Should You Rent-to-Own or Just Rent? Pros and Cons

December 16, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

To some people eager to own their first apartment, it may seem like there’s no easy purchase option without putting down cash or getting a mortgage. Rent-to-own apartments offer a solution. At the end of an apartment rental lease, the tenant has the option to buy the apartment for a predetermined price fixed in the…

Four Great Housewarming Gifts for Your Friend’s First Apartment

October 28, 2019 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

If you’re the kind of person who likes to invite friends to celebrate big moments with you, then maybe you had a housewarming party when you moved into your first apartment. When you did, maybe some of your friends got you housewarming gifts for the occasion. And now that your friends are moving into their…

MFA IRL: Can Kiya and Her Fiancé Afford $750 Rent?

April 9, 2019 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Kiya asks: “Hi, I currently make $12/hr and bring home $300-550 a check or $1,200-2,200 a month. My fiancé makes $15/hr and brings home $1,440 a month. Our max rent that we’ve been searching is $750. We have car insurance $500, groceries $330, gas $80, and phone $30. Can we afford to move ? We’re…

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…

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 Pieces To Maximize Storage In Your Tiny Apartment

October 2, 2018 | By Shea AuthorMy First Apartment

Sometimes space is limited. Whether you’ve got just a tiny bathroom or your whole apartment is small, you’ll need to know how to maximize storage to get the most out of your new digs. Thankfully, there are tons of pieces to maximize storage in your tiny apartment. From drawer organizers to multi-purpose furniture, you’ve got…

Dos and Don’ts For Furnishing Your First Apartment

August 7, 2018 | By Dedreanna AuthorMy First Apartment

One of the most exciting things about finally getting your first apartment is planning how you’ll furnish it. Your Pinterest boards are probably full of beautiful inspiration photos and you can’t wait to take your first Instagram selfies in your new setting. It can be tempting to run out and start buying things as soon…

On My Own: The First 30 Days

June 14, 2018 | By Jordan AuthorMy First Apartment

Hello again, it’s Jordan, writing from the comfort of her own apartment, and I’m here to give yet another update to my amazing journey that started when I had to leave home suddenly due to a falling out with my mother! Check back for more details on how I planned my move and did it.…

The First Apartment Tool Kit

November 12, 2017 | By Taylor AuthorMy First Apartment

I rarely need things from my tool kit, but when I do need them, I need them now. Assembling a good tool kit can be hard, though—How do I know what I need? How can I afford all of these expensive tools? Why do I need a tool kit if I’m not a handy person…

A Short Guide to Your First Apartment Viewing

August 10, 2017 | By Kristen AuthorMy First Apartment

One of the most important parts of finding an apartment is seeing it. You need to schedule an apartment viewing and thoroughly check out the space that will potentially be your home for the next year or longer. The viewing is the time to make sure that this is the kind of space you want…