freshstartcorner

Your first apartment

Your own place. Know what to expect.

Plain-English guides to your first apartment: budgeting for rent, touring, applications, reading your lease, deposits, the move-in inspection, utilities and setting up on a budget.

Add up move-in costs What to buy first

Move-in day budget$1,200 rent

  • First month's rent$1,200
  • Security deposit$1,200
  • Application fee$50
  • Utility setup$150
  • Moving$300
  • Basics and furniture$800

Have ready$3,700

An example. Costs vary by city, landlord and state law.

Start with one of these

CalculatorMove-in costsThe cash you'll need. GuideWhat to buy firstDay one, or later. ChecklistFirst ApartmentSixteen steps to move-out.

15 first apartment guides

Finding a place

Lease and move-in

Setting up

Living there

Free download, no email needed

The First Apartment Workbook

Set a rent budget, compare apartments on tours, summarize your lease, record the move-in inspection with photos, and track your utility accounts.

Get the free PDFSee the First Apartment checklist

Coming soon

Move in with a plan

Fresh Start Move-In Kit: printable move-in inspection forms, a lease summary, a room-by-room shopping list, a utilities tracker and a move-out checklist to help get your deposit back.

$9 once. Yours to keep. 30-day refund.

See what's in the kit