to fail.

So, whichever route you take, have clear expectations and manage them accordingly. And that means communicating as transparently to your friends, family (or indeed yourself), as openly as you would a pro moving company. The last thing you want is for your buddies to double-book their diaries because your plans weren't set in stone.

And, if you're an experienced home leaser, you'll know to factor in time to clean your current pad too. Different landlords and letting agents have varying cleaning expectations, and this should be detailed in your contract/tenancy agreement.

Some will financially penalize you if you don't get a professional cleaner to make good of the carpets, so make sure you read the small print to see if you'll need to budget for this, or if you can get away with renting a carpet cleaner and doing the job DIY.

6. Not labeling boxes

And by labeling, we don't mean penning *insert room here* 'stuff' in permanent marker, or faintly scribbling with a biro that's on its way out. Organizing your possessions properly will make your life so much easier. Not only does this mean boxing up by room, but also color coding or labeling by date to unbox if you're unpacking bits and bobs in drips and drabs.

"If you're not moving to a place right away and are staying with family or in a short-term rental, make sure you've got the boxes you'll need immediately properly tagged with a colored sticker," says senior content editor Jenny McFarlane. You then tell the movers to take all the boxes without the stickers to storage and the rest to where you'll be staying."

7. Being heavy handed with houseplants

It's tough enough looking after your best indoor plants with adequate water and sunlight. But when you're moving, being a good plant parent can shift down the priority list. So make sure you protect, and care for your greenery in transit, so they reach the other side in one piece. Biodegradable packing peanuts (like these from Amazon) go a long way here.

Once they've been resettled, you'll really appreciate and reap the benefits of houseplants in your new home, as they can lift your mood after a stressful move, purify stale air or bad odors in rooms, soothe any anxiety as a result of the relocation, and help you to sleep better on your first night in the new house.

8. Not prepping pets for the move

Our furry friends live for routine to feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings. But it doesn't come as easy as bribing them with a new pet mattress and some edible treats. If you've lived in your old home for quite some time, the chances are they've become quite accustomed to a certain way of living, including a fondness for special homely scents and a particular place to pee or poop outside, or in a litter tray.

When our animal companions get stressed, they can display some unwanted behaviors. For example, they might chew at a new sofa, scratch the gorgeous wooden flooring that's installed, go on hunger strike, or unintentionally commit a dirty protest (doing their business outside of their normal toilet routine). Help them adapt by releasing stress-relieving chemicals.

No wizardry or degree in chemistry is required, you can get either a calming spray (spray some in their pet bed), plug-in pheromone diffusers, or a special collar for them to wear if you've got a scaredy cat (or dog).

You might also notice that they groom themselves more than usual, leading to the shedding of hair and fur all over your new house or apartment. In this case, make sure you've invested in the best vacuum for pet hair. 

If your budget doesn't permit (because moving can be expensive), a cheap handheld vac can be popped into your Amazon basket, along with the aforementioned anti-stress accessories. But, if you've got some spare cash, we seriously recommend you read our Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum WV200UK review, as it's 'purrfect' for picking up fluff.

9. You haven't measured doorways and hallways

If disassembling and reassembling large furniture seems like a pain, you could attempt to navigate it through the hallway and between doors to get to its final destination. But, rather than play out that famous pivot scene in Friends, make sure you know the dimensions of your space first.

If you've got the keys already, use a measuring tape to determine whether your wares will fit through any hallways or doorways without removing any legs, arms, or parts of your fixtures. If not, ask your landlord to provide this information for you.

Otherwise, going in blindly and trying to squeeze your stuff through small gaps could result in damaging your furniture, scuffing your walls, or injuring yourself.

Packing for the "new" apartment or rental based on the rooms and layout you'll be living in is better than figuring out how to pack articles and objects based on your old space. It's a moving hack we swear by!

Right now, everyone needs to learn to reduce energy bills. With massive hikes to energy costs this year, most of us will see our bills double. And while the causes of these huge energy price increases may be beyond anyone's individual power to fix, you can reduce some of the burdens of a steep bill by learning to be a bit savvier with how you use energy at home. 

Of course, if you are a homeowner, you may look into more long-term energy-saving ideas like extensive insulation, double glazing, or maybe even a carbon-neutral heating system, if you can afford it. However, if large-scale energy-saving projects are currently out of reach either because you don't have the funds or if you rent, rest assured there are several other options that don't require a major home improvement project. 

Receiving a lower electric bill could be as simple as switching off appliances when they're not even in use, or looking at alternative ways to generate power or heat. If you grew up in a household that toggled between temperatures on the thermostat (instead of wearing a jumper), just know there are easi(er) ways to reduce electricity bills so that you don't have to sacrifice all creature comforts.

How to lower an electric bill

Of course, there are a couple of no-brainers, some more obvious than others. In an exclusive interview with Real Homes to talk about Grand Designs Live, Kevin McCloud mentioned a few of his personal no-brainers to lower energy usage and therefore, energy bills.

'Simple things we read about, turning our thermostats down, I’m all for.' Of course, this can't apply to everyone but McCloud also highlighted how even if you rent, you can raise the question of installing home insulation with your landlord, 'If you’re renting you could ask your landlord whether you could install insulation in their attic and they might say yes. You could also say can I install temporary secondary glazing and they might say yes. Of course, there’s an outgoing and there’s a cost but there are some great cheap systems out there.'

Meanwhile, here's what you can do right now to mitigate rising energy costs.

1. Submit regular meter readings to your supplier

This first and essential step cannot be stressed enough. If you're still getting quarterly estimated bills, you could be overpaying by as much as hundreds a year. Conversely, if you are constantly underpaying for your actual energy usage, you will end up being hit by a huge unexpected bill when you move out of your current home.

So, locate your electric and gas meter and submit regular meter readings, usually every month. It's especially important to take an accurate meter reading right around the time energy prices change so that you don't end up paying more at the higher rate.

Alternatively, by getting a self-reading gas and electricity meter (aka a smart meter), you can monitor your energy usage from the warmth of your kitchen, or wherever you place the device. This makes a lovely change from shining a torch in the shoe cupboard or reaching into an outside meter cupboard where a spider (or two) has set up home.

2. Understand how your bill works

The main thing to understand about bills is that they're calculated using prices per unit (kilowatt) of energy. When energy prices go up, the main thing you need from your supplier is the new price per unit of electricity and gas.

Your previous bills will give you a good idea of how many kilowatts of energy you use every year or every month, so you can begin to work out how much your new bills will be (and whether you can still afford them) using that past data and the new prices per unit. 

Fortunately, most suppliers nowadays will provide you with this information on their bill, even advising you if you could save by switching to a better tariff. 

3. Massive bill? Reduce electricity use first

If your bill is becoming unsustainable, then you should first look at how to reduce the electric part of the bill. Electricity always costs more than gas – just to give you an idea, electricity prices per unit are four-five times higher than gas. 

