5 Domestic Skills to Master

"Doors Open Toronto: Eastdale Collegiate Rooftop Garden" by Karen Stintz
is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Living in an apartment community definitely has its advantages--no shoveling sidewalks, mowing the lawn, and you have a maintenance person on hand to help you solve problems. However, there are basic skills that everyone should have, regardless of your current housing situation or financial status. Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to call the super and schedule your day around a 5-minute fix? Apartment Therapy describes five time- and money-saving skills to master.

1. Cooking

Cooking is probably the most effective money-saving domestic skill you can possibly have. My cooking skills have improved a lot since my 20s when I was first living on my own, but even then I was able to (and did) cook for myself. Growing up, I spent a fair amount of time observing and helping my mom in the kitchen and I really believe this is the best way to learn. But I also came of age when the Food Network was taking off and I learned many basic techniques and was inspired to try new ingredients and recipes from watching food tv.

Nowadays, the internet offers so much cooking inspiration and instruction—there's no excuse not to learn.

2. Sewing and mending

Sewing your own clothes is usually not a money saver because clothes are relatively inexpensive these days compared to the price of fabric, but the ability to alter and repair your own clothes can save you plenty of money at the tailor's. (I'd love to know what percentage of people don't have to have new pants hemmed.)

Sewing for your home is where you can really save money though. Making your own pillow cases, placemats, napkins, curtains, etc. as well as gifts for others are places where sewing for yourself can amount to a lot of savings.

3. Gardening

Gardening takes time and patience, but pays you back with "free" food and herbs. Grow what you love to eat and "shop" from your garden before meals. I love snipping a bit of herbs to put in a meal knowing I'm not buying a huge bunch of basil, for example, when I only need a few leaves. Saving money is only one benefit of having your own garden—easy access to fresh, homegrown food when it's in season—may have you eating better, too.

4. Plumbing

Unless you are an experienced plumber you should not attempt big plumbing fixes, but everyone should know some very basic things like how to stop a running toilet, unclog a drain or toilet, fix a drain stopper, turn off a water valve, etc. Year ago someone gave me the book Dare to Repair by Julie Sussman & Stephanie Glakas-Tenet and I turn to it whenever I'm facing a very basic plumbing task.

5. Painting and Wallpapering

If you have more money than time, go ahead and hire someone to paint or wallpaper for you. But you will save a lot of money by learning to do it yourself. Painting is not as easy as buying paint and a slapping it up with a brush - do some research (or ask an experienced friend to help you) to learn the best techniques for both. And don't be intimidated to learn how to wallpaper. It takes patience, but is actually quite easy.

If you have more money than time, go ahead and hire someone to paint or wallpaper for you. But you will save a lot of money by learning to do it yourself. Painting is not as easy as buying paint and a slapping it up with a brush - do some research (or ask an experienced friend to help you) to learn the best techniques for both. And don't be intimidated to learn how to wallpaper. It takes patience, but is actually quite easy.

Finally, before you hire - see if you can barter.

You may not acquire all of these domestic skills, but even learning one or two, especially as a young person, will save you a lot over the years. For things you've yet to learn, try bartering with a friend or neighbor. A basket of veggies from your garden for shortening some pants, perhaps.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Just because you live in an apartment, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to know your neighbors. You never know when you might need someone to look in on your pet or join you at an apartment community event! Plus, it will make the inevitable elevator and hallway encounters much less awkward if you know who you’re saying hello to. Here are some tips from Apartment Guide on being an ideal neighbor.

1. Communicate

One of the keys to any relationship—but particularly the neighborly kind—is communication. It may be tempting to leave your neighbor be and stick to yourself, but if you want to be a good neighbor, it’s important to communicate from the get-go.

Introduce yourself right after you move in; then continue to say “hello” when you run into one another. Some other important things to communicate about are problems with the building, times you’ll be away from your home, or any other problems you might have with them.

By communicating with neighbors, you not only show them that you are a nice person who can be trusted, you also create an ally in your living space. Maybe you’ll even make a new friend.

2. Be Social

Another great way to establish communication (and also establish yourself as friendly person) is to be a social person. Organize a potluck or picnic for everyone that lives in your building or neighborhood. You can show your neighbors that not only do you want to know them, but you also want them to know each other, and that you’re interested in fostering a community where you live.

