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November 4, 2021September 21, 2022

Home Decor – Rent Friendly Hacks to Make Your Rental Feel Like Home

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Home Decor – Rent Friendly Hacks to Make Your Rental Feel Like Home

One of the most common responses to moving out of home for the first time is homesickness. All of a sudden you’re in a new home that can sometimes have a bland home decor, empty, not like a home at all.

Moving into a rental usually requires some extra creative assistance, with a budget in mind! Your home is where you can truly express yourself in any way you want. In a rented home, however, you may not be able to make permanent home decor improvements.

It’s hard to imagine spending your money on expensive furniture or renovations when you don’t know how long you’ll spend in one place. However, there are plenty of ways that renters can make their homes feel more like home without breaking the bank! In this blog post we’ll share budget-friendly DIY projects and hacks for making your rental feel more like home.

Rental-Friendly Ideas

You may not be able to make permanent changes in a rental but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style! There are plenty of ways you can make your mark in your home (without upsetting the landlord!)

Home decor on a Budget

If there are decor restrictions in your rental agreement that prevent you from changing certain things (floors, walls, etc.) then you may need to get a little creative with your budget-friendly decor. You’d be surprised how much of a difference small items can make! Here are a few suggestions that won’t break the bank:

Cushions and Throws

A few colourful cushions or throws for the sofa or to dress your bed gives a room vibrancy! The great thing about cushions is that you can change them as often as you like. Cushion inserts can be readily purchased from many homewares stores. It’s easy to then find a cushion cover to suit your style!

Standing Mirrors

Hanging mirrors can be tricky in rented accommodation because of their weight. Free standing or lean-to mirrors are an excellent alternative. There are a lot of stores in Ireland that offer beautiful mirrors for delivery, like Harvey Norman or The Range.

Framed Pictures/ Artwork

Hanging up pictures of your family, friends, and even your pets is a lovely way to surround yourself with comfort. (Be sure to double check with the landlord if you are allowed to add any nails to walls.) If you’re not a fan of the paint job/wallpaper in the house, don’t worry. Distract from it with art! Paintings, printed artwork and posters are super creative and can really express your personality.

Rugs

Adding a rug gives warmth and comfort to any room! The most popular places for rugs are the living room or the hallway. The right shape and size can look great next to your bed or under your desk! Some prep work is required when finding the right rug. Take measurements of the areas you want to put them, or try online virtual previews.

Clothing Rails

A clothing rail is a stylish way to store and display your outfits. They can be found in different sizes to fit your space and sometimes have a shoe rack underneath!

Side Tables

For the corner of your room, next to your bed or in the living room! You can pick up a side table for as little as €15 here. Depending on how much space you have, you can even use a side table to display a bouquet of flowers.

Lighting

Adding warm lighting to the corners of rooms creates a cosy, relaxing environment. Side lamps, standing lamps, and candles are fabulous for creating a soft glow. Inexpensive strip lights are a great way to give your home an edgy vibe while lighting areas that are difficult to see. They can also be great inside deep wardrobes/cupboards.

Indoor Plants

Indoor Plants are a wonderful addition to a home, especially if you’re not allowed to keep any pets! Disclaimer: Taking care of indoor plants is a lot like looking after a toddler. They need to be fed, they can get sick and die if you don’t look after them. If this sounds like too much work then consider cactus plants as an alternative!

DIY Projects

Re-using old supplies/tiles/vases and upcycling them. The sky’s the limit with DIY projects. Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and even TikTok are great places to find inspiration. Spray painting old furniture/frames/vases can give an old piece a DIY facelift – Just take these projects outdoors, and use plastic bags and/or cardboard underneath your items to avoid painting the ground. Here’s a list of projects that you can try over the weekend!

Bring Home Comforts With You

Making the move into your first rental can be tough, but bringing home

comforts from home is an easy way to make it feel more like home! This is especially true for your bedroom space. Create your dream bedroom by adding the things that make you feel relaxed and comfortable.If you have any personal sentimental items or favourite things that make you feel good, bring them with you. Think of your favourite bedding, books, a childhood toy etc.

Home Fragrances

A house that smells great is always so inviting and enchanting. Whether it’s a candle, an oil burner or scented reed diffuser. They not only look great but they also make your home smell amazing! If a particular scent reminds you of home, or any other sweet memory, try and look for ways you can bring the fragrance into your rental.

Take Pride in Your Space

When you look after your home, it looks after you. It gives you comfort, warmth, and peace of mind! Even though you’re renting, care for your space as if it’s your own property. Not only will this benefit you in the long run in terms of a positive rental reference, but you’ll be more inclined to love your home resulting in happiness and a sense of achievement!