So, the first thing you should do is cut down on unnecessary electric appliance use. We're not talking about powering the computer you need to do your work or not having the lights on. The fact is that many people have electric appliances that could be either swapped out for energy-efficient alternatives or that may not be necessary. 

While an air purifier may not use that much energy if you're also using a dehumidifier, a plug-in essential oil diffuser, a smart TV, a rice maker, a chocolate fountain... You get the drift, it all adds up!

And look out for 'energy vampires'. We're all guilty of it. You take your phone off charge, and leave the charger switched on at the mains. Well, guess what? Even if your smartphone is fully juiced – you're needlessly wasting energy if you haven't unplugged or switched it off from the socket.

The other important thing to try and cut down on is electric heating. If you are renting a place where all heating is electric and moving is an option, we would seriously advise moving somewhere with gas central heating. Even in a home that. lacks insulation it's still the better option. Freestanding electric heaters should also be avoided, particularly the oil-filled type – these use over a kilowatt of energy per hour.

4. Turn down your heating a notch

More than half the money spent on fuel bills goes towards providing heating and hot water, according to Energy Saving Trust. And relying on the convenience of a thermostat (more on those further down) is a big part of high energy consumption. 

What can you save? Turning down your room thermostat by just one degree can save between £85 and £90 a year.

5. Be conscious of how you use your window treatments

As simple as it sounds, closing your curtains or shutters at dusk will stop heat escaping through your windows – especially important if you live in a period property.

But, even if you own or rent a modern home, you can still take advantage of this window treatment advice.

'With household finances being squeezed across the board, keeping warm, while lowering your costs and protecting the environment has never been more of a priority,' says Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys.

'20% of the total heat loss from your home is through your windows, yet most householders never take steps to provide effective insulation for these important features.'

Thankfully, Keal has some top tips for reducing energy bills with the best blinds:

• A thermal lining on curtains will really make a difference but if your window is better suited to a Roman blind, you can improve its insulating properties by opting for interlining which is super soft and seriously snug. Having this extra layer of wadding included will increase the insulation properties of your blind by up to 50% compared to a standard lining.
•  Layer your window dressings. This not only gives flexible light control but maximises energy efficiency, especially if you add thermal linings to your curtains and blinds.
• Pleated blinds that incorporate clever honeycomb pockets trap warm air and stop it escaping through your window. British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) research has proved that honeycomb blinds can reduce heat loss through single glazed windows by as much as 51%. Think how much that could save you on heating bills.
• Floor to ceiling glazing and roof lights are a key trend in home extensions. While looking great, it can be difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in these rooms all year round. Combine pleated blinds with honeycomb for the side windows and fit roof blinds that actively reflect heat. So, when it’s hot, you stay cool and when it’s cooler, you stay toasty.
• Window shutters are an excellent way to insulate windows and improve energy efficiency in your home. With a barrier at your window, shutting them on cold evenings will keep chills out and the warmth in. In fact, it has been shown that when closed, shutters can reduce heat loss through a window by more than 50%. 

6. Shut down your devices instead of using standby

‘There is a growing black hole in our energy bills because we prefer the convenience of standby,’ warns Philip Sellwood, Energy Saving Trust's chief executive.

According to Energy Saving Trust, you can save around £30 a year just by remembering to turn off your appliances completely, rather than leaving them in standby mode.

Desmond also adds: 'You can be surprised at how much simple things make a huge difference, turning off appliances as opposed to just leaving them on standby can actually slash around 20% off of your energy bills, some of the worst offenders are laptops, games consoles, set-top boxes (like Sky boxes), televisions and even phone chargers.'

'Televisions are probably the biggest culprit here though, especially when you consider how large they are nowadays, even the most efficient 50” television is going to be more expensive to run compared to an inefficient 28” screen.

'Let's take a 50” 4K TV with a G Energy Rating. If the television is being watched for 4 hours a day and being left on standby the rest of the time you’ll pay around 5p per day, you’re also paying roughly 1p while the device is on standby, that’s just over £25 per year on the television alone, if you’ve got a few screens dotted around the house (or if they’re on for longer) the cost racks up pretty quick. You can downsize, however, a 28”, HD Ready TV with an E Rating will only cost around 2p per day, that’s about £8 for the year.

7. Use a timer

Use your timer to schedule your heating and hot water to come on 30 minutes before you get up in the morning and to switch off again when you leave the house. Do the same in the evening when you are due to come home. Invest in a smart meter (keep reading for more on those) with geo-fencing and it will know when you leave and switch the heating off for you.

What can you save? It depends on how often you switch yours off and on... but the savings can be significant.

8. Use your kitchen appliances, sensibly

Doing your washing-up in a filled sink rather than under the tap could save you £30 a year while filling the kettle with the amount of water you need can save £7 a year.

When using a washing machine, try to reduce your use by one cycle per week and save £5 a year on energy and £8 a year on water. Get clued up and weave better habits into your home's routine, if you have access to a dishwasher be sure to check whether using the dishwasher or handwashing will fare best to save money and the planet also.

Want to know more about how much it costs to boil a kettle? One expert spills the tea...

'The kitchen is one of the biggest drains on your electricity, for example, if you’re making a cup of tea or coffee only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need, there’s no need to fill it to the brim as this is just burning excess energy,' says Desmond.

'Most kettles clock in around 2-3kw and electricity usage in the home is measured in kWh (kilowatt hours) which is just the amount of kilowatts used in an hour. Most homes are charged per unit of electricity used and in Ireland currently, the average price is around 20p per unit.'

'So, if you have a kettle that uses around 1kw, it’d need to be powered on for an hour in order to use 1kwh, this would then cost you 20p. If you have a kettle that consumes 2kws then it would use up 2kwh in one hour, this would cost you 40p as you have consumed 2 units. On a small scale, this obviously doesn’t sound a lot (and people don’t leave their kettles on for an hour I hope!) but it really does all add up.'

'When it comes to saving, it’s difficult to pinpoint as everyone uses their kettles differently. But let's say your electricity costs 20p per unit, you’re using a 3kw kettle with a 2 litre capacity. If you’re filling the kettle to the brim every time you’re boiling it’s going to cost you around £35 to run the kettle for the year, so only use what you need.'

9. Go for LED lighting

LED lights are the most practical, energy-efficient choice for your home, using up to 90 percent less energy than traditional halogen bulbs. Lighting accounts for around 15 percent of a typical household’s electricity bill, and Energy Saving Trust estimates that switching all your bulbs to LED versions could save you £35 per year.

While the upfront cost of an LED bulb might be more than a comparative halogen bulb, they cost far less to run and last much longer, with LED Hut advising that standard LED bulbs have a lifespan of around 25,000 hours, compared to 3,000 hours for a halogen equivalent. 

Most halogen bulbs can simply be switched for an LED version, too, making it easy to upgrade your existing light fittings. LED bulbs from LED Hut start from £3.30 each.

'One of the most expensive mistakes people make is choosing the wrong lightbulbs!' notes electrical expert, Martin Desmond, Wizer Energy.

