Becoming an Adult

Congratulations, you’ve decided to get an apartment!

You’ve waited for this day your whole life… and now you are about to show the world that you can make it on your own as an adult. You couldn’t wait to be older when you were younger, so here’s your shot! But before you can move into an apartment, you must find an apartment. It may seem easy, but it’s all a process. The first thing you want to do to start the process is sit down and figure out exactly what you want.

I suggest starting by figuring out whether you will live on your own or with a roommate. Maybe you’ve never contemplated living alone, or maybe it’s just the opposite. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each before deciding which is the best option for you. Keep in mind, having a roommate or multiple roommates means splitting the bill. Also, it’s nice to have company to keep you from feeling lonely. If you’re trying to save money, this may be the option for you! If you’re planning to live on your own, take advantage of the space you’ll have to yourself. Also, make sure you have a steady job and a reliable income to support yourself.

Next, determine how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need in your apartment. This should be based off the number of people living in your apartment. Then, decide how many bathrooms you will need. If you are looking to save money, consider sharing a bathroom with your roommate. Once you have done this, begin your research. Look at the apartments in your desired city and see what each one has to offer, as well as their prices. Is it important that your apartment have a pool or a workout facility? Keep these in mind when doing your research.

Some apartments have special deals and discounts if you meet certain requirements. For example, your job may qualify you to have a discounted rent. Another thing to be aware of when apartment searching is looking at the different amenities the apartment has. One of my top priorities when looking at apartments is finding out whether utilities are included. If you are not paying attention, you could find yourself with no electricity or water, and an additional bill to have them hooked up.

For example, does your apartment rent include all utilities? Is there a washer/dryer hookup? It is important to know all that the apartment has to offer before making a final decision. If you have pets, make sure they’re allowed in the apartments you are interested in. Some apartments have restricted areas where pets are not allowed. Keep in mind that most places require the pet owner to pay a one-time fee for their animal, and some require a monthly rent payment as well. Be sure to look at all the rules your apartment has regarding pets. Take a deep breath. You are almost done.

Once you’ve done all your research, you’re ready for the fun! Go view different apartments and see which ones you like best. Check out the neighborhood and get a good feel for the community. Visualize yourself living in the apartment and take note of space for furniture and other personal belongings. The truth is, looking for an apartment takes some time. It’s also an exciting life step, so make the most of the adventure. You wouldn’t want to make such a huge life step in just a matter of hours. You need careful consideration to make sure your decision is best for you! Keep calm and happy apartment searching!