Claire Nicholas

Where to Find the Cheapest Rent in America (2025)

Claire Nicholas

Feb 03, 2025

Looking to spend less on rent? Here are 10 cities where renters can find a one-bedroom apartment below the national median rent price.

How to How To Meet Your Apartment Neighbors and Build Community In Your Neighborhood

Claire Nicholas

Jan 14, 2025

According to Willy Charleton, a board member of The Neighborhood Association of The Back Bay, engaging with your neighborhood and fostering connections is worth it — and not always quite as intimidating as you’d think. Charleton shared some practical tips on how to make friends, forge meaningful relationships, and create a thriving new community right where you live.

What is Post-War Architecture? The Definition, Pros, and Cons

Claire Nicholas

Jan 09, 2025

In the mid-19th century after World War II, particularly in the late 1940s through the 1960s, life was all about change and new construction. In line with this cultural shift, a new architectural style and movement emerged in real estate. Socio-economic changes and the need for rebuilding in war-torn regions informed the style, known as post-war architecture.

A Finance Professional Shares Tips for Boosting Your Credit Score

Claire Nicholas

Dec 05, 2024

If you’re looking for an extra edge when it comes down to the dreaded application process, optimizing your credit score can help. That’s why we spoke to finance associate Allyson Lynch, whose insights into managing your credit can give you that push you need to clinch the apartment you want.

Are These Popular Apartment and Home Hacks Worth Trying?

Claire Nicholas

Nov 19, 2024

With so much information at our fingertips, discerning true solutions from clever marketing can be tricky. So, to save you the time, we dug a little deeper to find out which of renter-friendly hacks actually work and which, as good as they may sound, don’t measure up to their promises of miraculous fixes, reversals, and upgrades.

Strategies to Hide Unsightly Items in Every Room in Your Apartment

Claire Nicholas

Nov 07, 2024

With just a few hacks and easy additions to your storage, decor, and more, you can keep your home looking tidy and stylish while elevating your unit’s overall organization. 

6 Strategies to Finding an Apartment in a Competitive Market

Claire Nicholas

Oct 31, 2024

In highly desirable areas, a lack of apartment vacancies and an influx of potential renters is a problem can slow the apartment search process and make it quite stressful. But if you approach the apartment search strategically, you’ll find that your dream apartment isn’t as far out-of-reach as you may have thought.

Check Out This Renter-Friendly Fall Decor Transformation

Claire Nicholas

Oct 22, 2024

Interior design enthusiast and NYC nurse Emily Auffrey takes us through her fall apartment transformation, complete with easy and budget-friendly DIY projects galore.

Everything You Need to Know about Americana or Heritage Interior Design

Claire Nicholas

Oct 17, 2024

With touches of farmhouse and traditional styles and a level of detail that approaches maximalism, Americana interior design is all about welcoming energy and good craftsmanship. 

What Cleaning Supplies Should I Use to Clean My Apartment?

Claire Nicholas

Oct 11, 2024

With flu season approaching, the fall is a good time to evaluate your cleaning regimen and ensure you're prepared for the months ahead. To make it easier, here’s our essential cleaning supplies list ahead of flu season.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Paint Your Apartment's Walls

Claire Nicholas

Oct 09, 2024

Before you start your DIY painting project you’ll want to know exactly what you’re getting into. That’s why it can help to approach the task with as much background knowledge and know-how as you can. Read on for our painting tips.

Should You Rent this Apartment? 9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Signing a Lease

Claire Nicholas

Sep 23, 2024

There are questions that you may not think to ask yourself when apartment hunting, especially if you’re a first-time renter or if you’re moving to a completely new city. That’s why we’re here to ask those other important questions for you.

A Room-By-Room Guide to Doing Minor Maintenance in Your Apartment

Claire Nicholas

Sep 19, 2024

We all know the feeling when something in your apartment begins to malfunction — one minute you’re doing the dishes, and the next, you’re debating whether to text your landlord about the clogged sink. Not every issue requires a call to your landlord; in this guide, we asked a professional handyman for tips on how to do minor maintenance at home.

Industrial Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Claire Nicholas

Sep 09, 2024

Industrial interior design is a style that embraces the beauty of unrefined decor elements, with the result being living spaces that are edgy, modern, and historical all at once. This timeless design approach draws inspiration from old factories and urban spaces, and can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it.

A Room by Room Guide to Packing Efficiently for a Move

Claire Nicholas

Aug 26, 2024

While you can’t avoid the task of packing itself, you can make the prospect of fitting everything in your moving vehicle a bit less daunting with these room-by-room packing tips. Bonus: None of these require fancy packing materials.

Apartment Tour: How This Actress Turned Her Tiny Upper East Side Apartment into a Maximalist Oasis

Claire Nicholas

Aug 20, 2024

Actress Jillian Marie Sayegh was sketched out by her current Upper East Side apartment listing, but the price was too good to pass up — and a psychic had told her that her dream apartment was coming to her way. Sayegh toured the place, decided it had good bones and lots of potential — and has completely transformed the space since then. Here's her apartment transformation tour.