HomeHak believes that every renter deserves to have their dream home. Using a Tenant CV boosts your chances of getting noticed! Find out how to get started by clicking here.

Check out our other article Renting in Ireland – What is the tenant’s true cost?

November 4, 2021October 7, 2022

Living with Housemates: How to Live Well and Get Along

Living on your own in rented accommodation is expensive. With many financial responsibilities to take care of, as well as day-to-day chores, solo living can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Renting alone is more expensive than a house share, and oftentimes a smaller property doesn’t offer as many attractive features (i.e., a garden, a second bathroom, parking etc.) Living with housemates comes with benefits.

Sure, living on your own may have some perks, but is it always worth it? Often when you’re on your own, you can feel isolated, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.

A solution to all this is to live with housemates! Splitting rent and utility costs with others will immediately reduce financial stress, but it’s not just about money. Living with others is a great way to tackle feelings of loneliness, and make some amazing friendships. If you’re new to the city/country, living with others gives you an opportunity to become more familiar with your surroundings, to learn about the culture, which ultimately results in a happier stay!

Roomates-how-to-get-along-and-live-well-co-applicants-homehak — Photo by Pexels

Living With Roommates – The Benefits

For some people, living with strangers may sound daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to meet some amazing people. You’ll have a chance to bond with each other in so many ways. Maybe having a chat over a glass of wine, going to the cinema, or going to fitness classes together. Who knows? They might turn out to be your new best friends!

Depending on your desired location, rent may be a bit on the pricey side if you decide to rent alone. In a lot of cases, a 3-4 bed house ends up being cheaper than a studio or 1-bed property, and rooms can be larger too! Shared accommodation is also a lot cheaper than renting alone because the bills are split between tenants. If you’re budget-conscious, it’s an ideal solution.

Having someone around is beneficial for a number of reasons. For example, if you’re unwell they can help to look after you, or be a support to you when things go wrong. Having someone to come home to at the end of a long, stressful day can be an amazing blessing.

So, we’ve gone through a number of reasons to explain why living with others is great. Once you’ve got some housemates, the goal is simply to live happily together under one roof!

If you want to live harmoniously and get along well with your housemates here are some tips for you:

1. Try and Avoid Lifestyle Clashes

The first step is to do some reflecting on what your own lifestyle preferences are, as this will guide you when finding a good match.

For example, if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, it may be important to you to live with people who have similar interests. In the same way, if one person in the house enjoys late-night partying whereas the other prefers peace and quiet, there’s bound to be a few problems!

At the same time, bear in mind the benefits of having housemates to share your lifestyle with! Together you might find common interests through various hobbies, gaming, sports and outdoor pursuits, or even just popping to the local for a drink.

2. Get to Know Each Other

Another tip for finding balance with your housemates is to do some ground work before you move in together. If possible, arrange for a phone/video call to introduce one another and establish common interests. Listen carefully to what the other has to say, as you will want to find out if you could both truly get along.

If you are looking for housemates to move in with you on behalf of the landlord, don’t be afraid to ask for references from potential tenants. Just because you’re not the landlord doesn’t mean you can’t ask – a reference is designed to give you a clearer idea of what a potential housemate is like. They also help to ensure that the housemate is responsible, well-mannered and an overall good fit for the household!

3. Be Mindful of Space when living with housemates

It’s important that everyone has their own space so they feel comfortable in communal areas such as the hallway, living room and kitchen. Try to keep most of your belongings in your room or in dedicated zones (coats on coats hangers, not on the sofa!) Decorating these spaces should be a group decision too!

4. Communicate Openly

When living with housemates communication is essential for staying on top of things like bills and work schedules. If there’s three or more housemates together, create a group chat to communicate when you’re not together. Ran out of milk? Pop a message into the chat to see if someone can pick up a carton on their way home!

Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has an interesting story to tell. Be considerate of your housemates, and treat them how you would like to be treated yourself. We all have a right to be happy in our own homes, so keep an open mind when you’re all under one roof!

5. Establish Ground Rules and Share Responsibilities

Some people are happy to share their food, clothes and space with everyone! Others may not feel the same. Establishing ground rules with one another ensures that everyone feels comfortable and respected in their own home. Talk to one another about boundaries and be sure to keep to them. For example, if housemates take pictures inside the house, communicate if you are uncomfortable about your home/ identity being shared online without your permission.

Sharing responsibilities kind of goes without saying living with housemates. There’s nothing worse than feeling like the housemate who does everything. Some households create cleaning/dishwasher/bin rotas so that everyone does their fair share of chores. It’s important that everyone stays on the same page to avoid tension! The upside of this is that the workload is evenly shared amongst household members, saving you time and energy.

