I'm moving into my own apartment for the first time ever?

Question

I've been living in my Dad's house while he lives in another city for work, so I've technically been living alone for a few years. But I'm finally getting my own place and I want advice - decorating, safety, how to go about getting the apartment (should I go through someone or look on my own?)

Answer 1

First, depending on your age and financial situation, I would strongly recommend a roommate. They will add to your security and cut your utility bills in half. Also, your combined resources will help you to afford a better place in a better part of whatever town you live in.

Second, avoid living on the ground level. Ideally, you would be on the top level wherever you live. It is safer and you do not hear noise from the people walking in the apartment above you.

Third, wait to decorate. Take what you have, arrange it as best you can in your new space and then live there awhile (say 3-4 months). You will be surprised how your decorating priorities will change. Remember, some apartment buildings do not allow you to paint walls and other spaces without permission from the landlord. Do not decorate all at once. You will go into debt and may end up buying more than you need or can use. Don't buy top quality at this stage. Your tastes will change as you get older (IKEA is great at this stage in your life). The only place you might want to spend for some quality is your bed. A good night's sleep is worth the money.

Fourth, read the entire lease carefully before signing it. Some landlords are jerks and may put arcane provisions in the lease that prevent you from getting your security deposit back or that fine you for innocent behaviors like your friends making a little too much noise after 11:00 p.m.

Fifth, check out your neighbors before signing in the dotted line. Avoid creepy and mean people. Look for people who work, keep their place neat and act friendly (in a non-creepy way).

Finally, do not spend too much to rent a place. Rent a more modest place (albeit, safe and in a safe part of town) so that you can take the extra money and put it into a savings account to buy a place as soon as you can. Renting should be seen as a step toward owning.

Have fun, it's exciting to get your first place of your own.

Answer 2

If you're familiar with the community in which you'll be getting the apartment, cruise the neighborhoods where you're interested in living and see if you can spot some nice-looking complexes. You could also contact a realtor. Supermarkets and occasionally restaurants often have free apartment finding guides located near the doors. If you find an apartment you like, you could check with the police department to see what kind of crime rate the neighborhood has.

Answer 3

I would check apts out on my own. Why pay someone to find you one! After you start to get settled go to homedepot and get ideas how they decorate and buy yourself some home decorations on how to decorate...the dos and donts. Buy your self some plants as this makes your place more homey! Good Luck. You will come up with alot of ideas....as safety..you find the best results to use like new locks, round wood stocks that you can put in your window sills and sliding glass doors and they even have small locks for all of this too.

Answer 4

look on your own like rent.com or craigslist