3. Be on the Lookout

One of the best parts about a neighbor is that they can be around your home to help you out when needed, so you should be there for your neighbor, too. Always keep watch and be protective of your neighbors’ homes, as well as your own.

This means that should something bad happen, you’ll be able to stop it or fix it so they won’t have to. Showing that you care about their space as well as yours is an excellent way to endear yourself to neighbors and to ensure you have someone looking out for your place and belongings as well.

4. Be Respectful

Everyone wants to live their own life, but it’s important to be respectful of other peoples’ time and space, particularly when you’re sharing a living area like an apartment complex. That means don’t have loud parties late at night and warn people who will be affected by noise from your home if you are planning to have a loud gathering.

Also, being respectful entails being mindful of shared walls, keeping your outdoor/shared space clean, and not using your space for anything dangerous or unpleasant.

5. Do Favors

It doesn’t have to be an everyday thing, but every once in a while you should do a generous favor for your neighbor. Putting out a little energy to do something nice will show that you’re a generous and considerate person, and it may just end up in favors being done for you.

6. Train Your Pets

Pets can be great additions to life, but they can also be a nuisance to other people. So, for your neighbors’ sake, train your dog. Your pets shouldn’t be noisy, and they should know only to go to the bathroom in designated spots. This is a good way to ensure your neighbor loves your pet and doesn’t resent him.

Adjusting to a New City

"City of Seattle: One" by John Tregoning is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Moving to a new city is a brave step, whether it’s for a job or because it’s a place where you have always wanted to live. It can be a tricky transition from old life to new life, but if you go into a move like this with reasonable expectations and a plan for putting yourself out there and making friends, life in your new city will be more fun than you could imagine! Keep in mind these tips from Apartment Therapy.

Say yes to everything. You need either all or some of the following life essentials in your new city: friends, a BFF, a boyfriend/ girlfriend, and a job. You won't find these by sitting at home and ordering delivery while watching Bravo. Get out there! Go to everything people invite you to. Remind yourself that you are on a mission to find these life essentials!

Ask to be set up on friend dates... or date dates. Welcome to the way grown-ups make friends. We're not in college anymore. Ask your BFFs in your current city if they know anyone in your new city. Ask your family if they know anyone who might be a nice friend for you. Scour Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and whatever other social media you're on and find out who from your network lives in town. You might be surprised.

Join organized groups. From nonprofit volunteering to kickball leagues, even if you don't normally consider yourself a joiner, joining something is a way to meet new peeps. Start with a hobby and find a group. Even better: find something you've never done before. Being a beginner is a great way to connect with other people who are also beginning; you feel awkward, they feel awkward, bingo: new friend.

For your first 6 months, stay somewhere comfortable. You are in a new city, it's all strange and unfamiliar. You don't know where CVS or the grocery store are or who your BFF will be. You don't know the good neighborhoods from the okay neighborhoods from the bad neighborhoods. You don't know the secret side streets to cut around traffic. You don't know the cool bars, the cool restaurants or where the best farmer's market is. So instead of adding to the stress, I encourage you to stay somewhere comfortable for your first chunk of time... while you get used to your surroundings. "Comfortable" means something different to everyone. For me it meant splurging on a temporary apartment in a pricey area where I feel really safe and free to explore my surroundings. For you it might mean living with a friend or relative temporarily even though you know that long-term you want to be living alone.

Give yourself a year to acclimate. Anytime you start thinking "OMG, this was a huge mistake!," "I was so stupid for thinking this was a good idea!" or "I'm never going to like living here and I'm going to die alone!" — and, trust me, it will happen — remind yourself that things are still in transition, moving is hard, and you are giving yourself until you have a year under your belt before making any overarching judgements on the move.

Don't forget about your friends and your network from your former city. You have it easier — you left. I've always believed that the "mover" has it easier than the person left behind. You're out exploring a new city, having new adventures, learning new things. Your old pals are in their same routine and probably missing you. Don't forget about them. Make an effort to keep in touch and to go back and visit from time to time. Yes, it will be hard — you're not sharing all of their day to day adventures and even a small time difference call be awkward — but soon enough things will fall into place.

