Rules to Follow If You Are Moving Into Your First Apartment: Part 2

Moving into a new apartment complex can be both scary and exhilarating at the same time. It can be hard to figure out where to start, what to pack, what to purchase, or even where to go. Moving out of student housing into your first of what will likely be many rental apartments can be daunting, but know you are not alone; one-third of all American renters move every year. So here is our apartment guide with some tips to follow when you are moving into that first place of your own, part 2.

4. Buy secondhand

It is important to remember that you do not have to buy everything brand new. Housewares and decorations, when new, can be expensive and can wreak havoc on your budget — and the truth is that you don’t really need them. Cheaper sometimes does mean better, so look for gently used cutlery and dishes, pots and pans, other household items, and even appliances. You will barely realize that they have been used before, and you will be able to save some cash that can go towards laundry or groceries.

5. Don’t forget the hidden expenses

Chances are you have already budgeted for the utility bill, Internet, groceries, and rent, but have you budgeted for those easy-to-forget items that you will need every day? Items such as toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, cleaning supplies, and laundry detergent must factor into your budget, because you can’t really live without them. Don’t forget to adjust your gas expenses if you are moving farther away from where you work.

6. Purge

You will soon realize that you have accumulated a lot of stuff while living in a college dorm room or with your parents. A lot of this is just clutter, and it is taking up unnecessary space. So purge your belongings before you move to give yourself a fresh start in your new place. Plus, you will not want to haul everything up the stairs of your new apartment complex! You can hold a garage sale to bring in some extra cash, donate items to charity, or simply box things up to put them in storage.

Just keep these tips in mind and you will have nothing to worry about in that brand new apartment of yours!