How to Save Money on Food

July 11, 2016 | By Kalee AuthorMy First Apartment

Food can get expensive, especially if you add eating out at restaurants to your cost. Redesigning how you buy and cook can save you a lot of money on food. Whether your budget needs organization, you need to clip coupons, or you need to learn better meal prep, saving money on food is definitely doable.…

25 First Apartment Essentials

June 29, 2016 | By Kalee AuthorMy First Apartment

Moving into your first apartment and not sure what you’ll need? Here’s a list of 25 essential items that will get you started furnishing your new place. Cleaning Supplies: 1. Broom and dustpan 2. Mop, bucket, and all purpose cleaning liquid 3. Paper towels 4. Disinfecting spray 5. Wash cloths (microfiber works great) 6. Laundry…

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…

From the MFA Mailbag – How to Assert Independence from Your Parents

January 12, 2015 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

MFA Mailbag recently received this email asking for our guidance: “I left my parents’ house on good terms. Great terms, even. After I left for college a few years ago, my relationship with my parents has only improved. When I wanted to move out, they agreed that it made sense for me to get an apartment in…

Apps and Tricks to Help You Save More, Spend Less

July 25, 2014 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

The biggest transition for me after moving into an apartment is dealing with MONEY. Or lack thereof. While I was prepared for paying bills and living on a budget, it was is hard to adjust to having the majority of my paycheck dissolve into rent and utility payments. My boyfriend and I are used to going out…

Interior Design 101: Answers to our Readers’ Questions Part II

February 19, 2013 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

We hope you’re enjoying Design Month here at My First Apartment. We’ve been working with Kate (left) from Arranging Order, and have learned a ton about everything from smart looking storage to how to use area rugs. Check out Part One of our reader Q&A here, and read on for more great reader Q’s and…

Sam’s Tips for Finding a Roommate Share Long Distance

August 25, 2012 | By Sam AuthorMy First Apartment

One of the hardest things to deal with when moving across the country (or even to another state) is procuring housing before you arrive. Typically, the prospective renters that my housemates and I have interviewed (mainly from Craigslist) were already conveniently located in our area. We set a time, they came over, we asked them…

The Politics of Food Sharing Among Housemates

January 7, 2012 | By Sam AuthorMy First Apartment

Many a friendship has soured from the overstepping of bounds when one assumes the generosity of a housemate and “borrows” a snack from the fridge. Living with other people has many advantages; cheaper rent, cheaper utilities, and a potentially lower food expense. That said, if the housemates don’t clearly lay out from the start what…

20 Tips for Surviving New York City on a Budget

September 5, 2011 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Maybe you saw last week’s semi-sappy post about leaving NYC. Well, this week I thought it might be more helpful to share some of my NYC honest-to-goodness learnings. 1) Use a broker when searching for apartments. It’s more $, but you’ll get a better deal on the month-to-month rent plus a better place in the…

How to Spot Illegal Apartments -10 Tips for Apartment Seekers

April 24, 2011 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Do you know what the NYC DOB is? You should – The DOB is a great resource for apartment dwellers: The NYC Department of Buildings ensures the safe and lawful use of over 975,000 buildings and properties by enforcing the City’s Building Code, Electrical Code, Zoning Resolution, New York State Labor Law and New York…