If you’re thinking of hunting for a bigger apartment or you’ve decided to downsize, you need to start the search at least 60 days in advance. It may sound exaggerated, but apartment hunting can quickly become daunting, especially when you consider budget and location.
A study It has been found that people view divorce as stressful as possible. But starting early can make this easier.
So, what does an apartment hunting checklist look like? The first thing you need to do is review your lease and find a move-out clause. How much heads up does a property manager need before you leave? What are relevant move out tasks such as cleaning and painting?
Once that’s taken care of, you should start looking for your new digs right away. We’ve put together apartment hunting tips on a timeline so you can make the process stress-free.
How to rent an apartment
Your landlord gives you the thumbs up to find a new place, but where do you start? Give yourself at least 60 days to find out because you don’t want to rush into a decision.
First, check your credit score with a free app like Credit Karma, which hits two out of three credit reports without question. That way, you know where you stand before you apply for an apartment.
Decide on factors like:
- Do you want to downsize, stay the same or grow in square footage and number of bedrooms?
- Do you live in the same city? If so, which neighborhoods do you want to focus on?
- What are your essential amenities like a doorman, pool, gym or trash collection? This will help you understand what you can sacrifice during your search.
- How much do you want to spend a month on your new rental? Knowing your budget will help narrow down the search. Also, don’t forget about your security deposit.
60 days before moving day
Your complete wishlist for the dream apartment can now help you in your search. You can use sites like Apartment guideReach out to a realtor, Use apps And reach out to friends to alert you to any opportunities.
- Contact the realtor and ask for their finder fee process. Know their timelines and costs before you agree to work with them. It may be out of your budget as they can charge anywhere from 10 percent to more than a month’s rent.
- Set up alerts with customized filters with prices and neighborhoods. Find your favorite rental sites, and set up daily emails, so you don’t miss vacancies.
- Reach out to your network. Keep in touch with friends and relatives via text, email or social media and ask them to keep you informed of any opportunities they have. Referrals often yield hidden gems.
As you scour the Internet for the perfect location and begin to narrow down your desires, you should do these things at the same time:
- Start decluttering. There’s no time to start that overdue spring cleaning than planning a move. Look in your closet, bathroom and kitchen for unused and donable items.
- Get some boxes. On the day of delivery, go to your neighborhood liquor store and grocery store and ask Grab some boxes Use this time to get a good inventory of newspaper, packing tape and bubble wrap for free.
- List your bills. This list will help you update your address once you find your dream apartment, so you don’t miss one or get a payment denied.
45 days before moving day
Your search has turned up a handful of suitable apartments, and you’ve started scheduling some trips. Depending on health regulations or personal preferences, you can do this phase Virtually.
Your apartment hunting checklist for your appointment should include:
- When you schedule an appointment, remember to bring a blank check and a completed application if available, so you don’t miss a unit.
- As you walk around the apartment remember to note things you like and things you don’t like
- Note any damage to walls, appliances, carpets and plumbing and ask the landlord about the state of repair of these items.
- Confirm amenities available to tenants and other details like rent payment, repairs, lawn care (if applicable) etc.
- Carefully review the lease agreement before signing on the dotted line
Once you’ve toured a handful of apartments, sit down and weigh the pros and cons. First, think about cost, location, and distance to your favorite places and activities. Then, if necessary, dive deeper into square footage, neighborhoods and amenities.
If you still can’t decide, take an afternoon and evening drive around the neighborhood to see how the residents like to spend their time.
When you decide, contact the landlord to submit your application, security deposit, and complete a background check. Upon approval, sign the lease with the landlord after review.
Time to proceed in 30 days
Congratulations — you’ve landed in an apartment with beautiful natural light and great amenities. First, schedule a time to drop off your donations at your local thrift store to start cleaning out your old apartment.
Next on the apartment hunting checklist, Book movers. Call the new landlord and ask for moving instructions and if you need to set aside a window for an elevator or loading dock.
Then, call the movers to get a quote based on your needs. Have the following information ready for them:
- The size of your apartment, including the number of bedrooms and large pieces of furniture
- Your new address and distance from your old address
- Do you need them to pack things for you?
- Is there elevator access to both locations? How about a CD?
- Do they quote you by the hour? Keep a time window ready for them.
Once you’ve checked movers off your list, Keep packing Until you come to your essentials. If you are likely to be late, follow through Daily packing list to stay on task.
14 days before moving day
At this point in the timeline, you should have signed your new lease, booked movers, packed about 85 percent of your apartment, and donated any items to your local thrift store or charity.
are you good Let’s keep it going. Next, we have Bill. It’s time to call the following people:
- Call your utility companies (water, gas, electric, cable/internet) and transfer all bills to your new address.
- Get all the necessary forms from the post office Change your mailing address and forward all mail to your new address
- Use the bill list you created earlier to change your billing address on your Netflix, Amazon, Uber Eats, gym membership, bank, employer, and any other monthly charges you receive.
- Call your renter’s insurance to alert them of your move and transfer them to your new apartment
- Call your vet and schedule a daycare appointment for your pet. Move out day is the perfect time to get their vaccinations done, showered and away from the movers.
It’s also time to schedule a walk-through date with your current leasing office to make sure everything looks good and you can get your security deposit back. Schedule a walk-through of your new unit. If possible, schedule in this time for a day or two before you go out.
Finally, inventory your fridge and eat everything that spoils when moved — think leftovers and frozen meals.
The week before moving day
You have a lot of things full ofExcept for the daily essentials that keep you going until moving day arrives. What’s next on the apartment hunting checklist? Walk-throughs.
- do deep clean In your current apartment, including patching any holes in the walls and painting any walls that need it
- do A walkthrough Check with your current landlord and let them know in writing that all is well and that you will get the security deposit back.
- Double check that the new leasing office has implemented all the details you discussed when you walk into your new unit, from new carpets to new appliances.
- During the walk-through, make notes of necessary repairs. Any damaged walls or broken sockets need to be fixed ASAP.
This week will go faster than you think. Make a final inventory of every cabinet, appliance, and closet to make sure you’ve packed everything. Throw away any leftover food or garbage now. If possible, switch to taking out the last few days, so you don’t have dishes to do.
Moving day has arrived
After two months of preparation, you’re at the end of the apartment hunting timeline. Your apartment hunting checklist is done! If you’ve followed the above steps over the past two months, moving day should be a breeze.
- Drop your pet off at the vet early in the morning
- Push all the boxes toward the door so the movers can start upon arrival
- Take out all the trash and wash any leftover dishes
- Check that all lease exit rules have been completed during your final walk-through
- Once the movers are finished, share the new address with them again and your cellphone number just in case
- Grab any fragile items that fit in your car, turn in your keys, and head to your new apartment to wait for the movers.
Mission accomplished with our apartment hunting checklist
In a few hours, you will be able to cook dinner in your new place, Unpack everything And relax with your four-legged friend. Time to make this new apartment feel like home.
