You might be relocating, you might be redecorating or you might be getting ready to renew your existing lease. Regardless of the situation, if you're a renter, you're in the right place. Check out this list of apps every renter should have in their back pocket.
MINT: Overwhelmed by the serious amount of cash you're about to drop not only on rent, but furniture, electronics and appliances for your new abode? While moving into a new rental typically comes along with several shopping trips to furnish your new place, it doesn't mean you have to go over your budget. Let Mint help you manage your finances with the ability to see all of your accounts in one place, customize your budget and see personal spending trends, because maybe you didn't need ALL of those decorative pillows...
TASKRABBIT: As you get ready to move into your new home, your "to-do" list will inevitably grow. Enter: TaskRabbit. TaskRabbit helps ease your transition by providing assistance with odd jobs around your home. Simply describe your task, name your price or request a bid, get a "TaskRabbit," and once the task is completed to your quality standard, pay your dues. From moving heavy boxes, putting together IKEA furniture, cleaning your apartment, grocery shopping and more, TaskRabbit will come in handy throughout the duration of your tenancy.
ROOM PLANNER: You've signed your lease and now it's time to decorate your new digs. Forget about an interior designer, instead use this free app to get started mapping out each space in your home. You can arrange existing furniture and potential new buys as well as choose wall colors, fabrics and other decor items to make your dream become a 3D reality!
LOVELY: Don't let the stress of finding a new home take away from the excitement that comes with a fresh start! Whether you're looking to move down the street, to a different city or even a new state, Lovely is the easiest way to land your new home. Use Lovely's map-based search to focus your hunt and with the ability to create alerts for rental listings that fit your criteria, you'll never miss out on your dream home! Plus, you can fill out personal information in Lovely's Renter Card and share with landlords with a single-click, a powerful way to get an edge in competitive rental markets.
iHANDY LEVEL: Save yourself some storage room by downloading the iHandy Carpenter app rather than purchasing a physical level. Deemed "the lightest, prettiest and handiest carpenter tool kit in the world," the iHandy Carpenter app features professional tools from a digital ruler to a bubble level bar, the perfect addition to the essential toolkit for renters. iHandy Carpenter is the perfect tool for hanging shelving units, family photos, curtain rods and more as you get settled into your new place.
ARTtwo50: Just because you don't own your new home doesn't mean you can't make it your own. Bring your rental to life with the help of ARTtwo50. Purchase original art that fits your design aesthetic at a flat rate of $250. Simply snap a picture of your blank wall, scroll through different pieces of art from local artists and watch your wall become one-of-a kind in an instant!
OPENTABLE: You've just moved to a new neighborhood (or city or state) and are faced with the thrilling, yet overwhelming, task of choosing a restaurant. Your landlord probably didn't include a "best local eats" list in your leasing materials, but fear not, OpenTable is here to help. OpenTable offers a real-time reservation service equipped with restaurant information including description of ambiance, up to date menus, and diner reviews. Let OpenTable suggest restaurants by neighborhood, cuisine, price and of course, reservation availability. The best part? Sign up for the dining rewards program and reap serious rewards -- did we mention free meals?
LIVINGSOCIAL: You're starting to settle into your rental, now it's time to start LivingSocial! This app will introduce a new daily deal straight to your phone at a fraction of the actual cost. Get ready to save big time on restaurants, performances, gym memberships and more with the localized setting. Let LivingSocial show you just how great your new city is.