Are You the BAD Neighbor? Take Our Quiz

May 1, 2015 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

Apartments mean close quarters, both inside of them and between neighbors. And nothing can ruin your first apartment experience than a neighbor that is rude or disrespectful! …Here’s the catch though, what if you’re the bad neighbor?! Take this quiz below, making a tally of your “yes” answers. Do you… Host late parties often? Play…

Pros vs. Cons of Renting a Vintage Apartment

April 25, 2015 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

Well, it’s been almost 2 years (a long stretch for me — I’ve moved at least 5 times since graduating college almost 3 years ago!), but I’m on the apartment hunt yet again. This time, I’m leaving my home state of Georgia behind and heading up to beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia, all thanks to a fabulous…

From the MailBag: “What to do when your roommate doesn’t follow the house rules?”

February 23, 2015 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

Having a roommate (or two or three) can be a really great experience. Roommates can turn into great friends, if they aren’t already, and they can make your time in a shared apartment a really fun journey. And, being able to split the rent with someone else is an awesome bonus, if we do say so…

Top 10 Best Blogs for DIY Apartment Decor Ideas

February 18, 2015 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

Whether you’re an avid My First Apartment follower or an apartment dweller who pops in every now and then for advice, you probably know by now that I’m the self-professed “decor queen” around here. I’m crazy for color. I lose my mind over awesome vintage finds (my latest score: an adorable turquoise cart for $20!).…

5 Rules for Splitting Finances with Your Significant Other

February 15, 2015 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

Although we tend to think of living with our significant others as completely different from living with a non-romantic roommate, there are many areas where both experiences are very alike. First of all, there will be times when you and your live-in boyfriend/girlfriend have arguments and disagreements. Oh, and you’ll definitely discover some of his/her habits…

Your 2014 Holiday Tipping Guide

December 19, 2014 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

Ah, the holiday season… it’s a time filled with hot chocolate, perfectly packaged gifts, family traditions, and a general outpouring of generosity. If you’re an apartment dweller, this time of year can be both magical and stressful all at once, especially when you’re dealing with a limited budget and a first go-around with the concept…

14 Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas for Small Apartments

December 16, 2014 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

The first holiday season I ever spent in my very own apartment, I went a little crazy. I was absolutely convinced that I had to deck every hall (wall, doorway, etc., etc.), make ALL the ornaments for my way-too-big-for-my-tiny-apartment fake tree (I’m sadly allergic to the oh-so-pretty real trees), buy every useless decoration I saw, bake…

Away for the Holidays? Here’s How to Keep Your Apartment Safe!

November 25, 2014 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

Packing up and leaving your apartment behind while you enjoy a little holiday comfort at home with your family? Awesome! But, before you get in too much of a hurry to rush out of your new place and head home for the holidays, make sure you check all these important steps for preparing your apartment…

Introducing the MailBag!

November 10, 2014 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

Hello, apartment dwellers! Whether you’re a veteran renter who has has lived in lots of apartments over the years or a newbie to the apartment living scene, there’s one thing we know for sure — you never know it all. We know better than anyone else because over the years the My First Apartment team…

How to Meet People in Your New City

November 5, 2014 | By Jessie AuthorMy First Apartment

1. Join groups based on your interests Most larger cities have all sorts of groups that cater to people who have a wide variety of skills and interests. For example, I am a bluegrass and folk musician, and wanted to find a place where I could play with other like-minded musicians. I did a Google…