How did you adjust to life in a new city after a move? Share your thoughts!

Save or Splurge on Kitchen Essentials?

"Old Board" by Jeff Attaway is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Regardless of how often you cook, there are certain items that everyone will need at one point or another in their kitchen. Accumulating these items can add up quickly, so how do you know what items are worth their price and which ones you’re better off purchasing at discount stores? Apartment Therapy breaks down 15 essential kitchen tools and whether you should splurge or save.

Splurge On:

Skillet: A frying pan will be your main workhorse, so do the research and make the investment! It would be nice to have both a nonstick and stainless steel pan, but if you had to choose one, I would go with a stainless steel. Non-stick pans are good for things like eggs and pancakes, but I find that the stainless steel pans are better for sauces, searing meat and vegetables, and pretty much everything else. The cream of the crop here is the pan from All-Clad ($150).

Cutting board: Make sure that your cutting board is a sturdy one that you will want to reach for again and again. After years of buying cheap plastic cutting boards, I am coming to the conclusion that a high quality wooden cutting board is worth the splurge. Wooden boards last a long time- longer than the plastic ones - if you take care of them. I always thought wooden boards would retain more bacteria since it is porous, but a study was done where they found that while bacteria does enter the wooden boards, once they get in, they are unable to reproduce and die off. Plastic, on the other hand, allows bacteria to sit on the surface. In addition, a wooden board is much kinder to your knife. Try the Proteak Rectangular Cutting Board ($75).

Food processor: A food processor is one of those gadgets that you could get by without, but then you do get one and wonder why you didn't get one sooner. (Check out this article from the Kitchn for ways to use a food processor if you're not sure.) The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor ($180) isn't cheap but it isn't the most expensive one out there, either. It's an investment that will make your cooking life a little easier and make you more adventurous in the kitchen.

Save On:

Chef's knife: A really great knife and some basic cutting tips could be the thing that takes you from being a cooking novice to chopping vegetables with ease. The Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch Chef's Knife ($36) is heralded by chefs and home cooks alike of being a fantastic knife at a reasonable price.

Cast iron pan: I love my cast iron and I am just beginning to discover how versatile and helpful it can be. (For more cast iron love, check out this 35 Ways to Love Your Cast Iron article.) Luckily, for all its uses, the cast iron pan does not have to be expensive... just make sure to take good care of it! Lodge Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet ($25).

Mixing/prep bowls: Have a few of these bowls on hand in different sizes for mixing and prepping. You can find stainless steel bowls ranging from 1.5 QT to 7.5 QT in the price range of $8-$12.

Baking sheet: Look for a non-stick, non-dark, rimmed baking sheet, and you will see these at a reasonable price everywhere. You can use the pan for roasting vegetables and cooking meat, as well as baking cookies and even an occasional sheet cake. I usually line mine with foil first in order to preserve it and make the cleanup easier. The Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet is really popular ($13).

Pot: A pot that does the varied work of sautéing onions, cooking rice, making soups, sauces and creams, and boiling eggs and pasta should be one that will be sturdy, easy to handle and will last you a long time. The Cuisinart MultiClad Unlimited 4-Quart Saucepan ($70) isn't cheap, but it is on the lower end of many of pricey pots and does just as well (if not better!)

Measuring spoons and cups: Go simple with your measuring utensils. For a measuring spoon, look for ones with a long handle (to reach into jars) that are also detachable. Go with a large 2-Cup measuring cup for liquids and flat-bottomed cups for dry ingredients. I like the Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup ($13), the Squish Measuring Spoons ($5.50), and Oxo Good Grips ($9). These stainless steel spoons ($10) a little more expensive than the plastic, but the rectangular bottoms are a nice feature.

Wooden spoons: I love my wooden spoons and reach for them all the time - to sauté meat and vegetables, to stir soup, to scramble eggs, to transfer food to a plate, to place over a pot of pasta in boiling water to prevent it from overflowing....and pretty much any wooden spoon will do. You can get a set of three for $6.