'LED bulbs are incredibly efficient when compared to older, filament bulbs. LEDs that come with the energy star rating can use 75% less energy in certain cases when compared to incandescent bulbs. There are huge savings to be made here, LED bulbs also last far longer than filament bulbs,' 

'Currently, if you’re using a 60-watt bulb for around six hours a day it’ll cost you around £27 per year. By comparison, an LED bulb which gives off the same amount of light only requires around 8.5 watts, which leaves you with a yearly cost of only £4 that’s a huge saving.'

10. Stop the drips

A dripping hot water tap can waste enough energy in a week to fill half a bath, so get any leaks fixed by a pro or learn how to fix a dripping tap yourself. 

What can you save? It won't be much but over time it'll add up.

11. Ditch the dryer

Tumble dryers may be convenient but they use around £100 of energy a year and there are loads of ways to dry clothes without a dryer like air-drying on a rack or airing ladder instead. Or switch to a dehumidifier (see our pick of the best), which is cheaper to run.

'We all know by now that dryers just burn electricity – An A+ rated 9kg dryer costs around 35p per cycle when full, if you’re running two cycles per week you’re looking at around £40 to run the machine for the year,' says Desmond.

If you’ve got an older or cheaper model (the kinds that are commonly found in rental properties) these costs can more than double – a C Rated dryer costs around 75p per cycle, meaning a yearly cost of around £85. Our advice is to cut down on the usage of these dryers as much as possible, even if just for the summer months. You’ll see a big difference in the bills!'

12. Make sure your washing machine is full

Filling up your washing machine to capacity will help lower your electric bill over time. In fact, one full load of your washing machine, tumble dryer, or dishwasher uses less energy than two half loads.

What will you save? £££s over time, depending on how much laundry you do.

13. The same goes for your dishwasher

The best dishwashers are high energy-efficient appliances, particularly if run on the 'eco' cycle. However, even the most energy-efficient dishwasher is no longer so very efficient if you keep running it at half-loads. Wait until your dishwasher is full and only run it then. A typical dishwasher cycle will use 1.5 kilowatt of energy, whether it's full or only has a couple of cups in it, so make it count. 

14. Draught-proof your home

Preventing heat escaping from your home is essential to minimise energy bills, so look out for any unwanted gaps that could allow warm air out, draught-proofing doors, including keyholes and letterboxes plus, spaces between floorboards, gaps around loft hatches and open fireplaces. 

Most basic draught-proofing products can be fitted on a DIY basis, and simple solutions include self-adhesive sealant strips for use around the edges of windows, doors and loft hatches; the addition of letterbox plates and keyhole covers; draught excluders for the bottom of doors (widely available at Amazon); flexible fillers for use between floorboards; and chimney balloons, which can be inflated within an open fireplace when it’s not in use to stop warm air escaping up the chimney. 

What will you save? Draught-proofing doors and windows can save around £25 per year.   

15. Upgrade your boiler

A boiler that is 15 or more years old is likely to be around 70 percent efficient, meaning that for every pound spent on fuel, 30p is wasted. ‘Older boilers are also likely to have a standing pilot light, which could cost in the region of £50 to 60 per year just to keep going,’ explains Martyn Bridges, from Worcester Bosch. 

‘Updating your heating system to an A-rated condensing boiler could make your system more than 90 percent efficient. Add weather – and load-compensating control and you could see a further four percent of savings.’ 

It’s also important to install and use the correct controls for your heating system as this will ensure it doesn’t have to work any harder than it needs to, which will make it as efficient as possible.  

Worcester Bosch’s Greenstar CDi Compact Combi Boiler is suitable for properties of all sizes with one or two bathrooms. You can expect to pay around £2,500, including installation, depending on the size of the property, location and the work involved. 

What will you save? According to Worcester Bosch, upgrading to a high-efficiency condensing boiler with appropriate controls could cut your energy bills by around £235 and save over one tonne of CO2 each year.

If you rent, you should always take careful note of the make and model of the boiler before you move into a place. If it's very old, don't move in unless the landlord agrees (in writing) to replace the boiler before you move in. It is very difficult to convince a landlord to do this if it hasn't broken down and is merely inefficient.

16. Choose efficient appliances

From dishwashers and fridge-freezers to washing machines and tumble dryers, the number of appliances we use in our homes on a daily basis contributes a significant amount to our overall energy bills. According to Which? fridge-freezers account for around 20 percent of the electricity used in our home, making them the biggest contributor to energy bills after heating. 

All new electrical appliances need to display a ‘traffic light’ energy efficiency rating label, showing dark green (A+++ rated) as the most efficient, and red products as the least efficient, so look at these carefully when choosing your new appliance. The label also shows the annual energy consumption for the product in kWh, making it even easier to compare the efficiency of different designs.  

Ie: The HB18FGSAAA French Door Fridge Freezer has an energy efficiency rating of  A+++ so makes a great pick to save cash on electric bills.

Desmond advises that maintaining your appliance and organizing your freezer can achieve cool savings each month.

He says: 'Look after your fridge/freezer! Check the coils at the back of your unit and keep them free from dirt and debris, ideally, they should be about 10cm from the wall to ensure the best possible energy efficiency results,'

'If the coils are all blocked with dirt they cannot efficiently release heat, which means the fridge's compressor has to work far harder and longer which ups the cost and shortens the lifespan.'

'If your coils are dirty you can expect to see savings of around 11% when you clear the dirt. Try to keep the temperature of your fridge around 3 degrees Celsius with the freezer at around -17, maintain this steady temperature to optimize performance. Also, pack the freezer! It takes far more energy to freeze items in an empty freezer rather than a full one.'

17. Opt for low-flow taps

When you consider that around 15 per cent of a typical home’s energy bill is a result of heating the water for showers and taps, reducing your water usage is always a good idea – especially if you’re on a water meter.

Consider retrofitting flow limiters to your existing taps  (try the Tapstore for a range of products), and, when choosing a new shower or taps, look out for designs that come with a built-in flow limiter. The best high-pressure shower heads and taps that automatically enrich the water with thousands of air bubbles are also a clever solution, creating the feel of a fast flow rate while actually using far less water.  

McCloud adds, 'Anything we can do to reduce the cost of heating our homes when I say heating that includes water as well, that’s secondary. Getting hot water out of the tap requires energy.' Noting how 'Even turning the bathroom tap off while you’re brushing your teeth, which is important,' can help reduce energy costs.

The Mike Pro basin tap from Crosswater is fitted with flow regulators, giving a flow rate of just three litres per minute.  

What will you save? According to Energy Saving Trust, if you’re a family of four and swap an inefficient shower head for a water-efficient one, you could knock around £75 off your gas bills and around £120 off your water bills (if you have a water meter) each year, giving you a potential total saving of around £195.

