Preparing For Your First Apartment

Your first apartment is a milestone worthy of celebration. Whether you're moving from your mom's or striking out on your own after enduring years of dorm living or roommates, finding and moving into your first apartment takes planning and time. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of the experience.

FINDING THE PLACE

Locating and securing your first apartment takes time and money. Start planning at least three months before your intended move date to ensure you aren't signing a year lease on a place you can't stand. Some hints:

• Figure out your budget before you start perusing listings
• Figure out how flexible you can be with that number
• Don't forget to factor in things like furniture, rugs, curtains, or dishes
• Determine how much you'll need to save

Part of the budgeting includes factoring in your up-front costs. Many places require first and last month's rent in addition to a security deposit. Many places require a co-signer or guarantor, especially in larger cities or for individuals without much credit history. Be sure to spend time looking at places and reading all the fine print on any lease you plan to sign.

PLANNING THE MOVE

You found a place! Now, what? Planning out the logistics for moving will help the day run much more smoothly. Here are some questions to help you get started with planning.

• When can you move in?
• Are there any rules about the move (such as insurance requirements, times you can and cannot move)?
• Who is going to help you move?

Start collecting boxes and packing things you won't need for awhile, as early as you can. Recruit friends and family as soon as you know your move-in date. You'll also want to start planning your change of address, getting utilities hooked up, and planning out what essential items you'll need handy for the night before and the day of the move. Look for moving checklists online to help you determine what you'll need, who you'll want to contact, and so forth. Do as much planning ahead as possible!

OUTFITTING YOUR APARTMENT

Going through what you do own and planning out what you'll need can help you be prepared for your move. Look for curtains or blinds, bedding and kitchen wares. Your first apartment will need a lot of love!

For the easiest way to outfit your new apartment with furniture, rent furniture to save you from using up all of your savings on furniture. You can rent everything you need from your bedroom to the kitchen to the living room. Contact Central Rent to Own and learn more.