Start here · 14 lessons
I just moved out
Check you can afford it, sign a solid lease, turn on utilities, budget, insure your stuff, find the shutoffs and cook cheaply. Take these in order. One a day is plenty. Ticking “Done” is saved only on this device.
- Can I afford to move out?
Rent plus utilities at about 30% of income or less, and move-in cash often two to three times the monthly rent.
- Apartment hunting and rental scams
Never pay a fee, deposit or rent before you've seen the place and confirmed who owns it.
- Your first lease
Before signing, get ten terms in writing, including deposit return deadline, every fee, entry notice and the cost of leaving early.
- Setting up utilities and internet
Check the lease for which utilities you pay, start service two weeks ahead, ask about deposits and installments, and use the FCC broadband label.
- Your first budget in 20 minutes
Start from monthly take-home pay. Subtract fixed bills, a share of yearly costs, savings, then everyday spending. Below zero? Cut flexible spending first.
- Renters insurance
About $173 a year on average. Choose replacement cost, a deductible you could pay tomorrow and $100,000 of liability.
- Your starter toolkit
About ten tools handle most apartment jobs: screwdrivers, hammer, tape measure, pliers, level, hex keys and ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses.
- Finding your water shutoff and breaker panel
On day one, find and photograph the main water shutoff, the valves under sinks and toilets, and the breaker panel.
- Testing your smoke alarms
Press and hold the test button on every alarm once a month, and replace any alarm that's 10 years old.
- Living with roommates
In week one, agree on sleep, noise, guests, cleaning, food and money and write it down. Raise problems within 48 to 72 hours.
- Laundry without ruining clothes
Read the care label, sort by color and fabric, treat stains first, and check for stains before the dryer sets them.
- Grocery shopping and five cheap meals
Compare unit prices on the shelf tag, shop from a list, and cook five cheap dinners from shared staples at $1.67 to $3.09 a serving.
- Food safety basics
Keep cold food at 40°F or below, cook to safe temperatures with a thermometer, and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Spotting a scam text or call
Scammers impersonate someone you trust, rush you and want gift cards, wires or crypto. Forward scam texts to 7726.