Moving To A New Apartment? There’s an App For That!

(Image courtesy of Bill David Brooks)

It goes without saying that technology has made our lives easier. Staying connected with friends and loved ones and answering questions can all be done with a few clicks on a smart phone’s screen. There are so many useful apps on smartphones anymore, that it only makes sense that there would be apps to help you during your move to a new apartment.

Taking the stress out of your move is now easier than ever with a number of affordable apps available on both droid and iPhone. This article from apartmentguide.com walks us through some of the best apps to use during your next move.

Apartment Guide Mobile

Why: Before you move, scroll through thousands of apartment listings near you, available either in list or interactive map views, using the GPS feature. See full property details, view photos and floor plans and select amenities to help you find the perfect place to live.

Best feature: Save apartments to your favorites list and call or email properties, all from your phone.

For: iPhone and Android

Cost: Free

Moving Planner

Why: As the move draws closer, keep yourself organized with this app. Create moving checklists for four to six weeks in advance, including tasks such as purchasing moving supplies, setting up utilities and unplugging electronics, or save time by using the pre-populated list of more than 210 house moving-related items.

Best feature: The color coded interface (green, yellow and red) makes it easy to visually determine which tasks are high priority.

For: Android

Cost: $0.99

Moving Van

Why: Make packing and unpacking a breeze with this app that lets you keep an accurate inventory of every single item that you pack into your boxes. To save time, take photos of the items in each box instead of listing them on the app, allowing you to know exactly where your favorite pair of socks is at all times.

Best feature: Export your inventory list as either a PDF or as text in the body of an email for added security.

For: iPhone

Cost: $1.99

Trucker Tools

Why: So you’ve got everything packed in your U-Haul or other moving truck, but what about the drive? Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you’ll want to make sure the route you take is truck-friendly. Trucker Tools gives you accurate turn-by-turn directions to ensure you don’t end up derailed by a low hanging overpass.

Best feature: The app can also find nearby truck stops, rest areas, fuel optimized routes and weigh scales.

For: iPhone

Cost: Free

Bubble Level

Why: After you unpack everything, it’s time to add the decorative finishing touches that help make your new apartment feel like home. If you don’t carry around a stocked toolkit, download this virtual spirit level. Hold any of the phone’s four sides against an object to make sure the things you’re hanging up are straight, or place it on a flat surface for a 360 degree level.

Best feature: The level shows the angle or inclination and offers orientation locking, allowing for the most accuracy.

For: Android

Cost: Free

Get Creative With Your Wrapping Paper

(Image courtesy of erika g.)

The Holidays can be tough on the environment. Between all the trees being harvested for decorations, the increased travel as we hurry to finish shopping and visit loved ones and the thousands of holiday cards that are sent., it’s no wonder that our carbon footprint increases during this time of year. Though it may seem impossible, it’s easy to have a festive and fun holiday season while still being conscious of our effects on the planet.

Wrapping gifts if just one of the many traditions that, with a little tweaking, can be turned from an environmental detriment to a fun and green way to show your loved ones that you care. This article from apartmentguide.com offers a few great ideas to keep your holidays earth friendly.

1. Reuse those brown paper shopping bags.

Paper or plastic? During the holiday season, opt for paper – you can reuse it to wrap gifts. Simply cut the sides of the bags so they lay flat, just like regular wrapping paper. Use colorful ribbons and bows to add some pizzazz to the package, or you could even decorate it with your own artwork. It’s like a blank canvas! And remember to save ribbons to use on other gifts next year.

2. Pick out some pillowcases.

You know you’ve got a few extra pillowcases hiding in your linen closet. Why not put them to good use during the holidays? Just drop a present inside and cinch the top with a brightly colored ribbon. You can use them over and over again, and there’s an added bonus: It’s a much faster way to wrap gifts than bringing out the wrapping paper and tape.

3. Find the funny papers.

Remember when people used to wrap gifts with the comics section of the newspaper? That’s still a good system! Even if you don’t subscribe to the paper version of your local news anymore, you can pick up a Sunday newspaper at all sorts of locations around your town. Just lay the comics section flat and get wrapping. You won’t even have to add any extra decorations to the gift; it’s already colorful enough!

4. Break out the boxes.

Think about it: If a gift is already enclosed in a box, why do you need to wrap it? You don’t! A regular box tied up with a colorful, reusable ribbon makes for an attractive, simple presentation, and you can keep the box and bow for years to come.

