25 DIYs You Need for Your First Apartment

Inside Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers

Crumbs, dust, and mystery smudges often get left behind when previous homeowners move out. Wipe with a gentle all-purpose cleaner, then add drawer liners for a fresh, finished look.

The Fridge & Freezer

It always feels good to start with a clean slate in the fridge; after all, you don't want your groceries mingling with someone else's leftovers. Take out all shelves and drawers to soak in warm, soapy water, then wipe down interior walls with a baking soda and water solution.

Bathroom Fixtures

Faucets, handles, and shower heads can harbor buildup or bacteria. Use a vinegar soak on shower heads and a disinfectant spray on all high-touch surfaces.

Air Vents & Filters

I was living in my home for a year before a friend pointed out that I needed to replace my HVAC filter every 6 months to a year. Now I'm consistent about it. Apparently, dust and allergens can build up fast — especially if the home was vacant for a while. Vacuum vent covers and replace HVAC filters so your new space breathes better.

Light Switches & Doorknobs

These are touched constantly — and rarely cleaned. Go room by room with a disinfecting wipe or spray to wipe down all the switches and knobs.

Baseboards & Trim

Vacuum your carpets and floors thoroughly, then mop using the right cleaner for your floor type (wood, tile, vinyl, etc.). Don't forget baseboards and trim, which collect dust and scuffs — especially during a move-out and move-in. Use a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water to clean up dust. I'm love a Magic Eraser to remove tougher marks too.

Washing Machines

Lint, detergent buildup, and even mildew can linger in your washer from previous use. Wipe down the inside of the washer drum, clean the detergent drawer, and vacuum out the dryer lint trap and vent. Run a hot cycle with white vinegar in the washer to freshen things up. Do the same for your dishwasher too!

eos Shea Better Vanilla Cashmere Body Wash

The internet's favorite body lotion scent is now available in a dreamy body wash format! With standout notes of vanilla and cashmere and a creamy concoction of shea butter, cocoa butter, and argan butter to keep your skin feelin' nourished as ever, this $10 bottle is a shower must-have.

Wet Brush x LoveShackFancy Mini Shine Detangling Hair Brush

Swarmed in LoveShackFancy’s signature floral prints, this $10 mini brush is the perfect piece to keep in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups. The collection, shoppable at Target, also includes everything from regular-sized brushes to hair curling sets and cute claw clips!

Versed Shade Swipe Blush Stick

Versed's new makeup collection has been living in our heads rent-free, especially because we love their skincare goodies so much. Of course, they whipped up a wonderfully smooth $15 blush stick to add to the glow. The lightweight formula is super easy to build up depending on your mood, plus each stick is packed full of jojoba seed oil and fatty acids to help hydrate your complexion!

Chobani Birthday Cake Dairy Creamer

Moving onto the grocery aisle, this brand-new creamer flavor from Chobani is sure to infuse your mornings with utter joy. Aside from the cheery packaging, this $5 birthday cake-flavored coffee creamer adds some really nice sweetness, whether you splash some into a mug of hot coffee or add a bit to your iced lattes. It's a limited-edition flavor, so make sure to try it before it's gone from shelves!

Threshold Checker Stoneware Planter Pot

We're huge suckers for anything checkered. This $15 planter is such a cutie, add will most certainly bring some major springtime energy to your windowsill, bookshelf, or dining room table!

Room Essentials Portable Mushroom Lamp

Two words: mushroom lamp. Yep – Target's selling this baby for just $14 (was $20), and the best part is that it's cordless, so you can move it around your space as you please for a trendy home decor touch.

Wild Fable ButterBliss Tube Top

When it comes to spring basics, tube tops should be at the top of your list. They're easy to put on and even easier to wear, plus this solid black number makes putting together a comfy outfit unbelievably seamless! You can snag this top for just $6 (was $8), along with three more solid shades that fit the season.

Threshold Easter Ceramic Flower Candle Holders

Oh, it's giving Anthro vibes, for sure. This $15 pair of flower-shaped candle holders will add some cheer and color to your springtime table spreads, and what's more is they're also perfect for sunny Easter celebrations!

