First Apartment Questions!

[warwick.hoy]

Paul,

I've been doing the Apartment thing for a long time. Since I was 17 and I'm now 29 and married. In my entire life on my own, I've only found one roommate; besides my wife, that I got along with/ wasn't screwed over by. Roommates suck. In one instance my home turned into a flophouse for all the degenerate alcoholic teenage friends of my roommate's brother. GRRRR

You should consider getting yourself more hours were you work, asking for a raise, finding a better paying job or finding a second job, and ditching the roommate (as previously mentioned). Nothing ruins a friendship quicker than becoming roommates with a friend. So if it is only with a roommate that you can move into an apartment, consider how much you care about the person you are about to live with.

Consider a smaller apartment with room for only you and the occasional companion for a little rumpy pumpy. I lived in a studio and loved it.

Mattress? You can buy cheap at a thrift store, but if that makes you feel ill (doesn't bother me, but it would bother some) get yourself a decent futon until you can afford a real bed.

Don't let you expenses eat into your savings. Keep those savings for a real emergency, or if something bad happens like you lose your job.

 

[Stumbo]

bed/mattress: gotta get to love Craigslist:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Here's an example of what you can find for free:

Date: 2008-07-22, 8:40PM EDT
Hey All,
My lease ends at the end of July. There are a lot of things I need to give away asap. PLEASE TAKE EVERYTHING BY 31st July.
- 2 Couches
- 1 Study Table +1 table with same height as the study table for extended space
- 1 Twin Bed with Frame Mattress and Box
- 1 Chest of drawers
- 1 Coffee Table
- 1 Microwave - Extremely clean.
You must haul everything. Call me on 4125197202 Now! Calling me is the best way to get in touch with me.

* This item has been posted by-owner.
* Location: Shadyside
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 766002420

 

[Stumbo]

I lived in a studio and loved it.

Don't let you expenses eat into your savings. Keep those savings for a real emergency, or if something bad happens like you lose your job.

+100 for the studio or one bedroom apt.

+infinity for emergency savings, no matter where you live.

 

[ryco]

I mean I can think of some alternatives, but he seems like a smart guy

I guess I forgot to mention this idea in my post. My bad!

Maybe he only works part time? Besides he's 19, that limits the kind of jobs/salary he can get.

As you perceive it, so will it be

peace out

 

[jady]

Paul, first off $500 for a 2 bedroom apt is dirt cheap!!!! It is a minimum of $800 out here.

I used to do the envelope deal. Every paycheck get a bunch of envelopes, 1 for every expense, divide the money into the appropriate envelope for the bills. NEVER juggle the envelopes, once you put money in there do not take it out except for the expense that is written on it.

 

[Visirale]

Damn, you all have cheap rent. I'm at $875 a month before anything else. But it is a pretty nice place that's built well so no worries about sound and all that jazz. Plus I'm really close to school.

IKEA was amazing for furniture. I got everything besides couches for about $1500. Tables, desk, entertainment center, bed, drawers, and all kinds of other stuff. My stuff was the middle of the line stuff. You can get some stuff for a lot cheaper. The quality is great (just make sure you take the time to put it together right).

I got a mattress from Sam's club for $200 yesterday. It's all foam and similar models by name brands are over $1000.

Always shop at big wholesale stores if you can. The savings can be ridiculous!

Also keep an eye out at big furniture stores. They'll have come on specials to get you in the store. I got two full sized couches for $275 each, and they're the nice vinyl/leather stuff.

 

[Pilgrim]

Used furniture.

Craigslist everything possible, including a bed.

RENTER'S INSURANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Visirale]

I can understand some used things but a used bed is just gross, IMO.

Wise shopping can get you all good quality new stuff for not too much more than a bunch of crappy old used stuff.

Of course there are some good used things out there, but you never can be too sure.

 

[bobbykokinos]

What are we looking to expect as a total per month would you say around?

These are average prices so dont quote me. The apartment office should be able to give you a better idea.. Rent + $75/mo for electric (will go up or down based on season if your apt is all electric) + $15/mo water, + $80/mo for internet plus a decent selection of cable channels, + $20/mo renters insurance.

What are good ways to save money?

I always look for coupons if possible and, except for a few things, I usually buy store brand stuff. I try my best to base my meals on whats on sale for that week. Don't eat out as much if you have food in your fridge. Set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature and open your windows if possible. Dont get a land phone line if you have cell phones. Buy stuff in bulk if you know you'll use it (toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soaps, etc..).

There is a ton of stuff you can do but you'll figure it out based on your lifestyle.

Is it unreasonable to barter the price of the apt rent?

Yes and no. If a mom/pop own the apartment, you might be able to. If its an apartment management company, they wont budge due to equal opportunity laws. If they do, they can have a discrimination case against them since everyone in this country likes to sue.

Any surprises i should worry about?

In apartment living, there arent many surprises since maintenance is usually taken care for you. You'll spend a decent amount of money at the beginning furnishing the apartment but, after that, should be pretty predictable. If you and your room mate need to buy furnishings, I wouldn't split the cost between the both of you. One person buy one thing, the other buys another. That way you own what you bought.

If you are taken any valuable electronics, jewelery, instruments, etc.. get pictures and serial numbers from everything.

You'll probably never use renters insurance but, if you own anything of value, you should get it.

EDIT - How much do you feel food is say, per week for you?

I'm a single guy living by myself, eat twice a day, and eat out a couple times a week and spend about $200/mo at the grocery store. That includes everything (food, cleaning supplies, laundry, toiletries, etc..)