So the big day has come! You’re preparing to move into an apartment. It’s a big deal, and you’re looking forward to having your own space. As tempting as it is to get swept away in the excitement of everything, you may want to slow down a little bit to get organized. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to apartment hunting. Here’s a place to start.

8 tips for apartment hunting.

1. Know what you’re looking for.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re looking for a place. There are a lot of options out there, so it can be helpful to put together a list of features you want your place to have. That way you give yourself some guidelines to work with as you venture out on your epic quest to find an apartment. For example, where do you want the apartment to be? What sort of amenities should it have – do you want a fitness center, a pool, a clubhouse? Are you looking for a studio, or do you want a two-bedroom apartment so you can have a roommate? Do you want to have appliances like a dishwasher? Knowing these things out of the gate can help with your search, and it can also help you get an idea of how much it will cost. Speaking of which…

2. Have a budget.

So, rent is one thing. It’s inevitable, and it might make you shudder. But along with rent, you have to give some thought to the other expenses you’ll have to pay every month. What about your car payment and car insurance? What about groceries? What about transportation? The phone bill and streaming services? Pet-related expenses if you’re going to have a furry friend with you? While it might not be “fun” to think about the money side of things, it is important to consider so you’re prepared and don’t experience a devastating blow if you realize that your dream place and living there is going to cost a lot more than you thought. Having a budget can help as you look at different places.

3. Pick the most likely candidates.

The next thing you need to do is narrow down the apartments you’re considering. It’s essential that you visit the potential apartments in person, but there are only so many hours in the day and you can’t necessarily see 20 places – it’s just not feasible. So, choose the top contenders that seem like they’ll be the best fit. Then arrange to visit these places and check them out. If you’re going to have a roommate, try to arrange to go to the apartments together. That way you’re all seeing the places in person and you can trade notes and impressions. Besides, then everyone gets a say in the apartment-choosing process.

4. Take notes.

It’s also important to keep all of these different apartments straight in your head. Take some notes. Whether you want to use your phone and type some notes or take a small notebook and pen, jot down the important details about each  apartment. It’s also a good idea to write down some questions if you have them because we all know that it’s impossible to remember questions or think of any on the spot. Our memories aren’t perfect, and it’s easy to forget the details when you’re apartment hunting.

5. Figure out your commute.

The next thing to consider is your commute. Now, you’re probably trying to get an apartment close to where you work, but you still have to think about the travel part of the whole situation. Will you be driving? Are you going to take public transit? Or will you be close enough to work that you can walk? These are things to think about, as you probably don’t want to deal with an inconvenient or difficult commute.

6. Don’t forget extra costs you could end up having to pay.

Of course, you’re already thinking about rent and you’ve got tons of numbers swirling around in your head. But there are a few important extra costs you should know about. You have to think about other costs – for example, the deposit, utilities, and so on. And what about the movers who are going to help bring all of your belongings to your new place? There are a lot of extra costs that you need to consider in this getting-an-apartment endeavor.

7. Figure out your move-in date.

If you know when you’re going to have to move in, you need to keep that date in mind, particularly if you’re moving out of another place. Keeping these dates straight is important. You may end up with a bit of overlap between your move out and your move-in date, so it’s best to know that going in when you’re apartment hunting.

8. Consider renters’ insurance.

It’s also a good idea to consider getting renters’ insurance. You’ll probably want to protect your belongings, and one way you can do that is by getting a renters’ insurance policy. This coverage can help you if there is a fire or burglary. Anyways, don’t just assume that your landlord’s insurance covers your stuff, as it probably does not. That’s why having your very own renters’ insurance can be an extremely helpful thing.

How does one get renters’ insurance, you may ask? Well, by working with our team. We can help you get the appropriate insurance for your needs. Here’s how that process works.

• You reach out to us through our online form, LiveChat, or phone call.
• We ask a few questions so we understand your insurance situation and can help you get the coverage you need.
• We’ll get you some quotes for renters’ insurance.
• We’ll go over the quote with you and answer any questions you have.
• We’ll be here to help with any insurance questions or issues that arise.

Get started with your renters’ insurance quotes.

So, those are a few tips for apartment hunting! We wish you the best of luck, and if you’re interested in renters’ insurance quotes don’t hesitate to give us a shout – we’d be happy to help. Like we said, all you have to do is fill out our online form, give us a call, or message us on LiveChat.

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rent/2014/11/15/9-tips-for-an-efficient-apartment-search/#3f489759610d