Well, I did it everyone. I left the nest. I moved back to Boston almost a week ago and boy, what a week it has been.
Let’s ignore the fact that there is a nation-wide pandemic going on, because that has actually been the easiest part to manage. Why didn’t anyone tell me that living in a big girl apartment was going to require me to be a big girl and do big girl things? I think I have spent more time at the hardware store than in my actual apartment.
After LESS than a week of living in it, I have already compiled a list of things that every first apartment renter should know. Let’s begin.
Always lock your door.
Mom and Dad, please don’t stop loving me after you read this. I make mistakes. I am human. Now, I know what you’re all thinking. Duh, Megan! That’s an obvious one! Lock your door! And it is for me at night, but I came back to my apartment during the day, and didn’t lock it because I was in there chilling and doing things. Well, big mistake. I was in my room in a sports bra and shorts (luckily not my chic towel dress) when the door opened. I peaked because I thought it was my roommate, but no. It was a man. A stranger man. He had an accent so I couldn’t really understand him but I think he was looking for the management office? I was like, no...gave him a weird look and then he seemed extremely apologetic and was like okay I’m so sorry and left. Now, maybe it was the welcome mat that says Good Vibes Only outside my door that gave him the impression that the management lived here, or maybe he was a creep and my soon to be stalker. Only time will tell. Moral of the story, lock your doors people. Even in the daylight. Oh, and also, lock boxes are great to have as well to keep your personal belongings in!
How to use a gas stove.
I grew up in a household that has electric everything, so never have I ever worked a gas stove or oven before. I really didn’t think it was going to be that difficult, but I was a little nervous because I have this thing with fire - but that’s another story. Anyways, I was boiling some water to make pasta and simply turned the knob. Why does it smell like gas in here? Did I do this right? I asked my roommate. APPARENTLY, you are supposed to push the knob in and THEN turn, or else gas just comes out, hence the smell. That would’ve been really good to know and had I been home alone, who knows what could’ve happened. But, I lived to tell the tale.
Dealing with renovations 101.
Let me preface this with saying that when I toured my apartment back in February, it was disgusting. The stench. The dirt. The dishes piled to the sky. The substances on the floor. I knew that we would have to at least clean the place upon arrival. I didn’t expect, however, to receive an email the morning I was leaving for school from my landlord stating how bad of a condition the apartment was in and everything that was going to be fixed. The kitchen and the bathroom basically needed to be gutted, lights needed to be changed, window screens, paint. You name something in a house and I guarantee you it needed to be fixed. Normally, parents undertake the stress with renovating a home. Well, my parents aren’t here. It’s just good old Megan and her good old roommate. I may or may not have had a little mini breakdown about it all. It’s fine though! I’m fine! Just make sure there is clear communication about what is being done and don’t be afraid to ask your parents for some guidance. After all, I’m just a 20-year-old college student, what do I know?
You might need to get down and dirty.
Literally, down and dirty. You aren’t closing on a brand new farm style home - although I wish - you are renting a city apartment for a year. In our case, the previous tenants left us quite the treat. It is now day 6 of living here and I am still picking lovely little black hairs off of the bathroom walls and floor! It’s like they are falling out of the sky! Did I mention that my roommate and I are both blonde? I may throw up in my mouth a little every time I have to grab one, but hey, someone’s gotta do it, and apparently, it’s us. I made a new best friend since being here, her name is Bleach!
Money flies out of your hands faster than a dog chasing a squirrel.
If you don’t get the reference, it’s fine. But dang does my dog MOVE when she sees a squirrel. Anyways, I think I’ve said this before, but apparently money doesn’t just grow on trees. I have literally been back in the city for less than a week and the amount of money I have spent is absolutely crazytown. I am applying for some jobs nearby, because having an income is cool and right now Frick. stickers and stress balls just aren’t leading to early retirement anytime soon (but please continue to purchase them because maybe I’ll get there one day.) And that’s okay. My advice for spending money in college would be to buy all of your essentials up front, like olive oil, cleaning supplies, things that you will keep for a while and won’t have to replenish every week. Then, budget out your groceries. Buy what you NEED to buy, save a few dollars for something fun, in my case candy, and try to eat out only on the weekends. Just try.
I can’t wait to keep you all updated with my Beantown shenanigans. Hope these tips were either helpful or just made you crack a smile - I am here to do both! Oh, and don’t forget to lock your door. Oh, and smile. It’s good for you.
I painted a picture of my childhood home and hung it above my bed! Check out @operationhappinessblog on Instagram to find out more about it.
My first sunset back on the Charles. Ain’t she a beaut!
My work area isn’t too shabby. Look at that natural light!
My fabulous roommate made me my very own Operation Happiness tote bag and I literally haven’t taken it off of my shoulder since!