31 Money Saving Tips for First Apartment You Should Know
When I moved into my first apartment, I had no idea how fast money disappears — rent, furniture, even boxes. So I pulled together 31 money saving tips that actually worked for me. Here’s exactly how you can set up your first place on a budget without feeling broke.
So, moving into your very first apartment… it’s like this big mix of oh my god I’m finally on my own and then oh no, why is literally everything so expensive.
Rent, furniture, deposits, groceries — it all adds up way quicker than you think.
And honestly, if you’re not careful, you’ll blow your whole paycheck before you even unpack a single box.
That’s why, like, I really wanted to put together this list.
These aren’t just random “budget hacks” you’ve seen a hundred times — these are real money-saving tips that actually make sense when you’re starting out in your first apartment.
Stuff you can do before you sign the lease, while you’re setting up, and once you’re actually living there day to day.
So yeah, if you’re stressing about how you’ll afford it all — take a breath, grab a coffee (from home, not Starbucks, yep that’s already tip #1).
And let’s go through 31 simple ways to save money in your first apartment without feeling like you’re missing out.
Before You Move In (Smart Planning)
1. Compare rents across neighborhoods before signing
So, like, don’t just grab the first apartment you see because it looks cute or it’s close to your favorite coffee shop.
Rents can change a lot just a few blocks away.
Take some time, do a little digging online, maybe even walk around the area.
You’d be surprised how much you can save just by being a tiny bit flexible with location.
2. Negotiate your lease or ask for move-in specials
This one feels awkward, I know, but seriously — ask. Sometimes landlords or big apartment complexes have deals like “first month free” or discounted security deposits.
Worst case? They say no.
Best case? You save a chunk of cash right at the start.
3. Avoid apartments with hidden fees
It’s not just the rent you’re paying.
Look for sneaky little add-ons like trash fees, parking, pet rent, or “amenity fees” (yep, some places actually charge you just to have a gym you might never use).
Always ask for a full breakdown before signing, so you don’t end up with surprises later.
4. Ask about utilities included in rent
Some apartments cover water, heat, or even internet in your rent.
Others… don’t.
That’s like an extra $100–$200 a month if you’re not careful.
Always ask what’s included and what’s not — it makes a big difference when you’re budgeting.
5. Don’t rush — timing your move can save $$$
If you can, try not to move during peak season (like summer).
Rent prices are usually higher then because everyone’s moving.
If you wait until fall or winter, landlords are way more willing to cut deals just to fill empty units.
Timing is everything.
Furnishing & Setup on a Budget
6. Use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp for furniture
Brand-new furniture is crazy expensive, and honestly, you don’t need it right away.
Marketplace is a goldmine — people are always moving out and basically giving stuff away just to clear space.
Couch for $50? Yes, please.
7. Buy secondhand kitchen basics from thrift stores or Dollar Tree
You really don’t need that $200 cookware set right now.
Plates, mugs, silverware — you can find all of it at thrift shops or even Dollar Tree.
Cheap doesn’t mean bad, and no one’s gonna judge your $1 plate.
8. Say yes to hand-me-downs from family/friends
If your parents or friends are offering you stuff, don’t be shy — take it.
Old pans, mismatched chairs, a TV stand from 2009… it might not be Pinterest-perfect, but it saves you hundreds.
You can always upgrade later.
9. DIY simple furniture (shelves, decor)
If you’re even a little bit handy, grab some wood, a drill, and make your own shelves or tables.
Pinterest and YouTube are full of easy DIYs.
It’s way cheaper and honestly kinda fun.
10. Focus only on essentials first, skip “nice to haves”
When you first move in, you’ll be tempted to buy everything — rugs, wall art, extra chairs… but chill.
Get what you need to actually live: bed, kitchen stuff, bathroom basics.
The rest can wait until your budget recovers.
Also Read: First Apartment Checklist for Women
11. Check out IKEA hacks for cheap setups
IKEA is already budget-friendly, but if you dive into IKEA hack blogs or TikToks, you can make a $30 piece look like something way fancier.
It’s all about getting creative instead of dropping money on expensive stuff.
12. Use multipurpose furniture to save space + money
Think futons, storage ottomans, foldable desks.
When every piece of furniture does two jobs, you buy less overall.
Perfect for a small first apartment.
13. Start with one room at a time, not all at once
Don’t try to furnish your whole place in a weekend — that’s a straight-up budget killer.
Focus on your bedroom first, then kitchen, then living area.
Spacing it out makes it way easier on your wallet.
