Pros and Cons: Dedicated Home Office Vs. Temporary Desk

November 24, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

In our Pros and Cons series, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of important decisions that apartment dwellers are making every day. Staying focused while working from home can be challenging if you’re used to leaving your apartment for work. And if it’s possible for you to work in an office outside of your home,…

Seven Steps for Hanging Picture Frames

November 23, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Choosing decorations for your apartment walls may come easily to you, but actually hanging them can sometimes prove more challenging. After buying a nice frame for your wall art, you’ll need to prevent damage to both your art and your wall as you hang it. Here are seven steps to safely hang your picture frames.…

How to Safely Celebrate Thanksgiving During The COVID-19 Pandemic

November 19, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Thanksgiving is usually a time for friends and family to get together for a big feast, but maybe not this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, having a Thanksgiving gathering in your apartment is a health hazard. But if you still want to have a small group over, can you minimize your risk of getting…

Three Recipes for Two for Your Small Thanksgiving Dinner

November 16, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Although you might think of large family gatherings when you think of Thanksgiving, you can still have a fulfilling Thanksgiving dinner for just yourself or with one other person. Of course, this might seem unusual to you, so maybe you need some help making small portions. With these three recipes adjusted for two people, you…

Six Ways To Light Your Apartment Without Ceiling Lights

November 13, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

You might think apartments without overhead lights can’t be properly lit. However, even in the absence of ceiling lights, some lights are designed to significantly brighten up your apartment. Here are six ways to light your apartment without using ceiling lights. 1. Floor lamps Floor lamps are often tall and bright enough to illuminate dark…

Your Ultimate Dishwasher vs. Non-Dishwasher Checklist

November 10, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When it comes time to clean your dishes, many people think that using a dishwasher is more convenient. Additionally, dishwashers are usually more eco-friendly than handwashing dishes. However, some dishes and cookware are not dishwasher-safe, meaning you should never put them in your dishwasher. Here’s your complete checklist of dishwasher and non-dishwasher-safe items. Dishwasher-safe items…

Here’s Which Kitchen Tools You Can (and Can’t) Buy Secondhand

November 5, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

To many apartment dwellers, apartment life means serious budgeting. Furniture, cookware, and other household items can be expensive, so you may want to buy some things secondhand. However, that’s not always the smartest move. Below, learn which kitchen tools you can and can’t buy secondhand. Why buy secondhand? When you’re buying used kitchenware, you’ll pay…

Sustainable Living: Reduce Single-Use Plastics at Home

November 2, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

In our Sustainable Living series, we look at how tenants and homeowners are changing their apartments to be more sustainable. Single-use plastics, though commonplace, are notoriously bad for the environment. If you want to live a thoroughly eco-friendly life, you can replace single-use plastics with reusable ones instead. Here’s why – and how – you…

How to Apply for Apartments if Your Income Changes

October 28, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

If your income has drastically changed, you may have to move to a more affordable apartment. However, when applying to rent an apartment, you will usually need to show your income to prove that you can afford the rent. Given this obstacle, how can you relocate with a significant decrease in your budget? Here are…

Three Fall Ideas for Your Balcony or Patio

October 27, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Once the hot, humid days of summer have passed and nightfall arrives earlier, it’s time to get into the autumn spirit and whip out your most exciting Halloween decorations. But if your apartment doesn’t have all that much space – especially if you have a balcony or terrace that’s also small – you might face…