Tips for Moving Into Your First Apartment

You probably need some tips on what to do when you are moving into your first apartment. First, before signing the lease,  it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect the apartment before moving in. Take note of any existing damages or issues and document them with photographs. This will protect you from being held responsible for pre-existing problems when it comes time to move out.

Source: Pixabay

Here are some tips to help you prepare for that life-changing move:

1. Budgeting

Budgeting is a crucial aspect when it comes to moving into your first apartment. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your financial situation and create a budget that allows you to comfortably cover all necessary expenses.

When creating a budget for your first apartment, start by calculating your monthly income. This includes any steady sources of income such as salary or freelance work. Next, list all of your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, transportation costs, and any other recurring bills.

Once you have a clear picture of your income and expenses, you can determine how much you can afford to spend on rent. Experts recommend allocating no more than 30% of your monthly income toward housing costs.

To stay within budget, consider looking for apartments that are within your price range. You may need to compromise on certain amenities or locations to find an affordable option. Additionally, be mindful of other expenses such as utilities and internet fees that may not be included in the rent.

Tracking your spending is also crucial in sticking to your budget. Use tools such as mobile apps or spreadsheets to keep track of every expense and compare it against your budgeted amounts. This will help you identify areas where you may be overspending and make necessary adjustments.

Remember that creating a budget is not just about limiting yourself but also about ensuring financial stability and peace of mind in the long run. By carefully managing your finances and staying within budget, you can enjoy the excitement of moving into your first apartment without unnecessary financial stress.

2. Keep it clean.

Before you move into your apartment, the landlord or management may hire a professional cleaning service to scrub every single inch of your apartment. Other times, the landlord may assume it’s clean and leave it as is.

Either way, make sure you give your apartment a quick once-over before you move things in. Wipe down windows and all flat surfaces. The main things you need to worry about are cupboards, drawers, and carpets. Kitchen cupboards and drawers tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to cleaning. They’re tucked away, out of view, so why bother? But that’s where all your utensils, dishes, and dry foods will go, so keep things clean for maximum comfort.

Keeping your first apartment clean is essential for creating a comfortable and healthy living space. Whether you’re moving into a studio or a multi-bedroom apartment, maintaining cleanliness will contribute to your overall well-being and make your space more enjoyable to live in.

One of the key aspects of keeping your first apartment clean is establishing a regular cleaning routine. This includes daily tasks such as making your bed, doing the dishes, and tidying up any clutter. It’s also important to set aside time each week for more thorough cleaning, such as vacuuming or mopping the floors, dusting surfaces, and cleaning the bathroom.

Investing in basic cleaning supplies is another crucial step in maintaining cleanliness. Stock up on essentials like all-purpose cleaners, disinfectant wipes, glass cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and microfiber cloths. Having these items readily available will make it easier to tackle any messes or spills that may occur.

Furthermore, it’s important to develop good habits that prevent dirt and grime from accumulating in the first place. This includes wiping down kitchen counters after cooking, immediately cleaning up spills or stains on carpets or furniture, and regularly emptying trash bins. As much as you vacuum, an old carpet will never feel as clean as it should. Consider renting or borrowing a steam carpet cleaner, or ask management if they know of an affordable, reliable service.

3. Fill ‘er up.

Once your apartment is spick and span, you can start to fill it up with apartment must-have stuff, and by stuff, I mean functional things from furniture stores, not just movie props and apple crates. Considering you’ll probably be lacking in things, some of the basics—and not-so-basics—you need:

• Couch: Probably the most important piece of furniture in the living room, couches are central to any home. The couch is where you’ll plant yourself after work, and where you’ll entertain guests on the weekends. Choose a couch that is comfortable and will last.

• Bed: If you’re still sleeping in the bed you had as a kid, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Mattress stores offer a wide selection, so take the time to choose a mattress that offers plenty of support for many restful nights.

• Plants: Aside from the immediate aesthetics, houseplants have been shown to improve mood and make for a more healthful living space.

• Tools: You don’t need a full toolbox, but various screwdrivers, a wrench, a hammer, and some nails will go a long way. You’ll likely experience various unprecedented malfunctions in your home, and knowing how to fix those issues will save you money and time.

• Curtains: Especially if your apartment windows don’t come with blinds, you’ll need some window coverings for privacy.

• Plates and Utensils: plates and utensils are the foundation of any functional kitchen. It is essential to have a variety of plates in different sizes to accommodate different types of meals. This includes dinner plates for main courses, salad plates for lighter meals, and smaller plates for snacks or desserts. Utensils such as forks, knives, spoons, and teaspoons are also crucial for everyday use.
• Bathroom Necessities: Your shower will need a curtain and liner, you will need towels, a bath mat, a plunger, a toilet brush, and a trash can.

4. Meet the neighbors.

When moving into your first apartment, one of the exciting aspects is getting to know your new neighbors. Building a sense of community and establishing good relationships with those who live nearby can greatly enhance your living experience.

Meeting your neighbors can be done in various ways. One common way is through a simple introduction when you see them in common areas such as the hallway, elevator, or communal spaces like the laundry room or fitness center. A friendly greeting and a brief conversation can go a long way in creating a positive connection.

Another option is to attend any community events or gatherings organized by the apartment complex or neighborhood association. These events provide an opportunity to meet multiple neighbors at once and engage in activities that foster social interaction.

In today’s digital age, online platforms like neighborhood-specific social media groups or apps can also facilitate introductions and conversations with fellow residents. These platforms enable residents to connect, share information, ask questions, and even organize get-togethers within their community.

Remember that building relationships takes time and effort. Be open-minded, respectful, and considerate towards your neighbors’ privacy and boundaries. By making an effort to meet your neighbors and establish connections early on, you can create a welcoming environment for yourself while also contributing positively to the overall atmosphere of your first apartment complex.

You’ve signed the lease, packed up the quaint life contained entirely in one room, and are ready to start anew in an apartment of your very own. Moving into your first apartment is exciting and the ultimate test of independence, which means it comes with a good amount of planning.