- They say home is where the heart is. It’s also where you spend most of your time, so you’ll love it more.
- Define the apartment you need to make your home your happy place.
- Find an apartment that meets your specific needs and love where you live.
Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned veteran in the rental world, owning an apartment is a must for everyone. When it comes Defining the things you need To live comfortably in a new place, you need to consider some things. Listed below are some of those items.
1. In-unit washer-dryer
While a select few enjoy the communal aspect of a shared laundry room or a weekly visit to the local laundromat, most prospective renters will have an in-unit washer-dryer near the top of their apartment must-have list. It’s understandable, no one wants their freshly washed laundry to be dumped on the counter while they anxiously await their turn with the machine.
While this convenience is hard to beat, there are some downsides to keep in mind when it comes to in-unit washer dryers.
- Many apartment-sized washer-dryer units are not capable of handling more than a few items at a time. So, if you’re stuck with a small washer-dryer unit, forget about fitting a set of queen-size sheets in there.
- If you are in a small apartment and the washer-dryer is in your primary living area, these units are extremely loud. So, if you’re working from home while doing your laundry, you may want to invest in a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to drown out the excess noise.
Regardless of whether your apartment has the washer-dryer setup you envisioned, the most important thing is that it feels like home every time you walk through the front door.
2. On-site gym
The on-site gym is a polarizing facility. A daily ritual for some and an embarrassment for others.
It’s not hard to figure out which category you fall into here. if you are Serious about working outMake sure you visit the gym to see if it has the right equipment to meet your fitness needs.
If working out isn’t necessary, ask about alternative routes to the elevator that won’t force you to walk to the gym every day. This will help you avoid the embarrassment that comes with not working out at the gym just a minute away from your door.
3. Dive or skip
Ah, the apartment pool… a year-round must if you live in Arizona, not a top priority when you find yourself moving into an apartment in upstate New York.
It’s also important to find out how busy the community pool is on weekends at a perspective apartment complex. Some apartment pools serve as relaxing oases for residents, while others provide a weekend party atmosphere that isn’t for everyone.
If possible, take a tour on a nice Saturday afternoon and see what the vibe is like. This will give an accurate measure of what your potential pool is during prime hours.
4. Dedicated parking
People like consistency. And the consistency provided by assigned parking can be a comfort to many renters, especially those living in large complexes with complex parking parameters.
If a dedicated parking space is important to you and significantly affects the quality of your daily life, be sure to ask about parking policies before signing your lease agreement.
A few things to consider about parking:
- Many apartment complexes that do not have assigned parking spaces for all residents offer select parking spaces for an additional cost to your monthly rent. Often, these places are close to complex entrances and extremely convenient, providing ample bang for your buck.
- If you prefer to be entertained, be sure to inquire about the number of tourist attractions, or lack thereof. Some complexes are generous with their guest spaces, while others offer little or no spaces for visitors. Simple things like having a friend or two over can make this a frustrating feat.
While parking can make a big difference in your life, the real top priority should be whether or not you feel safe leaving your car in a designated parking area overnight and if you feel safe traveling from your venue to your complex at any time of the day or night.
5. Trash service
Depending on the size of your apartment complex and the frequency of pickups, this luxury must make a polarizing apartment, depending on how convenient trash service is for some and a headache for others.
If you live in a small complex with a trash room just a minute or two from your door, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not your apartment has trash concierge service.
On the other hand, if you’re in a large complex with inconveniently placed trash cans or communal dumpsters, a concierge service can make a big difference. Some complexes require tenants to sign up for this service while others make it optional.
Keep in mind, if your apartment complex’s trash service only picks up once a week, be diligent about setting your trash out early that day or the night before. If you forget, you’ll be dealing with a week’s worth of trash smell until the next pickup time.
6. Balcony
Whether you need a balcony or not is a personal choice. Some people need (not just want) private access to the great outdoors. When you are in an apartment that means a balcony. Whether it’s a wrap-around porch off a corner unit or a Juliet balcony off your living room. 500 sq ft apartmentA private escape beyond the confines of your apartment walls is an essential amenity for some and a luxury bonus for others.
Take the time to take stock of your personal preferences and identify the category you fall into before signing your lease and locking in your destiny.
7. Natural light
As with balconies, natural light is a matter of personal preference. Some people need it to live a happy life indoors, while others do well with fluorescents, LEDs, and candles.
Odds are, you’ll easily figure out which camp you fall into during your time Apartment tour. If you’re moving a long distance and are only able to take a virtual tour of your apartment, be sure to contact a complex representative and inquire about natural light in the specific units you’re considering.
To each his own
Above all else, remember that your apartment is your happy place. Don’t let any outside forces dictate what you need to be in your apartment or what you need to be happy in your home.