5. Wrap one gift with another gift.

Are you giving someone a scarf and another small gift? That’s a gift wrap in itself – just wrap the scarf around the smaller gift and secure the ends. This also works with bandanas, small blankets, and all sorts of other reusable wrappers.

And if you do use regular wrapping paper, you can toss it in the recycling bin instead of the trash after you unwrap gifts.

The Best Plants For Your Apartment

(Image courtesy of Jushih / 種種; 日常。)

Now that winter is here and the days are getting shorter, it's a little more difficult to get outside and enjoy the great flora around us. One alternative to get your green fix is to adopt a houseplant or two. Even if you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, there’s no need to worry.

There are plenty of apartment-safe and easy to care for plants, that are sure to make you feel like spring is just around the corner. This article from renters.apartments.com lists some of the easiest plants to care for. Keep reading to find the right fit for your apartment!

The Unstoppable Jade.

Even if you’re so far from having a green thumb that plants wilt upon hearing your name, chances are still very strong that the jade plant will more or less take care of itself in your hands. Just a little bit of water every now and then, a little bit of light (just in the same room as a working lamp will cut it) and this plant means business. I dare you to kill it.

Herbalicious.

The best plants in my opinion are those you can eat! What’s better yet, those that smell terrific. And finally, plants that are easy to grow. Boom! Herbs hit all three of those criteria. All you have to do is get some pots, plant some herb seeds, throw in some dirt, and water. Place them in the kitchen or in an area that sees adequate natural light, and you've got an edible garden. Best bets to start: Oregano (grows like a weed, good luck failing on this one!), chives (doesn't even need that much light), mint (mojito anyone) and basil (smells heavenly, but is a bit more difficult – give extra light in winter). Need a head start? Try this read-to-grow herb kit from Wind & Weather.

Fiddle-dee-do!

The Fiddleleaf Fig Tree is not only really fun to say, but it’s really easy to care for too. And I’ll admit, a lot of easily-cared-for plants can be on the less attractive side, but not this bad boy! Nope the Fiddleleaf Fig is gorgeous—so gorgeous it looks almost fake. Medium light and light watering is all you need (soil does not need to remain wet; let it dry before watering again).

Tea Time.

English Ivy looks as quaint as a British garden at teatime. Put in shabby chic pots and let the ivy do its job! Meaning let it go crazy and spill over the edges and creep along the furniture; it’s charming and beautiful. Keep the ivy’s soil moist.

Palm Beach.

 If you’re like me, the closest beach you've got is at a lake. I have no palm trees in my zip code so I rely on the Ponytail Palm. Voila, instant tropical feeling indoors! And believe it or not, this guy doesn't require constant watering. Want to take it up a notch? Buy a couple Ponytail Palms, string tiki lights around them, place around your dinner table and suddenly you’re dining al fresco—on the beach for that matter. Cocktail umbrellas not included.

How To Decorate Your Apartment Kitchen

(Image courtesy of Atlanta Scott)

Every kitchen has mostly the same features like a refrigerator, a stove, a microwave, a table and chairs, but what makes your kitchen unique? We’re all individuals and our traits should be reflected in the room we spend the most time in-the kitchen!

From the furniture and silverware that we choose down to the color of the walls, your kitchen provides ample opportunity to express yourself. This article from renters.apartments.com has a few great ideas to insert a little more personality into your kitchen. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Change up your walls: Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral like beige or gray. These colors won’t date the room and will prevent you from possibly getting quickly tired of a more drastic color palette.
   
2. Brighten up the kitchen: Use mirrors to capture the sunlight and bounce it around. Try putting a mirror across from a window or on a wall that corners against the window wall for the most light distribution.
   
3. Make seasonal changes: Moving the kitchen furniture into a 'summer arrangement' can optimize your space and give it a more airy feel. Make it light and breezy - think about removing some of the furniture and decorations for a lighter feel. Open those curtains and let the sun shine in!
   
4. Use slipcovers: Slipcovers over your chairs can soften the room and add to your decor. For the holidays, try using special covers in holiday patters or colors. For a nice summer change, use white cotton or canvas slipcovers on the chairs.
   
5. Get ideas from the pros: Look in magazines, books, television or the internet to get a flavor of the accessories and designs you would like to see in your kitchen. If you see a kitchen decorated in a way that you like, think about how you can duplicate the same decor in your home.
   
