Moving into your first apartment is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. While you may be thinking of get-togethers and decorations, there's something else you'll want to consider: safety.
After all, whether you're moving to a new place by yourself or with a roommate, it's important to make sure you feel secure and comfortable in your new home.
During Your Apartment Search
Community Security
- Controlled access: Look for gated communities or secure building entry systems that limit who can come and go.
- On-site security: Ask if security personnel are present and whether they patrol the property regularly.
- Lighting: Make sure parking lots, pathways, stairwells, and breezeways are well-lit to reduce nighttime risk.
- Security cameras: Check for visible surveillance in shared areas like lobbies, laundry rooms, and garages.
In-Unit Safety
- Smoke detectors: Each bedroom, hallway, and kitchen should have working smoke detectors. Ask how often they’re tested or replaced.
- Carbon monoxide detectors: Especially important in units with gas appliances. Confirm that detectors are installed and functional.
- Fire extinguisher: Verify that one is provided, or plan to supply your own—especially for units with full kitchens.
Entryway & Personal Security
- Peephole or door viewer: You should be able to see who’s at your door before opening it.
- Secure locks: Doors should have deadbolts, and windows should lock securely.
- Optional security add-ons: If the unit doesn’t include a security system, consider freestanding, no-installation options like smart doorbells or motion sensors. Always:
- Choose options that don’t require drilling
- Avoid long-term contracts
- Get landlord approval if modifications are needed
Shared Spaces
- Keyed or coded access: Amenities like pools, gyms, and laundry rooms should require a key card, fob, or access code.
- Resident-only access: Ask how the property ensures that only residents use shared facilities.
Emergency Preparedness
- Clearly marked exits: Stairwells and fire escapes should be unobstructed and easy to locate.
- Community disaster plans: In areas prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, or wildfires, ask about the community’s emergency protocol and communication plan.
Staying Safe During and After Your Move
Take some time to greet your neighbors! They will likely be curious about who is moving in, so introduce yourself. In addition to being able to recognize those who live around you, it’s a good idea to have neighbors you can go to in case of an emergency.
Get to know the comings and goings of your neighbors, as well. Getting familiar with their routines will help you determine if a noise is out of place. This will make you more comfortable, and it will help alert you when something might be wrong.
Safety Tips for Living Alone
Living alone for the first time is an amazing adventure! But for some of us, it can also be a little bit intimidating. Especially at night, when every tiny noise seems amplified. Here are some tips to make you feel more secure.
- Use white noise. A fan or smart speaker playing ambient sounds can make it easier to fall asleep and mask nighttime noises.
- Consider a pet. Pets are great at helping you feel more secure and less alone. Dogs provide the added benefit (or drawback, depending on how you look at it) of barking and alerting you to noises and/or visitors. Before getting pet, make sure your apartment community is pet-friendly, and check your lease for restrictions and extra fees associated with pets.
- Follow these smart safety habits:
- Lock all doors and windows, even in secured buildings.
- Close curtains or blinds at night, especially on ground-level units.
- Always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
Why Renters Insurance Matters
Renters insurance protects your belongings from theft, fire, and water damage. Even if it isn't required by your landlord or property manager, it's a smart, affordable safeguard that often costs less than a dinner out.
Key benefits of renters insurance:
- Covers personal property loss
- Provides liability protection
- Helps with temporary housing costs if your unit becomes uninhabitable
Safety is an important consideration when moving into your first apartment. By staying alert, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts, you can move into your first apartment with confidence and peace of mind.
This article was originally published on April 3, 2018.
