What to Consider When Renting Your First Apartment

Choosing your first apartment can be exciting and scary, especially if you don't know what to consider when making your decision. There are many things to think about as you're trying to pick the right place to live. Knowing what to prioritize and how to find an affordable apartment can help you find a place you can stay in for a long time. Here's what you need to know before you relocate.

1. Do you need roommates?

Many people choose to live with a roommate in their first apartment. Living with a roommate spreads the costs and often makes it possible to live in a much larger home than would be otherwise possible. Picking a roommate can be a great experience if you find the right person. Living with the wrong roommate can make life more challenging.

Consider your lifestyle and habits before deciding your priorities for a roommate. Do you need quiet? Are you tidy? Do you have any pets? Look for someone who has compatible habits and compatible preferences. This doesn't always mean living with a friend.

It's more important to find someone who prefers to live the way you do than it is to move in with someone you already feel close to. You can use many online roommate-matching services to make finding a roommate easier.

2. What's your budget?

It's essential to find an apartment you can afford. There are many rent affordability calculators online that can help you determine what your apartment budget should be. Keep in mind that it's common for landlords to charge extra money for the first month. Some charge the first and last month's rent; others charge a security deposit or both. Have extra cash saved up to ensure you can afford the apartment you rent.

3. What neighborhood will you live in?

Choosing a neighborhood may seem straightforward, especially if you're going to school or have a job. However, proximity to places where you spend time is one of many factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood. Affordability, safety, and proximity to services you use regularly are other things to remember.

4. What are your priorities?

As you're considering which apartments you like best, it's important to know what features you're looking for in a place to live. Do you need sheltered parking? Are you looking for an apartment on the first floor? Is living in a building with a mail room that can receive your packages necessary?

List "nice-to-have" and "must-have" features. Your "must-have" features make a difference in your quality of life and can impact your long-term happiness in your apartment. Make a list of priorities and filter out any apartments that don't have what you need to be happy.

Moving Soon? Find the Right Moving Company

If you'll soon be moving into an apartment, finding a moving company you can trust is important. Contact us for a quote for your upcoming move.