7 Home Depot Products Under $5 Every Renter Needs

Renting has many advantages. If there’s a leaky faucet or broken furnace, you can just call up your super for help! But relying on your handyman might mean your tool box is lacking a bit. This is all well and good… until a little problem arises that you totally could DIY—you just don’t have the tools!

Every renter needs a basic tool kit, and, thankfully you can put it together on the cheap. Case in point? These seven must-have items can all be found at The Home Depot for under $5 each. Buy ’em sporadically, stash ’em away until something happens, and you’ll be glad to have these little helpers to save the day once something goes amiss.

As a renter, you probably don’t need a large and expensive tool set. Because big jobs will likely be performed by your landlord or maintenance staff, access to a few simple tools is all you need. This handy screwdriver set includes a handle, a reversible shaft, and 2 double-sided bits for a variety of jobs. Whether you need to tighten a hinge on a cabinet door or put together new furniture, this durable screwdriver is sure to provide years of use.

When you need to figure out if the new couch you’ve been eyeing will fit through your entryway or to center photos on your wall, a tape measure is a must. This one has a long-lasting blade and a non-slip end hook for simple use and durability. 

Most run-of-the-mill clogs can be solved with this simple and inexpensive product—and it’s much better for older pipes than chemical drain cleaners.

Rentals are often short on storage space, and to complicate matters further, renters are often prohibited from nailing anything into the wall. Enter these surprisingly strong adhesive hooks.

Without a front closet in my apartment, for years, I tossed my coat on the dining room table when I walked in—a “solution” that was not exactly practical nor neat-looking. These handy hooks don’t cause any damage to your walls and can hold up to three pounds.

This self-stick door sweep keeps cold air out, helping you to save on your energy bills, can lessen noise from neighbors, and prevents dust and water from entering your home as well. At under $3, this multitasking superstar is a great investment.

Just because your lease prohibits you from painting the walls (or you just don’t want to deal with painting them back when you move out), you’re not stuck with boring white walls. This simple wall sticker is an easy (and removable!) way to give your walls some flair.

Winter in your rental can be brutal if you don’t have proper insulation. This window insulation kit is easy to install and prevents heat loss through your windows. It accommodates up to four standard-size windows.

Looking to zhuzh your rental up a bit now that you’ve got maintenance squared away? Here, the 8 most underrated items at Target for renters.

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