First Apartment

On Your Own

Your first place means learning how to deal with the landlord, budgeting and sharing spaces with roommates. My Move has you covered with apartment checklists and advice for everything from finding a place to getting your deposit back.

Featured Resources

Checklist for Moving into Your First Apartment

The following first apartment checklist suggests a timeline for all of the actions you need to take before moving d... MORE

Moving Planners for an Organized Move

Download a free moving planner to stay on track and organized. There's one for homeowners and one for renters. ... MORE

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How to Find the Perfect Apartment

Here are some useful tips to help you find an apartment that's affordable and livable.... MORE

Roommate Agreements: Dos and Don’ts of Splitting Costs

Keep the following budgeting dos and don’ts in mind so your roommate experience is one you’ll remember fondly for t... MORE

Checklist: How to Move Out for the First Time

Moving out for the first time is a big step; it has an associated fear factor that can range from "mild" to "severe... MORE

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Apartment Security Deposit Refunds: Q&A with a Cleaning Pro

Unless your apartment is clean when you move out, you might not see all or any of your security deposit again. Thes... MORE

Where to Get Cheap Furniture for Your First Apartment

If you’re living off campus for the first time and you’re strapped for cash, keep the following tips in mind so you... MORE

Roommate Problems: What to Do When You Don’t Get Along

When your new roommate rapidly becomes your least favorite person, you’ve got a problem. The following roommate sce... MORE

What Type of Roommate Are You?

Take this quiz to find out what type of roommate you are, what expectations you have, and the sort of characteristi... MORE

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4 Tips for Finding and Keeping Pet-Friendly Rentals

Ask anyone who has ever worked or volunteered at an animal shelter what the most common reason is for people relinq... MORE

Creating a Roommate Chore Chart in 5 Easy Steps

When you were a kid, your parents may have set up a chore chart or chore schedule for you and your siblings. Now yo... MORE

What to Do If You Don't Get Along with Your Landlord

You can pick your friends, but not your…landlord? The bad news is that you can't change the person your landlord is... MORE

How to Give Notice That You're Moving Out

If you're moving out of your apartment, don't risk losing your deposit—make sure you give proper written notice bef... MORE

FAQ: Getting a Refund on Your Security Deposit

If you’re a first-time apartment renter, you might have questions about your security deposit: what is it for, what... MORE

Apartment Moving Tips

In all the excitement and stress of moving to your new apartment, don't miss the important details. Use this moving... MORE

Apartment Cleaning with Natural Products

You've survived packing, but now you're standing in the midst of piles and boxes and wondering where to start with ... MORE

Moving Out of an Apartment Checklist

Keep your move on track with this apartment move-out checklist.... MORE

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Save Money on Insurance

Moving can be a perfect opportunity to get better insurance rates for your car. Compare rates and offers in your new neighborhood!

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