How Much Should You Budget for Apartment Utilities?

July 5, 2016 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

This post was originally published in August 2012 and has been a reader favorite since. It has been updated with our 2015 and 2016 utility cost survey results. To find out what our readers actually paid for utilities in July 2015, check out these results of our online survey. Our January 2016 utility survey results…

Saving for First Apartment: How Much Money Do You Need to Move Out?

May 4, 2016 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

This post was originally published in September 2013 and has been updated here for 2016. Check out the comments to the original post for some detailed examples on how to calculate your savings target. For many of our readers, moving into their own apartment is the ultimate goal. You want a place of your own,…

5 Ways to Save on Your Summer A/C Bills

July 19, 2015 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

We are in the midst of another heatwave and A/C costs are going through the roof. Here are 5 simple ways to get your electric bills under control. 1. Turn the A/C Up And by up, I mean down. What I mean is, you don’t need to have your apartment chilled to a nice 68…

5 Ways to Figure Out Your First Apartment Must-Haves

March 18, 2014 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

When you’re in the market for an apartment, it’s easy to dream. Perhaps a bit too easy. You want lots of space, cheap rent, a balcony, a doorman, maybe even a swimming pool and a gym. Laundry in-unit, of course, a nice flower box with ever-blooming roses … and then you pinch yourself and return…

Should You Seek Out a Roommate Who’s Different From You?

March 16, 2014 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

The fat envelope has just arrived from your top-choice college. While you’re still rejoicing, you realize you’ll have to live with a stranger in a dorm room next year. Yes, you’ll have to fill out some forms to get matched up with a roommate, but even before you get there, you need to decide: do you…

Your Rent Just Went Way Up: What Are Your Options?

March 5, 2014 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

You love your place, you’re getting a deal, and you’re all set to renew. Your landlord slips the renewal notice under your door … and then you see it. Your rent is going up. Way up – like 30% or more. You’re floored. You love your place, and now you have to move. How can…

Should You Renew Your Lease? 7 Questions to Help You Decide

February 28, 2014 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

Your lease is up soon and you’re pondering whether you want to renew. Sometimes, it’s a slam-dunk: of course you want to renew. Other times, it’s a no-brainer: no way you’re living in such a dump another year. But this time you’re just not sure. Your current place is okay … but you don’t love…

First Apartment Budgeting Basics: Your Monthly Expenses Checklist

February 21, 2014 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

You’ve signed the lease and you have a move-in date. You know how much rent you can afford. But what are your expenses once you move in? Let’s break it down. First, there’s the moving. This is a one-time expense, but it can be a big one. You need to decide whether you’re using movers…

How Long Will It Take? Apartment Search Timeline

February 3, 2014 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

Last fall we estimated how much you’ll need to save up before you can move out. (Rule of thumb: If you save an amount equal to about 8-10% of your annual salary, you’ll be in good shape.) So by now you’ve been saving for 4-5 months, and you’re ready to make your move. But how long will it be before you’re…

What is a Railroad Apartment and Should You Rent One?

January 29, 2014 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

If you’re thinking of living in New York City, in Boston or in Washington, D.C. , you may have heard of a “railroad” apartment. But what is it? And should you consider renting one? First, a definition: in NYC, a railroad apartment is typically an apartment without hallways, where each room opens onto the next.…