Introduction
Last time we explained what to have ready and thought out before even making the decision to move into an apartment. Now, we are adding on to that. There are 5 more things that we have identified that you should consider before getting your first apartment:
1. Organization
IF you’re moving into an apartment with a lot of closet space, you will likely have to create your own storage solutions. One of the coolest things you can get is a storage bin that fits under your bed. This is the perfect way to store anything that you don’t want nagging you each time you see it.
If you can’t hide your storage bin, then try to find some that go well with the room. Bookshelves are a great for storing things that are decorative, such as trophies, ornaments, and, of course, books. You could also use a container that doubles as an ottoman for a comfier solution.
2. Lease term
Leases are usually the first legal document that young adults sign. Although this can be stressful, it is also great practice for other contracts that will come up later. Learning how to read boring legal text is an invaluable skill, and just skimming your lease can be a really costly idea. Take time to read the entire document very carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if there’s something you want to clarify. Even if it takes a lot of time, you need to know what exactly you are legally binding yourself to. There are going to be a lot of requirements, and things from which you are restricted from doing. It is always better to know now, rather than later.
Ask the landlord if they will allow you several days to read it more carefully. Find someone who can explain it to you if you have any difficulty. We know that you are probably eager to start doing things on your own, but have your parents explain those parts to you and see if they can’t offer some advice that they have learned throughout the years. Nobody will look out for you better. The landlord will often respect that you want to learn their agreement before signing so you can be a good tenant. This will also make sure that you and they have a good relationship and that could, possibly, save you some money or headache down the road.
3. Roommates
If you are taking on roommates, then ensure that everyone you’re going to be bunking with signs the lease. If one or more avoid it, then you are on the hook in case something goes wrong. If they skip town on you, then you can’t do anything but continue to pay their rent. In the event that your friend refuses to get on the lease, then consider taking in someone else.
Be careful about who you invite to be your roommate. It’s easy to assume that you can live with your best friend, but living with someone is a very different game from casually associating with them. If they don’t take care of their responsibilities, or have any red flags at the start, then you can save yourself some trouble by finding someone who is more like you.
4. Pets
Are you one of those people that thinks the best roommate is a furry one? We can understand! In this case, ensure that you talk to your landlord about that before signing the lease. Some buildings don’t allow them and others do. Some that do have restrictions about the weight or breeds. Furthermore, most of the buildings that do allow pets will require a “pet deposit” or fee. As with all costs, be sure that you know them up front. You won’t want to sign the lease then learn that your furry friend is going to make money even tighter.
Building on that, be sure that even if you can afford to bring your pet and that the building will allow them, then ensure that there is enough space for them. If your dog is really energetic, then you may need something larger than just a studio apartment. Cats, even, demand a larger living arrangement. Make sure that you also plan for where you will put their food dishes and other things to make them comfortable too.
5. Moving Plan
In case you haven’t noticed yet, you will soon, that this is hard work. A good rule is to make sure that you have someone dependable who will help you move. This isn’t something that you are going to want to do on your own. You signed the lease and have likely begun paying rent, you want to enjoy the space as soon as possible and don’t want to spend any longer than absolutely necessary moving in. If you have friends who can help, offer to buy them dinner. They are your cheapest option. But be sure that you make time to help them move when they decide to get in the same boat as you. ,
If your friends are busy, a moving company will be your next best bet. Although they are often expensive, they are used to the work and can help you get moved in faster than your friends and family (and you won’t get roped into a bunch of favors). Moving companies are skilled at moving things really quickly and for your heavier furniture, the whole cost may be worth it for just that.
Conclusion
This concludes our main tips to get the smoothest transition into your apartment as you can. Keep in mind that from your conversations with those who are already living there that you could see yourself being neighbors with them. If they have young children or pets also, are they noisy? Will you want to be buying extra soundproofing? Get an idea of the scene at night. Are cars constantly outside honking their horns? Will you have to buy some special curtains to block out the lights from signs?
All of these are serious considerations that will only seem obvious once you have signed on the dotted line. As always, stay informed and let nothing come as a surprise.
