Throw a party, any party

All you want to do is curl up under a blanket, we know, but you can only do that for so many hours before it gets a little pathetic. Beat the winter blues by hosting a dinner party, inviting friends over for poker, or hosting a rager that recalls your most collegey of college days. Bonus: you’ll have a legitimate reason to lie in bed for hours the next day.

Take your lazy winter activities to an extreme level

It’s cold and grey, so you bake some cookies and then waste an afternoon watching a movie. Instead, why not bake dozens of cookies and put on a bake sale, or send goodies to everyone in your address book? If you’re going to watch one movie, why not watch three, and invite all your friends over for a marathon? Yours could become the Apartment of Weekend Movie Marathons (Star Wars, Alien, and Indiana Jones could keep you busy for a few weeks).

For heaven’s sake, take up an outdoor sport

This is really the ultimate way to enjoy winter. Live in a cold place? Skating, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, hockey, snowshoeing, even winter running and hiking all provide hours of fun, and you’ll appreciate that roaring fire all the more.

…or just get in shape

If you’ve really got that much time on your hands, but still can’t bring yourself to stay outside for more than five minutes, join a gym. Take up yoga. Invest in obscure self-defense classes that make you feel like a badass. Even a couple hours a week of extra activity and extra endorphins can put a spring in your step. Feeling intimidated or lonely? Find a workout buddy.

Look up local events

Book club is starting to look good, isn’t it? Use the winter blues, and all those hours you spend zoning out in front of the computer (you’re reading this post, after all) as an excuse go attend events that you might not otherwise. Sure, every once in a while you’ll have to sit through two hours of awful improvisational theater, but you never know what might end up becoming a new hobby, or who you might meet in the meantime.

Replace white bread with whole wheat bread—good whole wheat bread

Whole wheat bread is generally less processed, has more fiber, will keep you fuller longer, and won’t spike your blood sugar like white bread.  As far as your body is concerned, white bread is just sugar, and eating straight sugar doesn’t fall under “eat healthier.” Ideally, buy freshly baked bread from a deli, bakery, or farmers’ market; although highly-processed, pre-sliced whole wheat bread is a bit better than its white alternative, it’s still highly-processed and pre-sliced. Insider tip: Look at the ingredient list. If it lists “wheat flour,” it means white wheat flour. If it lists ingredients you don’t recognize, they’re probably preservatives or other sketchy things you don’t want in your body, and you’d be better off buying a different loaf.

Replace canned vegetables with fresh or frozen vegetables

Unlike canned vegetables, frozen vegetables retain most of their nutrients and fiber—and they’re just as convenient, if that’s a factor in your decision. When possible, eat fresh vegetables. This tip also goes for fruit. Canned fruits often come swimming in a sugary syrup, and have almost none of the beneficial nutrients of fresh or even frozen fruit.

Insider tip: Want to go the extra mile? Freeze your own veggies, from your garden or from a farmers’ market, to enjoy healthy produce throughout the year.

Replace meat—especially red meat—with a vegetarian protein

Hold up! We’re not suggesting that you go full-on vegetarian, but at least once a week, go meatless. If possible, eat vegetarian proteins that are natural and not processed. For example, serve vegetarian Mexican food, with beans instead of meat. Or whip up an omelet, and let eggs provide the protein. You can always buy a tofu-based “fake meat,” but it’s cheaper and healthier to pick natural foods. Insider tip: You can also improve health just by reducing the amount of meat in a meal. For red meat, a serving size should be no bigger than a pack of cards. Sound pitifully small? Mix the meat with other ingredients, for example in a stirfry, and its flavor will spread out over lower-calorie, more fibrous foods.

There is endless conflicting advice about which foods are “healthy.” A simple guideline is to buy whole, unprocessed foods, and to focus on fruits and vegetables. And, of course, avoid sugar. For a quick primer on simple strategies for making healthy choices, check out author Michael Pollan’s Food Rules.

Fire

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. You might never need them, but if you do, you’ll REALLY need them. These should be some of the first things you move in to your new place. Change the batteries regularly, and check that extinguishers haven’t expired. And while you’re at it, install a carbon monoxide detector, too.

Leaks, Leaks, and Other Infrastructure Problems

Gas leak? Water leak? Ceiling collapsing onto your living room? (I have it on good authority that that last one is a real bummer.) Keep a list next to your phone with the numbers of your landlord, plumber, electrician, etc. Keep important documents in water-tight containers, and for goodness’s sake, get renter’s insurance.

