7 steps for finding an apartment in a city you don’t live in yet

Figuring out how to rent an apartment in a new city starts with some careful planning. Give yourself time to prepare for relocation to a new city or a new state. Here you will find 8 steps to find an apartment that will be the best choice for you!

1. 1. Get to know your new city:
      If you have an opportunity to learn a bit about your city of destination before moving there,do it. Go visit if you can, or pick up a lot by internet if it is impossible. Find out where restaurants, grocery stores, and other community resources are. If you need to use public transportation to get to and from work, review the routes and schedules, or choose around an area that you already have some friends living in. Ask for recommendations if possible, and read through neighborhood reviews and blogs.
   2. Know the local market:
      The location itself, is not the only factor for choosing the area, other variables matter too, such as average rental price point, safety, and the cost of living. The cost of living can vary greatly from one city to another, so it’s important to know what to expect. Take a look at real estate blogs for the areas you’re interested in and scroll through lots of online listings – you should see a general pattern about the rental options available and what it takes to get one (what the average monthly rents are; how quickly do apartments get rented once they’re listed, etc.)
   3. Find a reliable agent:
      A rental agent will already know your new city and will be able to supply you with options based on your desired location, budget, and preferences. It is the best option if you can’t be there in person for the apartment search (but make sure that the agent is willing to work for a client who can’t be physically available) or if you are totally lost and unsure of where to start.Their fees are often paid by the landlord or property managers where you eventually end up leasing, it can cost you nothing to use their services.

1. Consider a short-term rental:
   It’s wise not to commit to a long-term lease or mortgage right away when moving to a new city. Get a temporary place to stay, then start choosing out areas where you’d like to live permanently for sure!
2. Give utilities a shut-off date and change your address:
   Moving to a new city will mean contracting with new utility companies, so give your current companies a set shut-off date. You don’t want to be paying electricity, internet, gas or any other bills for a place you’re no longer living in. If you rent, check your leasing agreement to make sure you give notice in time to get your security deposit back. Change the delivery address at Amazon, eBay or any other services you are using, you’ll also want to update your driver’s license and any paid subscriptions or accounts.
3. Consider hiring a moving company:
   Give yourself enough time for a moving company research. Get written calculations from at least three movers before you choose. Get company representatives to come look at what’s in your home, then your calculation will be clearer and you will have a list of all the services they can offer, especially for you, and be smart when choosing your expenses.
4. Plan the packing step and start early or hire a moving company who will pack your belongings:
   If you value your time , it is going to be so much quicker when a professional packing crew takes care of the items. But if you want to cut your expenses you can pack yourself. To plan it and be effective, write down how you are going to choose when needing to pack things for a new life or to get rid of then, sell them or give them to charity.