28 replies to this topic

[CrossCuT]

I should be signing a lease with my first apartment everrrr and I will probably be moving at the end of the week.
I need tips on ANYTHING!!

I think Im way to calm right now...




PS. Hello again Pham!

Edited by CrossCuT, 28 May 2012 - 02:47 PM.

[Brother Adam]

Only buy things for your new apartment as you actually need them, instead of trying to populate your apartment immediately with everything you think you will ever need, and garage sale for those things you need - but buy quality things that will last a long time. You will save a lot of money. Make sure you fully understand your lease when you sign it. Bring someone experienced with you before signing off and make sure you understand your rights as a tenant.

[CrossCuT]

Oohh Im glad you said that. I have been feeling strong urges to buy everything I see because Ive gotten so excited. But Ive been trying to focus only on the necessary things

[MIkolbe]

you will have a checklist that they will make you go through before you move in..and if they don't..do one of your own and document with pictures..

find EVERYTHING wrong with the apt before you move in so you aren't dinged for your deposit when you move out.

test EVERYTHING in the apt... lights...stove..range...air..heated...EVERY outlet.

Have them fix it before you move in.

And Tom has a truck and he agreed to help you move.

[Mercy me]

Test everything before you move in.

Ditto the buy quality stuff. Highly recommend that you don't settle because at least for me, I am living with a couch that I settled for years after my first apartment. There are always more pressing needs that to replace it.

Buy renters insurance. It is cheap and you never know when you might need it.

[BG45]

Welcome back!

A few things, already covered, but still:
1) Photograph everything so you have proof things were broken, they WILL try to screw you out of your security deposit. With photos and 3 days of solid cleaning 12 hours a day, I still only got 50% of my security deposit back at my last place.
2) Renter's insurance, you never know when you'll need it. A friend recently had his window broken and thousands stolen.
3) Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree may not be fancy, but they are a great place to buy cheap towels and glassware. I'm still using my Dollar Tree glasses from 3 years ago.

[CrossCuT]

This is amesome advice! I definitely will check everything!!! I need to make a checklist for my checklist! BAHHH

And Tom has a truck and he agreed to help you move.

What a nice boy!

Edited by CrossCuT, 28 May 2012 - 04:34 PM.

[ContemporaryCaflicCrusader]

Lots of duck tape dude.

[TheoGrad07]

Before signing, make sure you understand when rent is due, whether there's a grace period, and whether there are any other monthly expenses you'll owe the management company (some places charge you for trash removal, parking, pool rights, basic cable, electric). How often can they increase rent? Are you responsible for setting up and paying your own utilities (electric, water, internet, cable)? Do you control your own heat / air conditioning, or does management turn it on and off for the season? How long is your lease? What happens when that initial term runs out, if you want to stay there (does it become month-to-month)?

Will you have a roommate? If so, what happens if your roommate suddenly stops paying rent (are you responsible for all of it)? If you don't have a roommate, could you get one if you wanted (would a roommate be considered "subletting" or would they have to sign the lease with management)?

Definitely be OCD about the move-in condition and take pictures. I recommend using a list like this: http://housing.ucsc....n-checklist.pdf

Be sure to get and keep a copy of any piece of paper you sign and the move-in condition check list!

I completely understand wanting to run out and get everything you need to furnish your place, but it's really worth it to take your time. With careful hunting on Craigslist or Goodwill / Habitat for Humanity type re-stores, you could find some really nice furniture for a fraction of what it costs new. Also, don't forget the transforming power of nice slip-covers for a couch (we just transformed our living room by getting a slip-cover for our old, battered couch). A few carefully selected accessories like decorative pillows or a throw blanket can make a room of mis-matched furniture look nicely coordinated. Depending on how crafty or skilled you are, getting some older furniture with good "bones" that could be recovered is also an option -- and completely personalized!

You may be surprised by how little you need when you're living solo, even if you want guests! It makes sense to wash a lot of dishes rather than buy a ton that'll stack up ... I recommend either a HomeGoods-type store or Target for basic cooking / eating essentials. If you're thinking shelves / storage, I recommend the "cube" options available from Ikea or Target: http://www.target.co...c_qi_detaillink These are pretty inexpensive and don't look too cheap when first setting up, and then can be moved to a closet / extra room / garage as you accumulate nicer furniture.

I could go on and on with options ... ! =) Good luck!

[ardillacid]

CLAIRE N oh my goodness (don't blasphemy)!

I just finished moving for the sixth time. Bribe some friends with pizza and beer to help out. McDonald's will give you free boxes. Write whats in the boxes on the outside with a sharpie. Pack your own stuff, so you know where everything is. Do the big stuff like furniture first, while you have energy!

[CrossCuT]

Wow...you guys are a wealth information! So many things I havent thought of!!!!!! I need to write this all down!!!

"My friends from the internet told me to ask you these questions..."

Buahaha!

And actually Tom, I was planning on writing all the WRONG things on the boxes as a joke,,,however I believe it will be me who suffers for it later.

[ardillacid]

I miss your sense of humor, Claire.

[kujo]

Ikea is both your best friend and your worst enemy. You'll soon see the battle lines for yourself.

[Groo the Wanderer]

3 days supply of duct tape, plastic sheeting, water, and beeswax candles

[cmotherofpirl]

Make sure you get renter's insurance. Ask if they have changed the locks so the previous tenant can't visit you. Have someone read the fine print and ask questions first. Your interpretation and the owners may differ.

After you have bought the miminum amount of supplies don't make any major puchases unless necessary for the first month. Get to know the neighbors and neighborhood, and constantly ask people for advice. You will be surprised what people will just give you, and probably far better stuff than you can first afford. Find out where the locals farmer's market is and the local flea markets and re-sale shops. Check the neighborhood on trash day

[Basilisa Marie]

Buy or put together a first aid kit. Or at least have some bandaids around.

Figure out which wall switches go to which outlet. That can help you when you're planning out the layout of your furniture.

[Anomaly]

Most important lesson learned from over a dozen moves:

Don't buy beer until AFTER EVERHTHING is moved into the apartment.

[LaPetiteSoeur]

LABEL EVERYTHING--especially the boxes of your stuff.Write down which room it would go in and duck tape the bottoms. It made all the difference in my family's moves.

[Groo the Wanderer]

Most important lesson learned from over a dozen moves:

Don't buy beer until AFTER EVERHTHING is moved into the apartment.

THIS!

otherwise you end up with half the stuff in the truck, your brother on the couch sleeping, you getting angry and accidentally backing the truck off the retaining wall you forgot was there


true i swear.

[CrossCuT]

I miss your sense of humor, Claire.

Haha! I do my best! Ive grown cynical in my old age.

Ikea is both your best friend and your worst enemy. You'll soon see the battle lines for yourself.

I LOVE IKEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111
But its soooo hard not to want to get every single cute thing I see! Ive been working on the "vision" for each rooms style...Im not so very good at it, but Im getting better.



Yeah, a few people have also mentioned the renters insurance. A few places I looked at actually required it, however the place I plan to sign a lease with doesnt from what I understand but I plan on asking a lot of questions.