18. Use smart heating controls

Unlike smart meters, which simply monitor and report on energy used, smart thermostats (see our buyer's guide for the best buys) can intelligently assess how much energy a home is using and make automatic changes to help reduce this. They can learn how warm you like your home and assess how to reach this temperature efficiently, and will also turn off the heating when you leave the house so it isn’t being heated unnecessarily. As the thermostats can be controlled by your smartphone, you can access your heating controls remotely, giving you greater flexibility on how you program your heating.  

The Nest Learning thermostat costs from £219 (£269 with professional installation). 

What will you save? According to Nest, using one of its Learning Thermostats can result in annual savings of up to £353.

19. Switch energy supplier

Shopping around for the best energy tariff to suit your needs and switching energy suppliers can be an effective way to reduce your bills. Compare energy prices from various suppliers to find the cheapest option – the easiest way to do this is using one of the many price comparison websites, such as uSwitch, Money Supermarket and Compare the Market, and GoCompare.

You’ll need to decide if you want a flexible deal that you can leave at any date; or a fixed-rate option, where you sign up for a specific period. Or perhaps you’re simply after the cheapest current deal available at the time. Once you’ve changed your supplier and set up your new plan, it’s worth checking out different energy deals every year to make sure that you’re not losing out. If you’re set up on a fixed plan, then note down the end date so that you can start shopping around a couple of months beforehand to try to find a better deal.  

Providing you’re not on a fixed-term deal, there shouldn’t be an exit fee to leave your existing contract but always check with your current supplier to make sure. Rules from energy watchdog Ofgem state that if you leave your contract 49 days or less before it’s due to end, then your provider can’t charge you.  

What will you save? How much you save will depend on your current deal, but Claire Osborne, an energy expert at uSwitch, advises that you could save up to as much as £618 by switching to a better deal.

20. Only heat the rooms you're using

Installing a smart thermostat is one step toward saving on energy bills, but if you live in a large house with many rooms, we advise investing in thermostatic radiator valves in every room, so that you can turn up the heating only in the rooms you are using. 

What will you save? The Energy Saving Trust says that this move could save you £75 a year in the long run.

21. Add rugs to your rooms

Investing in a couple of the best rugs is a great way to save on energy bills in the long term if you have hard flooring, be it laminate, reclaimed, or engineered wood flooring. 

These are always colder than carpeted floors, whereas textiles are great at trapping and retaining heat. Larger rugs will be more effective as they cover more of the floor surface.

'Rugs can accompany all hard flooring and even carpets alike for an extra layer or insulation, helping to reduce bills during the colder months. Carpet fibers are natural insulators and are low heat conduction. The fibers are also good at trapping air and increasing insulation so are ideal for all over the home. A rug will also reduce noise, warm up your space and add comfort to any space,' says Punam Chada, buyer, Carpetright.

22. Swap portable heaters for keeping yourself warmer

The vast majority of portable heaters are not energy-efficient. This especially applies to fan-based and select indoor heaters. If you have to have a portable heater on – say, you work in a part of the house that doesn't have central heating – go for a low-energy infrared heater. Infrared heaters heat you rather than the air around you and are much cheaper to run.

Alternatively, invest in a heated blanket for yourself – these again heat you rather than the surrounding air and can cost as little as 4p an hour to run. McCloud adds, 'There’s a very basic principle here, if you insulate the person, the human being, you then need to insulate the house less. I say this to everybody I speak to.'

23. Bleed radiators regularly and check your heating system

If you've never done this, learn how to bleed radiators right now – it will save you money. When radiators have air trapped in them, they don't heat up evenly, and the whole central heating system doesn't work as well as it should. If you've noticed that one of them is partially cold, it's time to bleed your rad. Don't worry, you can do this yourself, and learn how your radiators work without calling out a professional plumber.

And, while you're getting in the Super Mario mood, Simon Morris, marketing manager, The Radiator Company shares his advice on keeping your room heaters in check.

He says: 'The single most important thing everyone should do is make sure their heating system has an inhibitor added to the water. This can be checked, and topped up, by a plumber at an annual service. An inhibitor helps to reduce corrosion and keep sludge from building up in the system. If left untreated, these can severely reduce efficiency, damage your boiler and cost you money to fix.'

'Heating systems need to be serviced every year. This helps to keep everything working smoothly and safely and will help your radiators to have their longest possible life.'

24. Get your heating system rebalanced

If, on the other hand, you are noticing that some of your radiators are perfectly hot and others are just lukewarm, you may need to rebalance your heating system. 

James Clark, technical training manager at Wiser, recommends 'getting your installer to lower the flow temperature to around 55ºC and to balance the heating system. It is advised that this is done by a heating engineer as there are other factors to consider. If not done correctly, homeowners are likely to find that the radiators furthest from the boiler do not heat up to the desired temperature.'

25. Seal any cracks

While proper insulation might feel impossible, a little acrylic goes a long way to seal any draughty cracks and crevices. Using something like UniBond's indoor fill and repair in damaged walls, window seals and doors is a cheap and easy project that you can add to your weekend DIY list.

What can you save? DIY draught-proofing of windows, doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can save up to £25 to £35 a year on energy bills.

26. Struggling to pay your bill? Speak to your supplier

Even if you are doing the best you can to reduce energy bills, you may still find yourself in a situation where you're struggling to pay your bill, especially during a cold winter. If this is the case, speak to your energy supplier as soon as you can.

Many are understanding, especially with the current high energy prices, and could agree to a different payment plan or a temporary delay to you paying your bill. Ultimately, this isn't your bill being cancelled and you will still need to pay it, but it's always better to come to some kind of an agreement rather than just not paying your bill. 

27. Check if you qualify for help 

Some UK council bands may be entitled to a one-off energy rebate payment. Even if you are in a higher council tax band and are still struggling to pay your bill, you could still qualify for a discretionary payment. You'll need to speak to your council to see if you qualify.

Why is my electric bill so high?

In most cases, this will due to the fact that you're using old appliances. This is especially problematic with old washing machines, dryers, ovens, and dishwashers. All of these appliances have come a long way, with newer models consuming much less energy. 

If you are a renter, then noting what appliances the apartment or house has should be on your list of things to check before going ahead with a rental contract. It may not seem important when you're thinking about the overall look and feel of a home, but the quality and age of the appliances that come with the place will have a huge impact on your bills. Oh, and a quick read of our rental guide will have you clued up on leasing a home.

Energy-saving myths: the 'hacks' that don't help you reduce your bill

It is understandable that when we're worried about bills we'll try almost anything, but there are several 'energy-saving' tips that actually don't do anything and aren't worth your time or the hassle. Consumer champion at energyhelpline.com Tashema Jackson debunks the most persistent energy-saving myths:

• Placing foil behind your radiator: does nothing. 'Reflective panels can work to conserve energy by bouncing heat back into the room; however, this only really works for external walls as they prevent heat from escaping outside.'
• A smart meter 'will not in itself save energy or reduce costs. However, by having a smart meter installed you see how much energy you’re using and therefore identify how to lower your usage by changing day-to-day behaviour.'
• Turning off hot water when you're not using it: 'There really isn’t any saving to be had by turning your hot water on and off. It’s better to make sure that your boiler tank has a good insulating jacket so that the water doesn’t require reheating. '

If you’re reading this then you’re most likely in the process of either looking for a new apartment (which is obvi seriously exciting) or have just found one that you like. Perhaps, after weeks of searching, you’ve found an apartment that's a perfect fit. You can already see yourself arranging furniture, hanging pictures on the wall, and making it a home.