Power Outages

Not the worst thing that could happen—unless Grandma is visiting and breaks her hip while stumbling around in the dark. Buy several flashlights and maybe even some battery-powered lamps. If your stove is electric, have another way to keep everyone from starving.

Bleeding Out

Also known as: Why don’t you have a First Aid kit? A little tape and gauze goes a long way when it’s 30 minutes to the nearest hospital. Don’t know what you should include? The American Red Cross has a list for you, and if they don’t know what they’re doing, we’re all screwed anyway.

The Apocalypse

Whatever form it takes, it won’t be pretty.  Keeping a stash of water, non-perishable food, survival blankets, flashlight and batteries, battery-powered radio, whistle, and anything else that might help you survive those first few End of Days. Seriously, though, only a small percentage of people don’t believe in climate change (and 9 out of 10 of those weirdos are linked to ExxonMobile), so all this strange weather we’ve been having? We might get even more of it. Stock up.

Have something to add? We’d love to hear from you – here or on our Facebook page!

Stencil

Admit it, it doesn’t actually take THAT long to repaint one wall, and you’ll more than make up for it in compliments and resulting smugness. We got this particular picture from HGTV, but you can find endless ones online, or if you’re particularly crafty, you can design one yourself. Feeling lazy or cheap? Use some leftover pain that’s been hanging around, and only paint a small but noticeable area. By now you should know that we’ll recommend such projects only if you have an amenable landlord, so be smart and don’t blame us if you track paint all over his prized wood floors.

Throw some white paint on winter-related objects

Seriously, all it really takes is a basket of pinecones you filched from the park and then dipped in white paint, and all of a sudden you’re Martha freaking Stewart. Don’t believe me? Try it! Just let the paint dry before ruining that woven masterpiece. How else can you make this ridiculously easy? Stick a spruce branch in a vase and use it as a centerpiece. Gather a bunch of Christmas tree bulbs and “arrange” them in a nice bowl, and use THAT as a centerpiece. Sprinkle some fake snow in the corner. The lazy options are endless.

Buy stuff

While we don’t feel entirely good about encouraging your addiction to shopping (you know, there are therapists and probably even medication for that), if you’re going to do it anyway, we might as well point you in the right direction. Etsy has some ridiculously cute items for easy winter decorating, and if you weren’t such an addict, you could always store them away til next year and re-use the wonder. Just a suggestion.

Don’t take OUR word for it

Feel like striking out on your own here? (But don’t actually want to come up with your own ideas?) You can always stalk the hundreds of people on places like Pinterest who are fetishizing the latest season (that’s a lot of sketchy verbs for one sentence, but you catch our drift). Actually, this is an excellent way to spending so much time looking at how your apartment could be decorated that you never get around to actually decorating it. Trust me, I know.

Have a craft to add? We’d love to hear from you – here or on our Facebook page!

By MyNewPlace Guest Blogger, Ron Leshnower – About.com’s Apartment Living Expert!

2012 is an election year and, as daily headlines remind us, the country is in the middle of a contentious primary season.

If you’re sharing an apartment with another person, this is a time when you may discover that your roommate favors a candidate you find abhorrent or takes a view on an issue that’s in sharp contrast with how you feel.

It’s nice if you agree with your roommate when it comes to politics, because it’s one more thing you have in common. But when roommates don’t see eye to eye on political issues, there’s no need to view disagreements as a threat to your good roommate relationship.

Compatibility is key when looking for the perfect roommate. When it comes to politics, what’s important is that roommates respect each other’s views and different backgrounds. It’s easy to let your roommate’s politics get to you, feeling as if your belief system or values are suddenly under attack in your own home. But remember that your roommate didn’t adopt any political view to spite you, and so while friendly debates might be fun, getting defensive and argumentative isn’t healthy, productive, or warranted.

The truth is that people of all political persuasions can make great, considerate, and responsible roommates, and there’s no reason that politics should interfere with a terrific roommate experience.

2. Buy your decorations from a discount party store.  Actually, when arranged attractively, a couple dollar streamers can do the trick all by themselves.  Or bust out your white Christmas lights to frame your doorways and add ambiance.

3.  Cute Napkins are an classy alternative to paper napkins; they make clean up easier but don’t scream “red cups, chips, and cheap beer tailgating party.”

4. Make it BYOB. Booze get pricey pretty fast, so indicate on your invitations that you’ll be provide no drinks, or only one, and guests should feel free to supplement the situation.  You could even end up with extra alcohol at then end of the night; that’s what we call profit.

5. If you are providing some alcohol, dress it up.  For example, buy a couple of cheap-but-not-undrinkable red wine and mull it with spices.  The result will be delicious but not ridiculous.

