Top Five First Apartment Mistakes

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Mistake #1. Paying Too Much. This is the most common beginner’s mistake. It is easy to forget that rent is only part of expenses you’ll have to deal with living on your own – there’s also gas and electric, cable and phone, not to mention commuting to work, food and dry cleaning. You may even…

Let the Hunt Begin

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Welcome to My First Apartment, a brand new website dedicated to helping you survive your flight from the nest and into the great, wide world of renting. As experts in the field of screwing up and learning by experience, we have amassed a wealth of tips about what to look for when scouting for a…

Starter Pantry and Staples Checklist

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Our Starter Pantry and Staples Checklist helps you get through your first supermarket excursion.

Roommate Agreement Checklist

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Want to set some ground rules among roommates? Use our Roommate Agreement Check List as a guideline for a discussion about sharing rent and expenses, work schedules, interests, significant others, visitors, pets, etc.

New York City – City Guide

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

The Big Apple is made up of five boroughs: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Each has its own special character, neighborhoods, and dialect (some would say).

Los Angeles – City Guide

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Moving to Los Angeles? It's a jungle out there for sure, but if you're armed with neighborhood knowledge and price guidelines, the task isn't so daunting — in fact, finding an apartment can be downright FUN.

Boston – City Guide

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Boston, the Beantown, is home to the World Champion Boston Red Sox and location of many TV series (Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, Cheers, Crossing Jordan, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and St.Elsewhere among the more memorable.)

Is This Still Safe to Eat

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

If you follow some basic, common-sense rules about handling your edibles you can avoid the nasty effects of food poisoning. These rules are compliments of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. How Long Can I Keep It? Refrigerate all perishable food within two hours, or one hour if the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap…

You, Too, Can Be Handy

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Toilet Overflows In this always-pleasant scenario, grab a plunger and place the rubber cup tightly around the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl and commence pumping. Lift the plunger to see if the water is running out. Pump a few more times. Pour a bucketful of water and see if it runs down.…

Clean Living: Cleaning, laundry and mouse patrol

November 23, 2005 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Every now and then (preferably on a weekly basis) you need to get into your gym clothes, crank up some Zeppelin on the CD player, and break out the cleaning supplies. If you are semi-incompetent when it comes to cleaning and laundry, this section will give you the basics on how to get the job…