Also Read: First Apartment Bedroom Checklist
Moving-In Savings
14. Skip professional movers — rent a truck or borrow a friend’s car
Hiring movers sounds nice, but wow, it eats up your budget fast.
If you don’t have a ton of stuff, just rent a U-Haul for a day or ask a friend with a big car.
Promise, a couple of trips, and some pizza is still way cheaper than a moving crew.
15. Get free moving boxes from grocery or liquor stores
Don’t waste money buying boxes at Home Depot.
Walk into a grocery store or liquor shop and ask if they’ve got extras — they almost always do.
Sturdier too, because they were meant to hold bottles and heavy stuff.
16. Pack smart to avoid buying supplies
You don’t need bubble wrap or fancy packing peanuts.
Wrap fragile stuff in towels, blankets, even old T-shirts.
It saves money and space, since you’re moving those things anyway.
17. Ask friends to help in exchange for pizza/beer
Honestly, moving day is way easier with friends around.
Offer them some pizza and drinks, and you’ll have your whole apartment set up without spending a dime on labor.
It’s a win-win.
Monthly Expenses & Bills
18. Track your spending with a free budgeting app
It’s so easy to lose track of where your money goes once you’re on your own.
Download something like Mint or Goodbudget.
It’s free, and just seeing the numbers laid out keeps you from overspending on random stuff.
19. Cut down on subscriptions (or share with roommates)
Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu… all of them add up.
Do you really need them all?
Pick one or two, or better yet, split accounts with roommates or family. Way cheaper.
20. Save on electricity — LED bulbs, unplug devices
Little things matter.
Switch to LED bulbs, turn off lights when you’re not home, and unplug chargers you’re not using.
Your electric bill will thank you.
21. Cook at home instead of eating out
Takeout is sneaky — $15 here, $20 there, suddenly half your paycheck is gone.
Cooking at home doesn’t just save money, it actually makes your place feel more like your apartment.
Also Read: 25+ Recipes for Cooking for One
22. Meal prep to avoid food waste
Buy in bulk, cook in batches, and portion stuff out.
That way, you’re not tossing spoiled food every week.
Less waste, more savings.
23. Shop bulk items at Costco or Sam’s Club
If you’ve got the space, and maybe split with a friend or roommate.
Buying in bulk saves a ton on things like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, pasta, and rice.
Also Read: 21 Smart Grocery Shopping Tips for One
24. Buy generic instead of brand names
Don’t get sucked into paying extra for “fancy” brands.
Store-brand pasta, cereal, paper towels — they’re usually just as good, but half the price.
25. Take advantage of student or employee discounts
If you’re still a student, use that ID everywhere — seriously.
Movie tickets, streaming services, even software.
Same goes for workplace perks.
Check, ask, don’t be shy.
Lifestyle & Daily Habits
26. Walk, bike, or use public transit when possible
Owning a car sounds nice, but gas, insurance, and parking eat your budget alive.
If your city’s walkable or has decent buses/trains, stick with that.
Even biking short trips saves cash and keeps you active.
Also Read: 20 Safety Tips for Women Who Live Alone
27. Skip the daily coffee shop run — make it at home
Yeah, I know, Starbucks feels like a ritual.
But $5 a day is $150 a month… on coffee.
Get a decent coffee maker or French press, buy beans, and make it at home.
You’ll save so much without giving up the caffeine.
28. Decorate with plants, thrift finds, and DIY instead of splurging
You don’t need a $300 rug or $80 wall art to make your apartment look good.
A couple thrifted frames, some secondhand furniture, and a few plants (IKEA plants are cheap) can transform a place on a budget.
29. Host friends at home instead of going out every weekend
Bars and restaurants are fun but expensive.
Invite friends over for game night, cooking night, or even just drinks at your place.
You’ll still have a great time — and your wallet will thank you.
30. Learn basic repairs so you don’t call maintenance for tiny fixes
Loose cabinet handle? Clogged sink? These are often easy DIY fixes.
YouTube it before you call in a pro.
Saves time, money, and maybe even your security deposit.
31. Build a small emergency fund so you don’t rely on credit cards
Even $20–$30 stashed away each month builds up.
Because when something breaks or an unexpected bill hits, you don’t want to be stuck swiping your credit card and paying interest later.
One Last Thing Before You Go
So yeah, moving into your first apartment is exciting and overwhelming all at once, and honestly, money stress can make it feel a little less fun.
But look, you don’t need to have it all figured out or buy everything at once.
Start small, save where you can, and let the space grow with you.
Some of these tips might sound obvious, some might feel like “oh wow, I never thought of that,” but together they really do add up.
And trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’ve still got cash left over at the end of the month.