When you’re packing, label each box clearly with the room it goes in. Then, as you unload boxes, move each one to the room where it goes. Break down boxes and recycle them as you go. If you leave empty boxes piled around, your apartment will feel cluttered and temporary.
For instance, if you love to have people over, you might arrange the seating in your living room so all the chairs face each other. If you spend a lot of time watching your favorite shows, your layout might be a sofa and an easy chair in front of the TV. You can also use rugs to help create a visual break between different areas. For instance, if you have an open floor plan, you might create the look of a dining room by placing a rug under your table and chairs.
For instance, in your bedroom, you would need to make sure you had 3 ft (0. 91 m) of space from the door to your bed, dresser, and closet.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—try hanging folding chairs if you need extra seating for guests, or hang your bicycle on the wall if you like to bike to work.
For instance, you might choose a bed that has built-in drawers to hold your sweaters or extra blankets, or you might opt for an ottoman with a removable top that can double as seating or a table.
Power cords can also create a cluttered look in your home. Try running cords behind your furniture, if possible, or buy cord covers that adhere to the wall for any that you can’t hide.
Each week when you shop for groceries, think of a few extra condiments, spices, or kitchen supplies that you would like to have. That way, you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money to stock up all at once.
If your lease doesn’t allow you to burn candles in your apartment, set up a time-release air freshener in a scent you love!
Keep in mind that you will probably need to replace the original fixtures when you move out, so pack them carefully and store them somewhere safe. If you can’t change the light fixtures, add extra lighting like table lamps, floor lamps, and even string lights to help your apartment feel more like home.
If you need a little more privacy, try hanging blinds that you can open and close.
For instance, you might put a pretty bowl filled with fresh fruit on your kitchen counter, or you might get a new set of matching bathroom accessories to make your guest bath feel more luxurious. Try upgrading your mesh or plastic laundry basket for one made of wicker, canvas, or metal to make any room feel more sophisticated.
Try spreading your sentimental pieces throughout the apartment. That way, no matter what room you’re in, you’ll have something special to look at.
For instance, plants like rubber trees, spider plants, peace lilies, and pothos will all do well with minimal watering and thrive in indirect sunlight. [14] X Research source
Tie your room together by choosing a rug that complements your bedding.
For instance, you might use your favorite color to paint an accent wall in your bedroom, or you could paint your living room a warmer neutral that matches your decor. If you can’t paint, try using vinyl decals or removable wallpaper to dress up your walls, instead.
For instance, you might choose teal, coral, and copper. You could decorate your walls with art featuring those colors, then toss a couple of teal and coral pillows on the couch, add a rug that’s mostly neutral with a few pops of coral, and hang copper pots on your kitchen wall. Don’t feel like everything in your home has to follow this color scheme! In fact, that can start to feel overwhelming!
If you can’t use nails to hang your art, try using removable adhesive hooks, or just lean the pictures against the wall! Paint all of your picture frames the same color to give your art a cohesive feeling. Add mirrors to the walls across from your windows to make your space feel brighter and more open. [19] X Research source
To prevent bringing bedbugs into your apartment, be cautious of buying items like mattresses, clothing, bedding, or upholstered furniture secondhand. [20] X Research source
