apartment details

Moving Up: The Final Step


IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! We have come a long way since the beginning of this blog, from the dreary dorm life to the cheery apartment life. You have learned a lot about becoming an adult, and I have learned a lot about how to write a blog. BUT our journey together is not over yet! There is one last step, one last piece of information that I have to throw at you before we come to an end. What might that be? DECOR! This step has been long awaited since the beginning. I wasn’t about to end the series without talking about the main aspect everyone dreams about when thinking of their very own apartment. When I lived on campus, my Pinterest board became flooded with ideas on how to style my soon-to-be apartment. From organizational jars for the kitchen to cute Christmas decor to an aesthetic bar cart, my list had it all. This area might come easy to some, but to others, it can be very overwhelming. Don’t worry; just like everything else, Moving Up is here to help! 

Your days of daydreaming and wondering about the isles of Hobby Lobby and Home Goods are over, and you are now able to make some of those dreams a reality! Well, maybe that wasn’t a reality for you, but for me, that was my roommate and I’s typical Friday night while living on campus. When you first open the door to decorate your apartment, there are about a million directions you could go from simple to modern to preppy to the typical college house. The list goes on. But where to start? My first tip would be to define your style. What does this mean exactly? Think about it: what vibe are you going for? What colors do you love? What environment do you want to create for you and your guests? This will create a basic foundation to start! To see the plan visually, I suggest  

  • Creating a Pinterest Board 
  • Gaining inspiration from Instagram  
  • Walking through furniture stores 

These will help you gain an understanding of what the feeling of different vibes can look like. Personally, I chose a homey feel, with a simple and warm feel. By creating a plan of what exactly you want your apartment to look like, you will be able to pick out decorations that support that style.  

After creating a plan, it’s time for action! Remember, it is unrealistic to purchase every item you desire at the start. Begin with a few fun decorations that will make your apartment feel more like home. It’s key to let your own personality shine through in your living space so it feels comfortable; not like a hotel or an Air BNB. My favorite way I’ve done this in my own apartment is  

  • Creating a picture wall of my friends and family  
  • Hanging paintings that reflect my personality  
  • Not choosing every decor based on look, but on feeling 
  • DIY my own decorations  

Little details can make a huge difference when it comes to transforming a space. One small plant can make the room look much more put together and not as empty. As well as incorporate personal aspects into your decorations. This is the key to turning your apartment into a home. You want to feel comfortable and safe in your space; this is your go-to place to relax and wind down at the end of the night. Laura Cannon, an experienced decor buyer, said, “Investing time into making my apartment feel like my home was the best decision I had ever made. It makes doing homework and studying much more enjoyable.” But it is also important to remember that at the end of the day, decor is just decor. Unfortunately, there are more important things to spend your money on, like food. That is why when you do purchase decorations, purchase them smartly; Buy items on sale, create your own, ask for them for Christmas/Birthdays, etc. Decorations will come over time and the more personal they are, the more they will feel like they belong. Some of the best places to buy decor at is: 

  • Target (especially the $5 dollar section) 
  • Aldi’s (the isle of shame section) 

If there is a certain vibe you are searching for when it comes to decor, shopping at many locations is the best way to ensure you are getting exactly what you envision. Target is a great option, especially in the $5 section. The decor changes seasonally, and it is a great area, especially for decorating for the holidays. Walmart also offers a broad selection of decor at a reasonable price. You can buy mirrors, paintings, plants, etc. Now, the most shocking thing is Aldi’s. Although not originally thought of for decor, their Isle of Shame has expanded over the past year and offers a great selection of decorations that change out weekly. Moving on to the most predictable, the actual decor stores. Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, and Marshall’s are all great areas to buy decor at. However, these locations might be a bit pricey for certain items. Nevertheless, even if it is out of your price range, they offer great inspiration for DIYs!  

CONGRATULATIONS! You have crossed the finish line! Thank you for coming along on this journey with me, and I am thrilled that you have found your new and beautifully decorated home! I know it was stressful at times, from deciding where to rent to going through the process, moving in, and finally being able to call your new place home. This journey is one that you will never forget, and now you will be able to help anyone new in this area of life. Make sure, even during stressful times, to enjoy the ride. I know it is cliché to say, but in the words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” After all the hard work and stress you have endured, I give you permission to treat yourself to some fun decorations! Just remember not to break the bank completely 😉! 

Wanting to know more? Check back to Moving Up for more need-to-know content about life off campus and to learn about the next step and follow us on Instagram at movingup_mu !! 

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