A Guide to Moving in With Roommates for the First Time

Claire Nicholas

Aug 12, 2024

If it’s your first time living with roommates, you’re correct to assume there might be some adjustments and unfamiliar scenarios coming your way in this new living situation. Although your roommate experience will vary based on who you are and where you live, there are some pieces of advice that will help make the experience as enjoyable and smooth as possible.

Bohemian Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Claire Nicholas

Aug 02, 2024

One of the most distinctive and popular interior design styles of the 21st Century is bohemian, or “boho style” accompanied by its siblings bohemian chic and modern bohemian. In this article, we outline what it is and how you can achieve it in your rental.

Apartment Tour: A Nurse and Content Creator’s Dream Apartment Transformation in Long Island City

Claire Nicholas

Jul 25, 2024

Emily Auffrey won the NYC housing lottery with her Long Island City apartment. Literally. Here's how she transformed her affordable housing unit in LIC, with its floor to ceiling windows, tons of natural light, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms.

How To Feel Safer If You Live in Your Apartment Alone

Claire Nicholas

Jul 11, 2024

For some, living alone might bring about concerns related to personal safety and security. But with a few tips and tricks, you might find that the benefits of solo renting outweigh any doubts that creep in when you’re home alone.

How to Make Friends When You Move to a New City

Claire Nicholas

Jul 09, 2024

How do you meet people in a new and unfamiliar place? We spoke to a few young adult renters to learn more about how to make friends in a new city.

How to Baby Proof Your Apartment

Claire Nicholas

Jun 25, 2024

Since safety is a huge priority for parents everywhere, baby proofing your apartment is something you want to get right on the first go. That’s why we’ve compiled renter-friendly baby-proofing tips for you to refer to as you prepare for your baby to come home.

How to Break Up with Your Roommate, According to a Licensed Therapist

Claire Nicholas

Jun 17, 2024

If you haven’t had a bad roommate, you know someone who has. Your roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend, but you shouldn't be feeling anxious or unhappy at home. If you need to break up with your roommate and move on, read this advice from a licensed therapist.

Cottage-Core Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Claire Nicholas

Jun 13, 2024

Cottage core decor (sometimes stylized as one word: cottagecore) welcomes all the styles of yore: lace doily tablecloths, crushed velvet upholstery, and detailed floral fabrics, to name a few. It’s like bringing a 19th century English countryside bungalow into your 21st century apartment living room.

How To Pick the Right Apartment Unit Level for You

Claire Nicholas

May 30, 2024

Despite the views, the top floor might not necessarily be the best floor for every renter, and despite the convenience, a lower floor may not be a perfect match. With that in mind, it’s best to zoom out and weigh the ups and downs of each floor.

What is the Best Way to Pack Clothes for a Move?

Claire Nicholas

May 24, 2024

While clothing doesn’t seem like it should be too hard to move — you can leave the bubble wrap and packing paper behind — owning bulky items, lots of unique pieces, or having a big closet can make it trickier than it looks. That's why we asked Injeanius owner Alison Barnard O’Brien for her best tips for packing and moving clothes.

Don't Forget These Must-Have Packing Supplies the Next Time You Move

Claire Nicholas

May 20, 2024

Packing your stuff to move in to your new apartment can be a real headache. From anticipation of moving day to executing the move, there are so many parts you can’t control — which is why it’s important to take advantage of the elements you can control.

Apartment Tour: This NYC Renter Decorated her Oversized Washington Heights Bedroom on a Budget

Claire Nicholas

May 14, 2024

NYC renter Madison Adore shares how she decorated her oversized bedroom in her Washington Heights apartment on a budget and walks us through her apartment tour photos.

Victorian Chic Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Claire Nicholas

May 08, 2024

If you’re drawn to silver and gold accents, detailed fleur-de-lis–laden wallpaper and fabrics, and densely decorated rooms (as opposed to sparse minimalistic looks), chances are you’ll be a fan of the Victorian chic trend.

Picking a New Couch? Here are Pros and Cons of Common Sofa Upholstery Fabrics

Claire Nicholas

Apr 30, 2024

Buying a couch is a big investment, so it’s important to do thorough research on what will work best for you before you click “add to cart.” In this guide, we go over five common sofa upholstery fabrics as well as their pros and cons.

6 Expert Budgeting Tips to Help You Afford a Rent Increase

Claire Nicholas

Apr 22, 2024

According to Maggie Tucker, founder and host of Inside Out Money podcast (and an early retiree at just 41 years old), there are money moves you can make to be able to afford the extra housing costs without increasing your take-home pay. Here’s her advice.

