Moving into a new apartment for the first time? In this post, we’ll share some helpful tips to make sure your transition goes smoothly.
Let’s take a look!
1. Create a Budget
With all the excitement involved in moving into your new apartment, it can be very easy to run over-budget. After all, you want your place to look good, so you might end up spending more than you would like on furniture, decorations, entertainment systems, and a host of other items.
In order to prevent this from happening, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.
First, determine the maximum amount of money you can afford to spend for moving to your new apartment.
Then, make a list of all essential costs. These will include things like…
- A moving service
- Moving supplies
- Basic furniture
- Kitchen supplies
- Etc…
After you have estimated the costs of all the essentials, you can then determine which fun items you would like to purchase. This could be that sleek new end table you’ve had your eyes on for weeks. Or maybe it’s that entertainment system you’ve been fantasizing about.
Whatever it may be, always be sure to stick to your budget!
2. Go to a Showing
It’s always a good idea to physically visit the apartment you’re thinking about renting before signing the lease. While many listings include pictures, remember that these pictures are only showing the highlights of the apartment and may leave out the blemishes.
If you can’t make a showing, at least ask the owner to give you a virtual walkthrough while on a video call.
3. Understand How Much Space You’ll Have
Many first-time apartment buyers fall into two categories – young adults moving out of their parent’s house for the first time or older individuals who are selling their house in order to downsize.
In both cases, it’s important to realize that apartments are generally small and you’ll probably have less space compared to your previous accommodations.
That’s why it’s a good idea to sort through all of your possessions and keep only the things that are absolutely necessary.
4. Ask About The Other Tenants
The last thing you want is to move into your apartment and realize you have a bad neighbour. To prevent this from happening, ask the landlord about the people who live next door. Have there been any complaints about them? What is their profession? Do they have kids?
You might even want to consider requesting to meet them before you make the final decision to sign your lease.
5. Read the Lease Carefully
Your landlord will always require you to sign a lease when renting an apartment. It’s important that you read the lease carefully. Here are some of the most critical things to understand about your lease:
- Damage deposit – most landlords require you to pay up to the cost of one month’s rent as a damage deposit. Assuming you leave the apartment in a similar condition as when you got there, this money will be returned to you when your lease expires.
- Length – is your lease for an entire year? Month-to-month? Six months? You should always understand the terms of your lease before moving in.
- Payment – how much is the rent? Does the rent include utilities, or are they separate?
6. Properly Pack Your Items
As excited as you probably are to move into your new apartment, you should still take the time to make sure your belongings are properly packed. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes time to open up your moving boxes.
Proper packing requires the appropriate packing materials.
7. Consider Hiring a Professional Moving Company
Finally, if you wish to make the process go as well as it possibly can, sometimes your best bet is to hire a professional moving company when moving into an apartment for the first time. They’ll help you pack, transport, and unpack your belongings safely. Western Moving is one of the most trusted movers in the Edmonton area. Please contact us today if you need help with your move!
