Finding a new apartment and moving into it is a lot of work. There’s a lot to do from the moment you start apartment hunt to the day you actually move in. During the apartment hunting process, you can make your life a little easier in the future if you keep some key things in mind as you go. Luckily there are apartment locating apps and websites to help you along the way, which is great.
The key to making your apartment hunting (and subsequent move) as smooth as possible is to make sure you’re using your resources as wisely as possible. That means you need to be organized and know what you’re looking for from the get-go. The better you are about focusing on what’s important the less stressful things will be.
If you’re wondering what some good things to keep in mind as you’re apartment hunting are, you’re in luck. If you keep reading you’ll be able to learn about some really helpful things to keep in mind as you’re apartment hunting. Take a few minutes and give yourself some time to learn about some ways to make your apartment hunt as easy as possible.
Table of Contents
1. Know How To Effectively Use Apartment Locator Apps/Websites
Apartment locator apps and websites can be a great way to narrow down your search to results that actually matter. If you know how to use them effectively you’ll get the best experience possible, and narrow down the results even more. It’s just important to know what you’re looking for and how to use the websites.
A lot of the apps and websites out there focus on letting you filter the results with easy to find options like rental price and location. There are also more advanced filtering options but you might have to click around a bit to find those. The thing is, those options are going to be a better way to make sure you’re really getting the results you want.
If you want an apartment that allows pets, you can filter for that. You can filter by amenities and specific features of the individual units. Sometimes (depending on the website) you can even filter by things like looking for an apartment on a specific floor of the building. If there are important features to you, taking the time to look through the advanced filters is worth it.
Apartment locators are only going to be as helpful as you allow them to be when you’re initiating your search. Using the filters that are in the advanced area, and even knowing what kind of options you’ll have to contact the properties will make your apartment hunt a smoother process. Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed when you don’t have to be. Filter and search well.
2. Consider The Actual Move-In Day
Moving into your new apartment is a process that can be as complicated as finding the apartment in the first place if you aren’t careful. Thinking about moving day before you actually begin the move will help things go more smoothly. You’ll want to think about everything from making sure your furniture will fit in your new place to figuring out if you’ll need help moving.
Make plans before the day itself arrives so you aren’t stuck in a last minute panic. If you need to rent a moving van you can do that in advance so you know you’re going to have a way to move all of your furniture. While you’re thinking about moving furniture also make sure you’re planning out how to get around any difficult obstacles like a staircase as you move into the building.
The day before you move contact anyone who has said they are going to help to confirm they’re still planning to show up. The point here is to make sure that you’re dealing with the possible unwanted surprises before you actually move. Planning is one of the biggest keys to making your moving day as stress-free as you can possibly manage.
3. Think About The Time Of Year
Moving in the summer months might be easier but if you’re looking for a good deal on rent it’s not always ideal. Winter months, especially those closest to the holiday season, mean that companies aren’t getting as many renters. During this time you’re likely to find better deals on rent and some pretty awesome move-in specials to boot.
Yes, planning to move in the winter is more complicated, but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out. If you have the flexibility to look for a place in your own time frame, giving the colder months some consideration is a great way to save some money. You might even be able to move into an apartment you wouldn’t be able to afford normally.
If you’re able to manage a move in the winter season you definitely shouldn’t overlook the chance just because the day will be harder. Remember that other people are thinking the same thing and if you jump at the right time you’ll really benefit from the lack of renters. Companies like to keep their units full so use that to your advantage and get a great deal.
4. Be Prepared For Walkthroughs
If you’re apartment hunting, walkthroughs are going to be part of your life at least for a little while. That’s just part of the process. You can make the most of your walkthroughs by being prepared before you show up. Bring things with you that the landlord might want to see, like proof of income or recent paystubs. Be ready to answer any questions that might come up.
Being ready for the landlord is important, and in addition to having your information on hand you’ll want to do some of your own investigating. Look at the apartment with important things like making sure your cell phone works in every room in mind. You don’t want to find out you’ll have to go outside every time you make a call after you’ve moved in.
If you’re someone who wants a really good shower, check the shower pressure while you’re looking at the potential new place. If you sign a lease you’re stuck with the shower you get, so don’t risk a long year with a bad shower if you don’t have to. Turn the water on, check cabinets, check closets, even ask the landlord what the plan on fixing.
Whatever you do on your walkthroughs just make sure it’s going to be more than a quick view of the living room. Really look through the place, and don’t feel like you have to rush. This is where you’re going to be living so you should be comfortable there. Make that walkthrough as valuable as possible and spend the time you need to make sure you really like the apartment.
5. Don’t Make Decisions Too Quickly
While you’re thinking about your walkthrough consider bringing someone with you if you’re going to be moving alone. You don’t want to get rushed into a decision about where you’re going to be living and sometimes that can happen when you’re by yourself. Even if you’re hunting with your partner or roommate, bringing a 3rd person along can be helpful.
The general idea is to make sure you’re making a methodical and well thought out decision. You’re going to be stuck in a lease and you don’t want to make a rash decision about something that important. If you know you’re prone to overlook things when making a big decision make sure you’re asking someone to help you slow down.
Conclusion:
Apartment hunting is a long process but it doesn’t have to be unduly stressful. Give yourself a chance to experience a smooth moving process by keeping these tips in mind. The better you plan for your hunt the better things will go. Once you’re moved in you’ll be extremely happy that you were organized and made a good decision. Happy hunting