CuriositiesFEB 12, 2023

30 People Share Useful Tips And Things To Check Before Moving Into Your First Apartment

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In 2021, the average age that EU residents moved out of their parents’ homes for the first time was 26.5. However, the age varied greatly by country, with Swedes typically moving out at age 19 while adults in Portugal tended to take their time, living with their parents until they hit 33 years old, on average. Regardless of what age you first leave the nest, though, there is plenty to learn when you live on your own for the first time. You might suddenly realize how much effort it takes to keep floors clean, why your parents were so concerned about turning off lights and taking short showers, and how landlords might not always have your best interest at heart.

So to help all of you pandas out there who are planning on moving out on your own soon, we’ve gathered a list of “first apartment” tips that Redditors have shared down below. From how to avoid being scammed to knowing which appliances are actually worth purchasing, we hope you’ll find something useful within this list that will spare you all some trouble. Keep reading to also find interviews with the experts at liv.rent and Parker Cox from Tenant Planet, and be sure to upvote all of the tips you wish someone had given you before you flew the nest!

#21

30 People Share Useful Tips And Things To Check Before Moving Into Your First Apartment

Any damage that happens while you're there and Is not your fault DOCUMENT IT! our neighbors above us had a flood, and it soaked out walls and carpet. We called and no one came to fix it. When we moved out they tried to charge us for water damage. Luckily I had photos and videos of the damage and we were able to get out of it.

missesmistyeyed, Aleksei / Алексей Simonenko / Симоненко

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41points

When it comes to red flags to look out for, Parker says, "If your landlord doesn’t respond during the application and showing process, they are going to be a worse communicator when you have a maintenance or payment issue that needs to be addressed. Good communication is more important than a perfect home."

"If the home seems poorly maintained—loose cabinets, windows that don’t fully shut, doors that stick, etc. that means the landlord doesn’t prioritize maintenance of the house and prioritizes cost savings over living quality," He added. "Everyone can look past a door that sticks, but if that's how they treat the doors, then the plumbing, HVAC, (and the other big ticket items) those are treated the same way and those lead to much bigger headaches for tenants."

#22

Always read reviews of the complex before you apply. If the reviewers constantly talk about how bad the management is, try to avoid that property.

Always start searching at least 3 months before you absolutely need to be there

theedjman, Michael Burrows

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35points

"Remember that there is no such thing as the perfect home. If you’re leaving Mom’s house and venturing out for the first time, it is going to be different," Parker added. "Your roommates are different, the person in charge is different, the way the home is kept and maintained is different. Anyone can adapt to these issues if they have appropriate expectations. The main mistake almost everyone makes is expecting it to be exactly what you were used to before. If you can keep an open mind and adapt to the situations presented to you, you are going to be fine."

If you'd like to gain more guidance from the experts before renting your next place, or you're a landlord looking for additional resources, be sure to check out Tenant Planet's website right here.

#23

Take your time looking at a place. Don't feel rushed. If the person showing you the place rushes you, ask to reschedule.

Check windows in case they stick, try each tap for good water pressure, flush the toilet, check for lit pilots on furnaces, open cabinets to check for water damage, identify basic safety issues like quality of exterior doors/lack of hand railings on stairs.

Document anything and everything.

Budget for renters insurance and accurately inventory your belongings.

Don't get in over your head on your budget (if a roommate bails, will you be ok?), and do prioritize your quality of life. Educate yourself on any potential legal issues/your rights/your landlord's rights.

Also, many states afford rights to people(guests) who stay a certain time. Be careful who you let crash or you may have a really tough time evicting them when you need your space back.

mumbletweed, Thirdman

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34points

#24

Get a mattress cover to prevent bed bugs and other pests. If your neighbors get them, you might get them too.

tookiebawaabaa531, Skylar Kang

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34points

#25

Always have at least a months rent in savings---ideally more. Most of us are only 1 or 2 setbacks away from not being able to afford rent. At least have the security of being able to afford rent even if you lost your job tomorrow.

anon, maitree rimthong

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33points

#26

If it's a fairly cheap apartment, expect to hear your neighbors. Above you, below you, all around you. Use a fan or some kind of white noise to sleep to. I'm in an upstairs apartment and got someone new below me who would constantly pound on the walls when I or my kids would just be walking through the apartment claiming we were stomping.....nope, just normal walking without shoes even...

BurntToast1985, Alex Green

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31points

#27

Try not to spend *any* unnecessary money during the first month or two

Then you'll hopefully have some laid back for when you might need it *and* you'll be sure to know how much you can and have to spend

Good luck

RlyAProblem, Emil Kalibradov

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30points

#28

Make sure to get all the little essentials. Trash cans, broom and dustpan, shower curtain, etc. These are things i didnt think about until i had already moved in.

Bobvila03, Francesca Tosolini

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29points

#29

Set a budget and stay within it. Don't let yourself be talked into something you can't really afford.

supersnaps, Alexander Mils

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28points

#30

You're gonna f**k up in one way or another. Take as many notes as you can of all the mistakes that you'll definitely make so you can learn from them when "second apartment" time comes along.

Swankified_Tristan, Aaron Burden

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25points

115

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