As 2025 comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. For renters, this is a great opportunity to not only revitalize your personal/professional life but also focus on your space.
Whether your apartment’s in desperate need of a makeover or your relationships with neighbors need improvement, there are plenty of ways to level up your renting experience this new year. In this guide, we’ll share some of these renter resolutions and how to stick to them throughout the year.
Key Takeaways:
- Break down apartment improvements into monthly goals—decluttering one area per month and addressing long-delayed maintenance requests can make your home feel fresh and functional by year’s end.
- Budget-focused resolutions like creating an emergency fund and revising your rent-spending habits can help renters avoid financial stress and stay prepared for unexpected expenses.
- Community-minded goals—such as initiating conversations with neighbors or attending resident events—can elevate your apartment experience and foster stronger ties within your building.
How To Make Resolutions That Stick
Before we get into our list of renter resolutions for the new year, let’s talk about how to stick to them. We’ve all been guilty of getting ahead of ourselves, setting lofty New Year's goals, and then giving up on them by February. But with a little planning, determination, and the strategies below, you can stick to your New Year’s goals from start to finish.
Use the SMART framework
The best tip for sticking to resolutions is to make ones that are achievable. This can be done by creating goals using the SMART framework. SMART is an acronym that stands for: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This framework helps you be more intentional with your goal-setting, creating resolutions that are well-defined, quantifiable, and realistic. When your goals are SMART, it’s much easier to stay motivated and track progress throughout the year.
Here's an example of a SMART goal you could implement in your apartment:
- Specific: I want to save money on my electricity bill.
- Measurable: I will reduce my monthly electricity consumption by 20%.
- Achievable: By being more mindful of turning off lights and unplugging electronic devices when not in use, I can realistically achieve this goal.
- Relevant: Saving money on utilities is important to me because it aligns with my overall goal of reducing expenses and saving for a vacation.
- Time-bound: I will achieve this goal within the next 6 months.
By using the SMART framework, you can see how the goal becomes much more concrete and attainable. It also helps to break down bigger goals into smaller, achievable steps, which can make them seem less intimidating and lofty.
Break big goals into monthly/quarterly actions
Another way to stick to your resolutions is to break them up into smaller actions. For example, instead of saying you want to befriend all your neighbors, break it down into monthly targets. For the first month, aim to talk to one neighbor and get to know them better. In the second month, consider planning an outing with that neighbor, such as a walk or a movie night. By breaking your goal into smaller strides, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed or discouraged if you don't achieve it all at once.
Track progress and celebrate small wins
There’s an age-old saying that goes: Rome wasn’t built in a day. This same sentiment applies to your New Year’s resolutions, or any goal for that matter. To stay motivated in the new year, remind yourself that the small wins are just as important as the end result. Keep track of your progress, no matter how small your strides may be, and write down your achievements throughout the year. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and encourage you to keep going.
Resolutions for Your Home and Space
Now, let’s get to those renter resolutions! To kick things off, we’re going to share how to upgrade your rental space this year by setting goals and taking action toward creating a home you love. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Resolution 1 – Declutter and organize one “zone” per month
Is your apartment feeling cluttered and disorganized? Take this opportunity to refresh your space and create a clean slate for the new year. If your place looks like an episode of Hoarders, don’t feel pressured to tackle it all at once. Instead, break it down into different “zones,” and prioritize one area per month. This could be your closet, kitchen cabinets, or even your car.
Resolution 2 – Personalize your rental without violating your lease
Another way to refresh your space is to give it your personal touch. Maybe that means hanging up some artwork, investing in a new statement piece of furniture, or even painting your walls a bright color. Just remember to review your lease agreement before making any major changes. The last thing you want is to kick the new year off with an angry call from your landlord.
Here are some tips for personalizing your rental without breaking any rules:
- Add removable wallpaper or decals. These come in a variety of designs and are easy to apply and remove, allowing you to decorate without permanent changes.
- Use rugs to add color and texture to your floors. Rugs can transform a space, making it feel cozy and personalized, all while protecting the rental flooring underneath.
- Incorporate plants and greenery. Not only do they improve air quality, but they also add life and warmth to your home.
- Switch out hardware like cabinet knobs or drawer pulls. This small change can make a big difference and is easily reversible when you move out.
Resolution 3 – Address deferred maintenance
Been putting off requesting maintenance for that leaky faucet or broken doorknob? Now is the time to finally address those deferred repairs and wipe your slate clean for 2026. Contact your landlord or property management team to submit a maintenance request. Try to be as specific as possible, and let them know how long the issue has been going on. This will help them prioritize and address it in a timely manner.
