Apartment Living

Who even knew these existed? Check out some of the coolest home gadgets that can make your apartment life that much better.

We'd be the last people to claim that we're up to date on the latest home gadgets out there. It seems new products are release each and every week and advances in technology are changing things so much faster than we can keep up with. Now, not everything is useful, and you should definitely not fall into the trap of feeling you need to get the latest products that might not even get used.

Sometimes you need a giant metal bar to prevent the baddies from getting in (including nasty ex-boyfriends).

It's important to have a good security system for your apartment, especially one that requires minimal installation and no wiring. But you would also be smart by providing actual physical barriers to entry, especially during vulnerable nighttime hours. If you happen to live on the ground floor or even the second floor, you're more prone to becoming a victim of crime simply by virtue of opportunity or ease of access.

Deciding for more space might be a no-brainer, but going for two or three bedrooms could be the tougher choice.

Making a decision about getting your next apartment is an important one, and it's not just about cost. You have to consider various factors like location, apartment amenities, commute, access to schools, shopping, and restaurants, and a host of other aspects that will play a role in your living situation.Another factor to consider is the size of the apartment, or the number of bedrooms you want. Unless you're single and want to cut down on costs, you probably don't want a one-bedroom.

A good air purifier can make your apartment even more comfortable. Choose one of these five.

People used to think air purifiers were a gimmick, but research shows that regular use of an air purifier can actually help remove harmful airborne particles (allergens, dust, smoke, pollen) from indoor spaces. Your apartment can certainly benefit from the use of a good air purifier, but you should also be aware that it doesn't solve everything. The air purifiers that perform the best are known for filtering dust, smoke, and pollen from the air.

The national average rental rate increase has shot up.

If you haven't moved recently, you might not know that rental rates have gone up over the past year. In fact, rental rates have climbed at a steeper rate than ever before, and that's alarming. The numerous factors include the COVID-19 pandemic, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program at state and federal levels, as well as inflation. It's also true that your rent may have been raised by your landlord during your current lease.

Here are all the right furnishings and supplies to get started.

It's a momentous occasion when you move out to live on your own. Getting out from under your parents' roof is a big deal, but there's still a lot of work to do, even if you've already found an apartment that works for you. You might think it's enough to just pack your suitcase and a few other items (TV!), but there's so much more you need in order to function properly and not have to order things from Amazon when you're in a pinch.