Happy Saturday Roomies!

Remember when “moving out” meant dragging your Sim into a new lot? Unfortunately, there are no free money cheat codes…

*types rosebud just in case*

Well, welcome to Adulting Avenue, where rent prices are so high, they need oxygen masks. This week, we're turning our attention to the wild world of apartment living.

Whether you're a seasoned renter or a first-time flee-er from the nest, we've got the scoop on everything from budget-friendly hacks to decluttering tips that would make Marie Kondo proud.

In today’s email:

• Apartment Essentials: Your Pokémon 2000 promo cup has got to go

• Adulting 101: Jersey City ain't New York, but it's a lot cheaper

• Housing Need to Knows: HUD assistance programs

Pick of the week: This lift-top coffee table moonlights as the ultimate tv tray, work desk, and secret storage unit—perfect for those of us still mastering the art of adulting in small spaces.

Apartment Essentials

If you're over 30, congratulations – your decanter is in the mail!

The truth is, as we get older, there are some new things to welcome on the home front and some old things you just have to leave behind.

Here are 10 items you don’t want to carry with you in your adult life:

1. Wire clothes hangers

2. Shot glasses

3. Textbooks

4. Clothes that don’t fit

5. Mismatched cups

6. Old bedding

7. Mismatched towels 

8. Novelty mugs

9. Old “vintage” tech

10. Mismatched food containers

Basically, this is your chance to Marie Kondo your apartment. Keep the things that spark joy (and function), and trash the rest.

Adulting 101

Learn How to Budget for Your First Apartment

We’ve all dreamed of that NYC rooftop apartment. But recent rent hikes have made going from mom’s basement to a loft impossible.

Financial experts recommend spending no more than 30% of your income on rent, and let's be real, in a major city that might just get you a closet.

So, here’s some things you can do:

• Secondary cities are your secret weapon.

  Think Jersey City, NJ - one train stop away from NYC, job opportunities, and without the NYC price tag. Plus, there's usually less competition for apartments, so scoring a comfy 2 bed 1 bath might be easier.

• Budgeting for more than just rent.

  First apartment = first big adult expense. Landlords want security deposits, first and last month's rent, broker fees, and pet fees - basically, be prepared to hand over 2-3 times your monthly rent upfront.

• Don't forget the stuff you actually live with!
  You don't need to turn your place into a showroom overnight. Focus on the essentials like a bed and a place to eat, then slowly add things over time. Your wallet will thank you.

Budgeting for your first apartment is about being prepared and responsible. But with a little planning, you can have your dream apartment and avoid the financial hangover.

Housing Need to Knows

Over and out for this week, roomies!

Let me know what home topics you wanna see in the next email. In the meantime, may your studio apartment be a sanctuary of self-care and your linen closet always remain KonMari-approved.

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