Question: I'm moving into my first apartment! I'm...

i moved into my first place when i was 18, got everything from yard sales or thrifts stores, to get me started started replacing things with newer thing as the years went but, buget your money very wisely, learn how to cook the back of every can or boxed labels has reciepe's try the out they work out great and save on money, dont let anyone live with you, sleep over is great but live in suck or end bad, talking from experience... just find yourself and what likes or dislikes you learn about yourself, good luck and have lots of fum

budgeting is really important. try to set it up so that your money for various expenses is divided up (ex: rent and groceries vs. fun stuff & decorating), be it with separate bank accounts, or an envelope system, whatever. and definitely save up for unexpected expenses.
and make sure you know who to contact if anything goes wrong in the apartment (ex: leaky faucet, broken-down refrigerator, etc.). it may seem obvious, but before i moved in to my current place, the property management company switched supers and didn't tell me. depending on the area you're in and how safe you feel, you may want to look in to having the locks changed/reinforced.
good luck, it's a really fun experience!

My advise is save, save, save!! Save all extra money you get (and don't expect) for things you normally can't buy because of bills. I have learned that while living on my own, the only way I can do fun things (NKOTB concerts that require travel) is to save! Whenever you get extra money, save it for something special so you can reward yourself for working hard and paying all of your bills.

always check craigslist and goodwill stores while furnishing your place before going retail :) there are some really good finds on there!

wow lovely

Budget and save, this isn't to say you can't have fun, but you always want an emergency savings tucked away if you were to ever loose your job or something (so you'd want enough to cover a few months rent, preferrably 6). If you're apt allows pets (and you are prepared and willing to be a responsible provider to your furry companion, which includes food, toys, and veterinary visits) then go ahead. It does make it less lonely.
Last, but not least, have fun with it! It's a great opportunity to tap into your decorating skills, you can plan parties or dinners with friends, etc. Owning an apt is great, especially the first time around. :) Congrats!

If you have a boyfriend, be careful about letting him move in with you. If that ever happens, make sure you're ready - when I had my first place mine moved in with me shortly after and I never got to really experience independence until we broke up 6 years later. Also, be careful about ever getting a roommate - they can keep you company and help with the bills, but I have heard of too many issues people have had with roommates not being dependable. I now live on my own and love it! Congratulations, and enjoy!

Once you get your things moved, take an inventory of things you need. If there are big items on
that list, see if you can get them "used" or "borrow", until you can budget them for yourself.
Buy groceries. Oh, yes. If nothing else, on the first day, before anything else..make you bed!!
You don't know how long you will be busy, and when you crash, you will want your bed ready.
Introduce yourself to your neighbors, and try to stay on a friendly basis with them. You may
need them at some point. (you never know)...There is probably more..but, don't want to over
whelm you.. good luck! {- :

turn the lights off when you leave the room! lol. and no need to turn the heat up to 90 degrees in the winter(assuming it gets cold where you are). lol. covering up with a blanket or putting on a sweater is a lot cheaper. and budgeting is key. make sure you have enough money for rent and bills, and then for food at the end of the day. and if you have extra, don't go splurging at the nearest department store--save some of it for emergencies (ie-car breaks down, gas money, bills are higher than average, etc). and basically, just enjoy the experience. :) it may be scary at first, but you'll adjust. and good luck! :D p.s. i agree, be cautious of your neighbors--some of them can be super jerks. =/

Definitely budget your money. It's so easy to get excited for a new place and to furnish it with tons of furniture and accessories, and then realize you don't have enough money to pay all the bills. Buy everything you NEED, of course, but don't just get stuff because it'll look great in your apartment. Go a few months figuring out how much you have to pay in bills, and how much you have left over for savings and spending. THEN accessorize it!
Learn to use your kitchen. Takeout is much easier, but it's also expensive. Plus, cooking is so much fun because you can make ANYTHING you want!
Have fun! Throw a (small) cocktail party or Sunday brunch, and enjoy living in a small space :)