Tips for Moving Into Your First Apartment

Few things in life are more exciting than moving into your own place. No longer under your parents' roof, you can finally have the independence and freedom to do what you want. As great as this may sound, there are some key things to note which will prepare you for your transition out into the real world. Here are five tips to help make the process a smooth one:

1. Read the Lease

Before signing on the dotted line, it's important to read through your lease carefully. Have a clear understanding of all your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and those of the landlord. Pay close attention to clauses such as rent payments and required notice periods and ensure that you ask questions about any points you are unclear on or disagree with. As with all contracts, there may be the possibility to negotiate and amend certain clauses to be mutually beneficial for both parties.

2. Take Pictures

To reduce the risk of forfeiting your security deposit, it's important before moving in that you do a walk-through with the landlord and take note of any existing damage to the apartment. This can include things such as carpet stains, scratches, broken items, faulty appliances, dents, and anything else that you would not want to be held liable for when you move out.  It is also a good opportunity to ask for any repairs before moving in.

3. Renters Insurance

The landlord's property insurance will cover the building itself but not the contents. To give you peace of mind, it is worth having renters insurance to protect your personal belongings in case something were to happen to your apartment, such as a break-in, fire, or flood.

4. Packing

Moving is notoriously stressful. To tackle the big job of packing, here are few pointers that can make it as stress-free as possible:

● Start gathering as many boxes as you can. Check your local recycling depot and ask at the supermarket or hardware stores for any empty boxes you can have. Go online to order packing supplies if you run out.

● Don't bring clutter into your new home. Use this as an opportunity to give away items such as old clothes, shoes, books, CDs, and more.

● Have plenty of bubble wrap at hand to keep your fragile items safe. The last thing you want as you celebrate your new home is to find all your glasses are broken.

● If you are shipping a car to your new apartment, you can ship some of your stuff inside of the car while it ships to save some money.  

 5. Research Your Area

You may fall in love with your new apartment, but is the location right for you too? Check that once you leave the building you are comfortable with your surroundings. It pays to check things like local amenities, proximity to public transport, safety and crime rates, green spaces, and things to do in the area.

With these moving tips under your belt, you can look forward to moving into your new home with confidence. Don't forget to phone home once in a while!