From Jennifer Lai,
Your Guide to Apartment Living / Rental.
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You've graduated college or are looking to move out of the dorm. Whatever the reason, you find yourself at a special point in your life, where you're about to live in your very own apartment. Here you will find information on every step, from looking at ads to signing the lease to furnishing your new place.

Let's begin!

Finding Your First Apartment

The hunt for your first apartment can be a daunting and scary task. There tons to think about: Do I want roommates; how much rent can I afford; where do I want to live; will I feel like home in my new place. Like all major decisions, each choice requires careful consideration.

• Before You Look for an Apartment
• How to Find an Apartment
• Do You Need a Roommate?
• Tips on Choosing the Right Roommate

Signing Your First Apartment Lease

Once you've found your dream apartment, the legal mumbo jumbo comes in. Even though the lease-signing process is complicated and full of confusing language, it's the most important part. Read on about what to do once you've found an apartment you like.

• What to Expect in an Apartment Lease
• How to Sign a Lease: From Submitting the Application to Signing the Dotted Line
• Your First Rent Check

Moving Into Your First Apartment

Now begins the exhilarating, if exhausting, process of moving. There's much to do: buying boxes, setting up movers, packing and the move itself.

• Basic Guide to Moving

Living in Your First Apartment

Hurrah! Once you've settled in, here are articles to help you transform a generic apartment into a home that meets your living needs and which you can look forward to at the end of each day.

• What to Buy First
• First Apartment Checklists

Protecting Your Belongings - Renters Insurance

Along with unpacking and furnishing your new apartment, another pressing need is renters insurance.

• Protect Yourself With Renters Insurance