If you could save time in a bottle…how would you use it? Would you spend more time with loved ones, or working on your favorite hobby? Perhaps you’d want to use some of that time to finally start (and finish) apartment hunting.
The time constraints and pressures involved in searching for an apartment that fits all, or at least most, of your criteria can wear on a renter. The solution lies in planning your moves well ahead of your desired move-in date.
So how far in advance should you start looking for a new apartment? I’m so glad you asked.
As Soon as You Know You Want to Move
As soon as you make the decision to move, it’s time to begin researching.
Decide on key factors like:
- Which city or neighborhood you will live in
- How much you can afford to spend on rent and utilities
- What size apartment fits the bill
- Which amenities are most important to you
- What you’re willing to sacrifice if you can’t find everything you want
- What your current apartment’s move-out policy requires (usually a 30-day or 60-day written notice)
Research often takes a decent amount of time in the span of your apartment searching process. But don’t skimp on this step. You can’t find what you want if you don’t know exactly what you want before you start searching.
About 45 Days Before Your Move-in Date
Start searching and choose a few apartments you want to tour. Call the landlord or property manager to schedule your tour ahead of time to ensure availability (no need to make multiple trips when you call ahead). Ask plenty of questions and be sure to look out for any potential issues while you’re touring apartments.
Once you’ve completed all of the tours you can handle (it can be tiring!), narrow down your list of options based on your findings. If you’re having a hard time deciding, refer back to your list of criteria you made as soon as you knew you wanted to move. But most importantly, trust your gut. Sometimes, you just know.
Around 30 Days Before Your Move-in Date
This is the time to solidify your decision. Contact the landlord or property manager to let them know that you’re interested in renting with them, and to inquire about next steps. You will have to fill out a rental application and pay any required fees (at least a rental application fee).
After you’ve been approved, you can confirm your move-in date and go over the terms of your lease. Then you can (probably digitally) sign the dotted line and lock in your chosen apartment.
At Least 15 Days Before Your Move-in Date
Start organizing for your big move! Begin packing and decluttering as soon as you possibly can. Collect estimates from multiple moving companies and truck rental services to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal before making your choice.
You’ll also have to transfer your utilities to your new address. If you’re planning on cancelling any of your current services, now is the time to do so. Also, look into any offers for new customers in your new area.
Moving Day
Congratulations! You made it to moving day! Now is the time to focus on getting your belongings onto your truck and returning your old apartment to its former glory with cleaning products and elbow grease to get your security deposit back.
While every move is different, I hope you can take some inspiration from this timeline for apartment hunting. The whole apartment searching process always seems overwhelming at first but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it feel as smooth as Carlos Santana’s rhythm on the radio.
