Not so fast. You should consider several other things before settling on a space. You might not think of these things until after you move in-and you’ll wish you had thought of them before.
1. Laundry Access
Laundry represents a huge part of your life. Most people do laundry at least once a week, if not more often-so if you live in an apartment for a year, you’ll do laundry there at least 52 times. Clearly, you’ll want to consider how you’ll do laundry in your new place and whether you can live with the arrangement.
For some people, a washer and dryer in the apartment is a make or break deal. They want to do laundry in their own space on their own time rather than carting their clothes to a laundry facility. If this sounds like you, make sure your new apartment has a washer and dryer-and preferably the actual appliances rather than just the hookups. But these apartments can prove hard to find, and they may cost more per month.
If you can live with going to the laundry facility, make sure one lies nearby. Calculate the cost of using the machines. While the facility may cost only a few dollars for a load, consider the total cost over the span of the year. An apartment with its own laundry appliances may prove cheaper.
2. Pet Policies
If you have a dog or cat, of course you’ll want to find an apartment that allows your furry friend.
But what if you don’t have a pet and suffer serious reactions around animals? Those with severe pet allergies should make sure their apartment complex doesn’t permit pets, or allergens from their neighbors’ pets could affect them.
Also, consider that if the tenants before you had a pet, the pet may have left stains behind. If you have considered moving into a pet-friendly apartment, make sure you take a close look at the carpet and walls before making a decision.
3. Smoking Policies
If you smoke, you have to find an apartment that allows this habit. Look for an apartment with a deck or porch, as these features give you a convenient location for smoking breaks.
If you don’t smoke and secondhand smoke bothers you, look for an apartment with a non-smoking policy. That way, you won’t face secondhand smoke in your hallway or even drifting into your apartment.
4. Room for a Piano
If you own a piano or another large instrument (or large furniture), make sure it can fit in the apartment before you sign the lease. You don’t want to make it to moving day and realize one of your most treasured possessions won’t fit through the front door.
If you seriously favor an apartment, take measurements of the door and compare it with the piano’s measurements. Also consider how the doorway is designed. If a wall stands right in front of the door, it may block the piano’s entrance.
Make sure you choose a first-floor apartment if possible. Experienced piano movers should be able to get the piano up the stairs, but the process may prove difficult.
Use these guidelines as you embark on the apartment hunting process. As you do so, realize that you might not find an apartment that perfectly fits all your needs. You may need to make some compromises, but you should find a space that works well for you.
Keep visiting our blog for more tips and tricks to simplify your move.
