10 Things You Need To Know Before Renting Your First Apartment
Start writing a post
Adulting

10 Things You Need To Know Before Renting Your First Apartment

The ultimate need-to-know apartment list you need for adulting on your own.

55
10 Things You Need To Know Before Renting Your First Apartment
Personal Photo

Moving in to a new apartment can be an exciting milestone in life. But it can also be a daunting one too. Here are 10 things that you need to know before renting your first apartment that will make your life much easier!

Upfront costs

Giphy

Rent is not the only financial concern that comes with a new apartment. Even before the monthly rent, you need to save up for the upfront costs. Costs such as application fees, security deposits, and pet deposits. Overall, you are going to spend some serious money before you get the keys to your first apartment. But if you budget and save, and learn how to decipher between wants and needs, you can easily move into your new apartment.

Monthly payments

Giphy

After you move in, rent may still not be your only financial concern. Some apartments require that you pay for other bills (i.e., electricity, gas, trash, internet, etc.). These expenses could cost anywhere from fifty dollars to a couple hundred dollars – depending on the season, city, and which bills. So, it is important to budget and save for these expenses in addition to your monthly rent.

Lease terms

Giphy

This may be your first time reviewing a legal document, and it might be hard to interpret. If you do not understand something, ask about it before you sign any documents. Check the areas about the regulations and/or restrictions for behavior, the policy for late rent, and what actions could lead to eviction.

Location

Giphy

Where you live matters almost as much, if not more, than the layout of your apartment. You will want to find a place that is close to your essential shops and stops. Being in walkable distances or short commute distances is a big bonus and will make your life so much easier.

Also, contact your local police department to check out the crime rates and list of offenders in the area. No matter where you live, you want to feel safe and know what might be around the corner.

Roommate or no roommate

Giphy

Often times, this decision is often financially driven. If you cannot afford to live alone and plan on moving in with roommates, it is important to take some preliminary steps.

First, make sure you choose a roommate that you can live with for the length of your lease. Second, make sure everyone agrees and signs the lease. Third, work together to create a roommate agreement. This part can be done informally! Fourth, have fun together!

But if you can afford to live on your own, make sure all your lease paperwork is completed, and enjoy your apartment!

Pet or no pet

Giphy

If having a pet is important to you, then you want to find an apartment that allows pets. Check to ensure that your property manager will allow pets and the particular breeds that are allowed. And lastly, do not forget to pay the pet deposit or pet fee!

Pack by priority

Giphy

Whether you are moving out of your childhood home or college dorm, your first apartment is truly the place where you can bring all your stuff with you. However, it is wise not to. You will have acquired a lot of sentimental objects by this point in your life, but you have to ask yourself, where will it go? Use this process to declutter and purge the things you have collected, do not need, do not use, or do not want.

Donate, recycle, or throw away anything you do not need or want. Then pack your boxes or suitcases according to categories (i.e., kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc.), and do not forget to label your boxes. It will make the moving process so much easier!

Move-in plan

Giphy

Once your lease is signed, make sure you know your move in date and time! You will not want to miss that. Next, you need to decide if you are moving by yourself, with friends or family, or if you are going to hire professional movers. After you decide, secure what vehicles you are using, the number of trips it will take, and the time it will take from start to finish. When all of that is done, get to moving!

Organization

Giphy

When all of the moving your things process is finished, it is time to start organizing. Begin sorting through the things that you brought and start thinking of space saving ideas – because a lot of apartments do not have huge storage spaces.

One of the best space saving solutions are storage bins - small, medium, or large. They are all useful and will save you tons of space! Other ideas are bookshelves and furniture pieces that do double duty, like a ladder that holds throw blankets. The trick is to avoid cluttering your apartment, so space saving solutions are a life saver!

Decoration

Giphy

The final step of moving into a new apartment is decoration. This might even be the most enjoyable step too! To decorate your apartment, have fun with it. Add personalized touches to make the space feel like home and more like you. Add your favorite art pieces, color scheme pieces, funny signs, or lamps.

But do not rush it. Taking your time during this step will result in the best outcome – an apartment that expresses you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

1648
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

3222
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

23106
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

3125
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

5365
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments