5 household essentials you didn't realise you needed as a renter

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As the cost of living increases, so do the prices of the housing market.

More and more people are opting to rent out homes rather than purchasing them, simply because it is no longer feasible.

Renting certainly does have its advantages, such as the ability to move around and not stay tied down to one location if you don't love it. You also don't have the responsibility of home ownership and can adapt to life's unexpected changes quite easily.

While renting a home offers a unique set of advantages, there are still a number of household essentials that you need to consider purchasing if you want your home to feel comfortable and like your own.

These can often be overlooked in the excitement of house hunting, applying and moving into your rental, but are worth your while if you would like your rental to be a safe haven.

As much as we don't want to bring up COVID-19, there's no denying that those few years of the virus made us all reflect on our physical health and the need for a strong immune system.

However, even strong, healthy individuals fell sick to COVID.

Air purifiers were brought into schools, workplaces and homes as a way of keeping the virus from spreading in enclosed spaces, and they boomed in popularity.

While we have now learned to live with the virus and its intensity has subsided, the need for air purification has remained.

An air purifier is a device designed to remove contaminants, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and airborne pollutants, from the air, improving indoor air quality and promoting a healthier living environment. And it's not as hard to get your hands on one as you may think.

You can shop the best air purifiers online and not have to worry about any nasties in your home again.

Not all rental properties have the best insulation.

Depending on how recently it was built and the quality of how it was made, humidity can quickly build and cause mould growth in unwanted places.

These unsatisfactory rental properties are still quickly snatched up due to the rental crisis, with tenants unaware of the growing mould in areas like the kitchen, shower, and other humid rooms. And with mould comes sickness.

A dehumidifier is essential in rental properties, especially ones that aren't in pristine condition. By efficiently extracting excess moisture from the air, it helps prevent mould growth, safeguarding both the physical integrity of the rental property and the well-being of its occupants.

Plus, you won't be living in a moist, damp environment.

Despite the fact that you do not own the rental you live in, you should still invest in a security system - whether it be cameras, sensor alarms or both.

Keeping your belongings protected when you are asleep, at work or away from home on holiday is essential for peace of mind.

A security system not only safeguards your possessions but also provides a sense of security for you and your loved ones.

Modern security systems offer remote monitoring, allowing you to stay connected and receive real-time alerts on your smartphone in case of any suspicious activity.

And you don't need an elaborate security system - there is an abundance of simple yet effective technology on the market that can help you safeguard your home.

Many people overlook renter's insurance because it's expensive and they believe they won't need it.

However, this type of insurance is absolutely essential not only for security but for peace of mind. If somebody breaks into your rental property, your landlord's insurance does not cover your belongings, only damage done to the property.

We get it - we're in a cost-of-living crisis, and renter's insurance isn't cheap.

But investing in protecting your belongings is a minor expense compared to what replacing all of them would be. While it is an investment, it is definitely a smart one.

Speaking of your belongings (but on a far lighter note), you need a place to store them in. If you're living in a spacious house, storage may not pose as an issue, but for people living in small apartments or units, every square inch counts.

Buying smart storage options that double as furniture or something else that's quite useful is a great way to maximise your living space.

Gas lift couches, beds with storage underneath, and extra storage nooks are great multifaceted options for those tight on space.

Otherwise, your home may quickly become a mess without these essentials.