Making the New Apartment Livable on a Shoestring Budget (written for Mesa Apartment Rentals)
First time apartment renters are not usually blessed with a lot of extra money or furnishings. If they're lucky, they have a tattered couch, a kitchen table, a bed, and enough money for the security deposit. Making the space livable and functional can be a challenge. Here are some suggestions for the new or soon-to-be first time apartment renter to help with decorating.
First of all, consider finding one or more roommates. Two-bedroom apartments are a lot more readily available, and utilities don't cost much more for a two-bedroom than they do for a one-bedroom place. Getting a roommate will not only help defray costs and expenses, but he or she may have access to additional furniture or appliances that you do not, saving you the money of having to buy them.
If the idea of a roommate is out of the question, then careful shopping is in order. For furnishings, and even some small appliances, Craigslist is a perfect choice. This website is the electronic version of the newspaper classifieds, but has real-time listings and often includes a picture. People buy and sell regularly on this site and there are some great bargains out there, especially if you don't get too picky about style or color.
Another option, especially for more exotic items like a TV or home theater system, is to rent them. Most rental companies even include a "rent-to-own" program, so the money spent is not completely wasted, but it will get you what you need immediately without having to put down a lot of money up front.
