When moving into an apartment, you want to make it your home – at least temporarily. While the housing market was tanking, it was normal for homeowners to start renting out their homes and utilizing self-storage to house their belongings. It was cheaper to get an apartment and ride out the storm. Now, apartments have become very expensive. Even the smallest apartments are being rented at astronomical amounts and don’t offer ample storage options, but they are taking steps to accommodate a continuously growing need.
The craziness in all of this is that apartment complexes are growing by leaps and bounds, offering amenities that cater to the standard homeowner in an attempt to keep this demographic from pursuing homeownership once again. Even in the smallest of cities, apartments are going for over $1,000 for a one-bedroom. There are certain locations where you would anticipate high rents: Pembroke Pines, FL, New York City and other high-traffic areas, but the industry, just like the self-storage industry, is evolving.
The face of storage units are also changing. Standard climate-controlled units offer many more amenities in newer facilities, but they come with a higher price. What does this mean for the apartment renter in the long run? Finding specials and other discounts will take some research and interaction on social media to see what is available. Another issue with apartment renters is that the footprint is becoming so dense, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find storage facilities in the immediate area that are available.
Even with all of these obstacles, having an apartment can be advantageous. You can make it feel like a home with the simplest of techniques. Here are a few:
- Use furniture that makes you feel comfortable – Don’t buy furniture that is cheap just because. If you plan on being in an apartment for a while, invest in furniture that will make you feel like you are at home.
- Paint – Paint can be changed. If you don’t like the color in your apartment, ask what color the walls are, put the name somewhere safe and get to painting. There’s nothing like a few coats of paint to personalize your space.
- Pictures – There are a number of products on the market that will allow you to put up pictures or other fixtures on the wall that can be easily removed when it’s time to go.
- Window treatments – There’s nothing like a beautiful window treatment that will add character and beauty to a room. Sheers, curtains and custom blinds can make a huge difference in your room’s appearance.
Even if you don’t have all the space you desire, having a small storage unit to house some of your seasonal things can help make your apartment a home. It’s not about where you are, it’s about how you personalize your space to make it your own. Get tips and ideas from magazines or the HGTV channel to decorate very stylishly on a budget. You’ll be happy that you did!
