Adulthood requires responsibilities and big decisions. In my late twenty-somethings, I’ve had five apartments and learned something new each time. It's fun and exciting moving into a new space you can make yours.
We may not get everything we want on our wishlist but knowing your deal breakers and must-haves make the search easier. I like to look at renting as preparation for when or if you decide to buy a house.
Moving out of my moms house at the age of twenty-one, I moved back to Connecticut thinking that’s where I wanted to live but I soon came right back. I had my first reality check on how difficult it is being on your own and taking on the responsibilities as an adult. Not only do you have to think about maintaining a roof over your head, you have to pay rent, utilities, phone bill, car note (if you have one) and of course keep food in the house. Expenses add up and bills will continue to come every month.
Living alone for the past four years, I grew accustomed to being independent. I learned that those that do not have the responsibilities of providing and taking care of themselves, do not understand what it’s like to maintain a living. I’ve lost friends due to the lack of them not realizing that as an adult, bills are a priority over having fun and going out for drinks every weekend.
Most people my age are still living with their parents, have never lived on their own OR they have a partner that they can split rent and bills with. If we all were able to go 50/50 with a partner, we’d have the leisure to do more of the things we’d want.
Things I learned while renting:
Always read the lease thoroughly and make sure you understand it (If you don't, ask questions)
What are your responsibilities as a tenant? (Are there late fees, HOA costs, pet fee costs? All are important to consider)
Know the amount of space you need (Upsizing isn't necessary unless you need to)
Do your research on the location
Observe your surroundings and check who may potentially be your neighbors
Talk to current tenants before moving in and ask them your curiosities
TIPS
Checking the entire apartment and making sure everything is up to date and live-able
Take pictures before and after
Keep records of the lease agreements
Stay open-minded & see the vision and potential of the apartment
Get a security camera (Ring camera)
Ask landlord before making any changes (paint, installation, decor etc.)
My Past Rentals ↓
My first apartment (studio)
(No pictures unfortunately)
My second rental (duplex)
Two-bedroom duplex (716 sqft) IL
I’ve had happy and stress-free moments here. This was my first real apartment after moving out of my tias studio apartment that she rented to me. I had received the keys two days early and I remember my twin sister and I going to Walmart to pick out a new color for the living room. I decided on a soft grey color to paint the plain white walls. My mom knew an electrician that installed beam lights into my living room for $90. Things came together quickly! This duplex was small and had everything I needed. My poodle had his own space in the backyard that we shared with our neighbors. I had a second bedroom I used as my paint room and extra space for clothing.
I remember the small things like these two little girls between the ages of 8-10 years old knocking on my door occasionally.
“Hi, um me and sister wanted to know… um if you need your grass cut?” while flipping their blonde hair behind their little ears.
I would pay them $20 to cut both my front and half backyard and they’d split that amongst each other. Sounded like a deal to me. They didn’t do the best job always but they still got the job done so I could never complain.
My third rental (a house)
2br House, 1 bath (1,120 sqft) IL
This wasn’t the prettiest house on the outside but inside had beauty and potential. I rented my first house at twenty-four and was in for a surprise. 1,120 sqft, two levels and two bedrooms. The front entrance had a chalk wall for art greetings. I had a fenced-in yard with an unfinished basement, and a beautiful back patio with windows that surrounded the entire room, bringing in beautiful sunlight. But living alone, I didn't know the responsibilities I would later face.
Mowing the lawn (front, side, and back)
Snow removal (Shoveling the front pathway and driveway) Illinois is no joke in the winter
Basement maintenance
Repairs etc.
I bit off a bit more than I could chew but I managed. During the fall time, it was beautiful to see the huge tree on my yard shed its orange and yellow leaves. My favorite parts of the home were my bedroom, where I can still smell my pumpkin waffle candle that would linger throughout the hallway, down to the entry of the stairs. I also loved the living room that had a huge window looking out onto the street.
