5 Ways to Make your House a Home

There’s something comforting and relaxing about having a house that feels like home. But what about when you rent? How do you make a place feel like your own when it’s owned by someone else?

As a property manager, I do a lot of house inspections and am always pleasantly surprised when I walk into a house and you really get the feel of the people who live there. They’ve added their personal touches without permanently chasing the house. 

Here are 5 ways that you can do this: 

Potted plants. 

Plants add life, and vibrancy and always make the house feel welcoming and calm. You can get some very realistic looking fake plants now, so even if you don’t have a green thumb you can still get the benefits of the greenery, without the work. 

Removable hanging strips to hang artwork

We all know that if you want to get your bond back at the end of the lease, the walls needs to be free from any holes or hooks that you’ve added during your tenancy. That’s why I love the 3M Command range of removable hanging strips. They come in a range of sizes and weights that they can hold, and are really easy to stick on and remove without leaving a mark. 

Hanging pictures and wall decorations is a really easy way to add your own touches to a room without making any permanent changes. 

Rugs

Rugs are a go to for me in a rental property. They are perfect for adding colour, warmth and softness to a room. Rugs can be used to break up a tiled area, to create a more homely feel or to create a separate space, like a play area for the kids. But my favourite thing about a rug in a rental is that it protects the carpet or flooring underneath! Perfect for the kids bedrooms or play areas, under tables if you have a carpeted dining area, or in the entrance way to help the carpet from getting permanently stained or dirty, and ensure you get your bond back!

Cushions, throws, curtains

Any soft furnishings can make a house a home. They add colour and personality as well as being functional. Places like Kmart, Bunnings and Aldi are making it pretty affordable to change up the look of your place without any permanent damage to the rental property. Just remember if you do change up curtains or cover up the blinds, to keep the originals so you can swap them over at the end of your lease.

Freestanding shelves

What I notice in some of the units I manage, is the lack of storage space. Freestanding shelves or storage units are a lifesaver in a rental. They keep everything looking tidy and in order, and can really modernise the look of the house. Again Kmart, Ikea and Bunnings would be my go to places for affordable, trendy options which update a space and add functionality.

As long as you don’t make any permanent damage, there is no reason you can’t make your house a home, just because you rent. If everything is back to the way it was when you moved in, then the above ideas shouldn’t put your bond in jeopardy when you are ready to move out, however if in doubt always check with your pretty manager first.