I can't do this..

[Raychel]

Why would I ever think I could find an apartment for DB and myself.. Why did I ever think I was old enough to do this. I've looked at 400 different apartments. Can have pets- Check. Within 10 minutes from XU- Check. blah blah blah We need beds, and sofas, and tables, and pots, and pans, and forks, and rugs, and shower curtains! I still haven't found an apartment.. That perfect one.. In the perfect location.. with everything we want.. Not even everything, just most..

I don't want to be in the ghetto.. I don't want to have a ****ty landlord.. I don't want to have an apartment invested with bugs. I don't think that that's too much to ask..

I'm trying to make this all easier on him.. When he comes home.. I want to have a short list. We can tour those few places. Sign a lease. And move on/in. But.. I'm starting to think I don't know the first thing about finding a damn apartment..

[Fell4aSoldier]

I don't know the are you're looking in, but I do know that finding a place to live is NEVER an easy process, ESPECIALLY in an apartment. Be diligent, check craigslist, local newspapers, everything. Ask anyone if they have friends that live in complexes that they like, etc. As for the stuff, as your family and friends. I've been living on my own for 3 years now and I have never bought a pan/pot/iron/ironing board or couch- everything was hand me downs!! Or try garage sales, or again, craigslist for inexpenisve items. Most of all just remmeber to get a place you'll be safe and comfrotable in, all the "stuff" doesn't matter much when you're living with someone you love.

BTW- you're an awesome GF for doing all the leg work and not making your man have to stress it when he gets back.

[Mrz. Robinson]

I would as people around that stay in the place you want to. try lookin online, newspapers ect. Just calm down an give it sometime

[BKat]

I'm sorry you're having so much trouble. I'd just check every day, maybe a couple times a day because you never know when something will come up and good apartments seem to go quickly. Just keep trying, but don't get so down on yourself for not having luck!

[Amber]

I found my first apartment when I was 18. You can do it. Mine had roaches from the neighbors, and it was in the ghetto but it was mine and I loved it.

If you see one you like, ask to see a model. To know if you can afford it easily make sure the rent is not anywhere close to half of your total combined earnings. You don't have furniture yet, that's okay. Check out Ikea or wal-mart.

Find an inexpensive apartment, see if you are eligible for the Rental Partnership Program, then move in. At first you may be sleeping on an air mattress. That's okay.

Go to your local goodwill and buy some inexpensive pots and pans and dishes and silverware. It's cheap, and a lot of times they are brand new but they are missing a dish or whathaveyou.

You can do it, I promise you. Throw a housewarming party if you can, and request small things like dish towels, or a shower curtain. There is no shame in that, and that's what friends are for.

[evil_genius]

When I moved out, I asked around my family to see if anyone had extra dishes and things that they didn't use that they'd be willing to part with. You'd be suprised how happy your family might be to help out, plus you'd be helping them out by getting rid of some of their storage!

[BumbleBeep]

You might not beable to have the perfect apartment at first, but you'll be together. As long as your in an area you can feel safe in eh. Keep it as cheap as you can, and check everywhere drive around in the areas your looking at you'll probably have to compromise on a few things. For furniture and all that check goodwill, ross, craigslist, garage sales. You can pick up alot of things on the cheap just to start out. You can do it!!

[Raychel]

Thanks for all the advice.. Fell4asoldier, we're looking in Cincinnati, but for those of you who don't know.. Cincinnati is GINORMOUS.. slightly ridiculous.

The other problematic thing is that an apartment that is available right now, may not be in 6-7 months when he comes home. So.. I'm grateful I have so much time to look, but it's just making me more frustrated at this point..

[villanelle]

First places are difficult becaus eyou always have to compromise. It may come down to deciding between a neighborhood that you like, the distance from where you want to be, the size, and the condition, because on a tight budget, you can almost never have all 4, and sometimes you can only have 2 or 2 and kind of a third.

Good luck, and remember that if you don't love the place, it isn't forever. In a year or 2 when youa re hopefully making more money, you can upgrade.

[*Genia*]

Originally Posted by Raychel Thanks for all the advice.. Fell4asoldier, we're looking in Cincinnati, but for those of you who don't know.. Cincinnati is GINORMOUS.. slightly ridiculous. The other problematic thing is that an apartment that is available right now, may not be in 6-7 months when he comes home. So.. I'm grateful I have so much time to look, but it's just making me more frustrated at this point..

I'm in a similiar situation. I'll be graduating and moving but not for a few more months. What I found is that if you let the apartment complex know that, they'll be willing to work with you. They've all made an effort to keep me updated on prices and current rentals. All the ones I've looked at have also offered different ways to lock in a price or reserve a certain apartment if they find an renter is leaving. So if you find a place you really like, find out what they're willing to do to help you. I can't help on the actual finding part because I just got extremely lucky an happened to stumble upon some great places. Good luck