As a teenager, one major reason I wanted to attend college was to have my own apartment. The thought of that independence and space it brings seemed so exciting. This phase was a whole new chapter in my life altogether. It was a bag of all kinds of mixed emotions. I felt elated and overwhelmed at the same time.
The anxiety of organizing everything by myself was restlessly bickering in my mind. In this process, I realized that I do not need to have it all together at once. Something as tedious as an apartment setup is a gradual process with some basic things to keep in mind.
So, here are 10 things to keep in mind while moving into your first apartment.
1) Read the lease agreement carefully
The lease is the most important part of renting an apartment. You do not want to be stuck in an agreement you are not completely aware of.
Go through the lease document carefully before deciding to sign it. Knowing the costs and benefits of the apartment is imperative and discerning. Rent policies, parking permits, visitor rules etc., are some of the key things you should keep in mind.
2) Save up
Moving into a new apartment is equivalent to setting up a new home altogether. You are going to have innumerable expenses.
It is always better to have a fair amount of money saved for these kinds of things, especially when it’s unfavorable to ask your parents for every little expenditure.
3) Make a budget and stick to it
When you have countless expenses, it is hard to keep track. The best way to be on top of everything is to make a budget.
You can do so by downloading a finance app or even writing it in your notes every time you shop. It helps you plan ahead while also keeping you in check.
4) Make necessary reservations
It is important to plan your move-in day ahead of time. If you don’t have a car, you should make the necessary reservations. For instance, renting a car, contacting the storage unit for the moving trucks or asking a friend for help.
You do not want to be left in the middle of chaos just a day before moving in.
5) Inspect the place thoroughly on your move-in date
Inspection of the place is extremely essential. Oftentimes, things could be damaged, but you might not notice them until you use them.
Therefore, it is better to inspect and get the damage fixed before they charge you for them.
6) Deep clean the place before unpacking everything
Cleaning the place according to your needs is recommended. Even though the place is cleaned before you move in, you might still want to deep clean just to make sure there are no insects or stains anywhere.
7) Sort out your things and get rid of extras
Once you know you’re moving, go through everything you own and set aside outdated and outgrown items, along with anything else you no longer need or like.
Sell or donate the things that are in good conditions and recycle the rest. Having redundant items can be a bigger problem than you think it is.
8) Get familiar with your community and the surroundings
Making the most out of your living experience is essential. Thus, the sooner you become a part of the new community, the easier it will be for you to adjust.
Meet your neighbors, make new friends in the area, explore the surroundings and get familiar with the area.
9) Buy basic groceries and easy to cook food
During this long process of moving and unpacking, remember to buy some basic groceries and snacks to feed yourself after a tiring day. You might not want to cook, but snacks are always a good way to keep you going.
10) Make your apartment feel like home
To fully adapt to the new place, it is essential to make it feel like home. So, once you’re done unpacking and arranging your stuff, add some finishing touches that would remind you of home. It could be some fairy lights, cozy pillows, small plants, rugs or family pictures.
Surrounding yourself with familiar or significant possessions that would make your new place more comfortable and closer to home.