Earlier this year I sub-let my apartment out while I went to America to try out the west coast for the first time. Upon return my apartment had basically been trashed, items broken, stolen and tenants who had ceased contact with me. Apart from the fact it was an utterly stressful and depressing anti-climax to my holiday, I then had to pick up the pieces (literally and figuratively) and spend 2 weeks cleaning the joint.
I had to restore my nest into the cosy, loving homely home that it was. Here are my top tips that you can do at any time to restore the good vibes!!
- Clean
Let’s get this one out of the way first. Clean everything, including getting rid of dust. Mopping and vacuuming, wiping down surfaces and cleaning windows. No brainer but super important to giving your home the fresh boost it needs. Getting rid of dust from carpets and surfaces is also going to help you sleep better. Clean out your fridge and throw out the foods, cans and bottles that you haven’t used in yonks and most likely won’t ever use. It is such a liberating feeling when you realise how much space you actually have once you get rid of useless items! - Re-arrange furniture and decorate
To give your home a completely different feel, re-arrange furniture and move decorative items. I also got handy with some cheap paints and canvases, and painted some simply abstract artworks to fill my hall way and lounge room with colour. It will make your home instantly more inviting and inspiring. Google some feng-shui pointers and think about the best way to use your space that makes it feel bigger, warmer and calmer. (Like the boyfriend I don’t have…*cries into burger*). Buy some interesting pillows from Redbubble and have some unique independent artwork in your house for you to appreciate. (Your guests will too!) - Give the outside a face lift
This made a huge difference to my home. I sanded back the front of my apartment, getting rid of chipped paint, and painted the walls and front door. I then went to Bunnings and spent under $50 on a big plant and welcome mat for the front door. My place went from looking like the old run down 1940’s apartment that it is, to a fun, fresh and inviting home. It took all of 2 days to do the sanding, cornice cement to smooth out the wall surface, and two coasts of paint. - Get all new-age hippie on it
Whether you believe or not, just give it a try! I love nothing more than lighting candles, burning some sage and doing some meditation and affirmations throughout my home. It makes me feel in control of the energy in my home and makes me grateful that I have this space to be safe and loved in. Your home won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but you can make it whatever you like. - Don’t let arseholes in it
Ever since my shitty experience, I have made a vow to not let people into my home that will throw off the good vibes. My home is my home. I sleep and eat there and want it to feel safe. I changed the locks, and have become more cautious and follow my gut feeling now when I rent it out. If it doesn’t feel right, i simply don’t say yes. I trust that the universe will always provide and to never make decisions based on desperation or money. Funnily enough, the universe has indeed provided and I’ve had no negative experiences since.