But before you get too ahead of yourself, you might want to think about the kinds of questions that you should be asking before you move in. Not sure where to start? There’s no need to panic — we’ve spoken to a number of experts about everything that you should be asking. 

“First and foremost, individuals should inquire about the landlord/tenant laws in their locality,” notes Maiki Paul, a realtor licensed in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. “Some states are more landlord-friendly than others, and knowing the rules will help you be your best advocate in the event something goes wrong.”

Paul says you can look for tenant advocacy organizations in your area that help tenants understand their rights. “These organizations will also help renters know the right questions to ask that are specific to their jurisdiction.” 

In addition to reaching out to tenant advocacy organizations, we’ve also got expert-backed suggestions on questions to ask when renting an apartment. As long as you've avoided all these rental red flags, you're in the clear!

From queries about the security deposit to what happens when it’s time to move, here are 11 things to ask before you sign the lease on your new place.  

How much is the security deposit?

Many landlords will require you to put down a security deposit before moving in. Paul recommends you find out what the maximum security deposit allowed is in your area.

“Some landlords try to take more than what is legally allowed,” she notes. “You can ask them to show justification for their requested security deposit if it seems outside of the norm.”

It’s common for the security deposit to be the equivalent of one month’s rent, but this can vary. Different states and cities have their own rules about the maximum security deposit allowed, so in some cases, your landlord can charge you a security deposit equal to two or three months of your rent. Other landlords may decide to only charge less than a month's rent as a security deposit, or may not charge a deposit at all.

This is one of the Real Homes team's key advice points when budgeting for your first rental apartment.

What is the process for getting the security deposit returned?

In many cases, the security deposit is refundable following the end of your lease. If this is the case for you, you’ll also want to ask about what the process for having the security deposit returned to you will be when it’s time to move out. 

How will the rent be collected?

“While individual landlords may prefer you physically mail a check, newer systems may require you electronically pay your rent through a portal,” explains Allyson Waddell, an agent success manager at RentHop. “Make sure you know how to pay your rent ahead of time to avoid any confusion down the line.” 

Additionally, you want to be sure you understand exactly when the rent is due, and what the penalties are if you are late with the rent payment. 

Are utilities included in the rent?

Waddell notes that you should ask if your monthly rent includes things like electricity, water, and heat.

“If your building does not cover a utility like electricity, you should budget for that monthly cost and consider that when agreeing to the rent price,” she explains. 

Do I need renter’s insurance?

“Some landlords will not approve your application for an apartment unless you have renters insurance,” notes Gunner Davis, a realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty in Tampa, Florida. 

He also notes that even if it’s not required by your landlord, it may still be a good idea to get renters insurance for your own protection and peace of mind. 

“Renters insurance normally only costs $15 to $30 per month and will cover the cost of your things in the event that they are lost or damaged as a result of theft, fire, vandalism, etc,” he explains. 

If something breaks down, what is the process to get it fixed?

“The biggest thing I would recommend you look into is who is responsible for damages, repairs, and upgrades in specific situations,” says John Gluch, owner of the Gluch Group in Phoenix, Arizona. “For example, figure out what would happen if there were issues with the washer/dryer, oven, plumbing, and things like that. These are usually the issues when it comes to rental agreements and are things you should figure out beforehand.” 

He also notes that tenants should get this in writing beforehand because it will be much more stressful to figure this out when you’re also dealing with a potentially major maintenance issue in your home. 

What maintenance tasks am I responsible for?

Brian Davis, landlord and founder at SparkRental.com, says tenants should ask about this before moving in. 

“At a minimum, this usually includes replacing batteries in smoke detectors and replacing air filters,” he notes. “In single-family rentals, it often includes mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, raking leaves, and other basic yard maintenance.”

What are the building rules around pets?

If you have a pet, it’s important to find out whether your potential new home is pet-friendly.

“Find out if pets are welcome in the building beforehand,” says Davis. “If so, specify which animals are accepted. Make sure to get your breed approved because many landlords have dog weight or breed restrictions.”

Some landlords also require pet owners to pay a pet deposit or a monthly pet fee to cover the cost of any pet-related damages to the apartment.

What am I allowed to change?

“It is always worth asking what changes you are permitted to make to the apartment,” says Mack. “Most people want to make their apartment feel like home, but especially if you are looking to rent long-term, you want to make your new home feel like your own.”

Some landlords will allow you to make major changes like painting the walls, while others won’t. The good news is that even if your landlord won’t allow you to paint, there are plenty of other renter-friendly ways to upgrade your apartment.

What’s the subletting policy?

Ben Fisher, owner of The Fisher Group in Park City, Utah, notes that you should ask your landlord about their subletting policy before signing the lease. While you probably don’t have plans to sublet your home, unexpected circumstances might arise that require you to use this option.

“If you need to leave your home temporarily but don't want to break your lease, having a subletting provision gives you options,” he says. 

He also notes that you shouldn’t attempt to sublet your unit without your landlord’s permission, as this can result in eviction and legal action.

What is the move-out process?

While it may seem odd to ask about this before you even have a lease signed, it could be important down the line. You’ll want to know how much notice you need to give your landlord before moving out. One month is typical, but some landlords may require more notice. If you know you’ll need to move in a year, having this information upfront is a good idea.

Similarly, it’s a good idea to ask what would happen in the case that you needed to break your lease and move out early. Some landlords are happy to let you out of the lease without penalty, while others might withhold your security deposit or require you to pay a lease break fee.

Looking at how to save to buy a house? Admittedly, buying your first home is getting more and more difficult, and the rising costs of living across the globe are making it more difficult to save for a downpayment on a house. On average, saving for buying a house now takes longer, not to mention that housing everywhere is much more expensive than it used to be.

So, yes, buying a house is tough right now. Is it impossible? Not necessarily. If you are in steady employment - and even if you are steadily self-employed - you can save money to put down on a house. It won’t be overnight, but rethinking a few habits can go a long way to giving you that all-important house deposit money. These tips all come from personal finance and real estate professionals. Follow them and you will have more money - which will bring that dream of homeownership a little closer.  

1. Eliminate unnecessary expenses 

Sound easier said than done? It’s not necessarily as hard as you think. George Clover, Partner at Helmores Estate Agents recommends rethinking any ‘get it now’ habits you may have acquired over the past few years: ‘whether it’s the weekly shop being delivered, that dress you fancy arriving at the door within 24 hours of ordering it, or a regular takeaway, when you stop to look at spending, you can usually see where savings can be made.’

