FIRST MONTREAL APARTMENT

Your First Apartment

Whether you plan on living alone or with roommates, be prepared—your first apartment will most likely be a small one. That's why it pays to plan ahead. Figure out in advance which things you just can't do without. This includes essential furniture, cookware and other basics.

Furniture

Face facts—your first apartment is never going to be featured in Architecture Today. Think bare essentials. A good comfortable chair for study, perhaps a couch or beanbag, a small sturdy desk for homework or a computer, a dresser, a bed of course or perhaps a futon. Baskets and trunks too are a nifty idea...both as decoration and to store extra clothes or other items.

If you need to actually buy furniture, there are many places - like Stacks & Stacks - that sell fine inexpensive furniture and accessories. Also consider flea markets, yard sales or even the Salvation Army or Goodwill. And don't forget such essential things as CD-holders, milk crate bookshelves, hooks to hang your bike or speakers. For sleeping, think about a bed-frame with drawers or raising your bed on concrete blocks for extra storage space. Screens also add a decorative touch to a room...as well as providing an area to "hide" storable items. Another good storage idea—consider stashing the out-of-season stuff in empty suitcases. Finally, put a key hook by the door so you'll always take along your keys.

Cookware

Yes, you're going to have to eat in too. Maybe even learn how to cook. But first, get the basics—a good cast iron skillet, large covered pots, pans for roasting, service for four, and silverware. Don't forget glasses, coffee/tea mugs, a teapot, perhaps even a microwave. And we're not talking sterling silver or fine china here, inexpensive cookware is just fine to start out with.

Decorating

Think plants and posters, colorful rugs and wall coverings. Also consider haunting flea markets and moving sales for those inexpensive funky items that'll add character to your place. Another idea: check out the local record stores for posters. And think about covering your sofa or easy chairs with print sheets—it adds a bit of welcome color to the room.

Finding and fixing up your first apartment can be both fun and a personal statement. Give it a go!

Leaving Your First Apartment, what you can expect:

Be sure to give plenty of notice—30 days is customary.

Clean the place up. Remove nails and spackle over holes. You don't have to shampoo the carpet or repaint unless the place looks like an absolute war zone.

Check to see if your landlord or the Housing Department at your school has something like an inventory sheet to use as evidence that you've left the place in good shape. (If not, borrow someone's Polaroid to create your own evidence.)

If you're thinking of subletting, check with the landlord first to see if a sublease is necessary or even legal. Remember, you're liable for your sublettor's behavior.

Thinking of just up and leaving? DON'T! It's against the law.

Security deposits. A landlord can subtract "wear and tear" from your deposit. The landlord has 30 days to deal with security deposit matters, so be sure to leave a forwarding address.

If you are leaving on good terms, try to get a written recommendation from your landlord to present to another prospective landlord as proof of your "good character."

10+ Things to Pack Last

It's time to pack up for your first apartment. Here's a helpful list of 10+ items to pack last and keep handy...they're the things you'll need to get to first and frequently.

• Extension cords, batteries. Everything's electric these days it seems. Computers, CD-players, your Walkman, all those little gizmos you just can't seem to live without. So it just makes sense to keep that extension cord or pack of new batteries right on top and within easy reach.
• Tools. We're talking hammers and screwdrivers, nails and screws, scotch tape, duct tape and especially, a tape measure.
• A bottle opener and glasses. Thirst always seems to come first—particularly if you have to lug that stuff by yourself. Dehydration is a sneaky beast, so be prepared.
• Snack, pizza or fast food coupons. You're going to work up a hunger so think about treating yourself to a quick bite or a night out at Mickey D's.
• Address book or PDA. Keep those important telephone numbers handy.
• Cell phone or regular telephone with plug—put these within easy reach. There's always potential for an emergency.
• Sufficient cash. Duh...but if you're opening a new bank account you may have to wait for your first check to clear. Traveler's checks wouldn't hurt either.
• A copy of your lease and personal ID such as a driver's license. And speaking of banking, if you're starting a new checking account (or applying for utilities service) you'll need proof of your new address too.
• Cleaning materials. Especially paper towels—accidents do happen.
• Light bulbs, a small lamp (perhaps a flashlight). It may be dark when you finally move in. Alarm clock. You don't want to miss your first day at school, right?
• Box cutter. Don't pack this puppy at all! It's the first thing you'll need to open your packages.