5 Cheap Items That'll Jazz Up Your First Flat.

After graduating from university, a lot of "soon to be thrown into the world of work" young adults are faced with the decision of either moving back home with "The Rents", or struggling to figure out being independent and live alone. If the latter ends up being your chosen option, somehow, someway, you'll have to figure out decking out your sparkly new abode. It's a weird cross between not having to sell a kidney to get some cute trinkets, but not wanting to be forced to fill the gaps in your apartment with your thoughts. So to combat this, I have come up with five cheap and cheerful items that you probably shouldn't throw out in your post uni clear out, that will look amazing around your new space.

Fairy Lights

However "basic" you may think fairy lights are... you're right. I mean, every student and their dorm mates have them. But, for moving into a new space, they do create a warm, comforting atmosphere without having to really try too hard. They are also great for pre-bedtime reading if you're in to that like I am.

Posters

This one can be tricky since landlords tend to prohibit the usage of tacks or blue tack usage on the walls. But once you've found a way around that issue, posters can allow you to cheaply decorate the walls of your flat, allowing you to really put your stamp on the place. Again, this is an item that you would have come across whilst in uni at poster sales; I was that girl that was first to arrive and the last to leave, cause being indecisive took precedent over everything #priorities. 

Jam Jars

This one is really great since there are an abundance of usages for it. Glass jam jars; I typically like the type pictured below, tend to be thrown out after the contents has been consumed. However, by doing this a possible cup, candle holder or pen pot is being disposed of. I have many jam jars since strawberry jam is just amazing; and they are literally all over my flat, without it looking tacky of course. Basically my point is, save some money, keep your jam jars.

Small Ornaments

Small ornaments never fail when looking to adorn the rooms in your flat. These ones shown above I got while studying abroad in Japan. Small enough to show what I am interested in but big enough to not take up too much room.

*Sidenote: I say 'small' because, unless you are lucky, most newly renting adults only earn enough to rent a place just big enough to swing a cat. With that in mind, and including all the space you'll need to showcase the other crap you collected during your years of studying, small is probably for the best. Plus, small usually means cheap right?

Magazines

Now it doesn't necessarily have to be magazines. Books, records, manga, comics, DVDs, anything that can be stacked side by side, I personally find visually appealing. As a English Literature graduate, I have an extensive collection of reading material. Magazines and books just look incredibly great dotted around a home, like for instance, stacked on a coffee table. 

And there you have it. My five items that will have you spending less, because let's be honest, you've probably already spent the money you put aside for most of this stuff. But at least your place will be looking great at no extra cost!

Carla Creary xo