You’ve moved into a new apartment and have arranged all of your things, except something still doesn’t feel right. Something is missing, but what?

This is a common feeling among renters, how to make a place your own.

Eventually the feeling will pass, and your new place will begin to feel more like home.

So, how do you get there?

For starters, you need to consider what about your apartment is bothering you. Then, once you know why, focus your attention on finding a solution to the problem.

Just because you don’t own the building, doesn’t mean there aren’t exceptions. No matter how many people have lived there before you, or how many people will live there after you, it's yours now.

There are plenty of things you can do to make your apartment, home.

Notice the smell. Scents have a way of altering our moods. Typically, apartments undergo a deep cleaning before new residents move in, but to help ease your mind, clean the apartment yourself. In doing so you’ll become accustom to your apartment. Arrange some plants, burn candles, or set up some air fresheners to spruce up the place.

Another thing that is often over looked is lighting. The lighting of an apartment truly affects the atmosphere. See if the exiting lighting is the problem. Then, ask the landlord if there is something that can be done to fix it. If not, consider adding some lamps. Lamps add to the atmosphere of any room with the effect of up lighting that lamps portray off the walls.

Some property management discourage residents to alter the design of the apartment. For there are things that were taken into consideration when designing the units that they’d prefer you don’t change.

It doesn’t hurt to ask.

The least that they’ll say is no.

Ask your landlord about the things you can and can’t change. Some might be okay with painting, hanging wall decorations, changing light fixtures, or replacing items - as long as you return the apartment to its original state when you're done.

If you don’t ask, you’ll never know whether or not you can make changes.

Plus, the things that you wish to change might give the management company things to consider when building their next apartment building.

If the walls are something that’s bothersome to you, accessorize. An empty wall is a lost opportunity to make the space resemble your style. If your landlord discourages hammering nails into the walls, try some adhesive hooks.

What about removable wallpaper? There is such a thing. Unlike traditional wallpaper being known for being near impossible to take off, there is wallpaper that is peel and stick – quick and easy to remove. Now, that’ll definitely make the apartment more you.

Final suggestion, invite people over. When you invite your friends and family over to your place it encourages you to make the place look clean, organized, and presentable.

Following these suggestions will not only get you closer to making your apartment feel more like a home, but it will be a place where memories are made.

Norhart offers a variety of apartments, perfect for calling home. Currently, there are apartments in Blaine and apartments in Forest Lake.

Come experience the difference.