Going on Vacation? Your Ultimate Apartment Prep Checklist

September 25, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

If you’re going away for a couple of nights, you’re probably not thinking too much about what could happen to your apartment as it sits alone and unattended for such a short time. But what if you’re taking a much longer vacation? When do you need a friend or a family member to “check in”…

Four IKEA Apartment Decoration Hacks

September 16, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

IKEA has become the go-to furniture and decoration brand for anyone operating on a modest budget. The Swedish company’s items look thoroughly modern, with simple designs and eye-catching but not overwhelming colors defining its idiosyncratic aesthetic. It’s just not the brand’s agreeable design approach that’s made it so beloved – it’s their prices, which are…

Things You DON’T Need for Your First Apartment

September 13, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

In your preparation for moving into your first apartment, you’ve probably encountered plenty of lists detailing every single thing you need to be truly self-sufficient at home. You’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of items on these lists, but with each purchase for your first apartment, you spend precious money – and even…

Should You Buy Renters Insurance? Pros and Cons

September 11, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

The word insurance can send shivers down many a spine. In healthcare, for example, insurance is the divide between paying a modest amount for healthcare and going into extreme long-term debt. In renting, though, insurance is not nearly as dramatic. Renters insurance is usually quite modestly priced and straightforward. For a generally affordable monthly or…

How Should You Deal With an Unruly Neighbor?

September 9, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

You’ve put down a deposit on your dream apartment. The ceilings are super high, the hardwood floors are gorgeous, you have tons of space, the kitchen is huge, and you live in a quiet, convenient location. However, after moving in, you’ve discovered something you couldn’t quite have known before moving in: One of your neighbors…

What Are HOAs? How Renters Should Navigate Them

September 3, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Renting an apartment from a landlord or management company is par for the course, but renting a townhome is a less common occurrence. A townhome, as compared to an apartment, a rowhome, or even a standalone home on a suburban street, is part of a larger living community where certain rules apply. An organization called…

What Should You Do If Your Roommate Is Moving Out?

August 27, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Having a roommate is one of the easiest ways to keep living costs low. You’ll split the rent and utilities, and you might share responsibilities for stocking household goods. If you’re especially apt on making your roommate situation as financially fair as possible, you might just wind up splitting all expenses with your roommate –…

The Ultimate Apartment Bathroom Checklist

August 23, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Although your bathroom might be the smallest room in your apartment, you’ll need a good number of supplies to make the best of it. Basics ranging from toilet paper to towels don’t just magically come with your apartment. It may even fall upon you to furnish your bathroom; you may be surprised that basics like…

Five Ways To Use AC Without Overspending

August 6, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

On a hot day, there are few joys like stepping into an air-conditioned building from the sweltering outdoors. You’re probably familiar, though, with how expensive it gets to run the air conditioner all day long. Whether your apartment is powered by central air or window units, you likely see your electric bill skyrocket during summer…

Your Ultimate Smart Home Device Guide

July 31, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

A smart home device allows you to control certain parts of your apartment remotely. As long as you have an internet connection (or data access, depending on the device), you can keep track of what’s going on in your apartment and make sure you return to a home that’s just the way you want it. …