Apartment Hunting Tips

Finances and Move-in Costs

First, and most important, is to evaluate your finances. A careful study of your current expenses may bring up a few items you haven't considered if you don't already have a careful household budget. Write down everything you spend for the next month at least (including anything you put on a credit card).

As a rule of thumb, your rent should not take up more than 30% of your total after tax income. Also to consider are other costs directly influenced by your rental. Will there be utility costs? Once you have decided on the area you want to live, a call to the local utility company can give you an idea of what an average household of your size will cost. Some utility companies may require a deposit, and this should be figured into your move-in costs. Cable television, telephone service and internet service should also be figured in. Determine how much you will require per month to drive from this residence to the places you frequent. Include work, family, grocery store and other activities.

Consider your move-in costs. These can vary dramatically. Many landlords require first and last month's rent plus a security deposit, while others may require less. If you have sub-standard credit, you may be required to pay a higher deposit. If you have excellent credit, you may have some bargaining power. If parking is available, is it free, or is there an additional charge. If you have pets, extra fees may be required. Finally, what will it cost you to move? Will you be moving yourself or using a professional moving company? If you are paying someone to move you, make sure to get a detailed estimate of what they charge. This should include extra charges, such as stairways and traveling distance from your present home to the moving van and from the moving van to your new apartment. (For excellent advice on packing and moving, see La Guardia Self Storage's Tips and Tools.

Storage is also a matter to be considered. If you are moving into a smaller space, will it be necessary to store some of your items? If so, you will want to keep this to a minimum. Later on in this article, we will provide you with some things to consider if you find yourself needing extra storage.

What to Look For

When you are considering an apartment, never hesitate to ask questions and check out the state of the apartment you are considering to live in. If something is obviously broken, ask the manager why it has not been fixed, and when it will be. Make sure the sinks drain properly, the garbage disposal and dishwasher (if available) work, the hot water is a normal temperature, and the refrigerator smells fresh. Ask if the apartment has an individual water heater, or whether you will be sharing your hot water with other apartments.

Bring along a measuring tape and a note pad. If you are buying new furniture, this is a must, as it will help you in deciding what furniture to buy. If you are moving your current furniture, it will help you in planning the arrangement in your new home.

Signing the Lease/Rental Agreement

Unless you are in a very temporary situation, signing a lease, rather than a month-to-month rental agreement, is definitely the way to go. A lease assures you of a right to stay (considering you hold up your end of the bargain) as well as protecting you against rent increases. Either way, keep in mind the you are signing a legally binding agreement. Take the time to read the paperwork. Know what your responsibilities are and what the landlords responsibilities are to you.

Before you move in, make sure that you complete a "walk through". This is an important part of the move-in process, and can save you unwanted grief at the end of your lease. If the landlord does not have a walk-through inspection form, bring along your own notepad, and make explicit notes of any damages or wear and tear. This is a time you should not be afraid to "nit pick". The tenant is expected to return the premises to the landlord in the same condition as when received, reasonable usage expected. Itemize gouges in wallboard, carpet stains, worn appliances, etc. Make sure the landlord signs and dates the list and that you both have a copy. This will assure an amiable parting when it comes time for you to move.

Storage

If you find that you have items that will not fit into your new apartment you will need to decide whether they are worth storing at a storage facility, or whether you should find them a new home, or just relegate them to the scrap heap. It is important to keep in mind that the longer your items stay in storage, the more valuable they become. The "storage value" may soon outweigh the cost of replacing those items at a later date. Here are four things to consider, if you find you have some things that you just can't do without:

1. As you are preparing your move, make a list with three categories - save for now, save for later and time to part with.
2. Assuming you are storing the items in your "later" list, as opposed to using the facility as an extra closet, distance from you apartment should not be your first concern. As you get further away from cities and suburbs, prices can drop dramatically.
3. Ask about discounts for pre-payment. Many storage facilities may offer a discount for paying quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
4. Although it is an added expense, consider heated storage for your valuables, especially if you may be storing for a prolonged period of time. Otherwise, moisture and other climate factors may affect the quality of the items you want to preserve.

Summary

With proper planning, you will find a comfortable new home that is within your budget, and will fit your needs, with a responsible landlord who will help you feel at home. We hope that you will find Vantage Point to be your "perfect fit".