The other major areas where unnecessary spending can be cut are subscriptions and memberships. Gym memberships are an obvious case in point -many people simply don’t use theirs or don’t use it enough to justify the annual expense. If that’s you, just cancel it. The same goes for streaming and music subscriptions - ‘are you actually using them all?’

2. Save on car payments by going for a less expensive model  

Clover advises that although ‘we all love a new car’, you do need to remember that when it comes to getting a mortgage,’lenders look at monthly commitments and having car finance is a big hindrance to your borrowing power. If you’re prepared to change your car for something less expensive while you save for a deposit, not only will you save the monthly payments, you’ll also not be compromising your lending amount.’ Amount saved? You’re looking at thousands. 

3. Rethink your food spending 

The average person spends hundreds every month on grocery shopping, takeaway and coffees - going for cheaper brands and eating out less is a reliable way to save thousands a year. We’re not saying ‘never eat out again’ - just watch how many takeaways you’re getting and whether you could cut down by cooking at home an extra couple of nights a week. 

Top tip: You can still get top-quality and even organic produce at cheaper prices if you shop at local farmer’s markets.

4. Downsize! 

If you are renting a home, this is likely to be your biggest expense of all, and without finding a way to cut down on this major source of spending it will be more difficult to save for a downpayment. Brean Horne, personal finance expert, at NerdWallet, advises that saving on rent ‘can be done by finding a place with cheaper rent, moving into a house share or staying with family.’ 

5. Set a savings goal

The reason many people struggle to save for a house is that they simply don’t plan for it and don’t set realistic goals. Horne explains that ‘setting unrealistic goals for your budget as this could leave you worse off than before, especially if you have to dip into your savings to cover your living costs.’ It is also helpful to remember that these days ‘there are lots of budgeting apps available that can help you manage your spending and saving. Some challenger banks also offer budgeting tools to help you manage your money.’

Horne also offers a simple budgeting formula you can try: ‘Using the 50/30/20 rule can help you make an effective budget that you can stick to. With this rule, you would split your money in the following ways’:

• 50% of your income goes to essentials, such as rent and bills
• 30% of your income goes to your wants, such as socializing or hobbies
• 20% of your income goes to your savings

 6. Lower your energy bill 

Although this can seem very tough right now, there are still ways to lower your energy bill even if you don’t have access to costly insulation projects. ‘Switching to cheaper deals for household bills can also help you save more. Price comparison websites can help you shop around and look through hundreds of deals quickly.’ You should also try to reduce energy use by cutting down on large appliance use - or getting energy-efficient ones.  

7. Eliminate credit card debt 

As any personal finance expert worth their salt will tell you, you need to learn how to get out of debt before you even start saving. Being saddled with thousands in credit card bills makes saving inefficient because you’re still repaying interest.

8. Increase your income 

This is a no-brainer: more income = more money for a downpayment. You don’t have to take on a second job if other responsibilities make it difficult, but you can explore quick ways to make money from home that can, in some cases, give you thousands extra you can put toward a house. 

9. Boost your savings 

If you’re already saving but finding that you’re not saving enough, there are ways to boost your existing savings if you’re creative with what you do with the money you do have. Datha Santomieri, the co-founder and vice president of the insurance agency Steadily, recommends building a ‘war chest’ for your downpayment. This is how you do it: ‘ accumulate assets that produce the consistent income you can use to purchase a house. Buy assets that pay you. Repeat! A ‘‘war chest’’ is an amount of money intended for a specific purpose or action. This reserve of funds is dedicated to purchasing assets that will keep a consistent stream of money coming in.’

‘The key is to repeatedly invest these funds into assets that constantly generate income, such as savings accounts, stocks, real estate, bonds, businesses, and online assets such as courses, webinars, or blogs. Careful selection of fruitful assets can bring you financial stability and a steady reserve of funds you can use for a solid down payment on a house.’ 

In the UK? Consider opening a Lifetime ISA, which is a special savings account designed to help people buy their first home with a value of £450,000 or less, or to put away savings for their retirement. You can open a Lifetime ISA from the ages of 18 to 40 but can keep saving into the account until you reach 50.

Horne explains: ‘You can save up to £4,000 a year into your Lifetime ISA, which can be in cash or stocks and shares, and the government will add a 25% bonus to your savings, which is capped at £1,000 a year.’

10. Keep organized 

Another major reason many people fail to save enough for a deposit is that they simply don’t keep track of how much they spend. Jo Winston, Sales Director at St. Modwen Homes, advises that ‘the best way to get on top of your savings is to ensure you are keeping track of where your money goes. We’ve all done it - headed to our bank accounts after a busy month and wondered where all our money has disappeared to. 

Consider using free apps, such as Monzo, that allow you to categorize all your spending and keep tabs on your money. ‘Additionally, Monzo has a helpful optional feature to save any ‘‘spare change’’. This means any purchases can be automatically rounded to the nearest pound, and the ‘spare change’ is added to your savings pot.’ 

‘This can prove extremely helpful when trying to save, as you can see which areas you may need to pull back on. What’s more, you can set up individual pots to separate your wages each month – making it even easier to budget every aspect of your life!’ 

How much do I need to save for a downpayment? 

Isaiah Henry, the CEO of property management company Seabreeze reassures potential house buyers that ‘while it’s important to have some cash on hand, you don’t need to save up 20 percent for a down payment. If you have a decent credit score and a solid income, you may be able to secure a conventional loan for as little as three percent down. You will likely have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI), but that’s not the end of the world.’

However, Donald Olhausen Jr, Owner of WeBuyHousesInSanDiego.com, points out that apart from the downpayment money, ‘it is usually advised to save a few months' worth of mortgage payments in a savings account for general maintenance and repairs. Besides your monthly mortgage payment, homeowners can run into unexpected repairs such as broken water heaters and needing new roofs. If no savings are set aside for this, these expenditures can be a nasty surprise.’

How long does it take to save to buy a house?

This varies hugely depending on your location, income, and saving habits. If you live in a major city or metropolitan area, it likely will take you longer to save because although wages are higher so are rents. Relocating to a cheaper area if your job allows you to work remotely is one of the best ways to cut down on the time it will take you to save for a downpayment because you’ll be able to save on the biggest source of spending - rent. 

 If — like us — you’re currently renting, then you may be wondering what the deal is with renters insurance. Whether you’re just moving into your first place or just ready to take on more "adulting" responsibilities, you might wanna know what renters insurance actually covers and if it's right for you.

The fact is that with more and more people hunting for rental apartments, renter’s insurance is becoming increasingly common. To get you the answers you need, we’ve done a little digging and put together all the important info that every renter needs when it comes to renters insurance. 

And, in a bid to get straightforward answers, we’ve chatted to a few real estate professionals who’ve given us their expert views on the ins and outs of renters’ insurance. 

What is renters insurance?

Let’s start with the easy stuff, what exactly is renters insurance? Renters insurance is, put simply, insurance for renters that protects you and your stuff. 

Interestingly, it turns out that a lot of renters (we asked around) are under the impression that their landlord’s insurance policy covers their belongings, but this isn’t actually the case. The reality is, your landlord’s policy covers the building itself, but it doesn’t include your belongings. That’s where renters insurance comes in. 