6. Decorate with cookbooks: You can make a nice display with your cookbooks. Try grouping them in interesting configurations with some lying down and some standing. Don't put small books next to tall books but align them in graduating sizes.
   
7. Warm it up with rugs: Area rugs can add a splash of color or cover up an old or unmatched floor. When buying rugs, measure your space so you can be sure to get the right rug size. Rugs used under a table should be large enough to also accommodate the chairs when fully pulled out.
   
8. Bring the outdoors inside: Don't be afraid to hang plants from any bare ceiling corner to give a lived in feeling to a plain kitchen. Plants provide interest and soften up the room. For above the cabinets or hard to reach places, silk plants work just as well as real ones, however, if you do buy silk, go with a good quality arrangement that looks realistic.
   
9. Change your look with accessories: A few strategically placed accessories can change your kitchen from dull to dramatic! Choose a theme and you could give your kitchen a whole new look just by replacing some key accessories like toaster covers, dish towels, canister sets, salt and pepper shakers and pot holders.
   
10. Change your cabinet pulls: There are so many different styles of cabinet pulls these days - figural, wooden, ceramic, glass - you should be able to find a design that matches your new decor easily. They are easy to install yourself and your friends will think you got new cabinets!
    
11. Add a border: Wallpaper borders are easy to put up and can add color and interest. You can use them at the top of the wall or go with a less traditional use underneath the cabinets. Use them at chair rail height to break up long walls. An even less expensive (but more labor intensive) alternative is to use stencils and paint.

Tech-Safe Holiday Travel

(Image courtesy of yаrl)

We live in a tech-savvy age. It’s not often you walk down the street to see people not using cell phones, ipods or other electronic devices. Though it’s great to stay connected, all those essential gadgets can become a burden when traveling.

This holiday season, don’t get hung up in your travel plans because you forget to prepare your electronics accordingly. This article from apartmenttherapy.com offers a few great tips to make sure that you, and your devices, can travel with ease this year. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Take An Ebook Reader. If you read quickly enough, spending a few hours in an airport will mean that you'll probably end up finishing that paperback you've got in your backpack. Ensure that you'll never miss out on an opportunity to read by taking a Kindle or an iPad with you filled up with books.

2. Skip Lines By Using Electronic Check-In

A lot of people prefer dealing with airport staff when checking in, but it's very quick to go the DIY route by using the electronic check-in booths that are available in any number of airports.

3. iPods and Earbuds Are Your Friends

Shut the world away thanks to your music player. iPods retain a charge for quite a long time, making them our go to music player.

4. Don't Overpack With Too Many Electronic Gizmos

Stick to a winning combination, like a music player with an ebook reader, or headphones with a portable video game console. Don't carry everything with you, as you'll probably end up not using most of it.

5. Pack All Electronics In Your Carry-On Luggage

Yes, your backpack might get heavy, but this ensures that you won't lose them while you're traveling. You should also pack your heaviest clothes in your carry-on luggage. You can get away with a backpack and a rolling carry-on bag without any problems. I've packed an Xbox 360, a Nikon D200, and two laptops in my carry-on luggage without a cinch.

How To Banish Closet Clutter

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Throughout the year our closets find ways to fill up. We find new clothes and shoes that we have to have, we have older pieces that we can’t seem to let go, we use our closet as a catch-all for things we can’t seem to fit anywhere else- after awhile all these items pile up and create a mess that it’s impossible to sift through.

No matter how full your closet has gotten over the last few months, cleaning it out doesn’t have to be a nightmare. This article from storagefront.com walks us through some simple tips to clean out the items you don’t want and to keep everything else organized. Keep reading to learn some of these simple tricks:

Before you do anything: set aside seasonal pieces

A few years ago, I committed to purge my closet of half of my clothes. It was May. Naturally, it was much easier for me to part with coats, boots, sweaters, and scarves than with typical summer wear. I was immensely proud of myself – for about four months.

There are certain articles of clothing and pairs of shoes that are definitely seasonal, even if you enjoy the occasional light cardigan in the summer. Before you can consider selling, donating, or gifting your unwanted apparel, set aside anything that weather wouldn’t want you wearing for the next several months.

