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, and groceries. Expenses add up and bills will continue to come every month.
Living alone for the past five 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 time prioritizing. 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 have never lived on their own for a long period of time OR they have a partner who takes financial responsibility.
Things I learned while renting:
Always read the lease thoroughly and make sure you understand it (ask questions)
What are your responsibilities as a tenant? (What are the fees, pet fee costs? All important to consider)
Know the amount of space you need (Upsizing isn't always necessary)
Do your research on the location
Observe your surroundings and see 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 have many happy, stress-free memories here. This was my first real apartment after moving out of my tia’s studio, which she had rented to me. I received the keys two days early, and my sister and I went to Walmart to pick out a paint color for the living room. I chose a soft gray to replace the white walls. My mom knew an electrician who installed beam lights in the living room for $90, and everything came together quickly.
The duplex was small but had everything I needed. My poodle had space to roam in the shared backyard, and I turned the second bedroom into a paint room and extra storage for my clothes.
I also remember the little things, like the two girls, probably around eight or ten years old who would occasionally knock on my door.
“Hi, um, my sister and I wanted to know... do you need your grass cut?”
I’d pay them $20 to mow the front yard and part of the backyard, and they’d split the money between them. It seemed like a fair deal. The job wasn’t always perfect, but they worked hard and always got it 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)
Basement maintenance
Repairs etc.
I bit off a bit more than I could chew but I managed until move out. 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 immediate family, 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. Everyone pretty much stayed to themselves. Just how I like it!
I learned through renting was that being able to afford something doesn't mean you need to have it. Sometimes the best choice is simply appreciating what you already have.
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
1br, 1.5 bath (967 sqft) Dallas, 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.
My favorite moments here were the mornings. Heading downstairs, making coffee and seeing the natural sunlight in the living room and throughout my the kitchen. I remember making the drive to IKEA to pick up my housewarming gift: a 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 had from my previous home.
I remember a little boy who would stop by my doorstep every day and kick the small rocks. His grandfather was always with him, and together they faithfully walked.
I enjoyed seeing them on my Ring camera, and on the rare days I didn't, it felt surprising because their routine was so consistent. Over time, it seemed like I was watching the little boy grow taller right before my eyes. They didn't speak English, but I still remember the sound of the little boy’s voice.
There was something comforting about seeing them every day. Their presence brought me joy.
My fifth rental
1br loft, 1 bath (700 sqft) Dallas, TX
This apartment was located in Oak Lawn & Turtle Creek in Dallas, a known and highly populated part of the city. I was close to everything, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, parks, and just five minutes from Downtown Dallas. The location truly couldn't have been better.
However, I quickly learned that everything that glitters isn't gold. One of the biggest drawbacks was the lack of natural sunlight in the apartment. I also experienced several unexpected issues shortly after moving in and struggled with a lack of privacy throughout my stay.
To say the least, it wasn't my best renting experience. If there was one lesson I took away from it, it was the importance of learning as much as possible about both the apartment and the surrounding area before signing a lease.
I live for improvement and new experiences. Over the years, I’ve moved frequently, and each move has brought valuable lessons and opportunities to learn. As a dynamic and resilient person, I naturally embrace change and navigate new circumstances with confidence.
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