Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
One great thing about renting your home rather than owning it is your landlord handles all repairs and upgrades. However, we have all experienced times when you just cannot get your apartment’s maintenance team to come and fix something in your apartment.
In these cases, instead of feeling frustrated, it’s best to be equipped with a few tools on hand. While you may not need a massive collection, a few small gadgets and tools will ensure that you don’t have to call for maintenance every time the faucet drips or a bifold door slides off the tracks.
You only need a few tools to hang pictures, assemble furniture, and tackle minor improvements. Consider adding these 10 items to your tool belt, including a headlamp, utility knife, and Allen wrench set.
1. Headlamp
Great for tackling small repairs and inspections in poorly lit spaces, headlamps are a multi-use item. You may have to look for a power socket behind the laundry machine, which is usually one of the darkest places in an apartment. Or, you may experience a power cut in the middle of the night. Having a headlamp handy will help you navigate your way around your space and also assist you in locating the switch box should you want to take a look at it. Besides being a useful emergency tool, a reliable light source also helps you find items in dim pantries and cabinets and spot hard-to-see dirt and grime while cleaning.
2. Step Stool
One of those things that you don’t pay much attention to until you feel a dire need for it, step stools should be readily available in your apartment. From simple things such as changing a light bulb to fixing window blinds to important things such as checking on your fire alarm, a step stool is an indispensable part of your apartment toolkit. Not only does it help you when you need to fix something at home, but step stools are also useful should you decide to deep clean your apartment or cabinets.
3. Utility Knife
The utility knife is another multi-use tool that’s a renter’s best friend. Not only will you use it while moving in and out, but there may be several instances where one may come useful while you are living in an apartment. Even though your apartment may have been cleaned before you moved in, chances are that you’ll notice paint splashes on the windows. A utility knife is an easy way to get these stains off without having to depend on the apartment maintenance team. Another item we often ignore, but should often have at hand are rags. Ditch paper towels and make your own rags with your old clothes. Use a utility knife to cut up old cotton dresses or t-shirts into neat pieces and you will always have a handy wipe ready any time.
4. Level
A level helps you know for certain whether a picture hangs evenly, and it turns curtain rod installation into a simple task. With this tool, a level small enough to fit on your keychain helps with various jobs in and out of the house.
5. Anchors, Nails, and Screws
Stock your toolbox with an assortment of screws, nails, and anchors. From missing door handle screws to supporting extra heavy pictures or mirrors on the wall, these tools come to your rescue in several situations. Keep the packaging for screws, nails, and anchors, or take a picture of the packaging. That way, you know how large a hole to drill for them. Just make sure your lease permits you to put holes in the walls!
6. Allen Wrench Set
If you order furniture, you have definitely seen the Allen wrench, or the hex wrench. You know it is an important tool you need to assemble your furniture. But did you know that you can also use the Allen wrench to clear up a blocked garbage disposal? Either you, or someone you know, has definitely got something stuck in your kitchen sink’s garbage disposal at some time or another. Instead of waiting for the maintenance team to show up, use an Allen key to loosen the underside of the garbage disposal. Move it gently to loosen anything that could be jamming your disposal. Don’t forget to turn the disposal off from your electrical switchboard before you get to work!
7. Electric Screwdriver/Drill
Another tool that makes household tasks easier and faster, electric screwdrivers and drills come with a set of screwdriver heads and bits. Use the gadget to create new holes for drawer pulls, assemble a bookshelf, or widen screw holes in self-assembly furniture.
8. Screwdriver Set
A flat-head screwdriver and a Phillps Head screwdriver set you up for success for minor household repairs. Invest in a full screwdriver set with multiple sizes to prepare for any household repair crisis. Use the tools to install wall hooks, repair off-center cabinet doors, and much more.
9. Hammer
No toolset is complete without a hammer. As someone who rents, you’ll likely only need a small ball peen or claw hammer for hanging wall decor, assembling furniture, and tackling projects around the house.
10. Pliers and Wrenches
Buy tongue-and-groove, diagonal, or needle-nose pliers. These are good options because you can adjust and lock them in place. If you have a hobby like jewelry-making, use chain nose pliers for manipulating wire.
So whether you are moving into your first apartment, or are simply moving to a new location, the first step toward feeling independent begins at home. Build your own apartment renter toolkit and be ready for (almost) everything apartment living sends your way.