6. Economical doesn’t have to look cheap; carefully plan some low-cost appetizers. Ideas include make-your-own grilled cheese, a cheese and fruit plate (go heavy on the fruit), and mini pancakes with sour cream and chives.  Get creative!  And avoid pricey ingredients.

7. Decide ahead of time on some simple entertainment.  Depending on your style, this can be anything from a Ouija board to a football game.  If you don’t have the necessary components, try to borrow them from a friend.

8. Put on the music. If you own a stereo and several universally-palatable CDs—or a computer from which you can put on a party-themed Pandora station—this essential component shouldn’t cost a dime.

9.  Personalized favors impress guests but don’t have to break the bank.  You can write notes, give your friends a photo of the two of you, or bake cookies and write a person’s name on each gooey treat.  Let the favor reflect what kind of party you’re throwing.

10. Finally, wear a fabulous outfit—but choose one already inhabiting your closet.  Rather than use your party as an excuse to buy yet another 1950s Lucy dress that you’ll wear maybe once a year, dust off the one you already have.

Have something to add? We’d love to hear from you – here or on our Facebook page!

1.  Evaluate Your Breaking Point

Your neighbor shouldn’t have to give up his passion for drums just because you moved in next door, but he also shouldn’t be playing at sunrise on the weekends.  When you’re feeling calm and reasonable, talk to some friends and decide what is a reasonable expectation for quiet.

2.  Speak Up

Some advisors will tell you to do this anonymously, others in person.  Regardless of how you approach your neighbor, do it politely.  He might have no idea how well sound travels between your homes.  Also, keeping your cool will make it more likely that he’ll feel sorry, rather than defensive or, even worse, vengeful.  And say something sooner rather than later—I once ignored the screaming of children for eight months before losing it and drying my sneakers after midnight every night for a week.  Revenge goes both ways, and I can tell you from experience, it’s not productive.  The longer you go without addressing the problem, the more angry you’ll be, and the more surprised and entrenched-in-noisy-routine your neighbor.

3.  If Necessary, Take Further Action

Hopefully, one or two reminders will take care of the problem.  If not, you can speak to your landlord about the issue.  Tell your neighbor before asking for landlord intervention; it might be enough incentive.  Review your lease for clauses about noise, or “quiet enjoyment.”  It’s possible other people living nearby would sign a petition expressing discontent with noise levels.  If the situation still does not improve even after speaking with your landlord, there are legal avenues for recourse, depending on when the noise occurs.  Most cities have noise ordinances, times after which residents must respect the sleep of their neighbors.  Complains must be made at the time of obnoxious, illegal loudness, however.

4.  Keep Records

From your first complaint, document all communications about the issue, and any instances of unreasonable noise.  This documentation will make it easier for you to specify your concerns with the guilty party, and will hopefully keep you from looking like a Complaining Connie when you speak with your landlord.

Have something to add? We’d love to hear from you – here or on our Facebook page!

1. Days off Work

Moving takes a lot of time. You’ve got to pack up all of your things at the old place, cart them over to the new place and set them up so that you have some manner of livable space. Then you’ve got to go back to the old place and clean it up so that you don’t lose your entire deposit. Even if you’ve planned ahead like a genius, gotten your packing done early and timed your move so that you don’t have to take any days off at all, you’re going to be exhausted at the end of your move. You’ll have given up all your free time and you may need to take a mental health day once you’re all settled in. No matter what, you’ll be running yourself down and you’ll need some time to recuperate. Factor this into your moving expenses, especially if you work hourly or for tips.

2. Food

If you’re just moving across town you may be able to bring your food with you but chances are, at the end of a long day of moving, you won’t have much energy left over to cook yourself a meal. All those pizzas and take out dinners cost money—quite a bit more than homemade meals do. And don’t forget that if you’ve got friends helping you move that you’ll need to buy them dinner and drinks at the end of the move as well.

3. Things you Can’t Find

If you’ve got an entire apartment full of stuff you can bet that you packed something you need on the bottom of some unlabeled box. So unless you’re prepared to dig through all your things and make a mess out of your new apartment, there will probably be a few things that you’ll need to buy even though you know you have them around somewhere.

4. Things that Broke

Whether you move yourself or you hire professionals, there’s a slim chance at best that you’re things will all arrive in your new apartment unscathed. Be prepared to buy replacements for all the things that broke.

