im moving into an apartment for the 1st time any advice?

Question

thanx!

Answer 1

When you first move in take pictures of anything that is wrong with the apartment and document it. That way, when you move out they can't accuse you of any damages that were there before you moved in. Even take pictures of little scratches in the floor or walls, even if they don't look like a big deal. You never know if they could blame your for it. Also, when you move out, take pictures again and document. Buy your basic furniture, you can always add more stuff as time goes on. You don't want to spend all your money trying to get everything all at once. Good luck!

Answer 2

Well, we are getting your side of the story, which will be biased to make you look good. I rented from someone that did own the place. The first weekend, he went out of town and had left his thermostat off. We had to go into the living room and close the door with a camp stove and blankets to keep warm. I eventually went to the basement and put a jumper wire across the thermostat. When it got too warm, I opened the windows. He came back Monday and called the service man. The service man gave him the jumper wire. When I got home, he told me the story of his house being hot when he got home and asked if the jumper was mine. I took it and said yes. He complained how his heating bill will be high, and I told him next time he leaves us without heat, I would do it again. Anyway. I would verify with the landlord that you should have access to the basement and back yard and then I would cut the locks or get a locksmith to make you a key. If you change the locks, be sure to give the other tenant a copy of the key. As far as being loud, many times, upstairs apartments are noisy. Walking, kids running, toilets flushing and such can be heard downstairs. Be a good neighbor. It is too easy to hate our neighbors. If they are hate filled, don't stoop down to their level. Try to be conscious of the noises being heard by them. It is the negative of living in a down stair apartment in a cheap made building. Try to talk to them to resolve the issues. But remember some people are just unreasonable (and that could be you too).

Answer 3

Get renters insurance and make sure you move into a place large enough to house everything you own with some space left over to grow. There is nothing worse than finding out you need more space and have to relocate after a few months. Research the area to check crime rates, sex offender lists, nearby shopping centers, proximity to expressways etc. If you do your homework before you move, you will love apartment life and the convenience of not having to maintain a home. Ask the landlord about the specific neighbors you will have if they are already moved in, the policies on noise or nuisances, if they have had any formal complaints from prior tenants on the current residents of the building you will be in. These questions eliminate the possibility of being placed in a "noisy" area if you are looking for "peace" or if you are rowdy - ask for the "younger crowd" section of the building! Complexes make arrangements to accomodate the night owls now.

Answer 4

If you are signing a lease w/ a management company, try and go a few days early before move in to sign all the documents, lease, etc. You will not remember a darn thing if you do it the day of move in.
I also agree w/ the person who said to take photos of before and after move in. Document everything and do put all notices/request in writing so that you have proof if something does go wrong.

Answer 5

Don't go crazy thinking you need to spend a lot of money on furniture, drapes, etc. Look to the local newspapers to see who might be selling things reasonable and the Salvation Army store. You can get some great stuff very cheap.

Answer 6

My dad has a 4 door apartment somewhere in Des Plaines, Illinois. His name is Chito L. Galang, Jr. Its just over a thousand dollars a month.

Answer 7

1. Buy energy efficient light bulbs
2. Look on Craigslist for furniture, never spend more than $100 on anything
3. Learn how to cook and do it often
4. Submit all complaints to your landlord in writing

Answer 8

Buy a gun! Seriously Jen, be careful. Make sure your door and windows are always locked and at least carry one of those little mace or pepper spray things for your purse. I'm so worried about you going out on your own like this!

Answer 9

Don't spend more than 25% of your income on the unit plus utilities .
Do you have the standard 1st month , last and sec deposit already ?
Utility deposits to get the gas & elec going ?

Answer 10

wooo hoooo.. I remember that.. how fun!! try not to make too much noise.. now you have very very close neighbors.. keep food and drinks off the carpet!! dont date anyone from the same complex.. and ummm.. thats all i can think of.. have fun!!!