4 Reasons You Should Be Thrift Store Shopping When Decorating Your First Apartment

March 22, 2019 | By Shea AuthorMy First Apartment

If you’re looking to move into your first apartment or already have your move planned, you know that the experience, while exciting, can be costly. From the actual expense of moving to decorating your place, there’s a lot to budget for. That’s why you should give thrift store shopping some thought, especially when decorating and…

Apartment Splurges for Your Tax Refund

February 15, 2019 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

Tax season is HERE, which for many can also mean Tax REFUND Season! Depending on how your income is set up, you may expect some of your tax money coming back to you in the coming months. Add that to any holiday cash you may have received, and it’s surely burning a hole in your pocket!…

Make Your Small Space Feel Bigger!

January 30, 2019 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

In your first apartment, cost likely takes precedence over square footage. Budget-friendly apartment hunters may settle on a small space they can afford… and that’s perfect! Once you’re in your small space, it’s time to get decorating. The great news is that with a little thought, you can make decisions that actually make your small…

Cheap Bathroom Upgrades

January 15, 2019 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

Apartment bathrooms can be the least “nice” square feet in your whole place! Even after the deep clean you surely gave it upon move in, it can be hard to make it look shiny and new. Never fear! There are quite a few cheap bathroom upgrades that will improve the look and feel of your…

10 Simple DIY Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas

December 23, 2018 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

Here’s another oldie but goodie, updated from our archives — Audra’s take on simple DIY Christmas trees. (OK, the last one is by Martha Stewart, so it’s a little more elaborate.) The first holiday season I ever spent in my very own apartment, I went a little crazy. I was absolutely convinced that I had…

Double-Duty Decor

November 30, 2018 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

Without a massive budget for decorating, your decor should do double-duty… meaning having more than one use! Instead of spending money on items that only serve a single purpose, consider some of these double-duty decor hacks in your first place! Key hanger / entry table Wayfair $37.99 What’s the first thing you want to do…

7 Apartment Essentials Every Renter Needs To Own

November 11, 2018 | By Shea AuthorMy First Apartment

Moving in to your first apartment can be stressful. From figuring out your budget to decorating your new place, there’s a lot happening all at once. Sure, we all know we need furniture and food, but what else is there? Having these 7 apartment essentials, though, will definitely take a few stressors off your plate.…

7 Ways To Furnish Your Apartment On Budget

November 5, 2018 | By Dedreanna AuthorMy First Apartment

So, you’ve moved into your first apartment, but it’s looking a bit bare. Between rent, moving costs, and utilities, the expenses associated with getting an apartment might leave little for your furnishings fund. Just relax, you don’t have to get your place completely furnished right away. Here are 7 ways to furnish your apartment when…

Best Rug Finds

November 1, 2018 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

In the market for a new rug? You’re in luck! Apartment carpet can be dingy at best (and stinky at worst!) and nothing brightens your space like a colorful, new (clean) rug. Plus, if you take great care of them, they can last you well into your next few apartments. Check out our favorite places to…

How to Shop for a Mattress Like a Pro – Use This 7 Item Checklist!

October 26, 2018 | By Contributors AuthorMy First Apartment

Many first apartment renters shop for a mattress as their first big-ticket purchase. If you choose wisely, the mattress will last through many apartments. If you get the wrong one, you lose both your money and your sleep. Often, first time mattress buyers don’t pay much attention to anything but the mattress size and cost,…