I was about twenty minutes from my mom and brothers house, which is the main reason I decided to move closer to them. I never had any issues with neighbors. When I first moved in, my neighbors across the street baked me cookies and welcomed me into the neighborhood. I took the cookies but never ate them. My neighbors beside me would say hello once in awhile but everyone pretty much stayed to themselves. Just how I like it! One thing I learned in this renting process was that just because you can afford it and it's something you may want in the moment, doesn't mean you have to get it.
I don't regret any of it, I loved the experience.
Quick Tips:
If you're renting a house, keep in mind the maintenance that will be required.
With an extra expense, you can pay someone to do the maintenance your home may require
My fourth rental (condo)
1br, 1.5 bath (967 sqft) TX
My fourth rental was my first apartment alone in Texas. It took me awhile to get adjusted and make it my home but overtime I began to love it. The living room had a wood fireplace that I enjoyed during the winter. I had two bathrooms and a garage I shared with my neighbor, as well as two assigned parking spaces in the front. I wasn’t far from a mall and local shopping areas right on the main street over. I had many neighbors considering this was a gated community and never any issues or moments of discomfort living here. Everyone was super friendly and minded their business.
My favorite moments here were the mornings. Heading downstairs, making coffee and seeing the natural sunlight in the living room and throughout my small closed in kitchen. I remember driving to IKEA to get my patio set & cushions, then right after driving to Target to get my outdoor ottoman and rug. So excited, I set up my patio area all in one day and the last touches were hanging my hammock that I brought all the way from Illinois.
I remember this little asian boy would come to my door step and kick the little rocks beside the door everyday. His grandfather would always be with him and they’d walk faithfully around the apartment condos. I enjoyed seeing them on the ring camera, and the moments I didn’t would be surprising considering they walked everyday. Strangely, it’s like I saw him growing and getting taller as the days and months went by. They both didn’t speak English but I do remember the little boys voice. Seeing them brought me joy.
My fifth rental (current apartment)
1br loft, 1 bath (700 sqft) TX
My current apartment, is by far my least favorite. I moved in last year and what led me to this area is the attractions nearby. I stay in an area in which they call Oak Lawn & Turtle Creek in Dallas, very well known and populated. I’m close to everything (restaurants, bars, shopping centers, parks and five minutes from Downtown Dallas) The location couldn’t be better. However on the flip side, everything that glitters isn’t gold. The biggest cons for me is that I have no natural sunlight that comes into my apartment and I’ve had unexpected occurrences during my move in, and hardly any privacy throughout my entire stay.
To say the least, this hasn’t been my best experience thus far. In this renting process I learned it’s important to learn as much as you can about the area and apartment before moving in.
I learned that what may seem better isn’t always better.
Without certainty, I’ve moved around a lot and with that has come many experiences and lessons. As a person who is dynamic and resilient, I am constantly wanting change in my life. I’m a very adaptable person that can pivot through change and any circumstances.
I live for improvement and new experiences.
In light of this information, we have the option to choose what works for us. Living on your own, you learn so much about who you are, responsibility and what being an adult is. It's a special moment you share with yourself.
You create what home means to you by adding your unique touches and style.
Home is where you should feel yourself and feel comfortable.
𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞:
To all my INDEPENDENT girls that are respecting themselves, working hard to pay all their bills on their own, bringing in their own groceries, taking out their own garbage and pumping their own gas… I genuinely send all my love and admiration from where I sit as I type this. I know how hard it can be to constantly do everything on your own and feel like it’s unnoticed but just know that God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. Lighter days are ahead.
A todas mis chicas INDEPENDIENTES que se respetan a sí mismas, trabajan duro para pagar todas sus cuentas por sí mismas, traen sus propios alimentos, sacan su propia basura y bombean su propia gasolina... Realmente les envío todo mi amor y admiración desde donde me siento. mientras escribo esto. Sé lo difícil que puede ser hacer todo por tu cuenta constantemente y sentir que pasa desapercibido, pero sé que Dios da sus batallas más duras a sus soldados más fuertes. Se avecinan días más claros.
Love,
Kareise