Apartment Planning For Beginners

Fill your first apartment with all the essentials and must-haves using this comprehensive first apartment checklist, which has all the things you need (and want) for your first apartment. Print the checklist out and take it with you to save you time and money.

Its common for first-time renters to overestimate how much they can spend on rentand other necessities. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, you shouldnt spend more than 30% of your gross income on renting an apartment. However, because this rule doesnt always work in expensive cities like New York, Boston, or San F... See full list on apartmentlist.com When youre new to renting, narrowing down your dream neighborhood can feel like one of the more daunting things to do before getting an apartment. But some of the best advice for first-time renters comes from narrowing down your choices and considering the following: 1. How close am I to work? 2. Do I prefer driving, taking public transportation, ... See full list on apartmentlist.com Another top first-time renter tip: If rent soars above the 30% recommended rule, consider looking for a roommate with whom to split the rental costs. But before you tap into your personal network or Craigslist, consider the pros and cons of having a roommateand whether or not youre willing to make compromises along the way as a shared apartment re... See full list on apartmentlist.com Some neighborhoods like downtown Seattle or Bostonrarely require personal vehicles, as they offer plenty of public transportation options. Suburban areas, on the other hand, require reliable parking, impacting what kind of apartment complex you choose. Gauge your comfort level and the type of car you have when looking for an apartment. Consider whe... See full list on apartmentlist.com Always prioritize amenities and location as a first-time renter. In some areas, apartment complexes have options like swimming pools, on-site fitness centers, rooftop terraces, on-site laundry, and more. Outdoor amenities can be essential for a first-time apartment. If your apartment community has private outdoor spaces with access to equipment lik... See full list on apartmentlist.com The floor you choose in an apartment complexalso matters. Theres no right or wrong answer regarding which floor you should live on, but you can narrow down your choices with a pros and cons list. For example, a bottom-floor apartment may prove cheaper than others, with less legwork to get to the main door and amenities. You also don't need to worr... See full list on apartmentlist.com If you have some flexibility on when you can move, there are certain times of the year when the rental market is less competitive and less expensive. Rent prices are subject to change based on seasonality, and you can save on rent by being strategic about your search. Generally, getting an apartment for the first time in the winter will be the best... See full list on apartmentlist.com New renters may ask themselves about the process of moving into an apartment perhaps, How long does it take to find an apartment? It might take a few months to find the right fit, so start your search early, but first-time renters can also use these tips on how to find an apartment fast. If youre moving from out of state, renting an apartment ... See full list on apartmentlist.com Before signing a lease agreement for your starter apartment, ask as many questions as possible. Start with our apartment rental checklist of questions to ask when renting an apartment. Dont forget to think about the noiselevels when you tour, and ask about how hot and cold it gets there in summer and winter. Be specific regarding your concerns, an... See full list on apartmentlist.com Knowing how to rent an apartment on a budget is challenging, often complicated by listings that are too good to be true. Knowing how to identify rental scams comes with experience, and first-time apartment renters will be more susceptible than others. The FBI reported a 64% increase in real estate and rental scamsin 2021 from the previous year. Not... See full list on apartmentlist.com Youre moving into your first apartment, yay! Here are all the essentials for your first apartment in an easy to follow checklist. View all Worried about affording your first place? This guide breaks down the real costs, smart budgeting tips, and essentials you'll need to move into your first apartment without financial surprises. If you want to decorate your first apartment without wasting money or energy, you really need a clear plan that fits your space, budget, and lifestyle. Trust me, it saves you from those classic mistakes and makes sure everything you bring in actually works for your home. Moving into your first apartment is overwhelming enough--use our first apartment checklist to take out the guesswork. Download our free apartment hunting checklist PDF to use during your search. Find available rentals on Realtor.com.