And while you're laying out your plans on graph paper, you might want to determine focal point of each room first -- a fireplace, a large window, anything that grabs you when you first enter room. Then arrange your furniture around that focal point. And while it's a given, it's well worth repeating that you should consider how each room is going to be used before you design its layout. For example, when you're planning your living room, if you plan to spend a lot of time entertaining there, you'll want to place chairs and/or sofas close together and provide plenty of walking room, as well.

After you've taken inventory of your current home, take stock of your home-to-be, starting with kitchen and its appliances. With any luck, you'll have ensured that all of those kitchen appliances are in good, safe, working order long before your move. Make sure hot water system is both working and correct size for your family's needs. If answer to either of those questions is no, replacing unit will save you both considerable energy and money. Then investigate your new home's heating and cooling system, which is going to represent a predominant percentage of your monthly energy expenses. To figure out if it's running in top condition, determine Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating for your air conditioning and heating unit. The higher SEER rating, more efficient system. A rating under 8 is considered relatively inefficient. Also check your ductwork to ensure that its size is appropriate and that it's clean. Finally, make sure your thermostat and controls are operating correctly.

Home owners often forget that clothes washers and dryers eat up energy, particularly when stackable units are involved. Because users can't fill them with much clothing, they're forced to run more loads though units, resulting in increased energy consumption and subsequent expenses. On other hand, units that are too large may use excess water or heat. Regardless of type of unit in your new home, make sure that washer drains properly and that your dryer is vented out of your home.

And speaking of energy consumption, study all doors, windows, vents, and other passages to outside for cracks. If you see any gaps or if you feel any air streams, seal them either with caulk or weather stripping. And check your windows to find out if they're double-paned and fit tightly.

Finally, if you can't paint your new home's interior prior to your move-in date, don't unpack until you do. And be sure to consider direction of light in your home -- where it hits walls and shadows it creates. Painting your dining room a deep shade of forest green, for example, could backfire on you if your lot is heavily treed, or if room generally doesn't receive much sunlight. The color that seemed vibrant in can may leave you simply depressed once it's covering walls of an already dark room.

* Make sure landlord knows apartment is being subleased and get his/her okay in writing. * Find out if your are supposed to pay landlord directly, or if you pay old tenant. * Find out whom is responsible for maintenance. * Ask if there is a security deposit. * Get landlord to perform an inspection on property before moving in so that you don't get blamed for property damages you didn't make * Set up your own accounts for power, gas, water, telephone and cable TV services so you don't get stuck with any of old tenant's bills.

Subleasing is perfect for college students trying to get away for summer. Typically, old tenants will leave furniture and appliances behind for you to use. So say goodbye to those bunk beds and community bathrooms, and find an apartment for summer.