Put the right renters insurance policy in place and you can ensure that all of your personal property is protected should the worst happen. Whether a fire breaks out in your home, a pipe bursts and drenches everything you own, or someone breaks in and steals all your valuables, renters insurance will give you a vital lifeline. 

Why do renters need renter insurance?

Renter insurance comes with a range of benefits and usually covers any unexpected damage or loss of your personal belongings. Plus, many renters find that their landlords insist on renters insurance as a condition of their lease. 

“While it’s not a legal requirement, you should take it out," Tomas Satas, the  Founder, and CEO at Windy City HomeBuyer and a real estate investor, landlord, and professional house flipper explains. "In fact, landlords often require it as part of the lease agreement.”

For some landlords, renters insurance is non-negotiable, while for others it’s a personal choice left up to tenants, and tends to vary from area to area.

Satas personally does require renters insurance from his tenants, although he comments that,“ thankfully, none of my tenants have had to use theirs while renting from me.”

Whilst Houston-based real estate expert and owner of House Cashin Marina Vaamonde, says that in her experience, most landlords don’t require renters insurance. So, it appears that whether or not renters insurance is a requirement for renters, very much depends on the landlord. 

What are the benefits of renter’s insurance and is it worth it?

If you're worried about any damage or loss of your belongings, renters insurance could be a huge benefit to you. The protection this kind of policy offers gives you peace of mind that should something happen, you're covered and don't need to stress. 

And, it's not just covering the cost of your own damaged or lost possessions. “Renters insurance protects you from paying certain expenses if you are found legally responsible for injuries to other people or for damaging their property,” Vaamonde explains.

It’s important to note that liability coverage — aka, the kind of coverage that protects you if you accidentally damage your landlord’s fixtures, fittings, or furniture — isn’t automatic on all renters insurance policies, but it can be added as a separate clause if it’s not included. So, it always pays to check what is and what isn’t included in your policy. 

Satas agrees that renters insurance is definitely worthwhile and gives you good value for money — with most policies costing $10 to $20 per month. “The cost is minimal, especially when packaged with other lines of insurance from your provider, and provides everyone with peace of mind.” 

Something to consider here is how much it would actually cost you to replace your belongings, should they get damaged in some way. The reality is that replacement costs can quickly add up — and if you’ve lost a large proportion of your belongings, you’ll have to come up with a lot of funds all at once, which can be difficult.

What does renters insurance not cover?

As with all types of home insurance, there are exclusions to be aware of. Sigh. 

The most significant exception is flood damage. Most policies will not cover damage to your belongings by flood water, although some may cover water damage from a burst pipe inside the home. If you happen to live in an area that's at risk of flooding, you may want to consider taking out separate renter flooding insurance. Obvi, with some policies you can actually bolt on extra coverage for flooding onto your normal renters insurance policy, so it's always worth checking with your provider. 

The same restrictions unfortunately apply to earthquake damage. Generally speaking, anyone who lives in an area prone to severe damage from these types of natural phenomena needs to consider additional coverage. You will be covered against wind, hail, and rain damage, however. 

Interestingly, another exception is bed bug damage, which isn’t normally covered by renters insurance. And actually, most household pests and any damage they may cause are not usually covered.

It's also worth being aware that when a policy says it covers "damage" that does not normally include day-to-day wear and tear. And, renters insurance can’t be used to cover end-of-tenancy repairs or cleaning.

When Sharon and Garry Lomas moved to the Lake District in March 2020, it was the second time they’d upped sticks for a complete change of lifestyle. In 2015, Sharon left her job as an advertising manager in Manchester and the couple started an interiors store and gallery in the Derbyshire village of Hayfield, renting an apartment above. ‘I’d had enough of my job and it was something I’d always wanted to do,’ says Sharon. ‘Although we had an amazing five years there, we were working constantly and wanted to slow down.’

After a three-month search across the Lake District, a former brewery manager’s house came up for rent in the village of Caldbeck. ‘It was love at first sight,’ says Sharon. ‘The rooms had great proportions and we were completely seduced by the original floorboards, high ceilings and fireplaces. In the agent’s details, every room was painted magnolia, but as we walked round, it was clear the previous tenants had done some painting since then. The dining room had a red chimney breast and the living room had a red shagpile carpet, while the office and master bedroom both had pink and purple walls – so we knew the landlord would be open to us making changes.’

Enchanted by the house, the pair were happy to rent instead of buying. With lockdown looming, their moving date was brought forward to 18 March and new kitchen appliances hurriedly ordered in anticipation. ‘I was determined not to do anything for nine months and just live there to get a feel for the place, but I only lasted a couple of months,’ says Sharon. ‘And of course we had more time on our hands than anticipated during lockdown.’

Over the next year, the couple gradually added their own touches to the house, from repainting and installing new handles in the kitchen to revamping the master bedroom and en suite with clever temporary touches. Scroll down to see the transformation – and pick up some inspiration for your own home, rented or not.

Living room

The pair began by decorating the living and dining rooms, which are connected by glazed double doors. ‘It was crying out for period colours,’ says Sharon. ‘The Victorians really embrace dark, rich colours, and the artwork I chose was also a nod to that period with bird illustrations and pineapples. I wanted a palette that reflected my favourite seasons – spring and autumn – as well as the natural landscapes of the Lakes.’

As Sharon and Garry used to live in a first floor flat, their furniture options were limited. ‘Everything had to be small enough to go up two flights of stairs,’ says Sharon. ‘Now I can have the corner sofa I’d been dreaming about for two years.’

The shelved alcove used to be the front entrance, and was blocked up about 15 years ago when part of the hallway was incorporated into the living room. The decks belong to Garry, who used to be a DJ.

• A DIYer saves thousands giving her dark and dingy kitchen a stunning, textural transformation

Kitchen

After buying a puppy, Max, the couple turned their attention to the magnolia kitchen. ‘As far as rentals go, it’s pretty inoffensive but as we were getting up early with Max, I couldn’t take the cold starkness any longer,’ she says. ‘I used green paint leftover from the living room on the walls, replaced the chrome handles with black ones and bought some vinyl rugs that look like tiles.’

Sharon and Garry’s landlord was happy for them to repaint the magnolia kitchen walls in green. ‘I painted a line two thirds of the way up the wall, so when you look out the door it’s level with the woodland ridge on the horizon,’ says Sharon. She’s also repurposed her gran’s 1940s light pendant as a planter.

Dining room

Having taken a screen printing course, taught herself to sew and completed a diploma in interior design, Sharon was adept at putting together a scheme, upcycling furniture and achieving a high-end look on a budget. ‘I’m definitely a serial decorator and I’d describe my style as contained maximalist,’ says Sharon. ‘But these days I try to consider what I buy and consume more.’

