Things to know before moving into first apartment?

Question

I am 20 years old and I am moving into my own apartment (alone) and I would like to know some tips on living on my own.

Answer 1

You'll need some furniture. Most importantly a bed, and a couch and a tv, as well as enough items to cook if you want to in the kitchen.

You need to set up your utilities! Make sure you set up your garbage, gas&electric, water, tv, internet, etc. You should also go to the post office to make sure your mail is forwarding to your new apartment.

When you move in, make sure you do a written inspection and provide it to your landlord. If he/she doesn't provide you with the sheet, you can download one online. This protects your deposit for when you move out (so you don't have to pay for damage that was there when you moved in).

In terms of living on your own, make sure you carefully lock the doors and windows every night. You can buy some cheap window/door alarms at stores like Home Depot if that helps you sleep better.

Answer 2

1. Have your landlord change the locks on your new apartment. Any previous tenant could still have a copy of the key. There will be a fee for this, but the peace of mind is well worth the price.

2. When a repair is needed, call your landlord or his service company right away. If the repair is not performed within a reasonable amount of time, make a followup call.

3. Read you lease--every word. That way there will be no surprises when your landlord exercises any of his legal options.

4. Get to know your neighbors a little before any problems can arise. When complaining or being complained about is your first interaction with someone, you both tend to be more rigid and prone to anger.

5. Arrange your financial priorities so that you are never tempted to be late with your rent.

Answer 3

Make sure you read your lease and fully understand it. When you do your move in inspection make sure you note all the damage that is in the apartment before you move in. Communicate with the management if there are any problems (IE: paying rent late). Make sure your friends obey the rules, esp. the quiet times. I strongly recommend renters insurance. It is cheap and will protect you if anything happens. Most apartment complexes insurance covers only the building none of your belongings. Keep your place clean and make sure you clean and fix any damage before you leave. Carpets are the most expensive things to replace. Make sure you don't stain it or allow pets to urinate on it. That never comes out and you will pay for new carpet. I know most people like new carpet, but if you have pets or think you may stain it, it is better to have older carpet. Probably the most important thing is to be respectful to those around you, management and neighbors.

Answer 4

make sure you call the utility companies before you move in so you will have lights, water, gas, phone, cable, and your Internet. If you don't call ahead of time you will have to wait a few days. Also, the first few nights alone are a little lonely but it goes away. You should have a house warming party it helps you get some of the things you need to start living on your own.

Answer 5

Clean it. Not with "smudging" or chants of any sort, but with soap and warm water. Then paint it or wall paper it. Make it yours. In so doing, the presence of that woman will evaporate. You really don't need to explore the paranormal aspect of this. You're moving in to a new place. This should be an exciting part of your life that isn't hindered by magical thinking and Boogey men. There may be some anxiety with moving into the city and the newness of it all. Please do yourself a favor and resist the temptation to blame this anxiety on some imagined presence. What makes you think the woman died there? And why does it matter what religion she was?

Answer 6

Specific to the apartment contract: make sure you write down all problems and obvious wear and tear to the property and note it on your contract. When you leave, they cannot make you pay for the repair of those things out of your deposit.

If you have valuables that you cannot replace immediately out of your own savings, invest in renters insurance in case you are robbed or if the apartment is destroyed.

Yay! Have fun!

Answer 7

Make certain you budget enough for rent, food, bills, toiletries and household cleaners, plus 10% of the total amount of the previous items for unexpected expenses. Always pay everything in a timely manner.

Keep your place tidy daily and thoroughly clean it weekly. Try to make your own meals as much as possible to keep down on the expense of food. Don't irritate the neighbors with any of your goings on.

Answer 8

First of all take pictures of everything before you move in, if there are any damages that you dont want to be held responsible for when you move out, inform your landlord and document it! Other than that have fun and good luck!

Answer 9

#1 thing should be security. Preferably you have to have a code to just get in the building. The door to your apartment should also not only have the lock on the knob but should also have a deadbolt.

Answer 10

Keep your door locked at night,keep chain on door until you know neighbors and neighborhood. On mailbox if you put a name on front use first initial only and last name. If you use answering machine with your phone...for message dont say your not home....put you cant get to the phone and dont leave your name on message either. Get to know neighbors in building.Use peephole before answering door.