Resolution 4 – Make your space more energy-efficient and cost-friendly
Want to reduce your carbon footprint this year? Find ways to make your apartment more energy-efficient! Whether that means switching to LED lightbulbs, unplugging electronics when not in use, or being more conservative with your heating and air usage, every small effort can make a significant impact. Plus, a more energy-efficient apartment means lower monthly utility bills – it’s a win-win for the environment and your wallet!
Resolutions for Financial Health and Future Planning
Next, let’s talk about financial goals. Being a renter means having many financial responsibilities, from monthly rent to utility bills to potential moving costs. If you’re not the best at budgeting, or you’re looking for ways to improve your financial health as a renter, here are some resolutions to consider:
Resolution 5 – Build or revise your budget
Your apartment might not be the only thing in need of an update this year— maybe your budget could use some attention too. If your income or expenses have changed, it’s a good time to review your finances. Maybe you got a raise, or perhaps you’ve added a new expense, like a pet. Adjust your budget to reflect these changes, prioritizing essentials like rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance before allocating money to non-essentials like dining out or entertainment.
Resolution 6 – Create an emergency fund
Of all the renter budgeting tips, creating an emergency fund is one of the most important. If you haven’t been setting aside money for emergencies already, take this as your sign to start. These are funds dedicated toward unexpected expenses, like car repairs or medical bills. With money set aside for these circumstances, you can tend to urgent needs without derailing your budget. The general rule of thumb is to have about three months’ worth of living expenses in your emergency fund.
Resolution 7 – Set rent reminders
Have you been late with rent payments in the past? You don’t want these hiccups to result in late fees or damage your relationship with property management. So, use the new year as an excuse to rid yourself of this habit. Start setting recurring reminders for yourself days leading up to your rent payment deadline. This will put it on your radar and give you some time to gather extra funds if needed.
Resolutions for Being a Great Tenant and Community Member
Lastly, some of the best New Year’s resolutions for renters involve getting involved in your community. If you live in an apartment building, this means making an effort to meet your neighbors. Or if you’re in a privately-owned property, try building more of a relationship with your landlord.
Even if you’re not a social butterfly, here are a few simple ways you can be a better tenant and community member in 2026:
Resolution 8 – Cultivate stronger relationships with your neighbors
When’s the last time you struck up a conversation in the elevator? Or said hello to your neighbor in the hallway? If these aren’t ingrained habits of yours, now is the time to make a change!
This new year, find ways to get more involved in your community and get to know your neighbors. Whether that means inviting them over for a coffee or simply saying hello in passing, cultivating relationships with those around you can elevate your living experience and make you feel more at home.
Resolution 9 – Get involved in community events
Most apartment communities host recurring events for residents. From building-wide barbecues to holiday parties, these gatherings are a great way to meet your neighbors and get more involved in the community. As the year kicks off, mark these resident events on your calendar and make an effort to attend at least one every few weeks. Even stopping by for just a few minutes can help you get to know your fellow residents and feel more connected to your home.
Resolution 10 – Plan for your housing future
Part of being a good tenant means planning for the future. When it comes time to renew your lease, you want to be able to give your landlord a prompt and clear answer. As the new year begins, take time to think about your housing plans. Do you want to stay or move? Maybe you’re ready to live alone instead of with roommates, or you’re considering a new neighborhood or city. Whatever your goals, start planning early and explore your options. That way, when it’s time to let your landlord know, you’ll feel prepared and confident in your decision.
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Looking for more renter-friendly tips for 2026? Find everything you need for apartment living on Apartments.com! Whether you're searching for decorating ideas, community-building tips, or budgeting resources, let us be your go-to for renter support. Visit our blog for more tips, tricks, and advice to make the most of apartment living this new year.
FAQs
What are good New Year’s resolutions for renters?
Set goals like creating a monthly budget to manage rent and expenses or organizing your space for better functionality. You could also resolve to build an emergency fund for unexpected costs or prioritize better connections with your neighbors.
How can I upgrade my apartment without violating the lease?
Focus on temporary and reversible changes, like removable wallpaper, peel-and-stick tiles, or upgrading light fixtures that can be reinstalled later. Adding decor, rugs, or furniture can also refresh your space without risking lease violations.
How do I know if I should renew my lease or move?
Evaluate factors like rent increases, commute, amenities, and how happy you feel in your current home. If the costs or downsides outweigh the benefits, it may be time to start searching for a new place that better fits your needs.
What’s a good financial resolution for someone renting?
Aim to track your spending and set aside savings for both rent and a future housing down payment or move. Additionally, review utility bills and find ways to cut costs, like using energy-efficient appliances.
