Get a personalized, renter-friendly move-in decor checklist for your new apartment, studio, or small space. This tool generates a custom list of damage-free essentials, budget-ready picks, and cozy modern finishing touches tailored specifically to your square footage, style, and rental restrictions.
To get started, fill out the details about your new home below. Select your room focus and style preferences to receive a curated list of decor items that fit your budget and landlord’s rules.
⏳ Curating your personalized decor checklist…
How It Works
1
Input Your Space Specs: Tell us about your apartment type, square footage, and the specific room you want to transform.
2
Set Your Style & Budget: Choose your preferred aesthetic and budget range so we can suggest items that look great and fit your wallet.
3
Define Rental Rules: We filter recommendations based on your landlord’s restrictions to ensure every decor piece is damage-free and move-out friendly.
4
Get Your Checklist: Receive a custom-tailored shopping and decor list designed to make your new space feel like home instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I decorate a rental without losing my security deposit?
The key is using damage-free solutions like Command hooks, tension rods for curtains, removable wallpaper (peel-and-stick), and museum wax for securing small items. Our tool prioritizes these options based on your restriction levels.
What are the most important decor items for a first apartment?
Focus on “foundational” decor: a high-quality rug to define the space, versatile lighting (lamps over overhead lights), and window treatments. These make the biggest impact on how “finished” a room feels.
How do I make a small studio apartment feel bigger?
Use mirrors to reflect light, choose furniture with legs (to see more floor space), and stick to a cohesive color palette. Vertical storage and multi-functional pieces are also essential.
Is peel-and-stick wallpaper really safe for rental walls?
Generally, yes, but it depends on the wall surface. It works best on smooth, eggshell, or semi-gloss painted walls. Always test a small, hidden patch first and avoid using it on matte or textured paint.
How much should I budget for decor after moving in?
A common rule of thumb is to set aside 10-20% of your first month’s rent for immediate decor essentials, but our tool can help you find high-impact pieces even if your budget is under $200.
What if I don’t have a specific decor style yet?
Select “Not Sure Yet” in our tool. We will provide a “Cozy Modern” baseline which is a versatile, neutral style that works well in almost any rental space and is easy to build upon later.
