Should You Buy Or Rent?

June 29, 2011 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

We focus much of our site about renting apartments. How to do it – from dealing with landlords, finding new (and sane) roommates, or hunting down movers – we got your back. But, housing prices are down, interest rates are low and there has been a flurry of rent vs buy articles in various places (including last week’s NYTimes…

The Ultimate Apartment Security Checklist

February 25, 2011 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

After a particularly hairy subway ride this evening, I was thankful to return home to my quiet, empty apartment. But, with my boyfriend out for a drink with friends, as I entered, I couldn’t help but peer into the darkness, momentarily concerned about what or who might be greeting me once I entered. I’ve never…

Haven’t found your dream apt for Sept? Wait for October!

August 26, 2009 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

G’morning fellow apartment dwellers/searchers! There’s a good chance you’ve already signed and sealed a deal for September 1. If that’s the case, congratulations. Uncork the bottle of bubbly and enjoy the feeling of piece a signed legal document aka a lease can hold. This post ain’t for you. Nope, this is for my ya’ll who…

My ten steps to green your apartment

January 10, 2008 | By Shelby AuthorMy First Apartment

10. Set up a recycling area. This can be as simple as a grocery sack next to the trash bin. Seriously. It’s not that complicated. 9. Install compact fluorescent light bulbs. It will save you money in the long run – always a good thing. 8. Live close to work so that you can walk,…

How to have a happy Thanksgiving in your new apartment – some do’s and don’t’s

November 18, 2007 | By Shelby AuthorMy First Apartment

Maybe you just moved across the country to take your dream job and you have zero vacation time. Maybe you’re not close to your family. Maybe you’re way too broke to buy a plane ticket. Whatever the reason, when the time for a Thanksgiving celebration rolls around, you’ll be on your own. Don’t do what…

Decorating and furnishing when you and your roommate have different styles

November 14, 2007 | By Shelby AuthorMy First Apartment

So you love sleek, modern design and your roommate adores the lacy, floral, Victorian look. Now what? If you don’t talk about your conflict before you furnish your apartment, you’ll end up with a goofy hodgepodge look that you’ll both hate. There are two basic solutions to a design conflict like this. One, you could…

Win their respect! or How to be the best new roommate ever.

October 30, 2007 | By Joe AuthorMy First Apartment

My roommate Matt likes to remind me that he made this apartment the way it is today. “You know I made this apartment what it is today,” he’ll tell me, waving his hand towards the epic and alphabetized vinyl record collection or the well-stocked knife drawer in the kitchen like Napoleon flaunting his Arc de…

Is this “settling down”?

October 5, 2007 | By Shelby AuthorMy First Apartment

My boyfriend and I moved into our studio apartment two days ago. I’m almost 23, but this is my first apartment. I haven’t lived in one place for longer than eight months since I graduated from high school. Why not? you ask. What have you been doing for five years? Let’s see. The summer after…