4 hacks to find your ideal home in 2022
Did you know most apartments for rent are found during the winter months?
That’s right! From October through April, most people tend to move into new apartment spaces. This is when renters can find the lowest going rates.
If you’ve waited until January to start your search for your ideal home, you’re in luck because from January through March most apartment prices will reach their lowest point. This is a huge incentive to start looking for a new space!
To make your apartment hunt easier, we’ve put together this how-to guide for finding an apartment. Within it, you’ll find our top four hacks, so you can easily identify and find your ideal home in 2022. Plus, we’ll cover how you can find the best home with the right amenities for you and your lifestyle. Let’s get to it!
Hack #1: Consider the Amenities You Need
Before you begin touring apartments or scheduling a move-in date, it’s a good idea to sit down and list out all the amenities you’ll need to accommodate your lifestyle.
We recommend splitting your amenities list into two sections, one for “must-haves” and the other for “nice-to-haves.” For how important the present is, we also encourage you to plan for the future, especially for convenience.
For example, you may not want to rent an apartment that will force you to have a long commute. Try to avoid having to spend your money on a ton of gas and take into consideration the amount of time you’ll spend commuting back and forth.
Here is a list of amenities to help you start thinking about what you’ll need and want in your ideal home:
- On-site Washer & Dryer
- Dishwasher
- Heat / Air Conditioning
- Patio or Balcony
- Pet-friendly
- Pool
- Gym
- Extra Storage Space
- Number of Bedrooms & Bathrooms
- Stainless Steel Appliances
- Walk-in Closets
- High ceilings
- Hardwood Floors v. Carpet
- LED Lighting
Did you know: All of these amenities are located within various Rosetti Apartments. Learn more about our communities today.
Hack #2: Plan Your Move-In Date
After you made a list of what you’re ideally looking for in your new apartment, the next hack in our guide requires you to plan your move-in date.
This is a fundamental step that will help you plan out your budget and apartment search timeline. With that being said, here are four things to consider when choosing your move-in date:
1. How flexible can my timeline be?
There could be many factors that go into this, such as your current lease agreement. It’s best to consider all the essential moving tasks you’ll need to complete and rental industry activity, for example, how long it will take to pack and schedule movers. By the time you factor this in, you’ll have a clearer idea of how long it will take. It generally takes 6-8 weeks to move an entire home or 2-3 weeks for a smaller apartment.
2. What is my work schedule and how will it impact my move?
If you have a current job or are in the process of transitioning to a new job, it’s important that you coordinate with your current and/or future employers about your move. This way there is clear communication as to when you’ll need to take time off to move.
3. What is mover availability?
If you’re moving in during the winter months, you’ll typically find that it’s easier to rent moving services. This is because the busiest season for rental industry activity is during the summer months. Ideally, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you know when your current lease ends and your new one begins. You’ll also want to consider if you will need to take extra time to coordinate around the availability of volunteers, like friends or family members.
4. When does my current lease end and my new one begin?
This is a key step in making sure you don’t have to pay rent at two places for a any given period of time. If you absolutely must, then, be sure you budget it into your new apartment expenses.
Hack #3: Create Your Budget
It’s important to create a budgeted spreadsheet to ensure that you’ll be able to afford rent while meeting your other financial goals. It’s a good rule of thumb to determine your costs of living ahead of time to ensure there are no surprise fees. You’ll also want to remember that on top of rent you may be required to pay additional fees for electricity, gas/heat, cable/internet, and parking.
Hack #4: Start Touring Apartments
After you determine the amenities you need and the rent you can afford, the next step is to start touring apartments. You’ll want to factor in some time to search for a few apartments to tour. Ideally, you’ll want to begin 30-40 days out from your desired move-in date. Be sure to get to know your future landlord or property manager as well and gain insight on your potential neighbors and community.
Ready to Schedule a Tour or Have Questions? Contact Us!
If you’re ready to start touring or have specific questions about our properties/move-in process, contact us. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your ideal home.