Hanging things in your apartment is a great way to personalize your living space and make it feel more like home. However, it’s not always easy to do without putting holes in the walls.
Luckily, there are ways to decorate your apartment walls without damaging them. These damage-free tips will ensure you don’t lose your security deposit!
Drills
Whether you are hanging a TV or other heavy objects, it is essential to use the right techniques for securing your wall. You can do this by using the appropriate tools, such as a stud finder and drills.
Getting your items hung safely can help prevent damage to your apartment’s walls and keep your belongings safe from theft or break-ins. However, you should be careful not to make any holes in your walls that may cause issues with the landlord.
First, check with the property manager or landlord before drilling any holes in your apartment. They will likely have rules regarding the usage of nails, paint, or contact paper.
You also want to avoid drilling holes next to electric sockets, light sockets, or other electrical components. This can be a serious problem because it can create an electrocution hazard and cause flooding.
Another reason why you shouldn’t drill holes in your apartment is because it can hurt the structure of the building. Many apartment buildings are built with framed wooden studs, and you should never drill through these.
If you plan on hanging something that weighs more than a few pounds, you should consider securing it using an adhesive strip or sticky hook. These can hold a few pounds, and are made to adhere to drywall without damaging it. You can find them at 3M and other companies, and they are a great option for hanging pictures and frames.
Tape measure
A tape measure can be a lifesaver when hanging things in your apartment. It can help you determine where to hang a rug, a bed or even a curtain rod. There are many different types of tape measures and it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
The first thing to look for in a tape measure is the blade. It should be slightly curved to increase its rigidity and help you read the numbers when measuring. The numbering on a tape measure typically starts with inches, which are marked with long lines that start at the beginning and end at the end of the blade.
You’ll also find half-inches, quarter-inches and one-eighth-inches. These markings are usually labeled with a numeral, which makes it easier to tell where the next measurement will be.
Once you’ve determined the length of the material you want to measure, place the tip of the blade over the edge and begin a measurement. Don’t forget to round up the measurement after you’ve finished. This will ensure you don’t waste material that’s too short for your project.
After you’ve completed a measurement, put the blade back inside the housing and secure it. This will keep the blade from bending and ruining your measurements.
It’s also a good idea to buy a tape measure with a thumb lock. This will prevent the blade from retracting during measurements, which can be dangerous if you’re using it with a child.
Another great feature of a tape measure is the metal tip. It has a nail grab and a scribing tool, which is useful when a pencil is not available. It can also be used to make circles.
Screwdriver
When it comes to decorating your apartment, one of the best things you can do is hang art and pictures. This will help make your place feel more like home and give it a personal touch that can really brighten up the space.
However, before you begin hanging anything on the wall, it is important to know how to do it safely and without damaging the walls. Especially when you are hanging large pieces of furniture or anything that may be heavy, it is a good idea to use drywall anchors.
A drywall anchor is a hollow fastener that can be threaded into the drywall, creating a strong support for a hanging object. You can also use a traditional screw and hook to securely hold objects on drywall.
Another tool you may need to complete this task is a screwdriver. This is a basic and essential tool that you should have on hand at all times, whether you are putting together furniture, hanging something on the wall or simply need to tighten a screw.
The most important thing to remember is to use the right type of screwdriver for the job at hand. This will prevent you from causing damage to your apartment walls and furniture, and will ensure that your project is successful.
You should have at least one flat head and one Phillips screwdriver on hand, as well as a torx or star-shaped screwdriver for specific projects.
A screwdriver can save you a lot of time, effort and frustration when it comes to putting together furniture or hanging artwork. It is also a great tool for fixing appliances and other items that have become loose or broken over time.
Adhesive
If you’re a renter who wants to decorate your apartment, but doesn’t want to risk damaging the walls, there are plenty of damage-free options for hanging things. For example, you can use command strips to hang framed photos or posters.
The adhesives that you choose to use when hanging your items will have a significant impact on how long your decorations last and the amount of damage they cause to the wall. It’s also important to select the right type of mounting hardware for your apartment.
There are a few different types of hardware, including nails and adhesive hooks. Both can be used to attach objects to walls without causing damage, but it’s important to choose the best option for your needs.
For example, if you’re hanging lightweight pictures or maps, adhesive hooks might be the best choice. These adhesives provide a strong bond with minimal installation effort. However, they may not be suitable for heavier objects due to their limited strength.
Alternatively, you can use screws to attach your items to the walls. Screws provide greater stability than adhesive hooks but may leave marks on the wall if not countersunk into the surface.
If you’re using a screw, it is crucial to mark the wall where you plan to mount the item before drilling or hammering. This will prevent any mistakes from occurring and help ensure the object is hung correctly.
It is also important to check the rules and regulations regarding the use of drilling or hammering into walls in your rental agreement. This will help you avoid damage and keep your security deposit intact.