5. Transportation

A moving van may cost a couple hundred dollars but it means that you’ll only need to go from your old apartment to your new one once. If you’re moving in your car, be prepared to spend money on gas; lots of gas if you’re moving 20 or more miles away. Make sure that you carefully examine the cost of multiple car trips before you dismiss the moving van since driving your things over to your new place can end up costing you quite a bit more in the long run.

Questions? Comments? Sage advice? We’d love to hear from you – here or on our Facebook page!

In the Kitchen

• A few easy meals such as frozen dinners or packaged dinners from the counter at the grocery store. These are a bit less expensive then take out from a restaurant and just as easy for the end of long days of unpacking.
• Drinks: coffee or tea for the morning, milk, juice, soda and plenty of bottled water. Make sure you have the drinks you like on hand.
• Snacks. Moving day is a great day to splurge a little and give yourself some of your favorite treats. After all, carting your boxes around burns about 400 calories an hour.
• A microwave oven. If your apartment doesn’t have on in it, this is a great investment.
• Paper towels.
• Sponges.
• Dish soap.
• Silverware and a couple of plates, bowls and glasses. If you have some from your last apartment, make sure you know where to find them. If not, you may want to start out with a few inexpensive, heavy-duty plastic dining sets.
• Garbage bags.

In the Bedroom

• A lamp, especially if you’re bedroom doesn’t have an overhead light.
• A few books and magazines since it can sometimes take a couple of days to get the internet and the cable hooked up.
• Clothes for the next week. Consider packing a suitcase for your first week so that you don’t have to dig through your entire wardrobe in search of socks.

In the Bathroom

• Toilet paper. Though asking for a roll can be an interesting way to meet your neighbors, better if you’re not dancing on their doorstep when you first introduce yourself.
• Soap.
• Tooth paste and a tooth brush.
• Shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
• A bath towel and a hand towel.
• A rug so that you don’t flood the bathroom floor your first morning in your apartment.
• A shower curtain if your apartment doesn’t have one.

In the Living Room

• A set of speakers that you can plug into your iPod or smart phone. This way you can listen to music while you unpack and while you get settled into your new place.
• A comfy place to sit. If you don’t have furniture, a bean bag chair is a great first piece of furniture though you’ll want to get some more furniture in the apartment before you throw your housewarming party.
• A lamp—again check to see if your apartment has an overhead light. If not, it’s going to get dark that first evening.
• A game or puzzle to relax with, especially if you have some friends or family helping you move.

Have something to add? Wed’ love to hear from you – here or on our Facebook page!

1. Greater Mobility

The main benefit of renting a furnished apartment is that it helps you remain mobile. If you’re not sure where you’re going to be living in 6 months, moving an apartment full of furniture around with you can really drag you down. When you’ve got a furnished place you can easily drive or fly to your new destination and move in to a new apartment right away.

2. You Have Everything You Need

Even if you’ve lived in apartments for years, it seems that there’s always something you need to run out and buy right away. Maybe your new place doesn’t have a microwave or a lamp in the bedroom. You can’t do without so you wind up running back and forth to the store for the first few days. There’s no need to worry about this in a furnished apartment; everything you need will already be inside.

3. Decorations

Many apartment renters wind up going without pictures, sculptures, flower arrangements and other decorations in their apartments. After all, these things aren’t essential and they’re usually not very cheap. Unfortunately, living in an undecorated apartment can make you feel like you’re place of residence is temporary. When you rent a furnished apartment, the decorations will come with the place, and though it might not be exactly your style, your apartment will feel more put-together. It’s always possible to go out and buy a few decorations of your own—it’s much cheaper than having to decorate the entire unit.

4. It’s Good for the Planet

Carting an apartment’s worth of stuff around with you as you move across town or across the nation is costly in terms of energy use. It takes a lot of gasoline to move all those boxes, the couch, the chairs and the pots and pans from one apartment to another and if you move frequently, moving has an even larger carbon footprint. Just about everything you’ll need is already in a furnished place and it’ll probably stay there until it’s time to replace it, which will be a lot further in the future than it is for furniture that gets tossed around in the back of a moving truck.

5. It Makes Moving a Breeze

Moving is one of the most stressful activities in a person’s life. There are a million things to remember to do, it takes weeks and weeks and it always costs three times as much as you thought it would. If you’re renting places that are furnished, you don’t have to worry about packing up an entire moving truck full of stuff. You won’t have to dig through 20 boxes to find your can opener—it’ll be in the drawer already. When you don’t need to move an apartment’s worth of stuff, you’ll be able to focus on moving yourself and getting your paperwork in order. It’ll also take you a day or so to settle in instead of a month or more.

Are you living in a pre-furnished apartment? We’d love to hear from you – here or on our Facebook page!