Spatula: A spatula is perfect for flipping eggs, pancakes, hamburger patties, or any other kind of patty. We often do salmon patties, tuna patties, and zucchini patties at our house (my two-year old daughter loves helping me make them), and a spatula is what allows us to flip even the most misshapen of patties without breaking them. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner ($10).

Colander: Nothing else will do the job of straining water from your pasta, so pick one of these up. A colander is also useful for rinsing fruit and vegetables. Focus Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander ($9).

Instant read thermometer: If you are cooking a lot of meat, passionate about your meat, or paranoid about your meat, a digital thermometer will become invaluable. A few degrees can be the difference between a tender and tough steak, and the best way to confirm that roast chicken is done is with that thermometer. CDN DTQ450X ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer ($16).

Vegetable peeler: A vegetable peeler is extremely handy especially if you frequently cook from scratch. The OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler ($9) will not disappoint.

Kitchen shears: Some may balk at the need for kitchen scissors, but mine have become essential because I use it to cut almost all of my meat! I have found that it is the easiest way to cut up protein into small pieces. If you aren't already, try it! The Messermeister 8-Inch Take-Apart Kitchen Scissors ($14) have a bunch of other features too.

Small Space Living 101

"Settling In: Kitchen" by Nathan Yergler is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Living in an apartment definitely has its advantages, like no lawns to mow and resident events. However, lack of space can be an issue--keyword: “can.” By following these 10 commandments of small space living from Apartment Therapy, you will be on your way to a clutter free, organized and eye-appealing oasis of an apartment.

1. Thou shalt declutter your domicile — Especially in a small space, clutter can completely take over and make your home feel even smaller than it already is. Get it under control and take back your space, no excuses.

2. Thou shalt get a system to stay organized — Once you've gotten blissfully organized, you want to make sure to keep it up. Spend a few bucks and a few hours setting up a system so, even if you have limited space, everything has a place to go. It will keep you on track and your home feeling cozy not crazy.

3. Thou shalt make your furniture do double duty — When you have limited space, double duty furniture is a must. Why wouldn't you take advantage of every inch you can? Think storage benches, under-bed boxes or even simple ideas like a dresser used as a nightstand.

4. Thou shalt be careful with color —You know we love color but it's a powerful tool so be a bit careful. Get familiar with the properties of certain colors and what they can do for your space before you take the plunge. Already have a tiny, cave-like bedroom? Darks might not be the way to go as they'll make it feel even...ahem...cozier. Consider the amount of light, how you'd like to feel in that space and your room size to make sure you make the smartest choice.

5. Thou shalt utilize your wall space — There's plenty of valuable real estate all over your home, not just on the floor. Shelves, cabinets and even simple, cheap (and endlessly customizable) pegboard racks can get your belongings organized while keeping them from taking up your limited floor or counter space.

6. Thou shalt scrutinize scale — A common mistake we see in small homes is maxing out on the small scale furniture to save space. Please, no more doll house living! Mix up the scale with a few larger statement pieces, or utilize your wall space with large scale art (ahem...see above) to add some heft.

7. Thou shalt embrace visually light furniture — Here's a handy little tip: visually light furniture will allow you to have much more in a space without its seeming cramped! Think acrylics, hairpin or MCM tapered legs, or any other airy style that leaves plenty of empty space around your pieces.

8. Thou shalt spend time outside your home — Here' s the truth: no matter how perfectly designed your tiny home is, you still need to get out and about to avoid cabin fever. Make a point to actually use all the great places available to you like public parks, the library, coffee shops or any place where you can camp out and get a change of scenery for a few hours.

9. Thou shalt keep it clean — Dirt builds up terrifyingly fast in any home but in a small home it can seem almost instantaneous (and there's nowhere to go to get away from the mess). Get proactive, get on a schedule and nip that dirty, depressing situation in the bud.

10. Thou shalt keep your sense of humor — There will always be a few trying moments when existing in a small space, especially a shared one, but your sense of humor will see you through. Take heart in the fact that not only are you using less, you're getting out and participating in your community more. Everyone has a few gripes at home; at least cleaning 14 palatial bedrooms isn't one of yours. Enjoy your efficient, cozy and charming space and make it the best you can.

What would you add to these 10 rules? Share your ideas in the comments!