Where can you put seasonal items when you don’t have a basement or garage? One option is to box them up and set them somewhere in the closet, all while making sure your method is tidy. Another possibility is to store them in a climate-controlled storage unit. A 5x5 space is often compared to a walk-in closet, and you can easily search for nearby, affordable units. Whatever you decide to do, keep the clothes safely tucked away for a few months until you can revisit them with better judgment.

Recruit a buddy

How many times have you decided to get organized, only to find yourself suddenly labeling everything as having sentimental value? After you’ve safely stored your out-of-season clothes, bring a friend over while you clean out your closet.

Even if you and your friend don’t wear the exact same size, chances are that she could fit into plenty of your tops and maybe even some shoes. Whip up your friend’s favorite lunch, pop in a movie, and make an afternoon of your project.

The trick here is to get your friend on board with your goals. Let her know how many things you’re looking to get rid of or what standard you’ll be using to decide each item’s fate. She can help you out by keeping you accountable to your goals. What’s in it for her? She gets to keep anything she likes from your “sell/donate/gift” piles.

Use the “six month” box

Peter Walsh of Extreme Clutter suggests a nifty hanger trick to help you realize which of your clothes do nothing more than collect dust. My “six month” box follows a similar premise, but provides an immediate pay-off of a more spacious closet. Consider which one you like better – or come up with an experiment of your own!

This box (or, more ideally, plastic storage bin) is different from your out-of-season box. It’s the designated spot for clothes that you’re on the fence about. While your friend helps you decide which clothes you don’t want to keep, you’ll run into pieces that you just don’t want to part with. You may be telling yourself that you’ll fit back into that skinny pair of jeans someday, or that you’ll love that top once you sew the button back on. Whatever your hesitation may be, set the item aside in your six month box.

What follows is simple. Say that you’re getting ready one day and you can’t find that floral ¾-sleeve top that you’re suddenly in the mood to wear. Go grab it from your six month box. After you’ve worn it and washed it, put the top back in your closet as normal. Follow this process for six months; if something comes out of the box, it can stay out of the box. At the end of six months, you’ll see which clothes you didn’t think about, chose not to wear, or simply forgot about when out of sight.

In my experience, I’ve never felt remorse for anything left in that box after several months. Periodically I’ll grab something from it, see something else I like, but never come back to actually wear it. When I come back to that box after six months, I’m always more than ready and willing to part with what’s in it.

Turkey Dinner Without All The Hassle

(Image courtesy of diettogo1)

Thanksgiving is a great holiday to spend with families and friends, but if you’re hosting the festivities this year, things can get a little hectic. Between trying to set the perfect table, cook a meal that everyone will love and entertain your guests, the day will fly by in no time. Thankfully, there are a number of useful gadgets you can use on Thanksgiving this year to make your party planning a little easier.

To relax a little more on the holiday and spend quality time with your loved ones, you can always rely on your favorite devices. This article from renters.apartments.com lists a few great tips and tricks to get you through the holiday without losing your mind. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Timer. Do you own a smartphone? It probably has a timer on it. Charge that sucker overnight because it’s going to get a workout on Turkey day. Set your alarm early—turkeys take a long time to bake (how long? See aforementioned Grandma), and then use the timer to actually time the things your recipes tell you to. This is Thanksgiving, people. It’s no time to start winging it.

2. Oven mitts. This is the one I usually remember I should have purchased when the oven door is open and I need to pull something out before it catches fire. Get two of them and keep them in a drawer next to the oven.

3. Two knives. You really should have more than two knives, but at minimum you’ll need a carving knife and a paring knife. Anything you can’t do with one, you can manage with the other. Just don’t let any chef-types see you dice vegetables with a paring knife. It gives them chest pains.

4. Roasting pan with handles. This may have to be a new purchase if you don’t have one already, but it’s a key part of baking the turkey. Invest in a good one that can be used on the stovetop as well so you can make the gravy right in the pan. *Handles are important. That bird weighs a lot and it’s much easier to manipulate if you’ve got a good grip.

5. Meat thermometer*. Gravy is your friend if you’re a chronic over-cooker, but why not prevent yourself from drying out the bird altogether with a meat thermometer? Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (be careful not to hit the bone) and remove it when the temperature reaches 165 Fahrenheit. *Some turkeys have a thermometer already sunk into the bird. Just keep an eye on it and when it pops up, it’s done.

