You now have your new home and when the lease begins you can move in. 

If this is your First Apartment - - - It might be small... but it's home

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 Architectural Digest. 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.

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, silverware. Don't forget glasses, coffee and 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.