When you rent a place, it can feel like you’re stuck with whatever plain walls, basic fixtures, and dull setups your landlord gave you. You want it to feel like home, but you don’t want to risk losing money when it’s time to move out. The good news is you don’t have to choose between a space that feels boring and a deposit that’s gone. With a few renter-safe projects, a steady hand, and a drill, you can add storage, style, and comfort—and still leave things good as new later.
Why Drills Make Renting Easier
A drill isn’t just for builders or pros. It’s one of the most useful tools for small, everyday upgrades. With it, you can hang curtains, mount shelves, and secure heavy items so they don’t tip over. The trick is using it carefully and knowing how to patch up afterward.
You don’t need a giant setup either. A solid power drill with a couple of common bits is more than enough. A cordless one is best because you can move around freely without dragging a cord across the room. Once you have it, you’ll see how many simple fixes become possible.
Shelves That Stay Put (and Come Down Clean)
Adding shelves is one of the fastest ways to make an apartment feel organized. Instead of piling books, kitchen items, or random stuff on the floor, you can use the walls. The key is making sure the shelves don’t wobble.
If you can find a stud in the wall, that’s the safest spot to drill. Studs are the wood beams behind the drywall that hold everything together. A cheap stud finder helps you locate them, but even tapping and listening for a solid sound can work.
No stud in the right spot? No problem. Wall anchors spread out the pressure so the screw doesn’t just rip through. When it’s time to move, remove the screws, pull out the anchors, and fill the small holes with spackle. After a quick sand and a dab of paint, the wall looks untouched.
Hanging Curtains That Actually Last
Most rentals come with basic blinds, but curtains make the place feel warmer and more private. The problem with sticky hooks or flimsy tension rods is they fall down all the time. With a drill, you can install brackets in less than 20 minutes and never worry again.
Just measure so the rod sits a little wider than the window frame. That way, when you pull the curtains open, you get more light. The holes left behind are tiny, and you can patch them easily when you move out. In the meantime, you’ve enjoyed a cozier, brighter home.
Wall Art That Doesn’t Crash at Night
Frames, mirrors, or heavy art need more than tape or strips to stay up. One solid screw in the wall is way safer. It only takes a minute to drill, and one small hole is easy to patch later.
You don’t need to hang everything in a line either. A gallery wall with different sizes can make a plain room look designed. The cool part is you can space things however you want, knowing the screws will hold.
Smarter Storage in Tight Spaces
Most apartments don’t have enough storage. A drill can help you use every inch. Mount hooks by the door for coats and bags. Add a small shelf in the bathroom for towels. Inside closets, you can install racks or double rods so more fits.
These are quick projects that save daily stress. And when you’re done renting, you can remove them, patch the holes, and take the racks with you to the next place.
Balcony and Patio Projects
Outdoor space in an apartment is a big deal, even if it’s just a small balcony. You can make it more useful with a drill and a little creativity. Rail planters give you space for herbs or flowers without eating up floor area. Folding tables that attach to the railing are great for morning coffee or laptop work.
Want privacy? Lightweight lattice screens can be drilled into a frame that stands on its own. That way, you don’t have to attach it directly to the building, but it still feels secure. These projects make outdoor space feel like an extra room, and they’re just as easy to remove later.
Furniture Tweaks You Can Actually Do
Sometimes it’s not the walls that need help—it’s the furniture. A drill makes it easy to swap drawer pulls, tighten wobbly legs, or even add wheels to a storage cart. These upgrades make cheap furniture feel solid and personalized.
If you’ve got a basic bookshelf, you can add L-brackets with a drill to anchor it to the wall. That’s not just for looks—it’s also safer, especially if kids are around. When it’s time to leave, unscrew the brackets, patch the small holes, and the wall is back to normal.
Safety Without Stress
Even if you’re careful, accidents happen. That’s why it’s smart to use the drill properly from the start. Always match the drill bit size to the screw or anchor you’re using. Go slow—if you push too hard, you’ll make the hole bigger than you want.
Another safety step is keeping cords, shelves, and heavy frames secured. No one wants a falling accident or damage to the wall. By using the drill the right way, you avoid more mess in the long run.
How to Patch Holes Like Nothing Happened
One of the biggest fears renters have is that landlords will notice holes and keep the deposit. The truth is patching is super simple. Here’s how:
- Clean out the hole so no dust or anchor bits are left inside.
- Squeeze a little lightweight spackle into the hole until it’s flush with the wall.
- Smooth it with a finger or putty knife so it’s even.
- Let it dry, then sand lightly if needed.
- Touch it up with matching paint if you have it.
For small holes, this whole process takes less than five minutes per spot. By the time you’re done, no one will know there was ever a screw there.
Making It Feel Like Home Without Breaking Rules
Landlords often say “no drilling,” but most don’t actually mind small holes if you repair them. They’re more worried about major damage, like big anchors ripped out or walls left unpainted. The safest bet is to keep projects small, avoid overloading shelves, and always plan for clean-up at the end.
The goal is to enjoy your space while you’re living there. A little drilling here and there can transform a rental from temporary and boring to personal and useful.
Key Takeaways
Renting doesn’t have to mean living in a plain, untouched box. With a drill and a little care, you can hang shelves, mount curtains, secure art, and even upgrade your balcony or furniture. Every project can be reversed with quick patching, so you get all the benefits of a customized space without losing your deposit.
The best part is that once you learn these simple projects, you’ll take those skills with you to every place you live. Renting feels better when your home actually feels like yours.
