It can be scary and overwhelming to move into your first apartment.With help from family and friends, you can make this transition a success.Give yourself time to find a place that works for you and your budget.Signing all the appropriate paperwork, getting your utilities set up, and preparing your apartment for move-in are some of the things to take care of.If you want to make your new home complete, you will need to pack up and move your stuff in.
Step 1: You can determine a price range by examining your budget.
Figuring out what you can afford is the first step in moving into your own place.If you have a job lined up, look at how much you will make and compare it to your expenses.Figure out how much money you have left over to spend on things other than rent.40 times the monthly rent is a good rule.If your rent is 550, then you should make at least 22,000 a year.You may need to save money for the initial move.The security deposit is usually equal to the rent.A lot of places require first month's rent, and sometimes even last months rent depending on the landlord.You may have to pay for a moving van or a professional moving service.You have to earn 3 times the cost of rent to be a tenant in an apartment.If you can't meet the income requirements, you might be able to use a cosigner.Common living expenses include transportation costs, groceries and dining, home utilities, and your phone bill.Student loan payments and credit card payments are examples of other expenses you may have.
Step 2: Make a list of what you want in an apartment.
Some apartments are better than others.Before you start apartment hunting, think about your needs, and make a list of features you really want or need your new home to have.Make a list of features that you don't need, and then prioritize the must-haves.If the utilities are included in the rent, consider things such as the size of the apartment, parking availability, laundry facilities and common areas.
Step 3: Determine what you want from your location.
You need to consider the area where your future apartment is located in addition to thinking about the apartment itself.Write down a few things you would like to see in your area.Do you need to live close to work or school?Are you interested in living near grocery stores or retail outlets?Do you prefer an urban setting or a secluded one?Do you want a place with good public transit or bike friendly?
Step 4: Determine if you need a roommate.
It is possible to make your first apartment more affordable by renting with a roommate.If you want to find out if anyone in the area is looking for a roommate, you can ask your friends if they know anyone.Make a list of qualities you don't want your roommate to have.Before you invite someone to share your home, make sure you know if you have any deal-breakers.You could decide that your roommate must be non-smoker or willing to live with a cat.
Step 5: Search as far in advance as possible.
Don't start apartment hunting at the last minute because it can take a long time to find a place that fits your needs.You should start your search at least a month before you move.It will give you plenty of time to find an apartment and prepare for the actual move.If you can, move at a different time of the year because summer is the busiest time for move-ins.
Step 6: Make sure to check apartment listings.
You can narrow down your options by looking at things like location, price, size, and petfriendliness on websites like Rent.com.You can find apartment listings on the internet.There are classified sections in local newspapers.There are for-rent flyers on bulletin boards.People who live in the area.
Step 7: There are online reviews of the property.
Once you have narrowed down your options, do some research.Current or previous tenants can write reviews on websites like Apartmentratings.com.Proceed with caution if you see a lot of negative reviews.
Step 8: It's a good idea to set up a time to look at apartments.
You can make an appointment by calling the property manager or landlord.It is possible to see the apartment in person and get a sense of what the place is like.Ask the landlord or property manager questions such as, "Who do I call if something breaks in my apartment?" or "How does trash pickup work?"Have a chat with another tenant while you are there.If they have encountered any major problems during their time there, ask them how they like the place.
Step 9: The rules and policies should be reviewed by management.
Before you make a decision, make sure you know what you're getting into.You should be familiar with the management's rules and regulations and be aware of any costs you might be responsible for.You might ask about any fees you have to pay, such as parking fees, pet fees or a security deposit.
Step 10: You need to fill out any paperwork.
You have to fill out a few forms before you can move in.Before you can be approved for a lease, you will need to submit to a credit check or background check, and your new landlord might ask you to supply a list of references.Proof of employment or income can be provided, as well as recent pay stubs or W2 forms.You may need a letter from your new employer if you are about to start a new job.You have a photo ID.References from professors or employers.Information about your co-signer.If you have poor credit, no credit history, or don't meet the minimum income requirement for the apartment, this may be necessary.
Step 11: If you have to, pay any required fees.
A fee is required for your application and credit check.Fees can range from 15 to 20 dollars in the U.S.Your landlord may ask you to pay a deposit so they can hold your apartment while you are getting ready to move in.You may have to pay additional fees if you are approved.Make sure the landlord or management company doesn't charge you illegal fees by checking the laws in your area.In Boston, it is against the law for landlords to charge application fees, credit check fees or finder's fees.
Step 12: You should sign your lease.
You will be given a lease or rental agreement once you are approved for an apartment.Make sure you understand your lease before signing it.Bring up any concerns you have with the landlord or property manager when you read the fine print.It's worth having an attorney look at the lease if you have the means to do so.They can help you understand it.
Step 13: Take a walk-through with the landlord.
If you do a walk-through, you can spot any issues that need to be fixed.It's helpful to have a record of any problems that were present before you moved in.You can prove to your landlord that you are not responsible for the problems when you leave.There are insufficient safety features, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and signs of leaking plumbing.