6. Cookie sheet with rimmed sides. You’ll use this for everything from baking cookies to roasting vegetables to baking spiced nuts for an appetizer. Get one with rimmed sides—it really cuts back on the mess.

7. Big serving spoons. You’re going to have a lot of drippy, creamy side dishes, not to mention gravy. These things don’t lend themselves to being served with forks or grapefruit spoons. Three is good—four is better.

8. Casserole dish. This should be sturdy, possibly inherited from your mother and oven- and microwave-safe. It should also have a lid. Any other features are just gravy.

9. Measuring cups. If you don’t already own a set of these, you should be seriously questioning your ability to prepare an entire Thanksgiving meal. They make some that flatten for easy storage, which are great for the tiny drawers in most rental kitchens.

10. Tin foil. If push came to shove, you could theoretically make your entire Thanksgiving meal in tin foil alone. It wouldn’t go great, but you could swing it. At the very least you’ll want foil to cover warm side dishes while the bird finishes up. It will also come in handy for sending guests home with leftovers. If you’re feeling ambitious, wrap up the food and then use some extra foil to fold the packet into the shape of a turkey like some kind of swanky restaurant. Now you look like a pro.

Hosting Thanksgiving in your apartment is a big undertaking, but it’s easier and more fun when you ask your guests to pitch in and help out. Ask attendees to BYO bottle and side dish (and maybe even an extra kitchen chair) and you’ll have a terrific meal with plenty of reason to celebrate.

Living The Solo Life

(Image courtesy of Evil Erin) 

For the first part of our lives we all spend time sharing our spaces. As children we live with our parents and we may have siblings living with us. In our college years and early twenties many of us have roommates that share our apartments with us. So, it’s understandable that when moving out on your own for the first time the sense of freedom can be overwhelming. It’s exciting to be king of your own castle, not have to answer to anyone about how late you’ve gotten home and not having to worry about cleaning up anyone else’s mess.

Though there are some major benefits to living on your own, it is easy to quickly get caught up in a negative routine as you test the bounds of your new-found freedom. This article from renters.apartments.com outlines a few pitfalls first time solo apartment renters fall into. Keep reading to learn how to keep the balance when living on your own for the first time.

Keep your apartment clean. It’s easy to keep dishes piled up in the sink or leave your shoes in front of the door when you don’t live with anyone else. Try to establish good habits and set aside time to clean up and make your apartment a space you’re proud of.

Express your style. Have some fun with your apartment and paint the walls in your favorite colors and arrange the furniture how you see fit. You don’t have to worry about compromising your style by living alone so embrace your sense of design.

Be aware of how much time you spend in your apartment. When you live alone it can be easy to hibernate in your apartment. Make it a priority to plan a couple of nights out each week to keep a healthy balance of staying social and having your alone time.

Stay safe. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure your locks are working properly, test your smoke detectors, and keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Better safe than sorry.

Befriend your neighbors. Get to know your neighbors and establish a sense of community with your neighborhood. Whether you need a cup of sugar, or have an emergency, it’s nice to know who’s next door.

Get a pet. If you miss having some company in your apartment, look into adopting a pet from your local animal shelter. A dog or cat can be a welcoming comfort to come home to.

We hope these tips help you enjoy living alone in your apartment!

Ten Simple Steps To An Easier Move

(Image courtesy of Meathead Movers)

Unfortunately, moving is never easy. There are always too many things to get done, and it never seems like there is enough time to accomplish them. Thankfully there are a few steps you can take to relieve some of the stress during your moving day.

Keeping your move organized will help to combat the stress of relocating. This article from renters.apartments.com offers some quick and simple tips to keep your move as seamless as possible. Keep reading to be reminded of a few simple tricks to keep you organized and stress free!

Make a List

It’s easy to forget things during a move. Stay on point by printing out custom inventory and moving checklists from the Internet, so you never miss a step, like informing your in-laws of your move.

Get Boxes for Free

Why pay for something you’re going to recycle once you’re done moving? Go to your local grocery or liquor store a few weeks before your move and ask if you can help yourself to some of their leftover boxes.

Pack Smart

If you have a long trip ahead, you need easy access to food, drinks, hygiene supplies, medicine, and a change of clothes for everyone. Also, pack an “open me first” box full of important tools and cleaning supplies.

Label Your Boxes

Make detailed labels on each box so you know what room they go in and whether or not the items inside are fragile. This helps prevent your priceless china from turning into dust.

