You should not agree to rent the first apartment you like just because you are very eager to move. Study the housing market, consider several options, and consider additional details beyond the rent itself.
Use the statistics to get familiar with the current rental rates in your area, and see how they vary from area to area.
Focus only on those options that fit into the maximum allowable rental expenses for you. Don’t give yourself the slightest chance to fall in love with an apartment that you can’t afford.
Weigh all the factors. For example, if one apartment is a thousand times more expensive to rent than another, but this apartment is located near the stop of the direct bus route to your work, then it may be a priority.
Your reluctance to live with your mom and dad doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to their experience of finding suitable apartments or houses to rent. A loyal friend or older brother or sister can also help you.
Make it clear that the final decision is yours, but rely on an extra pair of eyes to identify questionable landlords, possible problems with rodents, noise, and so on.
Almost certainly your parents will want to help you, so give them the opportunity to be involved and help.
Yes, we have already talked about this before, but it is worth mentioning again that when moving to the first rented apartment, it is best to take a minimum of furniture and things with you.
After selling, donating, and throwing away unnecessary junk, think about what else you can do without (at least temporarily) and see if you can leave these things with your parents. So, if something happens, you can always take what you need, but these things will not take up space in a rented apartment (and increase the cost of moving).
To buy the things you need that you do not have (perhaps furniture, dishes, bed linen), visit economy-class stores, look at ads for used goods, or ask your relatives and friends if they have unnecessary things that will be useful to you. Your first rental apartment doesn’t have to look like it belongs on the cover of a magazine. A shabby sofa and mismatched dinner plates will not spoil the feeling that gives the first experience of independent life.
Of course, it’s easier to let professionals move all your things from one place to another, but it will cost a pretty penny. Ordering a truck with movers is not cheap but reasonable. Therefore, often the move itself costs several hundred. And moving a long distance will cost even more.
See if relatives or friends who are willing to sweat for a couple of hours on Saturday for a treat with pizza or soda (or other drinks) will help you with loading things. Promise them to return the favor with gratitude.
If you can’t get someone to help you with a pickup truck, or if you just can’t fit your stuff in it, try to hire a truck and load and unload your stuff yourself (with Moving Me).
If you are not tempted by the prospect of carrying a sofa, bed and other heavy items, leave it to the movers, and take care of the rest yourself, as far as possible. Usually, for the work of movers, an hourly wage is set — the less work for them, the less you will pay for it.
The desire to leave the parental home may be related to the desire to have their own housing. But renting an apartment together with one or two friends can make the move more affordable.
Whether you plan to live with an old friend or (hopefully) start a new one by moving into an apartment already occupied by someone, the prospect of dividing rent and utility bills into two, three, or even more parts is quite tempting. However, even if the situation with the roommates is far from a horror movie, it will not be superfluous to establish clear basic rules for all residents. Read here how to find a roommate if you need help.
Clearly set the rules for dividing the payment amounts by bills. Decide whether the products will be purchased collectively or individually, and determine any obligations in case someone decides to move out of the apartment to take into account possible pitfalls. Even (and especially) in the case of living with your friend, take the trouble to voice expectations and list responsibilities. So as not to find yourself in a situation with forced overspending for rent and utility bills out of your own pocket.
You can even independently draw up an agreement with a neighbor that defines the expectations and responsibilities of each resident.
Also, decide whether the names of all tenants will be included in the lease agreement. If only your name is on it, then legally only you will be responsible for unpaid rent bills. On the other hand, if you specify all the tenants, it will be easier to evict someone in case of violation of the terms of the contract.
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