How far do you go with decorating your rental? (apt complex, house, period)
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We are only planning on staying for 6 months. I'd rather not unpack everything and have to pack it again 6 mo later. How far do you go with putting up pictures, etc?
Putting up pictures doesn't take much time, so that was always one of the first things we did. I was in my last rental for three years, so it was pretty much done up to our exact liking. We stopped at the point where we had the potential to lose money -- that is, we didn't do any renovating (new countertops, new flooring, etc) because we'd get nothing out of it when we moved out.
If I was going to be somewhere 6 months or less, I probably wouldn't unpack most of my stuff, to make it easier when I moved again. I probably would hang pics, though - I feel happier when my art collection is on display, plus I feel like they're safer on the wall than leaning up against the wall somewhere.
I need any space I live in to feel home-y and comfortable, even if for six months. In our current rental (will be a year at the end of this month), the house is completely decorated except for the "office" (read: storage room + computer).
If I were only going to live in a place for six months, I'd still decorate, though not as much.
Hummm. When we moved into this apt complex it was to stay 1 yr. My son instantly put up his flags & posters. 3.5 years later when we moved into a 2 bedroom apt... this time permanent. Again he hung his things. Mine are still in box I am still waiting...been 2 years!!!
I usually don't get around to hanging stuff on the walls for at least a year, but I'm lazy. You could put up a a few posters with that removable double-sided 3M tape, or just go minimalist and let your furniture and throw pillows be your decoration.
For 6 months, I'd probably only unpack the stuff I'd use during that time (assuming there was space for boxes), and I'd keep my boxes flattened in a closet. Keep your packing tape, original boxes for electronics or breakables (if you have them). It will save you time and money when you move again.
Nah - take a few minutes and hang a few pictures. You don't have to go wild, but spending 15 minutes to spruce up a place for "only" six months? I'll take it.
Do what you're comfortable with. I've lived in several places for short periods but always made them "home" to some degree with my things around even if I knew (or felt that) the place was only temporary. My home is my own little castle wherever it is and for however long I live there.
If wall hangings are your thing, use the "Command" hangers. They come in a huge assortment of sizes and weight-bearing capaclity, are easy to use and remove quickly and easily with no damage to the walls. A landlord's dream!
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You could put up a a few posters with that removable double-sided 3M tape, or just go minimalist and let your furniture and throw pillows be your decoration. 
