A new year is a great time for a new start, especially when it comes to your rental lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to improve your finances, boost your mental wellness, or just feel more at home in your space, small changes can make a big difference.
Here are 10 goals for 2026 that will make you healthier mentally, physically, and financially.
Create a Weekly Cleaning Routine
A tidy apartment can reduce stress and help you focus. Instead of deep cleaning only when guests come over, set a weekly routine. Tackle one task a day: vacuum on Mondays, clean the bathroom on Wednesdays, and wipe down surfaces on Fridays. Little habits go a long way, and regular cleaning will reduce the time it takes each week.
It’s easy to get caught up in other things and let cleaning fall to the wayside, but cleaning your apartment regularly is important to your health and to ensure you get your security deposit back. Reducing dust and mold buildup keeps your apartment safe and prevents expensive damage your property manager could charge you for.
Designate a specific day for cleaning. Make a list of what needs to be done regularly—vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning surfaces—and check off your tasks one by one. The more regularly you clean, the less time it will take each week.
Purge Your Closet
It’s easy to accumulate clothes over the years, but you have to maximize limited space when you’re in an apartment. Holding onto clothing you no longer wear only decreases your storage space and makes it harder to find your favorite items.
After every season, go through your wardrobe and take out the items you didn’t wear. From there, decide what you don’t need and donate it to a local charity.
Cook More Meals at Home
Not only is cooking at home better for your budget, but it’s a great way to feel healthier and make your apartment feel more like home. Start with a simple goal like three home-cooked dinners a week. Plan your menu ahead of time so you can grocery shop efficiently and avoid food waste.
Rethink Subscriptions and Splurges
Not using that streaming service or app subscription? Cancel it. Reallocating just $10 or $20 a month can help you save for something bigger, like a furniture upgrade.
Do a quick subscription audit every few months by going through your bank statement and flagging subscription charges. Assess your total monthly investment in subscriptions and consider whether you can narrow down your subscriptions.
Set Boundaries Between Work and Home
Still working from your kitchen table? Create mental and physical boundaries between work life and home life to avoid meshing the two. Rearrange furniture to designate a “work zone,” or put your laptop in a drawer at the end of the day. These small cues can help your brain shift into relaxation mode and give you more time for yourself.
Declutter Your Digital Life
It’s not just your closets that get crowded. Take an hour every few months to clean out your email inbox, unsubscribe from spammy newsletters, and delete unused apps. A more organized phone or laptop can help reduce mental overload.
Upgrade to an Investment Piece
Whether you’re looking to replace an old hair dryer or a toaster you found at a yard sale, research your options and choose a replacement that will last years. Higher quality items typically come with higher price tags that may give you pause, but you’ll save money in the long run by not having to repair or replace it every year.
Make Room for Movement
No gym? No problem. Add a 10-minute walk to your daily routine, try a yoga video on your living room floor, or look for free fitness classes at your local community center. Moving your body—even a little—can lift your mood and improve your sleep.
Improve Your Credit Score
Building better credit can help you qualify for future apartments and lower your interest rates on cars and credit cards. Start by checking your credit report for errors, paying bills on time, and keeping credit card balances low.
Some rent reporting services can also help your on-time payments count toward your score. Ask your property manager if they can report your rent payments to credit bureaus to help you build credit history.
Be a More Proactive Renter
Don’t wait for things to break. Test smoke alarms, report maintenance issues early, and read your lease to understand your rights and responsibilities. Being proactive can help prevent minor issues turning into bigger repairs down the road.
Making positive changes in your rental lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These 10 resolutions are small, sustainable steps that can lead to a healthier, happier, and more empowered year. Whether you’re decluttering your space, managing your money, or focusing on wellness, every habit counts.
Here’s to making 2026 your most renter-friendly year yet!