3 Furniture Flips to Try in Your Apartment This Spring

Claire Nicholas

Apr 16, 2024

You may not be looking to re-furnish your space with a table or couch, but taking on a budget-friendly DIY project can bring your space to a new level. Here are some DIY furniture makeover projects to carry you and your apartment from spring clean to summer fresh.

The Dos and Don’ts of Roommate Conflict, According to a Psychotherapist

Claire Nicholas

Apr 02, 2024

Emotions like frustration and anger can run hot and cloud our judgment, so examining roommate problems through a psychological lens can be helpful. When your buttons are pushed, here’s what to do, and what not to do, according to Becca Jacobs, LCSW, psychotherapist at The NYC Therapy Center. 

3 Common Apartment Insects and How to Get Rid of Them

Claire Nicholas

Mar 29, 2024

Although some insect-related incidents can require the help of professional pest control services, there are measures you can take even before you spot one and before they become a real problem. In this guide, we go through three common pest problems, how to keep bugs out of your apartment, and how to get rid of them if they’re already there. 

An Expert’s Guide to Urban Gardening

Claire Nicholas

Mar 21, 2024

Whatever your garden space looks like, we’re here to tell you that you can get outside and garden this year, whether it’s directly in the ground or not. And Andrew Johnson, owner of The Good Food Farm in Ashby, MA, is here to help you make it happen with his gardening tips and DIY projects. 

Midcentury Modern Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Claire Nicholas

Mar 15, 2024

Midcentury modern design has an impressively long (and ongoing) history. What started as a trend in the 1940s remains one of the most popular interior design trends even now. We dive into the origins and aesthetics of midcentury design, and provide tips for getting a midcentury look in your apartment.

Apartment Tour: This Renter Completely Transformed Her 450-Square Foot Back Bay Studio

Claire Nicholas

Mar 07, 2024

When 28-year-old Claire O'Brien moved into her Back Bay studio, it needed a little love. The 450 square foot apartment had old finishes and was filled with the previous tenant's left behind belongings. However, she saw potential. In this apartment tour, she talks us through how she transformed her space.

What Dog Should You Get Based on Your Apartment?

Claire Nicholas

Feb 28, 2024

Did you know that a Great Dane may be a better choice for your small apartment than a Jack Russell Terrier? In this article, we talked to an expert to find out how to pick the right dog breed for any living space.

Making Your Apartment More Eco-Friendly: A Room-by-Room Guide

Claire Nicholas

Feb 22, 2024

A few small changes you make in your apartment can have big environmental impacts. Read on for our room-by-room guide to sustainable living at home.

Tips for Moving In with Your Significant Other

Claire Nicholas

Feb 16, 2024

As much as it’s an exciting step forward in a relationship, moving in with your significant other for the first time is a milestone that comes with some uncharted territory. That’s why we spoke to relationship expert Ricki Romm, LCSW, who specializes in both individual and couples therapy, to get her advice on moving in together.

How Clean Is Your Apartment Bathtub?

Claire Nicholas

Feb 12, 2024

We spoke to two renters and an epidemiologist to get to the bottom of the controversial question: How clean is your apartment bathtub, really?

How to Create the Perfect Home Gym in Your Apartment

Claire Nicholas

Feb 02, 2024

The premium on fitness centers in the U.S. is often not so friendly, so why not consider making use of the space that you already have? Read on for our guide on how to set up a home gym in your apartment — whether you are repurposing one corner in your living room or a full extra bedroom.

The Do's and Don'ts of Storing Wine in Your Apartment

Claire Nicholas

Jan 25, 2024

We asked a sommelier to guide us through the common mistakes people make when storing wine in their apartments — and how to avoid them.

What is Hygge?: Tips on How to Hygge Your Apartment for the Winter

Claire Nicholas

Jan 17, 2024

Hygge is many things: a lifestyle, the way you interact and connect with your space, a coziness that meets the eye, and a comfort that meets the soul. And although it’s employable year-round, hygge can be especially comforting during the winter months. We offer tips on how to hygge your apartment from an expert.

What is Maximalism? A History and Renter-Friendly Design Tips

Claire Nicholas

Jan 11, 2024

Maximalist decor is that larger-than-life interior design style that makes aesthetic sense despite toeing the line of chaos. And after centuries of ebb and flow in American households — plus a cultural shift brought on by the pandemic — it’s back in style. We explore why, and give you tips for achieving a maximalist look in your apartment.

Our Favorite Holiday Apartment Transformations

Claire Nicholas

Dec 08, 2023

Decorating is the best way to get into the holiday spirit, whether you're looking to create a cozy and classic Christmas scene in your apartment or a maximalist "Pinkmas" display. We spoke with two content creators who go all out on their holiday decor to learn more about how they accomplish their apartment transformations.

Our Favorite Halloween Decor Transformations

Claire Nicholas

Oct 05, 2023

Halloween decorating doesn't have to be scary — and it doesn't need to involve plastic pumpkins and monsters, either. We spoke with two interior decorators to learn more about their Halloween decor transformations, and get tips to help you with yours.