Getting an apartment for the first time can be intimidating.
Fortunately, with some preparation, you can take an overwhelming situation and turn it into several doable steps.
Setting a budget, knowing what you’re looking for, and not being afraid to ask questions, among other things, will make preparing for your first apartment a smooth process.
Let’s take a look at some of the factors to keep in mind to make apartment prep a breeze.
1. Set a budget
Before you even start looking at apartments, it’s important that you create a budget and stick to it. You need to save up for one-time costs like fees and furniture in addition to recurring costs.
Calculate how much rent, utilities, and other expenses like groceries and entertainment will cost each month so that you know exactly how much money is available for these items each month.
If you’re not sure how much you’ll need, this article breaks down all of the apartment pricing details you need to know.
Knowing what bills need to be paid and how much money is available for them will help ensure that nothing gets missed and you don’t fall behind due to a lack of funds.
2. Understand what comes with an apartment
One thing that will impact your budget is what comes with an apartment versus what needs to be purchased separately.
Some apartments come with amenities such as cable or internet (though, that’s rare) while others may require tenants to set up their own service providers for these items.
Additionally, some apartments come with furniture included while most do not.
Consider this when budgeting to see if it may be worth it to pay monthly to avoid needing to spend more on one-time costs.
3. Seek out amenities that matter most to you
When browsing potential apartments, prioritize which amenities matter most to you and seek out units accordingly.
If having access to a pool is important then focus on complexes that have one available.
Also, consider items like laundry facilities (in-unit versus communal) as well as parking availability – both of which can have great impacts on convenience levels depending on individual preferences.
4. Research security deposits and fees
It’s important that you understand all of the fees associated with renting an apartment before signing any contracts or agreements.
Some landlords may require deposits or additional fees in order to secure the unit before move-in day arrives.
Make sure that these details are discussed in advance so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay upfront costs associated with moving into your new place!
Also, consider any fees that may be associated with breaking a lease early. Understanding these fees ahead of time can help prevent unexpected financial obligations down the road should something unexpected arise during your rental period.
If you think you’ll never break your lease as I did, I paid to break my lease to get married. Knowing the cost beforehand would’ve made that process quicker and easier than it ended up being because I didn’t know what the fees were.
5. Come up with questions ahead of time
When apartment hunting, it’s important to ask questions so that you know exactly what you’re getting into before signing anything! Some questions may include parking availability, pet policies, or whether utilities are included in the rent price.
6. Look into renter’s insurance
Not only is renters insurance often required by landlords, but it also makes sense for protecting yourself against theft or damage to your personal belongings in case of an emergency (like fire or flood).
Plus, it helps protect you against liability if someone gets hurt while in your home (like if they fall down the stairs).
I used Lemonade renter’s insurance for a long time (they made everything really simple and easy to navigate) before bundling it with my auto insurance.
7. Check out neighborhood amenities
It’s easier than ever to research neighborhoods online before scheduling an apartment tour—take advantage of it.
See what restaurants are nearby and read reviews on places like Google or Yelp to get an idea of the local scene and community vibe before committing to a lease agreement.
8. Don’t be afraid to take pictures and notes during tours
This is especially helpful if touring multiple apartments in one day as it will help jog your memory when making decisions later on or as you compare different listings side-by-side.
You may not end up needing to reference pictures if you find a clear winner, but it can definitely help you feel more confident in your decision.
9. Read through contracts and agreements carefully
Before signing any documents, take time to make sure everything looks correct and you understand some of the nuances of the contract.
It helps to know what the consequences are for using nails to hang pictures, whether or not you can paint, what utilities are included as a flat rate, etc.
10. Shop around for furniture pieces
Don’t feel like you need to buy everything all at once—it can be fun (and cost-effective!) to find pieces over time that fit your style and budget best.
Pro tip: if there are a few places near you that sell second-hand merchandise, keep an eye out there for some good deals on what you need. We just got a bunch of chairs (most of which were still in the box) for less than half of what they would’ve normally cost.
11. Consider roommate situations
If sharing expenses sounds appealing then consider looking into roommate situations.
Whether through friends/family or using popular sites like Craigslist, having a roommate can bring down the cost of renting considerably.
12. Pack early
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of the process of getting a new apartment.
Even though it’s not technically part of what you need to rent an apartment, you’ll need to move to actually live there. Prepare as early as possible, if not with actual packing, then at least with a plan.
Not sure where to start to pack well? Here’s an article to help you move out for the first time without stressing.
13. Have fun – don’t stress too much
As daunting as moving into an apartment can seem at first—try not to forget that this is an exciting time full of possibilities and new adventures! Enjoy every step along the way!
Moving into your first apartment can be exciting—but it’s also important that you go into the process prepared and informed about all aspects involved in renting an apartment successfully.
From creating a budget and understanding what comes with an apartment complex all the way through researching security deposits and additional fees—not forgetting insurance coverage—there are many details involved in ensuring peace of mind throughout your rental period!
By keeping these tips in mind when searching for your next place, smooth sailing awaits!