Step 14: Put your utilities in place.
To have your utilities activated before you move in, contact your local utility companies.It is a good idea to do this a few weeks in advance.Let the utility companies know when you will be moving in so that they can schedule the hookups at a time you can be there.At the minimum, you should have electricity, water and gas set up when you move in.These basic utilities are supplied by companies to your apartment building.Setting up internet, phone lines, and TV service is something you will need to look into.Do an online search for providers that serve your area, or ask your landlord for advice.
Step 15: Get your keys.
On your move-in date, your landlord or property manager should give you keys.You can also get keys for the main entrance, storage areas, laundry room, and other common areas with your apartment key.Extra copies of your main apartment key and the key that lets you into the building are a good idea.An extra set of keys can be obtained from a locksmith, hardware store, or key-cutting kiosk.If there is an emergency, leave the keys with a friend or family member.
Step 16: If it's necessary, clean the apartment.
Cleaning services are used by landlords to prepare apartments for new tenants.Sometimes these services are not as thorough as you would like.It will be easier to do a deep clean before you move all your stuff in, so take a look around and tidy up any problem areas first.Talk to your landlord or property manager if you are worried about pests in your apartment.
Step 17: Change of address form can be filed with the post office.
When you move into your new apartment, you need to make sure that your mail gets sent there instead of to your old address.You can submit a change of address form online or pick up a paper form at your local post office.If your apartment building doesn't have a secure area for mail delivery, it's a good idea to set up a P.O.Instead of a box.
Step 18: Decide what you want to bring with you when you go through your belongings.
Over the course of a lifetime, you may have accumulated quite a few possessions in your family home.Take some time to think about what you want to bring to your new apartment.You should make a list of items that are essential.If you have room for all of them, make a second list of items that you want to bring.This could include things like your favorite books, furniture from your old room, and items with sentimental value.
Step 19: Sturdy boxes are what you should pack your belongings in.
It is best to start packing as far in advance as possible.Place your belongings in sturdy cardboard boxes.There are a lot of places where you can get boxes for free.If you want to find out if a store has boxes to spare, go to a local bookstore, grocery store, or liquor store.Pack heavier items in smaller boxes.You might end up with a bunch of boxes that are too heavy to move.You will need packaging tape and padding material.
Step 20: You should label the boxes to know what is in them.
It can be difficult to keep track of what is in which box when packing.If you label your boxes, it will be easier to unpack and organize when you move in.You can use a permanent marker to label your boxes.You might want to keep a packing list.It can help you keep track of your boxes and make sure they don't get lost.
Step 21: Large furniture items should be prepared for transportation.
Depending on the size of your furniture and how sturdy it is, some pieces may need special preparation.If you are moving a chest of drawers, wrap it in plastic wrap to protect it and keep the drawers in place.You might need to take the legs off the couch in order to get it through the apartment door.Put the loose parts in a bag and tape them to the furniture.Move blankets or furniture pads to protect fragile items from bumps and scratches.
Step 22: Friends or family members can help you move.
It can be difficult to move all your stuff on your own.If you can, get some family members or friends to help you out.If you get friends to help you, you can offer to pay them a little bit or treat them to dinner.If you don't have friends or family who can help you, consider hiring a professional moving company.If you want to know if a company is trustworthy, you need to do your research and read online reviews.
Step 23: Your belongings will be taken to your new apartment.
If necessary, rent a van.It might be hard to fit everything in the family car if you don't have a lot of stuff.If you can't make multiple trips to bring over all your belongings, renting a van or truck can be helpful.You can search online for truck rental companies in your area.If the company is reliable, look for online reviews.When renting a truck, speak with the rental agent to make sure you understand all rental requirements, including when and how to return the vehicle.
Step 24: The boxes should be moved into the rooms where the contents are located.
Put the boxes in the appropriate rooms when you get your belongings to the new apartment.The unpacking process will be easier with this.Move boxes with dishes, food, or cooking supplies into the kitchen.Put your clothes in the bedroom.
Step 25: Don't make a list of things you already have.
You will need to buy a lot of things if you are moving into your first apartment.Try to think of everything you will need for each room as you go through your new apartment room by room.Major furniture items include a bed, a couch or futon, dining table and chairs, and a desk.Kitchen items and appliances include cookware, pots and pans, microwaves, kettles, cups, glasses, and utensils.Trash cans and extension cords are some of the smaller necessities.Cleaning supplies include a vacuum cleaner, broom and dustpan, mop and bucket, sponges, toilet brush, and soaps and detergents.Hand soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, and toilet paper are some of the basics of hygiene.
Step 26: Buy second-hand to save money.
If you are moving into an apartment for the first time, your budget will probably already be stretched thin.If you get some of your necessities second-hand, you can always replace them with new items later.You can find used furniture and other must-haves at local thrift stores or on websites like Facebook.You can find yard sale flyers in your new neighborhood.Some items may be passed along to your parents by them.