Best Ways to Save Money on Your First Apartment

The day you get the keys to your first apartment is a big milestone in many lives. Most people jump in without having a clue as to how to make it work. There are so many little expenses when you first step out into the world, like buying a rug for the bathroom or curtains for the bedroom. It’s important to look for ways to save money when you first move in. Here are some of the best ways to do just that.

Find a Great Roommate

A roommate whom you can get along with is worth its weight in gold. While you don’t need to be besties, you do need to live with people who are tidy, respectful, and who will pay their bills on time. If you have a friend or family member who wants to move in with you, that's great too, just make sure they are as responsible as you are so that you won’t be the only one footing the bills. Many people find roommates through friends, churches, college boards, and more. Make sure you interview your potential roommates, do background checks, and get references to ensure that you can make it work living in the same spaces. You want someone who will clean up after themselves and also take responsibility for other household chores.

Invest in Renter's Insurance

Renter's insurance is a good idea for anyone who lives in a rental apartment. It protects your belongings if they are stolen or damaged, and can be bought for as little as $5 per month. In addition to protecting your stuff, renter's insurance can also cover the cost of hotels if you are displaced. It’s important to find out if you also need interested party renters insurance, where you can add the landlord or building owner to the policy as well. These policies can help cover liabilities and any other legal issues that can arise while you are renting the apartment.

Consider Living in a Smaller Apartment

If you're looking to save money on your first apartment, consider living in a smaller place. Smaller apartments are cheaper and easier to maintain than larger ones. When you’re living alone, you may be able to get creative enough to live in a great studio or one bedroom apartment. Even if you work from home, there are so many great ways to use even the smallest spaces to meet your needs. You can save big money not only on your rent, but also on your utilities when you need to heat and cool a smaller apartment.

Avoid Unnecessary Expenses Like Cable

Cable is a waste of money. It's expensive, and there are plenty of ways to replace it with other things that will provide you with entertainment and information. If you want a service to wind down with, you can choose a streaming service instead. They are especially affordable because there are no long term contracts or connection fees. If you have a roommate, and you both want cable, you could consider splitting the cost and getting a smaller package to help make it more affordable.

Use A Smart Thermostat to Watch Your Utility Usage

A smart thermostat can be a great investment for your first apartment. There are ways to cut your bills down. Try turn the thermometer up a few degrees during the summer and down a few extra degrees in the winter. A smart thermostat can help you manage your energy usage all while using it from your home. You can even hook up lights to the app so that you can turn things off remotely if you forgot to while you were home.

Cook at Home and Eat Your Leftovers

People love to go out to eat at restaurants. But if you’re looking to save money when you first move into your apartment, then cook at home and eat your leftovers most of the time. Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out. Eating leftovers helps you to reduce food waste as well. Plus, when you are trying to eat healthier, cooking at home can help you gauge how much you’re eating and help you stay on plan.

Look For Free Furniture to Get Started

Everyone loves new furniture, but there is nothing wrong with looking for free or cheap pieces online until you have more money to get something new for yourself. Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and even yard sales are great places to look for furniture for your first apartment. You can even refinish older looking pieces to give them a fresh look.