5 Decisions to Make Before Apartment Hunting

Finding a suitable apartment is a daunting task. But making a few critical decisions before you even start your search can make the process much easier. Here are five decisions to make before apartment hunting:

What city do you want to live in?

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is what city to live in when it comes to apartment hunting. Do you want to stay in the city you’re currently living in, or move to a new city? There are pros and cons to both choices, so you’ll need to weigh the options carefully before making a decision.

If you decide to stay in the same city, you’ll already know the area well and likely be familiar with the neighborhoods. You’ll also have an easier time finding jobs and networking with people in your industry. However, rent prices may be higher in your current city than in other cities.

If you decide to move to a new city, you’ll have the opportunity to explore new neighborhoods and get a feel for the area before moving there. You’ll also be able to make a bigger career splash in a new city since you’ll be an outsider with less competition from other job candidates. On the downside, you may not know anyone in your new city, and it can take time to find friends and establish your career.

What type of apartment do you want?

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when apartment hunting is what type of apartment you want. Do you want a studio apartment, or do you need more space? Are you looking for a furnished apartment, or are you okay with renting an unfurnished place? These are all important questions to answer before starting your search.

If you’re looking for a studio apartment, be prepared to pay a higher rent price. Studios are typically smaller and have fewer amenities than other types of apartments. However, they’re a great option if you’re on a tight budget or if you don’t need a lot of space.

If you’re looking for more space, consider renting a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment.

These types of apartments offer more room and amenities than studios, but they’re also more expensive. One-bedroom apartments typically cost around $1,040 per month in major cities throughout the U.S., while two-bedrooms go for about $1,500 per month.

How much can you afford to spend?

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when apartment hunting is how much you can afford to spend. Your budget will determine which apartments are within your reach, so it’s essential to set a realistic budget before starting your search.

To figure out how much you can afford to spend, consider your income, debts, and other expenses. Be sure to leave room in your budget for things like groceries, utilities, and transportation. If you’re unsure how much you can afford to spend each month, use an online budget calculator to help you get started.

Once you know how much you can afford to spend each month, start narrowing down your search by only considering apartments within your price range. This will help you avoid overstretching your budget and getting stuck with an apartment you can’t afford.

What’s your must-haves list?

What are your must-haves when you’re apartment hunting? Do you need a washer and dryer in the unit? Is parking important to you, or do you plan on taking public transportation most of the time? Beyond basic amenities, what’s the most important thing for an apartment to have for you?

You may not think about all of these things before starting your search. But once you start looking at apartments online and in person, they’ll become more apparent. Listing your “must-haves” before shopping around will help make it easier to find a place that meets all of your needs.

When are you available to move?

When are you available to move? This is an important question to answer before apartment hunting, as it will help determine which apartments are within your reach.

If you’re available to move in the next few months, you’ll have a wider range of apartments to choose from. However, you may have to settle for a less-than-ideal place if you don’t have a lot of time to find a new apartment.

If you’re available to move in the next six months or more, you’ll have more time to search for the perfect apartment. This also gives you the chance to save up for a security deposit and other moving costs. However, you may have to compromise on certain amenities or locations if you want to stay within your budget.

Summary

Making these five decisions before apartment hunting will help you focus your search and avoid wasting time looking at places that don’t fit your needs. Keep in mind that your budget, availability, and must-haves list will all play a role in determining which apartments are the best fit for you. So take some time to think about these things before starting your search.