Moving into Your First Rental Apartment: What to Know

Whether you're moving out of your parents' house or leaving your college dorm, an exciting time in your life begins. Even though moving into your first rental apartment comes with complex logistics, new tasks, and responsibilities, you'll have the freedom to choose the perfect place, and it will all be worth it. Your priority is to organize well to make this whole process successful and stress-free. If you want to make this big transition as easy as possible, read the following text with some valuable tips for first-time renters.

Set your budget

First-time renters tend to overestimate how much they can spend on rent. Take all your necessities and monthly costs into account. You shouldn't pay more than 30% of your gross income for rent in the best-case scenario. However, that may not be possible in some expensive cities, but you can team up with a roommate and split the rental costs or find another solution that won't stretch your budget pretty thin.

Also, think about upfront costs that will be involved. Depending on where you plan to live, you'll probably need to pay for a security deposit, first and last months' rent, and an apartment application fee right away. In addition to upfront costs, think about the future expenses, such as utilities, parking, some repairs, and new furniture. You should also factor in your ongoing expenses, such as subscriptions and memberships, the cost of transportation, food, etc.

Choose the right location

Choosing an ideal neighborhood is never easy. When making that important decision, you should

take all this into account:

 How close will you be to your work? What are your transportation options, and what commute
time can you expect?
 Do you want to live in a quieter area, or you want to be in the epicenter of all happenings?
 How far can you be from main city amenities such as restaurants and attractions?

If you’re able to narrow down your preferences, choosing the perfect location will be easier.

Think about the amenities

In this big transition in your life, you should prioritize specific apartment amenities that will make your life better. Some apartment complexes have shared amenities such as a swimming pool, a gym, a rooftop terrace, etc. When moving into your first rental apartment, you must think about what you want and what you need, so ask yourself:

Do you want to live in an apartment with an updated kitchen and bathroom?
 How much storage space do you need?
 Do you prefer an open floor plan?
 How important is it to have an outdoor space such as a tiny balcony where you can grow your plants?
 Do you wish for a walk-in closet, a laundry room, some high-tech features, etc.?

Make a wish list that will help you find an apartment that suits all your needs.

Ask important questions during your tours

Before signing a lease as a first-time apartment renter, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask any questions. Some essential questions to ask during your tours may be about the noise levels, how hot it gets there in summer, how cold it is in winter, etc. Make sure that you're specific and thorough with your concerns. If you find anything that needs fixing, ask for it before you sign the lease.

Gather your paperwork and check the contract carefully

Most landlords and property managers will require specific information, along with your rental application. This information may include your rental history, proof of income, past landlords and personal references, etc. So, gather your important paperwork in advance and prepare for questions that the landlord might ask you.

When the time comes to sign the lease, check the contract carefully so you don’t miss any important details. Everything should be clear to avoid any misunderstandings or possible future problems.

Prepare a checklist of essentials

Once you've found the perfect apartment and finished with the paperwork, it's time to think about practical details, such as furnishing your apartment. You probably have a lot on your mind, so prepare a checklist of all essential household items you might need for a fresh start. When making that list, be methodical and take a room-by-room approach, so there's less chance to forget something crucial.

Furnish your apartment

Moving into your first rental apartment requires an investment in new furniture and essentials. If you're short on time, you can shop for items online, and if you're on a tight budget, you should consider second-hand furniture stores. Make sure to personalize your new apartment with some decor and your favorite artwork.

Organize your relocation like a pro

Even though moving can be stressful, if you plan everything in a timely manner and organize it well, everything can go smoothly, including your move-in day. Follow these steps for a hassle-free relocation:

Discuss the move-in date with your landlord and start planning your move right away.
 Accept the help of your family members and friends.
 Think carefully about whether you’ll organize a DIY move or hire professional movers. Whatever you choose, opt to simplify the process and ease your transition.
 Declutter your home and get rid of anything useless, broken, or damaged.
 Get moving supplies and start packing your belongings.
 Ensure to change your mailing address and set up utilities ahead of time to avoid the lack of internet or cable.
 Schedule a deep clean of your new apartment before you move in.

Use leftover moving boxes wisely

When you move into your new apartment and unpack your items, you will have lots of leftover boxes. So, it’s important not to throw them all away but instead find a use for them. There are many available solutions. You can either sell them or donate them. Furthermore, you can keep them to store some items, save them for another relocation or find them another purpose. They are valuable because you can use them for many DIY projects. If you're creative, there's no doubt that you'll find many practical ways to use your leftover boxes.

The Bottom Line

Moving into your first rental apartment is a complex process, but it certainly doesn't have to be difficult. If you follow all these steps, you're likely to have a successful move and start your new life chapter without unnecessary weight on your shoulders.