Author My First Apartment
Alissa

I've lived in apartments in 6 cities (including 2 foreign countries). Does that make me an expert? As of now, my ceiling isn't leaking and I don't have rodents (knock on wood) -- so I'm going to say yes . . . but ask me again tomorrow:) These days, I'm enjoying life Chicago style, but my years in Brooklyn are never far from my mind. P.S. By day I work at Cars.com, but these opinions are totally, 100% my own.
New Way to Split the Rent With Your Roommates
New Way to Split the Rent With Your Roommates

New Way to Split the Rent With Your Roommates

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
I can’t believe it’s already mid-April and the prime moving season is just two weeks away…are you ready? Be sure to email us at [email protected] if you have any questions as you head out on your searches. We’re happy to answer q’s in our monthly mailbag posts. In the meantime, we’ll continue to give you ammunition…
Read More
Nosey or Noisy- Tips for Getting Along with Your Neighbors
Nosey or Noisy- Tips for Getting Along with Your Neighbors

Nosey or Noisy- Tips for Getting Along with Your Neighbors

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
Neighbors. Everyone’s got ’em.  Sometimes for the better…sometimes not. Recently, our friends at Jezebel asked us if we could share any tips about how to get along with one’s neighbors and we were happy to oblige. Check out Jezebel’s full social minefield article and see the tips we shared below! Should you introduce yourself to your neighbors…
Read More
Lessons Learned from Moving from Chicago to NYC
Lessons Learned from Moving from Chicago to NYC

Lessons Learned from Moving from Chicago to NYC

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
Hi All, My new colleague Katie just moved to New York all the way from Chicago — and boy did she have some tips! Enjoy! “I recently moved from Chicago to New York City and the experience was a bit of an eye-opener for me. I wish I had had someone to give me some…
Read More
Planning a Long Distance Apartment Hunt
Planning a Long Distance Apartment Hunt

Planning a Long Distance Apartment Hunt

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
Looking for an apartment in a city you don’t live in is hard knocks. Believe me, I know.  I moved to New York from Chicago for a job and had exactly 3 weeks to pack up my life and shuffle it over a few states. But, don’t worry – lots of folks do it with…
Read More
Don’t Get Scammed Putting Down That Security Deposit
Don’t Get Scammed Putting Down That Security Deposit

Don’t Get Scammed Putting Down That Security Deposit

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
When I looked for my last apartment, there were a few scary things in play.  I was moving in with my boyfriend (ack!) navigating the broker scene (double ack!), not to mention trying to find an honest landlord. But the hands-down, most terrifying part of the process was trusting someone I had just met with a check…
Read More
Should Your First Apartment Be Like a Post-College Dorm?
Should Your First Apartment Be Like a Post-College Dorm?

Should Your First Apartment Be Like a Post-College Dorm?

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
In New York (and most bigger cities), you’ll find all sorts of 20-somethings, ranging from hipsters to ex-frat brothers, looking for their dream first apartment.  You’ll even find 23-year olds who still miss college enough to pretend that they’re still there – at a steep cost of $3200 for a one-bedroom. The NYTimes recently ran a scathing…
Read More
Give Your Apartment a 2011 Check-Up
Give Your Apartment a 2011 Check-Up

Give Your Apartment a 2011 Check-Up

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
It’s time to give your apartment its annual check-up. Let me share a few apt tips that will be nearly 100% painless and totally worth-it! 1) Change the Batteries – In your smoke detector? Certainly. Also, think about the last time you changed them in your tv/dvd remote. At the very least, buy a pack…
Read More
How to Throw a Last Minute New Year’s Eve Party
How to Throw a Last Minute New Year’s Eve Party

How to Throw a Last Minute New Year’s Eve Party

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
If you’ve recently moved into a new place, there’s no better way to make a place feel lived in than by having a gather/party/what have you.  Sure, it means wet entryways (at least if you live in the Northeast!) but it also means adding warmth and friends to what may feel like an unfamiliar abode.…
Read More
Should You Exchange Holiday Gifts With Your Roommate(s)?
Should You Exchange Holiday Gifts With Your Roommate(s)?

Should You Exchange Holiday Gifts With Your Roommate(s)?

  |   By AuthorMy First Apartment
If you’re friends with your roommates – then this question is easier. You can casually chat about it. Yes. No. Whatevs. In the situation above, likely your natural first instinct is to ask what the expectation is – and that’s not wrong no matter who your roommates are. I think what makes everyone nervous about…
Read More