Rent or Buy?

My husband and I have been renting for a long time, but we did own a home briefly. We have only spent about three years as homeowners, but we have spent about 13 years as renters. We have rented condos, apartments, townhouses, and single family homes, and we have learned a lot along the way, so I want to share some of our first hand experience with renting, and also some things we learned from owning. Although we loved our home while we had it, we did not really enjoy being homeowners, and I think we both agree that buying … Continue reading →

Perceptions of Homeowners and Tenants

People’s perception of homeowners and renters can be a funny thing. A common perception is that because the tenant doesn’t own the property they are not going to look after it the same way as if it was their own. In some cases that is true. We have been on the receiving end of that when we rented our home for nine months, while we were live-in houseparents at a children’s home. The people who rented for the first six months were ideal tenants and looked after the place as if it was their own. In fact they did want … Continue reading →

How to Choose Furniture for a Small Space

While the average home in America is upwards of 2.500 square feet, apartment dwellers usually don’t have that same amount of space. In fact, in major cities, apartments can be quite tiny. I, myself, grew up in a small apartment and have learned a few things about small space living. Here are my tips. Use small scale furnishing for your space. Many manufacturers specialize in furniture that is functional but made to a smaller scale than the average. Sleek profiles can give you more breathing space. Not only will it look as though your rooms are larger, but they will … Continue reading →

Dorm Room Checklist

There are some things you may not have thought of that will come in handy in your new dorm room. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but hopefully, it will be helpful. Look over this list to see if there are any items you forgot and add them to your own list. Keep adding to your list and then check each item off as pack. Electronic Elements 1) Surge protector for your computer 2) Power strip (if permitted) in case the dorm room is short on outlets 3) Electric alarm clock with battery back up Clothing Concerns 1) Travel iron … Continue reading →

Dorm Room Decorating

It won’t be long until you head off to school (or until your child heads off to college life). So, how do you plan to decorate (or help your kids decorate) the dorm room? Dorm rooms are generally neutral in color but you may want to find out for sure. If you haven’t had a chance to see the dorm, call to ask for details. Ask about size, color, number and location of electrical outlets and windows, and find out what items are included, such as a bed. Also, ask which, if any, items are forbidden (such as power strips … Continue reading →

Facing The Real World In A High Rise

My cousin graduated from college a couple of weeks ago and will begin his first “real” job next month. That means he has about two weeks to get his new home in order. Last week we drove down to Chicago to help him move into his new… high-rise apartment. Yes, he is living in a high-rise building in the middle of the Windy City. Better him than me. I don’t think I could survive in a high-rise. When I graduated from college I moved into a two-story apartment building and I lived on the ground floor. I hated the idea … Continue reading →

Storage for Dorms, Rentals, Small Spaces

If a dorm room or small apartment is home for you or for someone you love, you know the many challenges that a small space, especially a rental, can present. There are handy products you can use to create storage and effectively use every inch of extra space. 3-M Command Adhesive Products The 3-M Command Adhesive products come in an assortment of styles from hooks to picture hangers. The adhesive adheres firmly to the wall and stays in place, until you want to remove it. Then, you simply stretch it and pull it cleanly away without damaging the surface. You … Continue reading →

More Suggestions for Small Spaces

If you have a small apartment or room or live in a dorm room (or perhaps your grown child does), here are some more suggestions and storage ideas that you (or they) can implement to make the most of small spaces. Purge and Purge Some More Obviously, the best advice is to get rid of anything you don’t need rather than finding a way to store things you don’t really use. Remember as well that purging is an ongoing chore. When space is limited, you have to constantly re-evaluate and keep only those things that are functional and necessary or … Continue reading →

Temporary Housing and Apartments: Adding Color

We have already touched on some of the restrictions and limitations that are imposed on people who live in apartment buildings, rentals, or military housing. Today we’ll talk about ways to get the look and feel you want, by adding color, without breaking any rules. If you cannot paint, try covering the walls with fabric. A few staple holes at the very top and bottom of the wall are hardly noticeable. They are easily patched when you get ready to move out. If you aren’t handy when it comes to repairs, or if you move often, you might want to … Continue reading →

Temporary Housing and Apartments

Many families call apartments, other rentals, or military housing, home. Unfortunately, some of these spaces don’t always feel as homey as we’d like. We all know that decorating apartments or temporary housing can be a challenging experience. Not only are most rentals somewhat limited for space, but they also usually have many rules that keep families from making any drastic changes. Since one of the most important elements of making a house or apartment into a home is adding color, the first step is to speak to the landlord. He or she may agree to allow painting, and may even … Continue reading →