HomeHak

When users create a Tenant CV with HomeHak, they can add other users as co-applicants to their profile. Landlords can then view and consider the entire party when looking for suitable tenants. In the ‘My Co-Applicants’ section, simply search for your friends using their HomeHak code (i.e., XXXXXXXX) and invite them to be your co-applicant.

It’s best to use your Tenant CV as a document that represents YOU, rather than a whole group of people. This is because your profile is unique and showcases your documents, your preferences etc, which you can use time and time again throughout your rental journey.

Check out our article Rent a Home in Cork: HomeHaks Guide To 10 Things You Should Know

November 4, 2021September 21, 2022

10 Things to Consider When Moving Out of Home

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Moving out of home is one of the biggest life changes you’ll ever experience. It’s stressful, exciting and can be overwhelming at times.

If you’re about to move out of home for the first time, congratulations! You are one step closer to an exciting chapter in your life. It’s a special moment in life, but becoming a first-time renter comes with its own challenges. Some people may find it more difficult than others to adjust to such big changes. That’s why we’ve compiled 10 things to consider when getting started!

1. Get Organised!

It can be hard when you’re on your own for the first time, but by getting organised and having a routine will help keep things on track. Make sure that you establish a daily, weekly and monthly routine and stick to it. Even if it’s something small like organising your clothes every Sunday, it will make sure that things are folded and hung in the right order. Having a sense of routine makes moving out all the more enjoyable!

2. Budgeting is a Must

To make sure you can afford all the things you need to get by, you should set yourself a budget. Make sure that you have allocated money for rent, bills, food and socialising. Without a strict budget it can be easy to overspend on impulse purchases which could leave your bank account empty in no time. Using a budget calculator is an amazing way to wrap your head around expenses for the first time.

3. Learn to Cook

Learning to cook will not only save you money, but it’s healthier too. If you can’t or don’t want to cook then you should at least learn how to make a few cheap easy meals that won’t cost the earth! These days there are tons of resources to help you learn some basic cooking skills. Start off by searching up one-person recipes like these. This way you can learn how to portion meals properly. You’ll be hosting dinner parties in no time!

4. Learn How to Clean your House

It may seem silly, but if you don’t know how to do these things already then now is the time to learn. By doing this, you’ll ensure that your house stays nice and tidy on a regular basis without too much effort on your part! Cleaning can be costly if you hire professionals, so it’s much better to do it yourself if you’re on a budget. Maintaining your rented accommodation will also keep you on good terms with the landlord – they will appreciate you more for taking proper care of the house.

5. Keep Up to Date With the News

Moving out for the first time can take up all of your energy. Try to stay in contact with what is happening around you and in the world at large by reading newspapers daily or watching local TV news. This will help you be well informed about the latest issues that are ongoing around you.

moving-out-of-home-homehak-tenant-autumn-leaves-friends-fun-noemi-macavei-katoc — Photo: Noemi Macavei Katocz

6. Join a Community Group

Community groups provide peer support and social opportunities, which will help you make friends and become more confident as you adjust to life on your own. You don’t have to join one that is specifically for people who live alone – any one of them will do! There may even be neighbourhood social media groups that you can join. These are great for keeping you in the loop of what’s going on in the area – farmers markets, bake sales, charity events etc! Check out our other blog posts that feature local guides.

7. Get Out and Meet People

Adjusting to new surroundings can sometimes feel off-putting. You don’t have to go it alone, so get out there and socialise. Try making friends with your neighbours, ask your friends if they want to do things together regularly or pop into a local club to see what’s going on. There are plenty of activities that you can take part in! It’s never too late to take up a new sport, dancing, art classes etc.

8. Be Aware of Safety

You may need to take some precautions when it comes to protecting yourself when moving to a new place. From measures like having good locks and being aware of your surroundings to being able to use a phone properly. Keep important numbers close to hand – local police, trustworthy friends and neighbours, your doctor – have these to hand for your own peace of mind. You can search for your local Garda Station here. Check out our article on scams to be aware of here.

9. Go Easy On Yourself

Moving out for the first time can be very stressful, so try not to do too much at once. All of a sudden you’re faced with huge changes – living with new people, sorting out utilities, getting everything in order, moving all your belongings. It can be a lot! So give yourself some slack.

10. Stay in Touch.

Keep in contact with your family and friends . Although you will be out on your own now, that doesn’t mean that your life should change drastically. Make sure that you spend time with the people who love you and who are important to you – it’s much better than spending all of your time alone! Invite your friends around to your new place and start a new tradition of cosy tea and chats.

