Realize that just because model apartment you toured with your landlord displayed lovely washer/dryer 2000 unit doesn't mean you'll have one in your apartment. The lease might be for a two bedroom apartment with washer/dryer connections... but this doesn't mean it has to come with washer/dryer!

Perhaps you're lucky, and you already have appliances to take to your new apartment. If so... great! Otherwise, you need to look at your options:

Option number one: Rummaging through garage sales.

If you have patience for garage sales, you could end up with some great deals. My grandmother, for example, found her big screen t.v. (which hasn't had any problems for past 15 years) a refrigerator she installed in home she rents out (in perfect condition for past 10 years) and a microwave (still cookin' after 5 years) all at separate garage sales. Garage sale shopping is an art, and if you have patience and look in right places, you can save TONS of money.

Don't underestimate garage/estate sales. Some people wrinkle their noses at garage sales. "Eeeeewwww! Someone's used that stuff beforrrreee!!!" Well, yes... but think of all money you'll save!

Still doesn't draw you in?

Option number two: Rent new appliances.

If you live in an apartment or condominium community, you share most of your walls with neighbors. Because of this, you should be extra careful about amount of noise you make. If neighbors have made complaints about noise coming from your apartment, there are certain things you can do to avoid that eviction notice.

Place vibration mounts under major appliances: You can find these at your local hardware or appliance store. This will absorb some of sound normally caused by vibrations of your washing machine/refrigerator/washer/dryer etc.

Place foam pads under small appliances: These work in same way that vibration mounts do - just on a smaller level.

Use window drapes: fabric absorbs sound, so more of it you use, less noisy your home will be. Most leases have a clause stating that floors must have 90% carpet coverage for this reason.

Seal holes or cracks in doors and windows: For doors, you can purchase regular weather stripping from a hardware store. You can use this stripping indoors as well as on doors leading outside. This is a great solution to a noisy laundry room or bathroom. To seal windows, you can use inexpensive clear caulking.