Moving out and facing the big world on your own can be a time filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, you’re finally independent and able to live your life the way you want to. On the other hand, you now have a lot of extra responsibilities. Don’t stress – you’ll figure it out as you go along. An important aspect of moving – especially if you’re moving out to live on your own for the first time – is finding the right apartment for you. But this can be hard if you’ve never gone apartment hunting and have no clue what to look for. Luckily, that’s what we’re here for. We’ll be sharing our six top tips for finding the right apartment for you.
Find the right area
Finding the right apartment is of no use if it’s incredibly far away. Before you even start looking at apartments, you need to decide on an area. The area you live in needs to be safe and close to everything important, but we’ll get into more detail about that later. For now, once you’ve decided on an area, start arranging viewings, so that you can get an idea of what you can get at a certain price point. No matter how nice an apartment looks, if it’s not in the area you decided on, you shouldn’t consider it. If you live in Capitol Hill, have a look at these new apartments for rent in Capitol Hill DC to see what they can offer you.
Stick to your budget
Keep in mind that when you move out, your apartment isn’t the only new expense you’ll have to pay. You will also need to pay for transport, groceries, insurance, and a whole host of other important things. That’s why it’s so incredibly important for you to set up a budget so that you know how much you can afford to spend on rent each month. Just as with the area, no matter how nice an apartment may be, if it’s not in your budget, you shouldn’t even bother. Even with a budget, you may need to take out a loan to cover certain expenses when you move, such as your deposit or getting a moving van.
Make sure it’s close to important things
You need your apartment to be close to work or school, as well as things like grocery stores or hospitals. This just makes life easier. It’s also a good idea to get an apartment that is close to your friends or family so that you have a support system and someone to contact if there is an emergency. This is especially important if you’re moving out and living alone for the first time.
Look at what it offers
Think of your apartment as a product. And when it comes to products, what’s one of the most important things? Value for money. Even if you have a budget, you need to see which apartment offers you the most for your budget. On the other hand, if an apartment is really affordable, you may be willing to overlook or live with some of its flaws. If you’re spending your entire budget on an apartment, you will likely want an apartment without issues. But if it’s way below your budget and has a few minor inconveniences – such as plumbing problems that you can fix yourself – you might be willing to compromise.
Look at safety
It’s a well-known fact that more expensive apartments tend to have better safety and security measures in place than cheaper apartments. But no matter what your budget is, it’s important to make sure that your apartment is safe. Even the most gorgeous and affordable apartment isn’t worth it if it’s unsafe. Keep in mind that just because your apartment is safe doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Always make sure to lock the door, and make friends with your neighbors so that they can keep an eye on your place if you’re away and vice versa.
Give yourself time
It’s understandable that you are likely eager to move out and start your own life. But trust us, it’s not worth it to rush into getting an apartment if it’s not the right place for you. This space will be your home, so it’s a good idea to wait a bit until you find the right place, instead of just choosing the first apartment you see. Look around, consider your options, and then make a decision.