Pros and Cons: Electric vs. Gas

October 21, 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. When you’re looking to move into your first apartment, it’s common to see some apartment listings with gas heating and stoves. You might also see electric heating and stoves (and many gas appliances…

Seven Questions About Apartment Space That Aren’t Square Footage

October 19, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Based on your preferences and lifestyle, you will need a certain amount of space in your apartment. While hunting for your new apartment, you might wonder just how much (or how little) square footage you’ll need. But sometimes, it’s not all about the amount of space you have. Here are seven questions about apartment space…

Sustainable Living: Shopping Bulk with Reusable Containers

October 15, 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. Bulk items, such as loose oats and nuts, are often packaged in thin single-user plastic. Like all plastics, this packaging is not biodegradable and usually takes 400 years or more to break down. Additionally, plastics…

Four Ways To Keep Your First Apartment Warmer

October 13, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Many apartments, even those built with proper insulation, have imperfectly sealed areas through which cold drafts enter your space. Often, cold drafts will require you to use more energy (and thus spend more money) to heat your apartment, so they’re worth fixing – but how? And what are the most energy-efficient ways to stay warm?…

Sustainable Living: How To Use Less Water to Wash Dishes

October 8, 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. It can be easy to use more water than you need when you have unlimited water access, but you can always minimize unnecessary water usage in your apartment – and that’s the eco-friendly thing to…

What Is Net Effective Rent?

October 6, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

If you are currently searching for a new apartment, it’s possible to come across listings that offer a month or two of free rent. While it may be exciting to see discounted rent, you should be aware of the potential long-term consequences of short-term cheaper rent. Below, learn all about discounted apartment rent, often called…

How Does The CDC’s Eviction Moratorium Affect You?

October 2, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

During the novel coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans have been struggling to pay their rent and avoid eviction. About a month ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) passed an eviction moratorium to prevent Americans from getting evicted from their apartments. If you’re having difficulties paying your rent, here’s what you need to…

Five Trending Fall 2020 Apartment Scents

October 1, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

It’s the start of fall, so now’s the time to set the mood of your apartment with warm fall fragrances. Candles, essential oils, and incense are all great ways to keep your home smelling nice and get yourself into the autumnal spirit for self-care and aromatherapy. Here are five scents that are trending for fall…

Five Common Security Deposit Deductions Your Landlord Can Take

September 29, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Security deposits are among the more significant finances involved with renting your first apartment. These deposits cover any damage you cause to your apartment, and even the most careful tenants can easily cause minor damage to their first apartments. After you move out, your landlord will subtract the monetary equivalent of any damage you cause…

Sustainable Living: Why – And How – You Should Compost

September 27, 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. The average American generates about four pounds of trash per day and approximately 254 million pounds of trash per year, creating hefty amounts of unnecessary waste in our landfills. Many people compost instead to convert…