While owning a home is a dream for many Americans, most start out renting an apartment or condo for at least part of their adult lives. In a growing number of cities, however, renting has become more common than buying a home.
For instance, take Stockton, California, where more than 53 percent of residents choose to rent a home versus buying one outright. Meantime, drive a few hours south to Anaheim and that number is more than 57 percent.
Furnishing an apartment comes with a few extra challenges compared to buying a home, particularly the lack of total square footage. And with high rent in many California cities, making the most of a smaller furniture budget is a must. Here are three pro tips to help you furnish your California abode.
1. Make the Most of Your Tight Space
When it comes to comparing living spaces, California has some of the smallest apartments in the nation. On average, residents can expect to live in apartments of no more than 840 square feet. That’s why making the most of a smaller space should be one of your top considerations as you look to furnish your new home.
This begins when you’re shopping for new furniture. Of course, just because you don’t have room for an oversized sectional doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy comfortable, modern furniture in your apartment. Then again, you should make an effort to pick out pieces that perform double duty or otherwise conserve space.
For instance, a coffee table can double as storage for photo albums, books, and other collectibles. No matter the size of your apartment, it’s always important to measure your space and the pieces you hope to place there before you buy.
2. Skip the Designer Pieces
Besides tight living spaces, California is also known for glitz and glamour. While you may bump elbows with celebrities from time to time in the grocery store, you don’t necessarily need to try to live like one. Bottom line: When you’re decorating your apartment, skip the designer furniture.
You can still get durable, comfortable pieces that match your personal style but without the designer price tag by shopping at affordable retailers like Jerome’s. Whether you choose to shop in-store or online, you can rest assured that you’re buying high-quality pieces that will look just as good in your home as they did on the web or in the showroom.
3. Bring the Outside In
One simple move that can help make your space feel fresher is by bringing the outside in with some indoor plants. Keeping a few plants in your home offers a number of benefits. For instance, besides the look of a few succulents, cacti or other house plants, you’ll also enjoy cleaner air, a boost of productivity and less stress.
If you aren’t a green thumb, opt for plants that require a little less maintenance. Air plants and cacti are good choices because they don’t require as much watering compared to other plant varieties. But if cleaner, fresher air is your top priority, English Ivy or snake plants might be a better choice.
Making Your California Home Your Own
If you want to make the most of your new apartment, help your budget go further, and keep your space fresh, these tips are a great start. When moving into a new apartment, it can feel as though you need to finish everything at once. But taking your time and giving yourself a chance to find the right furniture and décor will not only save you money but also help you create a space that you love.
Disclosure: Mommy Makes Time receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for delivery of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 225: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
