How to Keep Your First Apartment Safe and Secure

November 18, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

We all want to feel safe at home, but doing so can be hard for a number of reasons. Feeling comfortable in your own space is vital to your emotional well-being, especially if it’s your first time living away from home. Do you want to know the best ways to keep your first (or any)…

How to Safely Shovel Snow

December 7, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When it’s your responsibility to shovel snow near your apartment, there are some safety tips you should keep in mind. Although you may want to shovel quickly so you don’t spend a ton of time laboring to create a clear, safe path from your front door to the outside world, it’s essential to work gradually…

Pros and Cons: Living Alone vs. With Roommates

September 3, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

In our Pros and Cons series, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of important decisions that apartment dwellers are making every day. If you’re ready to move into an apartment, choosing whether to live alone or with roommates is an important decision to consider based on your personality and finances. Find some clarity on this…

How to Safely Buy Furniture on Online Marketplaces

August 17, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Online marketplaces are a convenient source for finding a bargain and buying affordable furniture and other home goods. Unfortunately, if you’re not careful during the purchase and exchange process, you might find yourself facing scams and dangerous situations. Here are a few ways to ensure your safety when buying furniture online. Research the item To…

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”…

Checklist for Prepping Your Apartment for Your Vacay

July 28, 2015 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

One of the best things about summer is having the time to get away from home on vacation. Whether you’re a beach, cabin, lake, or destination-lover, you probably still have a trip or two in your plans. But what happens to your apartment while you’re away? Here’s a quick and easy checklist-timeline to help you…

A 5-Minute Apartment Safety & Security Check-up

April 11, 2015 | By Chloe AuthorMy First Apartment

Apartment living is great… the amenities and social opportunities can make you feel like the whole property is your big, giant home! However, you never know when a security breach or natural calamity may happen, so to rest peacefully, take a few minutes now to make sure your personal space is safe and secure. Verify…

How Safe is Your New Hood? 8 Ways to Check

April 8, 2014 | By Melissa AuthorMy First Apartment

When moving to a new neighborhood, whether a few blocks or thousands of miles from your comfortable bubble, it’s easy (and important!) to question how safe the new area is. Especially if you won’t be living in a building with 24-hour security or a doorman, you’ll want to make sure you feel protected in your new…

What It Feels Like To Be Robbed

June 20, 2012 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Last Sunday we were newlyweds, recently returned from a gorgeous honeymoon in Greece. My husband, Alex, who often blogs for MFA (and even recently blogged about first apartment safety!) would end the day by laughing and throwing a pillow at me saying in a deep baritone, “The Honeymoon is OVER!!” We were wrapped in a…

Apartment Safety Tips: Holiday Travel Edition

November 14, 2011 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s no surprise that many folks will be travelling – especially those living away from home for the first time. I still remember the relief that first year going home for Thanksgiving – and the equal relief upon opening the door to my apartment afterwards. I also remember…