5 Things Every First Apartment Renter Should Know How to Do
Apartment living has many benefits, like lower utility bills, access to amenities such as a fitness center or pool, and maintenance staff available for repairs. Even though renters don’t need to worry about fixing a broken dishwasher, there are still some simple skills every renter should have, especially if it’s your first apartment.
First Apartment Tips and Skills
Know how to Hang a Picture Frame
Once you move in and feel settled, you’ll likely want to start decorating with artwork and pictures that are personal to you. All you’ll need is a hammer, a nail or two, and a level. For the first two items, you’ll have to head to the hardware store, but a level can actually be found on your phone! On iPhone’s, it’s a built-in app, for all other phones you can download one. Once you have your tools, you can find a tutorial online that will teach you how to hang a picture in less than five minutes. It’s a simple skill but one that’s good to have.
Cook Quick and Healthy Meals
Eating out and ordering delivery gets expensive fast. Knowing how to cook a few quick and healthy meals will save you money while still tasting delicious. Rice bowls, stir-fries, omelets, and paninis are simple, can be completed in under 30 minutes, and include inexpensive ingredients. As a first-time apartment renter, you probably need all the money you can get!
Change A Lightbulb
This one seems so obvious, but some people still don’t know how to change a lightbulb. Check to make sure you’re replacing the old bulb with a brand new one, that the wattage is correct, and you don’t screw the bulb in too loose or too tight. That’s really all there is to it.
Reset the Circuit Breaker
If you trip a circuit in your apartment, it’s important you know how to reset the switch to restore power. Locate the panel box and look for the circuit breaker that is in the off position or not fully on. Some breakers will show a bit of red on the switch if they’re tripped. If the circuit breaker hasn’t fully switched to the off position, you must move it there yourself before you turn it on again.
Once you move the switch back to the on position, power should be restored. If the power doesn’t come back on, try flipping it off and on again. If the breaker shuts off again, you likely have a short or some other problem that needs to be fixed. This is where your maintenance staff should take over.
Unclog a Toilet, Sink, or Tub
You could call maintenance to unclog a toilet or drain but knowing how to do so yourself is a much quicker solution. Buy a plunger for the toilet, a flexible snake to drain the sinks and tub, and Drano®, and you’ll be all set. If, after trying to solve the problem yourself you still have a clogged drain, then you should put in a maintenance request.
Knowing some basic skills will give you the freedom to decorate and make simple repairs on your own time. If you do have a more serious repair that needs attention, submit a maintenance request or call the office directly at (518) 283-0131.
Looking for more first time apartment renter tips? Read through the following blog posts: