The lesson? Balance.

Like most things in life, the biggest lesson I'll take into my next renovation is finding better balance.

A checklist can make sure you remembered the towels, cookware, hangers, and mattress protectors. Actually living in the property helps you notice how it feels—the sounds, the comfort, the little inconveniences, and the things that make a space feel like home.

And now that I’m coming out the other side, I’m really proud of what I built—not just the rental itself, but The Host Hacks and, in a lot of ways, myself along the way.

For me, having at least the basic scope of work listed (ex: replace kitchen cabinets, replace flooring, update plumbing to code) is very important to 1) make sure we are on the same page about what work is to be done, and 2) make sure there is at least some documentation about what I am signing a contract for.

Sometimes things don’t go as planned during a rental renovation, but that’s okay. We learn to adapt. Selecting the tile for this unit has been a challenge, but I’m nearing the end of the project.

Basement rental update: cabinets are in, walls are painted, and now it's crunch time to furnish it. Here's what I'm learning about furnishing a midterm rental (and why half my original picks are already out of stock).