HomeHak Tenant CV

A Tenant CV is a document you can use when applying for rentals. It shows off what you’re looking for in a home, and how great a tenant you can be! When moving out for the first time, property searching can be long-winded and overwhelming, but a Tenant CV can help reduce some frustrations. Because it has all your essential information in one place, you can use it over and over again! Not only does it make your life easier, but it also looks great to landlords searching for the perfect tenant. So if you want to simplify the search process, sign up to HomeHak today!

October 20, 2021September 23, 2022

How To Ace Your Rental Application So The Landlord Can’t Say No

Have you ever spotted an ideal rental that ticks all the boxes, but you can see that thousands of others have also viewed the same property ad? Stand out from the crowd by learning how to ace a great rental application.

Even at the best of times, the process of finding your next home can be overwhelming. For starters, it can be tough just trying to organise all your own information. The renting marketplace is fierce, and the last thing anyone wants is for their application to get lost in a sea of emails amongst other applicants.

Learn how to ace your rental application and making sure your rental application stands out from the crowd is essential! It’s just a case of expressing that you’re the ideal tenant for the property.

Application form and laptop — Photo by Markus Winkler by Unsplash

Boost your chances with a Tenant CV

A Tenant CV is a snapshot of who you are and what you’re interested in, similar to how your professional Job CV works. It lists information that a potential landlord will need to know, like your living preferences, employment history, renting history, landlord and employment references. These are usually requested in the later stages of the application process, but an excellent Tenant CV cuts right to the point.

Supplementing your rental application with a Tenant CV is an easy way to express your values and get noticed by landlords. It gives you a chance to tell the landlord how reliable you are, with proof to back it up. Additionally, it streamlines the application process for both of you by cutting to the chase, meaning everyone can reap benefits.

How to ace first impressions

First impressions are important, so introduce yourself in a friendly and honest way! Don’t worry about dressing it up with embellishments or fancy words – you just want to show that you’re genuine, which will stand to you throughout the entire application process and how to ace the process.

Include some basic information about yourself that you think is important for landlords to know: Where you want to live; what commute options you prefer, and your availability for viewings. Put yourself in the shoes of a property manager; what do you think they’d be hoping to read? What can you say to show them you’re an ideal tenant and they should select you over other applicants?

House keys — Photo by Maria Ziegler on Unsplash

Being noticed for the right reasons

You’re in control of how much information you choose to be visible on your profile, so share as much as you feel is necessary. When you’re creating your Tenant CV, a goal to be mindful of is to establish trust between you and potential landlords. This helps to form a strong relationship further down the line.

You can do this by including relevant information on your Tenant CV, such as a bio, supporting documents, and sometimes a photo or video introduction can help (if you’re comfortable sharing them). From a landlord’s perspective, this helps increase the chances of selecting someone who could be happy in the property during the selection process. You’re allowing them to regard you as a person in a way that is just not possible through a regular email enquiry.

Including references

The addition of references from an independent third party essentially backs you up and increases your credibility! Ideally, your referee’s know you well and/or have an idea of what you would be like as a tenant. A former landlord is a perfect example. Alternatively, choose referees that know you from a professional standpoint. For example, an employer, professional colleague, career mentor etc. It may even be helpful to include references from previous co-tenants who can vouch for your integrity and attitude.

References not only speak to your reliability as a tenant. They also speak to your honesty, accountability, and social matters like your cleanliness and community spirit! A verified reference is one of the most valuable resources during the rental process. This is because it provides evidence of your trustworthiness.

Don’t hold back

We know that everyone is different and has a different story to tell. Some people may have changed jobs often, relocated a few times, or perhaps they’re a first-time tenant. Supplementing your rental application with a Tenant CV is a great way to explain things that can often be perceived as negative. For example, being a first-time renter can be seen as a positive thing! It’s an opportunity to begin a great tenant reputation.

It may be useful to consider having an open conversation with the landlord at an appropriate time. If necessary, give yourself a chance to explain any previous issues (i.e. rental arrears, damages etc.). Most importantly, explain the actions you are taking to improve your tenancy reputation! Honesty is the best policy, and more often than not, landlords will appreciate you being upfront with them.

Following these tips when managing your Tenant CV will undoubtedly give you an advantage in a competitive market. HomeHak gives you the tools to do just that. Have a look at the 6 reasons to use a Tenant CV.

The step-by-step how to ace guide helps you to fill out your first Tenant CV with ease! You can be confident that your information is secure as you decide how much you want to be visible. Check out how you can get started here.