In life, there comes a point when you’re ready to move out on your own for the first time. You may be starting this journey later in life, or you may be an 18-year-old, ready to get out into the world, like I was. No matter your stage in life, taking care of things on your own is a task unlike any other. There are so many things to consider, many of which you may not even think of when looking for your first apartment, because you’re lacking experience. It can be overwhelming! I can personally confirm that you will gain so much knowledge along your apartment-life journey. I have lived in 3 different apartments with 3 different management companies over the course of 5 years, and there is an abundance of things that I have learned to do better each time. So here I am to be your apartment-move-in assistant! Below are the stages of an apartment hunting process and beyond: Searching, finding details, applying, tours, lease signing, moving, budgeting, and more. Let’s get to it!

THE SEARCH

            In your initial search for an apartment, it will be beneficial for you to create a little list to help guide your decisions. A list is always a great place to start because it will help you organize your needs, options, and stipulations (I love lists because they help to keep me on task and remember random thoughts for a later time). You can create your list on a notes app or write it down in a notebook, if a physical display helps you more. Gather options by asking friends and family for their input, along with searching for apartments in your area online (Google and Apartments.com are my recommendations). This will give you a clear picture of what you’re looking for and answer the big questions: 

• what can you afford?
• what location are you comfortable with? 
• what amenities are necessities for you?

THE DETAILS 

            Once you have your list of potential apartment complexes, contact each property by phone or email to get some more detailed questions answered. You will want to chat with them about the following questions: 

• what utilities will you be paying for? 
• what is the price for internet service? 
• what amenities are available (fitness center, laundry, emergency maintenance, pool, etc.)? 
• what would the sum of all my move-in costs (like deposits, administration fees, or application fees) be?

Of course, if you are a pet owner, you will also need to ensure that the apartment community in question allows pets. Also ask what additional fees would be charged to have a pet live with you. 

            You will also want to discuss their apartment pricing and let them know what lease length you are interested in. Be aware that the length of your lease will make a notable difference in the cost of rent for your apartment. If you choose to sign a lease for a shorter term, such as a 3-month or 6-month lease, you will be charged a premium that is higher than the base rate, which is usually for a 12-month lease. Continue to keep a clear list of your options to keep yourself from forgetting valuable information. 

THE APPLICATION 

            Alright, so you did your research, you got your main questions answered, and now you have your list of apartments that make the cut. It’s time to apply! You want to apply at this point in your search because you don’t want to waste too much time visiting properties and asking more questions if you don’t even know that you will be approved. Make sure that you can be accepted as a tenant and that the apartment complex will have an apartment available for you at the time you are looking to move in. Most apartment management companies charge an application fee, so you don’t want to apply to every place you find. Apply to a few places (2-3) and wait to see if you are accepted. Usually, your application will be processed and decided on within 2-4 business days. Once you receive your application results, you can move forward with the apartment communities who have accepted you. 

THE STAFF

            A crucial piece of the apartment-life puzzle is: how well does the property staff communicate with me? This is SO important. The office employees should make you feel comfortable with the leasing process and offer information that gives you confidence in their ability to provide you with a great place to call home. A few of the most difficult parts about apartment living are the move-in and move-out processes. Things can be confusing and difficult to understand, and the staff at the apartment community will make a big difference here. Their email and phone conversations will help to give you a good idea of how well they follow up with you and assist you with your inquiry and application processes. If you feel good about the staff at the complex, awesome! That means less headaches for you in the future, trust me. 

THE VISITS 

            After finding which communities have granted you the possibility of becoming a resident, you will need to visit the properties and see the exact type of apartment you will be living in (one-bedroom standard, two-bedroom two-bathroom luxury, etc.). Make sure you visit at least two places before you make any decision to move in, even if it is just a virtual tour. While you are visiting each complex, ask any final questions that could help you settle on a place. Picture yourself living in this community: How far would the laundry room be from my apartment building, or is there laundry inside my apartment? Can I imagine driving to work from this location or working from home in this space? Is the bedroom closet spacious enough to hold my massive amount of clothes and shoes? Is there a place for a dining room table? Where are the DSL and Cable ports for internet and TV? What does the parking situation look like? Do I need to buy my own modem and router, or are those provided? How is the lighting throughout the apartment? Is there recycling at the property and where is it? ASK, ASK, ASK these questions. During each tour, take notes on your phone or in your notebook and capture photos or videos to help yourself remember the different properties. 

THE DECISION

            Now that everything is narrowed down, pricing is set, you feel comfortable with the staff, and you’ve organized all property information, you’re ready to make the decision to sign your lease. Read the fine print terms of your lease before signing and don’t be afraid to ask questions to your leasing agent at the property. There are no dumb questions. Be sure you are informed about what day and time you can move in and how you will receive your keys. This is your moment, this is it! You can take one big, deep breath and rest in the fact that you have found your first apartment home. 

THE MOVE 

            Next, it’s time to actually move in! Create a plan of attack when starting to pack. Make sure you have enough boxes, and don’t wait until last minute to pack away those random knick-knacks! Will you need to rent a moving-van, or do you have friends and family to help you move your things? Is there a vehicle you can use to transport your desk and couch? Are you prepared to un-pack things yourself or will you want help? Move-in day can be demanding, so make sure you remember to take care of yourself throughout the day. Plan meal breaks and maybe a coffee break too! Take time to enjoy your move. 🙂

THE RESPONSIBILITIES 

            Now that you have signed the lease for your place and you’re all moved in, you have bills to pay. Not only will you be paying rent, but you may also be paying for internet service, electricity, heating, air conditioning, water, cable/streaming subscriptions, and renter’s insurance! A good way to keep track of all this is to create monthly reminders on your phone or calendar so that you never miss a payment. Sign up for email reminders before your bills are due and bookmark the list of websites you will need to visit each month to make it simple to pay your bills. Paying bills and rent on time will build good credit and help your rental history record for the next time you want to move or even take out a loan.

THE APARTMENT LIFE 

            While living on your own can be difficult, expensive, laborious, and time consuming, what you will gain is the experience of being independent and the understanding of what it takes to survive in the world. Not only that, but you have the freedom and ability to create a space of your own that allows you to explore yourself and start making your own path. Apartment living has been a wonderful adventure for me so far and continues to be each time I renew my lease or sign a new one! I hope this little guide serves you well and provides some structure during your apartment search. Best wishes to you in your apartment-living journey. Cheers!