Five things only renters understand

Two renters walk into a bar. What happens next? They bond like two girlfriends reunited at summer camp! Renters have a mutual understanding. Kind of like any Game of Thrones enthusiast or Keeping Up With The Kardashians fan have (only better). If you don’t understand these five things, you’re not a renter and you can’t sit with us. Here are five things only renters understand.

1. IKEA furniture struggles

When it came time for me to furnish my first apartment — which was actually just the bedroom — I was concerned about how I would get my IKEA furniture from the store to my new place without the option to call daddy. Then I realized the hard part was actually putting the furniture together. Who knew putting together a bed frame could actually take an entire day. Then once you think it’s over, you end up with one leftover piece!

2. Knowing your neighbour too well

I’m all for befriending your neighbours, but there’s something about living in the same building that can make you and your neighbours a little too close for comfort. You hear things you don’t want to hear and you see things you don’t want to see. Like that awkward moment you’re stuck staring at your neighbours underwear when you open the dryer. Every renter has that one neighbour story that can make anyone shiver.

3. Landlord problems

Every renter can also swap at least one good landlord story. Whether it’s that time you accidentally locked yourself out of your home or that week your landlord was on vacation and the building’s entire water supply was cut off. Fortunately, a fellow renter can always top your story no matter how bad you think it was and make you feel better.

4. Do it yourself. Everything

Shopping with a fellow renter doesn’t result in much purchasing. You both admire home items and then laugh at the outrageous price tag together. You’re a DIY professional and when people compliment your home decor you proudly proclaim “I did it myself.” No one understands your love for Pinterest quiet as much as a renter does.

5. It's a lifestyle thing

But then there’s also all the perks of being a renter that you love to brag about. The city lifestyle your rental gives you and the fact that the best pizza in town delivers straight to your door. The small closet space really doesn’t bother you and your neighbour has actually always had your back. Let’s not forget those amenities. Is the pool party at your place or my place this weekend?

Life’s good when you’re a renter.