Where should you start when moving out and getting your first apartment?

Answer 1

Before you actually move, create a savings account that will cover your deposits for the rental and utilities, which is about three times the amount of rent. This account should also have about three to six months pay should you lose your job, so that you have stability when things happen. Create a budget and check if the expenses exceed your net income. If you are moving from home, it is easy to get overwhelmed in setting up your new home, so keep it simple --do not get a pet. It can raise your rent and there will be other associated costs.

Decide how much you can spend on rent without compromising your meals and utilities. Budget forms are available online. One is the 2015 Graduate's Guide to Budgeting. I find it helpful to overestimate just a little. That way you either can handle the unexpected expenses that often come up or you can treat yourself to something nice every once in a while. After you figure that out, visit some rental websites and find the names of places that you could live in comfortably. Don't be too ambitious/unrealistic, everybody has to start somewhere! Rent according to the income you have now, not what you predict you will earn after that promotion. In general, your rent and utilities should be no more than 50% of your net income for you to be comfortable. A roommate in a split bedroom style apartment may be a smart way to go.

Then, you can go to Microsoft Terra Imagery and check out the Demographics. You get aerial mapping of the area and you can find out who typically resides there (they categorize), crime rate, percentage of high school grads, average incomes, etc. By that time you will have fallen in love or deep like with at least one or two places. Drive by and see for yourself. Lastly call before dropping by management. Get an idea of how polite they are to someone who is just calling to ask questions, not promising anything.

Some apt.'s have lower rent, but you have to pay your own garbage and water. Some appliances or amenities might make the rent a bit higher depending on what it is. Be sure to ask if parking is included and if not, what is the price? Garage or covered parking will more likely cost extra. Ask for average prices on the apartment such as an average on how much it would cost to have water monthly, garbage, gas, electric, etc.

Another answer

There are many questions One must ask when deciding to move out for the first time. I find it easy myself to first look at all the options that are open and available. You have to be prepared before you set out and look at apartments. Have a set budget. Make sure you can afford to pay for monthly rent, and utilities if not provided automatically. Also, be sure you can afford to live comfortably while paying for other obligations such as insurance, groceries, phone bill, entertainment, car payments, gas, and even gifts for birthdays and set holidays. It's really important to set aside some cash for emergencies, retirement, and possible future schooling. There may even be a few other items on your list, so make them count! You don't want to make any mistake and become financially unstable. (Nobody wants that kind of stress lingering over their head!) You also have to decide whether or not you will have roommates. This will set you up for the next decision: Studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms... You need to figure out what kinds of things your apartment will obtain.