Sharon wanted the living and dining rooms to work together as one space, but also feel different when the connecting doors were shut, so she picked a darker green paint to make the dining room feel cosy. ‘Although radiator covers look nice, I think they block a lot of heat,’ say Sharon. ‘I’ve used two old console tables and covered them in plants and canvases to stop them standing out against the dark walls.’ 

Home office/guest room

This ground-floor room wasn’t even mentioned on the agent’s details when Sharon and Garry viewed the house. ‘It felt like a bonus room,’ says Sharon. ‘I claimed it as my study, as it had built-in shelves, a window and door onto the garden.’

After painting the walls green, Sharon created a little reading nook on the other side of the room with a daybed opposite her desk – perfect for guests coming up to stay.

Bathroom

The existing bathroom was basic, with panelling across the walls and a grey lino floor, plus white sanitaryware.

Although the wall cladding is practical, it’s not to Sharon’s taste. ‘Once I’d added plants, bamboo shelving and vintage decanters full of bath salts, it detracted from how boring the bathroom is,’ she says.

Bedrooms

With four bedrooms upstairs, Garry was able to take the biggest as his work space while Sharon has an office on the ground floor. Naturally they picked the room with an en suite shower and fitted wardrobes as their master, leaving two double bedrooms for frequent guests. 

With windows on two sides, the main bedroom gets both the morning and afternoon light. ‘I couldn’t not have any green in here,’ laughs Sharon. ‘But I kept the existing pale pink and opted for a pale green on the chimney breast.’

The chimney breast in the guest room was already painted blue, luckily matching the pretty bedspread Sharon was gifted by her mum. ‘I never had anywhere for it to go before, so the scheme has been built around it,’ she says. ‘I plan to paint an arch behind the bed in a different shade of blue.’ 

The couple have no regrets about closing their shop and moving to the Lake District. It’s enabled Sharon to start an interior design consultancy, A Story of Home. ‘We love it here and feel very connected to the community in a short space of time,’ says Sharon. ‘We have no plans to move any time soon, but hope to eventually find the perfect piece of land on the edge of a wood to build our own modern lodge-style house.’

My partner grew up with his family owning a traditional bed & breakfast and so was very used to sharing his home with others. When we first moved in with each other, he suggested we rent out our spare room to become Airbnb hosts. 

I was initially reluctant. 

It was 2017 and Airbnb’s popularity was beginning to explode. We had used it a few times ourselves on trips, but opening up our home to guests felt a bit daunting. 

At the time we lived in Manchester which was quite close to Old Trafford, Manchester United’s football grounds, and so my partner was convinced there would be a demand.

Of course, I was concerned about strangers being in our home. Would it be awkward or weird? The house was a small two-bed terrace with only one bathroom so regular contact with guests seemed unavoidable. 

I unenthusiastically agreed to give it a trial go after badgering from my partner under the promise that any money we made from the venture would be saved for our planned purchase of a new house the year after. 

As you're about to find out, I’m glad to report it was a success and something we really enjoy doing. So how do you get being an Airbnb host right?

Setting up shop

As part of my reluctant agreement to the scheme, it was agreed that my partner would look after the business side (setting up our Airbnb profile, managing bookings and liaising with guests) and I would look after the décor and do my best to give it a hotel-like experience. 

Setting up on the app was really easy and they guide you step by step. Our offering was that guests had access to a double bedroom, shared bathroom, kitchen and a separate living room space for around £45 per night. 

If you don’t want people to use your kitchen say that isn’t a problem as it is made clear on your profile. You put in your address and what facilities you have on offer and they suggest a rate for a night’s stay (although you can set whatever rate you want). 

You include some information on the property, local area and who you are as hosts. This is the place to really sell your listing. We highlighted in our description our close vicinity to Old Trafford, easy transport links and that the city centre was a 15 minute drive away. 

I styled the room to take photos so that the guests knew what to expect before they booked. The photos are another opportunity to really make your listing shine so we put a lot of effort into getting the best angles, like you would see in a hotel's professional promotional photos. We love to travel so when it came to our offering I thought about what I would want to see if I was booking somewhere – tidy rooms, stylish design and white bed linen.

One of the things that helped encourage me to put our spare room on Airbnb is that you get to set your own rules on the visit. You can mandate things like check-in and out times, and minimum number of nights stay. There is no obligation to accept anyone you don’t want to, and how much interaction your guest can expect is your call. 

All guests are verified as real people before they can book and you can see guest reviews from their previous visits before you agree to let them stay. Airbnb actually provides insurance in case anyone damages your property and also have 24 hour support in case there is an issue. Everything is communicated with your guest through the app, and Airbnb looks after the money side of things so no cash has to change hands. 

Welcoming our first guests

We were really nervous of receiving our first few guests and not knowing what to expect. 

We had prepared the guest bedroom and created a little welcome document of things like Wi-Fi password, general house rules and local amenities. When we welcomed a guest we gave them a quick tour of the house and after some general chit-chat found out the reason for their visit and gave them recommendations tailored to their likes. 

I was always concerned that the people staying might be 'weirdos' and make us feel uncomfortable, but I quickly realised that the guests had to trust us as much as we had to trust them. Both parties were agreeing to be respectful of each other and their space. For example as soon as the guests arrived the spare room became their space that we would never enter.

A (mostly) positive experience

We very quickly started to get guests join us from all over the world, and it was genuinely a joy to meet and get to know these people. Most guests don’t actually spend much time in the property as they're usually visiting your location for a reason or to explore the area. 

Usually, we only really saw our guests at check-in, but occasionally with people that stayed on longer visits, we have had dinner together or shared a bottle of wine with them, once we got to know them better. We even watched the Bake Off final with one of our guests! 

When we moved house we decided to keep hosting on Airbnb as our new property was better suited for hosting. Guests here had their own bathroom and entryway. The bedroom was also much bigger which meant we could give our guests the option to add a blow-up bed, doubling the amount of people we could host and therefore, increasing our earning potential.

In our nearly three years of being hosts we had very few issues with guests, but it does occasionally happen. Apart from the occasional bit of damage (which Airbnb covered the costs for) or someone taking too long in the bathroom, the worst we probably came across was a last-minute booking for a group of four people in their early 20s who had just flown into Manchester. 

Their body clocks were on a different time zone so they sat up most of the time talking and laughing keeping us awake until 3am... It took several attempts to get them to be quiet but eventually, they did and when it came to their review we politely detailed what had happened so future hosts could be aware. They actually asked us if they could stay next night too, but we quickly declined!

The best benefits

The amount of money you make will be entirely based on your location and your offering. We have made up to £700 per month by renting out our spare bedroom on Airbnb during the most popular months. The way I started to look at it was kind of like you were being paid to do your chores such as cleaning rooms and washing bed linen. 

Another positive for us was when we got awarded “Superhost” status (from being consistently good hosts), which meant higher priority listings and vouchers that could be used on our own trips away. We also encouraged another friend to do the same with their city centre spare room and got a referral fee. 

We really enjoyed doing it and could not recommend it enough. Making money from our spare room and sharing our space on our own terms? It's a convenient income that works for us.