Whether you have been looking for the perfect place for a while or you’re just starting your search, knowing how to best tackle your hunt for an apartment is paramount. Follow these five, easy steps when looking for a new apartment to call home:
1. Establish Your Budget
Before you even head to a showing, you need to make sure you know exactly how much money you can spend each month for rent, according to an article by Rent. com, published by Forbes. Consider the current bills you need to pay and any expenses you might have in the future. For example, if you currently live in an apartment with heat included, you will need to determine a budget for heating bills in case it is not included in your next home. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you fall in love with an apartment you later realize you can’t afford.
2. Keep Your Search Organized
When looking for an apartment, make sure you keep track of each listing you check out. When touring a place, take notes and try to be as specific as possible. You’ll want to be able to identify the apartments that meet the most criteria quickly. Also, U. S. News & World Report suggested keeping pay stubs, identification and references readily available if you decide to apply for an apartment after viewing the property. Sometimes demand can be especially high, and acting quickly will increase your chances of scoring the best apartment for your lifestyle.
3. Consider the Season
There’s a time for everything. Knowing when demand for apartments is at its peak may help you adhere to your budget while still getting everything you want in an apartment. During the summer, many individuals are looking for a new place and moving in, so landlords can charge a bit more for rent. If you wait until fall and winter, you’ll likely snag a better deal and face less competition.
4. Rent Together
If you don’t have a roommate now, consider looking for one to help alleviate the monthly cost associated with renting an apartment. In addition, having someone join you at different showings allows you to discuss what was favorable in the apartment and what might be an issue.
5. Plan Your Move
Finding an apartment is only half the battle. You’ll need to move your belongings into the new place, and you will likely want to do it as quickly and painlessly as possible. Apartment Therapy suggested hiring professionals to move your belongings. This can help cut down on the time it takes to move as well as the stress that accompanies an event such as this. If you want to deep clean your apartment ahead of time, consider moving some items to a storage unit to give yourself some room to scrub down your old apartment. Head to a local SecurCare Self Storage facility and speak with a professional about your storage needs today.