Tips for New Renters

Moving out on your own is an exciting time. You are ready to live on your own, under your own rules. You can stay up late if you want to. Not only that, but you can make whatever you want for dinner. You can even decorate your apartment however you want!

That being said, it isn't always easy to move out on your own. It isn't as easy as picking an apartment and moving out. Here are some tips for first-time renters.

Know how much you can afford.

The truth is that many new renters don't really know how much they should pay for their rent. They end up living in an apartment that is too expensive, struggling to pay all of their bills. Not only is this stressful, but it can also be bad on your credit.

You shouldn't spend more than thirty percent of your income on your housing and utilities. If you find a place that is too expensive, you may want to think about sharing rent with a roommate.

Make sure that you feel safe.

There are many apartments available, so you should take your time finding the right home for you. You deserve to find a place where you feel safe and comfortable, even if this means that you will have to spend a little more money. You want to be able to sleep well at night.

Location does matter, even when you are renting.

You may have heard the saying, "location, location, location." This applies to home hunting, whether you are buying or renting. You want to find a place that is convenient for you.

You are going to want to find an apartment that is close to your work, as well as any stores, gym, or anywhere else that you frequently visit. If you use public transportation, you are going to want to find a place that is convenient to a stop.

Think about the amenities that you would like.

Though they are called amenities because they are extra, many are nice to have. You should think about things that you would like to have and things that would be nice. You may want to have a dishwasher or laundry room. If you have a car, you may want to have a parking lot. Some apartment complexes also offer gyms, pools, and playgrounds. Make sure you know what you can live with and what you can live without.

Start saving up.

When you find an apartment, you are going to need a deposit. This could cost you up to two months rent. You may also be required to pay an application fee.

Use credit cards to build credit (but don’t go overboard).

In order to grow your credit, you need to get started with credit. You have to start with a credit card or two. Use them responsibly and pay them on time. You don't want to find yourself struggling to pay off your credit cards.

Moving out on your own should be an exciting time in your life, though it may also be scary. That being said, it is not something that you should rush into. You need to save up some money so that you can pay for the application, as well as have a good deposit.

You also should take your time finding the right place. Safety is important, so you can walk around and sleep well at night. You should also make sure that it has the amenities that you want (and would like). You may need to be able to do laundry in your own apartment (or even somewhere close). A gym might be nice to have.