Donate or Sell What You Don’t Need

Lighten your load by donating any seldom-used items to a charity or selling them in a yard sale. This reduces your clutter, and your unwanted items go to a good cause.

Change Your Address

Change your address online or in person through the USPS at least seven to ten days before you move or else you’ll miss out on some important mail.

Research Your New City and Neighborhood Online

It’s never too early to uncover the dirt on your new town — like the weather, traffic, and the best places to blow off a little steam–so you know what to expect before you settle into your new home.

Set up or Transfer your Home Services

Check to see if your existing home service providers are available in your new area. If so, schedule a service transfer. If not, you are going to need to find a new one. Movearoo can help you find which TV, Phone, or Internet service providers are available in your new neighborhood. Make sure you set your cancellation date for the day you move out and your install date for the day after you move in. This way you aren’t going too long without service but you also don’t have to deal with it during the pandemonium of your move.

Take Notes and Make Measurements

Measure the width of doors and hallways, to prevent nicking walls and woodwork when carrying large objects through your home. Also, take note of what goes in each room before you move everything in.

Clean and Paint, Before You Unpack

Finish any painting and cleaning before you unpack your boxes and situate your furniture. This allows your house to be thoroughly cleaned and you won’t have to cover your furniture to keep it paint free.

Replace Your Locks

Keep your family and your possessions safe by changing all of the locks. This eliminates the risk of strangers having a key to invade your home.

Good luck with your move! Print off, or refer back to this list as much as possible so your move goes on without a hitch.

Simple Ways To Update Your Apartment

(Image courtesy of Wonderlane)

The way you have your apartment decorated is about more that just gathering a sofa and end tables that look nice together- it’s also a statement about your personality. Even though you may love the way your rooms are decorated, seeing the same design day in and day out can get tedious. Thankfully, there are simple ways to update the look of your room without having to go through all the hassle of redesigning the whole space.

Making small adjustments to your decor can save you lots of time and energy when you feel like you need a change. This article from edwarddickson.hubpages.com offers some simple ideas to change your look with out starting over from scratch. Keep reading to learn how reusing or recycling different pieces of furniture or tweaking the color scheme of your room will give your living room a new look.

Playing with Color

Color is one of the easiest and most effective tools you can use when decorating a room. If you'd like to re-invent your living space without spending a lot of money, consider color for your walls. If it's permissible to paint your apartment walls, a fresh coat of paint can add a lot of pizzazz for very little cost. However, even if you're stuck with plain off-white walls that you're not permitted to repaint, there are still plenty of ways to add color. Colorful oversized art pieces or rustic metal wall art are a great way to add visual appeal to boring apartment walls. If you can't afford designer paintings and prints, look to posters and photographs instead. You might be surprised how affordable it can be to have oversized enlargements created from your own favorite photographs.

In addition to using color on the walls, there are also plenty of inexpensive ways to use it throughout the room. If your apartment floors look boring, spice things up with one or more colorful and yet affordable area rugs. Inexpensive plastic milk crates can be stacked to create bright, useful and space-saving storage areas. Even a simple bouquet of wildflowers displayed in a vase can be used to add a splash of color to a room. Or add a theme to your space. For example, you can buy inexpensive coffee cup wall art to give your kitchen a fun coffee theme.

Multi-Tasking Furniture Solutions

If you're trying to save on both money and space, furniture pieces that serve more than one function can be a great choice. For example, instead of buying a pricey coffee table, try using an old steamer trunk instead. In addition to serving as a coffee table, you'll also be able to use the inside of the trunk to store blankets, board games, hobby and craft supplies, and other items you'd like to keep handy and yet out of sight. End tables that include cabinets and drawers or a storage bench are also good choices when it comes to multi-functional furniture pieces for your apartment. If you want to save even more money, look for sturdy and yet inexpensive furniture pieces at thrift stores, second-hand shops, flea markets or even garage sales. You might be surprised at the beautiful and yet affordable pieces you'll be able to find.

Less is More

Taking a minimalist approach to decorating your apartment is yet another way to save money while still creating a sleek and stylish look. When choosing items for your home, focus on beautiful and yet functional items instead of purely decorative pieces. By doing so, your apartment will be attractive, comfortable, and spacious instead of cluttered with items you don't really need. As an added bonus, you'll also find that you'll have more money left in your wallet - and your savings account - at the end of the month.