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Whether you’re doing it for a few weeks or a few months, you probably already know that subletting is not ideal. It feels weird to be living in a space that’s not your own, often using someone else’s furniture and having to come to terms with their potentially bizarre decorating style. The good news: it doesn’t have to be a traumatizing experience. With ten easy fixes, you can elevate your sublet from simply a means to an end to someplace you’ll actually want to spend time in. Read on to discover our top tips for making a sublet feel like home.
Dress Up Those Walls
Go big and hang a tapestry and string lights to bring a cozy vibe to the space, or keep it simple with a makeshift
of your favorite posters and photos. Just be sure to check with your landlord to see what their policy is on hanging things —the last thing you need is to risk your security deposit.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bedding)
If you find a furnished apartment, chances are, you’re not going to want to rely on the provided bedding. Bringing your own bedding —or springing for some new sheets— is a simple way to incorporate your style to a space. This is something you might want to consider if you’re going to be subletting for more than a month.
Opt For a Color Scheme
Another easy way to add your personal style: pick a color scheme and stick with it. Temporarily remove any items that clash with your desired aesthetic to create a uniform flow to the room. Color-coordinating pieces make a room look more polished. If it doesn’t look like a temporary space, it won’t feel like a temporary space.
Get Creative
Would you settle on taking just one brunch photo for Instagram? No, because you might find a better angle. The same goes for decorating: move the furniture around until you come up with a layout you’re happy with. You’ll end up with a space that’s tailored to your needs and therefore feels more personal.
Flex your Green Thumb
Greenery instantly spruces up any area, so it makes sense that adding some to your apartment will give it an instant facelift. Succulents or mini terrariums make for the ideal accent pieces that will literally breathe new life into your room.
Hide Bare Floors
You might be lucky enough to find a sublet with gorgeous hardwood floors, but you also might end up in a 1980’s-era linoleum disaster. If it’s the latter situation, throw rugs are an easy fix. Not only do they cover up any unsightly flooring, they up the cozy factor significantly and make a room just that much more inviting.
Light It Up
Good lighting is a sure-fire way to boost your mood, and is something you can easily change in a sublet. Natural light is obviously preferable, but if your new space doesn’t come with big windows make sure that you have alternate forms of lighting available, so you don’t feel like you’re living in a cave.
Bring Home With You
Sentimental items, like photos or souvenirs, are essential for adding that personal touch. You don’t necessarily need to bring your entire photo album with you, but a few reminders of home will go a long way in making you feel more comfortable in an apartment that doesn’t belong to you. Plus, it’s a great way to dress up any empty walls or shelves.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
It may sound simple, but hiding your boxes and suitcases definitely makes a space feel less temporary and it’s something that’s often overlooked. This mental trick helps you feel like your temporary situation is a little more permanent. It’s a small change that really makes a difference in how you perceive your living area.
Let’s Talk About Scents
Do you have a go-to scent? Using a diffuser or candle is a common fix to making any space more comforting, but there’s actual science behind why you should incorporate scents into your new place. Smells trigger vivid emotions and memories, so using a particular scent that reminds you of a favorite time or place is key in personalizing a room.