New research from retailer TK Maxx reveals that 57% of UK renters feel their home doesn’t suit their lifestyle.

Lack of storage, restrictive rental rules, and limited personalisation options rank as their biggest frustrations. 

The survey of 2,000 UK adults claims

Millennials and Gen Z are trying to overcome these challenges, apparently drawing inspiration from social media. 

TikTok has become the go-to platform for rental hacks, withmore than half (57%) of 18-24-year-olds using it to find solutions. 

Research shows that more than 72% of renters have successfully improved their living space with these hacks, rising to 82% among young millennials. Across all demographics, YouTube (56%), TikTok (48%), and Instagram (45%) are among the most popular sources for no-damage décor ideas.

Storage remains a key issue, with 36% of respondents citing a lack of built-in storage, such as closets and shelves, as their biggest frustration. This issue is most pronounced among Gen Z renters (40%) and in cities such as Belfast, Glasgow, and Edinburgh (50%). 

Many are willing to pay for better solutions: 32% of Gen Z and 35% of young millennials would spend extra for improved storage and space-saving features, compared to just 15% of Baby-boomers.

Beyond storage, renters want personalisation. Over 70% of respondents say making their rental feel like home is important, with nearly a quarter (24%) rating it as ‘extremely important.’ 

Some 47% of young millennials claim to actively avoid properties that lack storage or personalisation potential. On average, renters would pay an extra £96.55 per month for greater flexibility to customise their space.