Tips For Your First Apartment

You will finally get the freedom to do what you want, without the influence of your parents. However, it is also the first time that you are going to be on your own. It comes with a lot of responsibility, which you shouldn't take lightly.

So, if you are looking for your first apartment, here are some tips to help.

Don't rush it. Finding your first apartment should be a big deal, so you shouldn't rush it. You need to take your time, look at a few options, and ensure you get the right one. If you have to keep looking because you aren't happy with any that you see, do so.

Know your budget. It is important that your first apartment (and all of them) are affordable to you. You don't want to be strapped for cash, so you can't do anything else. For this reason, sit down and be reasonable about how much you are able (and willing) to spend on an apartment.

Have enough money saved up. While thinking about your budget, you also need to make sure that you have enough money saved. Most apartment buildings require a deposit and a month or two of rent. This can really add up, especially if you aren't prepared for it.

Know what you want. There are many options, so it is important for you to know exactly what you want and need in an apartment. Are you looking for one bedroom or two? Do you want a pet-friendly apartment in case you decide to get a pet once you are settled in?

Location is also important. Most people choose where they want to live based on location. They want to be close to family and friends, plus most people want a short commute when it comes to their job or college. That being said, you also want to find a neighborhood where you feel safe.

Really read the lease. You must read the lease before you sign it. This is filled with the rules that you have to follow in order to continue to live in your apartment. If you don't follow the lease, you could be evicted.

Find references. Since you won't be able to get references from previous landlords, you are going to want to have some lined up. You can ask some family and friends, though most landlords prefer other references. You may want to ask your boss or supervisor. If you want to be really prepared, ask these people to write letters that you can hand out as references.

Don't be afraid to shop used. Unless your apartment comes fully furnished, you may be in the market for many things. You are going to need bedroom furniture, a couch, some dishes, towels, and much more. You can hit up yard sales and look at sales sites in order to get yourself prepared, without spending a lot of money.

If you are serious about finding your first apartment, you should make sure that you don't rush it. You will spend at least a year there, so it is important to be happy. Before you start looking, you need to come up with a budget. You also need to have some money saved up for your security deposit. You are also going to need to buy some furniture, kitchen, and bathroom items, and much more. If you shop used, you could save a lot of money!

You also need to know what you want and need in your apartment. Are you going to want a one-bedroom or two? Where do you want to live? How close do you want to be to your work (and the grocery store)? You also want to feel safe wherever you decide to settle in!

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Previously published on Medium and/or Newsbreak.