Getting the Most Out of Your First Apartment
Moving into your first apartment? This is an exciting time! Nothing quite compares to having a space of your own. Whether you’re sharing with roommates, or you have the space completely to yourself, this is independent living with all its challenges and joys. However, there are some things that you should know going into it.
To help you make the transition smoothly, here’s a crash course to help you make the most of your first apartment.
The First Consideration Is Budget
When it comes to apartment hunting, most of us have eyes bigger than our pocketbooks. Of course you want something newer, more convenient, in a great neighborhood, with lots of space and a breakfast nook!
But the truth is that you probably won’t be able to afford all that in your first apartment. Before you fall in love with a place, make sure that you budget with plenty of wiggle room for what your monthly rent will be.
Remember that rent usually goes up every year, that roommates might not be reliable, and that you need a safety cushion if you ever lose your job. Housing payments usually make up the bulk of our inflexible monthly budget.
You can reduce financial stress significantly if you pick a place in your price range. Here’s a good rule of thumb: make sure that your rent is a third (or less) of your monthly income.
Make More of a Small Space
So now that you have an appropriately-sized apartment, how can you make it feel as spacious as what you see on Extreme Home Makeover?
There are a few things that can really make a big difference. For one thing, you might find it more efficient to have a storage unit for certain things, rather than pay a higher monthly rent. Just make sure that you’re storing appropriate items there.
There are also decor and arrangement tricks that you can do that will make the space appear larger than it is.
For one thing, avoid clutter wherever possible. This link has more ideas.
Roommates? Designate Space and Assignments
With our first roommate (or roommates) we seem to always think that things will go swimmingly.
You won’t fight over space, or chores, or who left a mess at the sink. You love each other!
Well, the truth is that you’re going to bicker with roommates more than you thought you would ever fight with someone besides your little brother.
In order to make things go more smoothly, plan ahead. Get together to determine how you’ll share space in the fridge, how you’ll split the household chores, and what kind of decor you’re all comfortable with.
Maintenance and Cleaning
In order to make your apartment a pleasant place to be, you want to have it clean.
However, that goes beyond keeping dirty dishes off the coffee table. Properly maintaining your apartment will include some regular deep-cleaning.
Set a schedule for when you’ll clean out the oven and dishwasher, when you change the filter in the HVAC system, and when you’ll shampoo the carpets.
Factor these tasks into your time, and into your budget where necessary. Make sure that you understand which maintenance tasks in your new home are yours, and which are taken care of by your landlord.
Set Up a Payment System
Speaking of your landlord, it’s important to stay on top of monthly rent payments. It might seem unimportant now, especially since most states grant a lot of lenience to tenants.
However, being late with monthly rent payments can incur fees, hurt your credit, make it harder to find an apartment in the future (since your references won’t check out as well) and of course… lead to eviction, which isn’t something you want on your record.
Make sure you understand when rent is due and set up a reminder each month to let you know that it’s time to make it happen.
Renter’s Insurance
Another important financial precaution to take when you move into your first apartment is to get renter’s insurance.
Renter’s insurance helps protect your possessions from flooding, robbery, fire, or other disasters.
Additionally, it can also protect your possessions when you’re traveling out and about (i.e. if you lose your phone at a hotel or something) and it can keep you from being liable if someone has an accident while at your house.
Make sure you understand your policy and shop around to get a good deal.
Share this:
Category: Housing
