If you live in an apartment, you can count on the property’s maintenance team to handle big repairs, like installing a new toilet. While they can certainly take care of smaller issues, you can check them off the list sooner if you do them yourself. Here are a few skills to learn so that you can handle simple tasks around the house.

3 DIY Skills Apartment Renters Should Master

1. Hang Heavy Objects

If you want to hang something heavy on the walls, like a large piece of artwork or a shelf, using a standard hammer and nail won’t be enough. Use an electric drill to make a pilot hole, then place an anchor inside so that it sits flush with the wall. Tap the anchor into position with a hammer and use a screw to keep it in place.

2. Unclog a Sink

The kitchen and bathroom sinks can become clogged with soap scum, hair, and food debris. To clear the obstruction, fill the basin with a couple of inches of water and place a plunger over the drain.

Pump the plunger up and down a few times until the suction’s pressure dislodges the clog. Run the water for a few seconds to ensure the blockage was removed, and repeat the process if the liquid continues draining slowly.

3. Patch Holes

If you’re redecorating the apartment, you may need to patch holes in the walls to move around mounted fixtures. Use the straight edge of a putty knife to apply a small amount of spackle over the opening. Allow it to dry overnight, then sand away the spackle with sandpaper to blend the dried material into the wall.

If you’re looking for an apartment to rent, check out Lailani Apartments in Kailua-Kona, HI. This community offers affordable one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and each is equipped with double bathroom sinks, a refrigerator, and a range with a hood. As a resident, you’ll also enjoy beautiful ocean views and sweeping green spaces. Get more information about their amenities online, or call (808) 329-2684 to apply.