6 first apartment tips you need to know before moving

Thinking about leaving the nest soon? Moving into your first apartment can be both exciting and scary! If you’re looking for some apartment tips and tricks then you’ve come to the right place!

These apartment tips will definitely let you know if you’re ready to move into your first apartment. Whether you’re ready to move or are being forced to move, these apartment tips are exactly what you need to think about before taking the leap.

I’m giving you the best apartment tips for first-time renters, apartment tips for saving money, and first-time apartment budget tips.

This post is all about moving into your first apartment.

Apartment Tips

1. Set A Budget | Manage Your Money

You won’t realize how much money you actually need until you’re living on your own for the first time. There are a few DEFINITE costs that you need to be aware of.

Rent
Electricity Bill
Renter’s Insurance
Water Bill
Internet & Cable

Those are the very basic apartment bills that you’re going to have to pay monthly. Now, I describe these bills to you in more detail in another post because you actually may not have to pay all of these bills separately.

Some apartment complexes come with package deals.

If you’re interested in gaining more information about the different ways your apartment expenses can be broken down, click here to read that article. It’s really helpful!

Nonetheless, it’s important to understand that you will have to budget each month to take care of these recurring expenses. That’s a given.

2. Create A List Of Must-Haves | First Apartment

You’ll soon realize how important this list is to have once you move. These are things that you may not think about initially but will end up being super important to you later.

Where are you going to wash your clothes? In this case, maybe you’re okay with loading up the car and driving to a laundry mat. If not, would you prefer to have a washer and dryer inside your apartment?

What if your apartment has washers and dryers at another location within the apartment complex? It really depends on what you’re comfortable with.

I’ve literally experienced all things. I lived in an apartment where there were washers and dryers in a laundry room within the apartment complex (it cost money to use it). In another place, I had to load up my car with laundry and drive to a laundry mat- which I absolutely HATED, but it is what it is.

I’m finally in an apartment that has a washer and dryer within my own apartment and I LOVE IT. It really depends on you. Mind you, it costs more money to live in an apartment that comes with a washer and dryer just because it’s more desirable.

*Here are 7 Pros And Cons Of Apartment Living You Need To Know Before Moving.*

Do you want a balcony? (maybe you have plants or would like to easily access fresh air)

What is the parking like? (Can you park anywhere? Do you have a designated spot? How many visitors can you have?)

Is it important to you to have a dishwasher?

These questions are must-haves that people don’t even realize they care about until they are in an apartment that doesn’t have what they ‘must-have’. Research wisely and GO ON TOURS OF THE APARTMENTS BEFORE MOVING IN.

Lastly, do you want to live with a roommate? Personally, I do not live with anyone but I have a friend who lives with their boyfriend and they love it! Like I’ve said before, these things are up to you.

Just know that living with another person is EXTREMELY different than living with family members.

*Here are 13 Extremely Important Questions To Ask A Roommate.*

3. Groceries Are Expensive

I found out right away just how expensive buying food can be. Isn’t it crazy how “healthy food” such as fruits and veggies are SO EXPENSIVE? It’s no wonder people opt for cheap food that causes weight gain.

Listen, I’m not saying to be that person, but I want you to know that organic and healthy food typically costs more. Now obviously it’s always worth buying if you’re trying to live a healthy life.

I think it’s worth it to buy these items, but only if you’re going to eat them. Include this expense in your weekly budget and you’ll be okay.

One way you can be successful with grocery shopping is by paying attention to sales and discounted items. Sometimes if you become a rewards member with the grocery store the items are significantly less AND it may even offer a few cents off of gas for your car using reward points.

It’s definitely something worth looking into!

Also, try making your own sweet snacks to reframe from buying them at the store. For example, instead of buying cookies at the store, you can bake cookies at home yourself.

You can also make Rice Krispy Treats at home using 3 ingredients. I HIGHLY recommend it! It’s fun and saves you money in the long run.

4. You Might Lose Friends

When you have to start prioritizing your own needs and saving money, you may lose some friends. You might not be able to go out as often as you used to.

You may have to skip dining out and opt to eat at home. This could mean that your friends go and eat at restaurants and such without you. It’s really not the end of the world, but it’s right around this time in your life when your circle of friends starts to dwindle down.

Guess what? It’s perfectly fine! The ones who are meant to stay in your life will stay. You have to have thick skin and not go out and spend money you don’t have just to please people you kind of care about. Cause trust me, the real ones will get it!

Only you really know your finances. Will these friends help you pay your bills if you couldn’t afford to? If not, skip that dinner. Life goes on!

5. Get Comfortable

Make your apartment feel as homey as you can. Put some decorations up, bring in furniture or items that make you feel comfortable, and claim your space.

The quicker you can make your apartment feel like home the sooner you will enjoy being there. It’s exciting to move into a new place, but if you’re moving alone it can quickly make you actually feel alone.

Save yourself from homesickness by putting up photos that make you smile or artistic things that add value to your life.

Make it yours!

Just be careful not to poke holes in the wall. Use tacs or command strips instead. Some apartments have strict rules on putting holes in the wall for obvious reasons.

6. Have Fun At Home | Apartment Hack

As mentioned earlier, you don’t have to go out to do things to have fun. You can do them right from the comfort of your home.

Invite people over for a wine and cheese night or something. Usually, when you invite people over for events like this, people typically bring their own wine OR they at least bring something so they don’t show up empty-handed.

Keep in mind that not all people bring their own things when going to someone’s house, so you will either have to specifically tell them to bring their own drinks or have something for those who don’t bring anything.

The moral of the story is, you don’t need to spend money to have fun. Maybe on the intial things like buying a boardgame or cards, but the good news is once you buy it, you don’t have to buy it again. We’ll call it an investment for fun 😉.

Honesty moment: I’m a huge introvert and my home is my personal space. It’s VERY RARE for me to actually invite people over. When I host I get so caught up in how my guests are feeling that I don’t have a good time. I’m trying to make sure they’re not thirsty or hungry or bored haha! It’s too stressful for me!

I know I need to just relax and have fun but I can’t because it’s such a rare occasion for me. One of my goals this year though is to not be afraid to invite people over and when people are over, just chill and relax!

Anyway, these are just a few first apartment tips to think about and keep in mind when moving into an apartment.

Let me know in the comments below if I’m forgetting something important.