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

For a nice boost in hydration, hyaluronic acid is where it's at. This $12 bottle from Good Molecules truly packs a punch and boosts the performance of your traditional moisturizer!

Wild Fable Asymmetrical Tank Top

This ever-so-trendy tank top boasts an asymmetrical cinched hem for a fun touch. Right now, it's on sale for just $8 (was $12)! It also comes in pink, green, and blue if you're seeking a bright pop of color.

Room Essentials Lumbar Puffy Bread Pillow

We're seeing this puffy pattern everywhere these days, from bags to jackets. Target put it on an adorable little pillow, and we're obsessed! Snag this $7 cutie for an inexpensive living room or bedroom upgrade.

Room Essentials Bud Vase Duo

Two vases for just $10?! Count us in. These playful designs work well together, though you could easily disperse them throughout your home to host all the blooms of spring!

1. Worn-Out Soles

One of the clearest indicators it's time to replace your footwear is worn-out soles. Take a look at the tread: is it smooth or uneven? If so, your shoes are no longer offering the same level of grip and stability as they did in the past.

The lack of traction can lead to discomfort with each step and slips, especially if you're walking over wet or slick surfaces. That's why any bald spots suggest they're no longer providing the support and safety you need.

2. Heel Breakdown

Since we naturally walk with heel-to-toe strides, the heel tends to be the first part of a shoe that shows signs of wear. With every single step you take, your heel absorbs a significant amount of your body weight and gradually breaks down the material.

Some wear is completely normal, but it becomes a problem when the heel starts to lose its shape or, again, the tread pattern is too worn. A broken-down heel isn't giving you any cushioning or support, so replacing your old pair is smart to prevent discomfort or potential foot problems.

3. Uneven Wear Pattern

Now, after taking a closer look at your footwear, you might notice the inside or outside of your sole is wearing down faster than the center. This may be due to walking pattern imbalances.

For instance, if your ankle rolls inward, it's known as pronation; meanwhile, rolling outwards is supination. Usually caused by muscle weakness, these imbalances put uneven pressure on your shoes, meaning one side of the sole wears out faster than the other.

Uneven wear is a sign you're no longer receiving balanced support and need to invest in a new pair of kicks.

4. Squeaking

If your shoes were silent when you got them, then randomly started squeaking or creaking, that's an indicator that the internal structure or sole is breaking down.

These sounds typically happen when the materials inside the shoe no longer fit together properly, or the cushioning has deteriorated. Apart from the sound just being annoying, persistent squeaking suggests you probably need a replacement.

5. Odors

We put our shoes through the ringer on a daily basis. Not only do they encounter outside elements like mud, rain, and snow, but they also deal with our own sweat inside. If your footwear has lingering odors that don't go away even after cleaning, it's a red flag that they've simply absorbed too much moisture or bacteria.

Shoes can trap sweat, dirt, and moisture, creating an environment that's perfect for bacteria to thrive. And after a while, odor-fighting products might not even work against stubborn smells. Take that as your sign to find a new pair.

6. Decreased Athletic Performance

When it specifically comes to athletic shoes, you'll notice a drop in performance. Your sneakers might've once been bouncy and very cushioned, giving you a literal spring in your step.

Then, over time, you may notice that they start to feel flat or less responsive. The energy return decreases, and you no longer feel the same level of comfort from the cushioning. This means your sneakers are no longer suited for high-impact activities, and replacing them is crucial to preventing any possible injuries.

7. Workouts Are Painful

Have you ever experienced a sharp stabbing pain in your arch or heel while exercising? Your shoes' lack of support is probably the culprit.

This type of pain is usually associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, which can be exacerbated by worn-out footwear. For your next pair, make sure you pick out shoes with proper arch support and cushioning for a pain-free workout.

8. You've Hit Your Mileage Limit

Lastly, it's important to track how much wear your shoes have experienced, even if they still feel comfortable. That's because most walking shoes are designed to last around 500 miles, which equates to about six months of use (depending on how active you are).

If you haven't been keeping track of your mileage, that's okay. This metric is roughly equivalent to walking about 30 minutes a day or three to four hours per week. If this sounds like your routine, you can aim to get new shoes every six months for the best support and comfort.