How Command Hooks Saved My Renter Life

Bringing The Wall Whisperer Back!

It’s been a while since The Wall Whisperer got an update. Life got busy, and then… we moved to the UK.

If you’ve ever rented here, you know: landlords can be very strict about what you’re allowed to do. No drilling, no painting, no creative wall ideas — basically, all the fun DIY projects I used to love were suddenly off-limits.

But when Redfin recently reached out and asked me to contribute a tip for their article on organizing kitchen cabinets, it was the perfect nudge to start writing here again, and to share one product that’s truly been a game-changer in my renter life: Command Hooks.

(And no, this is not a sponsored post. I’ve bought more Command Hooks than I can count, and I genuinely think they’re brilliant.)

Why I love Command Hooks

Moving to a rental with old cabinets and strict “no drilling” rules forced me to get creative. Command Hooks saved me. Here’s how:

I used them inside kitchen cabinet doors to hang measuring spoons, scissors, peelers, and printed recipes — making the space so much more functional.

I used them to hang floating shelves (light ones).
I mounted a whiteboard in my home office.
I hung art prints and decorations.
I’ve even used them for seasonal swaps (think fairy lights, holiday wreaths, etc.).

They’re renter-friendly, easy to remove, and save you from begging your landlord for permission every time you want to hang something.

My Redfin tip

When Redfin asked me for a quick kitchen tip, this is what I shared:

“If you’re living in a rental with cabinets that have doors instead of drawers, you can still maximize your space. Use the inside of cabinet doors to hang small kitchen tools like measuring spoons, scissors, or peelers using renter-friendly solutions like 3M Command Hooks. You can also tape frequently used printed recipes inside for quick access.”

You can read the full article here, I was happy to be featured alongside so many great tips:

How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets | Redfin

How do Command Hooks work? (And why they’re the best no-drill hooks for renters)

If you’re renting or simply want to avoid damaging your walls, adhesive hooks like Command Hooks are a fantastic solution. They’re easy to use, removable, and perfect for all kinds of home organization and decor, no tools required.

How do Command Hooks work?
Each hook comes with a special adhesive strip designed to grip smooth surfaces. You simply:

Clean the surface first (dust, grease, or moisture will prevent a strong hold).
Apply the adhesive strip to the hook or frame.
Press firmly for about 30 seconds.
Wait about an hour before hanging anything, this allows the adhesive to bond fully.

When it’s time to remove the hook, you just pull the strip straight down, the adhesive stretches and releases cleanly, without damaging your walls or cabinets.

Different types of Command Hooks & Strips
There are several types of Command products to choose from:

Picture hanging strips — these attach directly to the back of a frame (great for hanging art or photos without nails).
Small to large hooks — come in various weight ratings (check the packaging to see the maximum weight each hook can hold).
Specialty hooks — for towels, brooms, outdoor use, and more.

Tip: Always choose the right type of hook or strip based on both the surface and the weight of what you want to hang.

Important note about heat
If you plan to hang something above a radiator or on a wall exposed to heat, be extra careful: high temperatures can weaken the adhesive over time.

It’s smart to reinforce the strips with extras if needed.
And check occasionally to make sure they’re still firmly attached, especially in winter when radiators are in use.

In short: If you’re looking for the best adhesive hooks for renters or a smart way to hang things without drilling, Command Hooks are my go-to. They’ve allowed me to keep decorating and organizing my UK rental without making permanent changes, and without stressing about landlord inspections!