Your Complete Guide To Finding Your Next Apartment

Relocating to a new area? You’re going to need a new apartment!

Since the move will be quite the change, it’s essential to get your ducks in a row. One of the most apparent adjustments will be finding a new place to live. Finding a home near your job is necessary.

If you’ve been living in your existing apartment for a while, you’re out of the apartment-hunting groove.

Never fear — that’s why I’m providing a guide to help you find your next apartment!

Let’s take a look at what factors to consider when looking for your new home sweet home:

1. Figure Out Your Budget Ahead Of Time

What’s your budget?

Before looking at apartments, know how much you want to spend on rent.

To figure out the average price of apartments in your new area, do some research online. If you can’t find the rent amounts listed, find some complexes that look nice and ask about pricing.

Having an idea of what apartments go for will help you decide on a budget.

Sticking to your budget is essential, as you still need money for other things. Paying for groceries and car gas is just as important as having a place to live!

2. Make Sure It’s In A Desirable Location

Ideally, your new home should be near where you work. During your initial research, look for apartments near your workplace. If they’re not within your budget or are too far away, keep searching.

Keep in mind that you don’t want a home too far away from your new job. A long commute can cause stress and also make you late to work.

Besides your job, make sure it’s in a location you like and can see yourself living in. Living in a safe area is vital, as is having the option to see different doctors if that’s important to you.

3. Consider What Type Of Lease You’re Willing To Sign

Not every apartment complex offers month-to-month lease options.

Do your homework ahead of time to learn which lease agreements are offered. If flexible leasing options are crucial to you, look for a complex that offers them.

A complex you like may not have a month-to-month lease option, but they may have a three-month or six-month agreement instead. It never hurts to ask management if they’d be willing to work with you.

It’s wise to sign a lease agreement for a year if there are any doubts about not staying in the area. You can’t control the future, but it’s still smart to think ahead. The last thing you want is to get stuck in a lease that you can’t break!

4. Find Out If You’ll Have Access To Local Shopping

Going to grocery stores and restaurants is essential, and you may or may not mind how close they are to you. Even if you’re willing to drive, it’s nice to have stores nearby that you can run to when you need something.

Like commuting to work can get tiresome, so can driving half an hour to get groceries. So, try to find an apartment that’s close to grocery stores, restaurants, and hospitals.

While you’re touring different apartments, pay attention to what businesses are nearby.

For the apartments that make your shortlist, take a closer look. Notice what’s within close walking and driving distance. If you’re happy with what you see, that’s a good sign that you’ve found the apartment for you!

5. See If Friends & Family Like It

If you’re moving with family or roommates, make sure they approve.

If you have a child, they need a safe and comfortable place to live. Decide whether the complex is a good place for them to grow up.

And even if you’re moving into a place by yourself, asking your family and friends’ opinions can be helpful. Even if they’re not in the area, they still can offer advice.

Based on what they know about you, they can offer suggestions. They’ll be forthright about whether the apartment would work well with your lifestyle.

6. Don’t Forget To Ask About Amenities

What amenities does the apartment complex have?

A swimming pool, cafe, and an area for a pet to walk around may be necessary. Or, having a community center where you can have a meeting with a colleague may be ideal.

When checking out the complex, find out which amenities they offer. You should already have a list of amenities you’re looking for.

Bring it along with you and check off which ones they have. This will help you decide later when you’re comparing apartments.

7. Measure To Find Out If Your Furniture Will Fit

When touring different apartments, don’t forget to bring along some furniture measurements. Taking measurements of a few of your favorite pieces ahead of time ought to do the trick.

They’ll need to fit, so finding the proper layout should be at the top of your list! After all, it’d be tricky living in an apartment that doesn’t fit your furniture.

And if you do have to downsize and get rid of some things, you should consign them. That’s the best way to earn money for new furniture!

Conclusion

There’s a lot to think about when looking for a new place. While there’s no such thing as perfect, you should be able to get pretty close.

Having a list of priorities will help you narrow it down after having toured a few different complexes. You don’t want to have to pack up and move again in a year, so it’s vital you make a good decision now.

After moving into your new apartment, you’ll be happy you went to great lengths to find an ideal living space!

Author Bio

Working with Broadstone Market Station, Angus Flynn has more than five years of experience in the multifamily industry. In his free time, you will find him enjoying life on the Lake and spending time with friends.