Moving into an apartment can be an exciting time. But it also comes with many responsibilities, including setting up utilities, organizing your finances, and getting renter’s insurance.
To help make the process easier, we’ve compiled a guide with everything you need to know before moving into your first apartment.
Set Up Your Keys
Getting keys to your apartment can be essential to your moving process. Not only will they allow you to unlock the doors, but they can also give you peace of mind that your apartment is secure.
Your landlord or property management company should give you the keys to your new home. They are typically plastic and include your name, apartment number, and room number.
Before you receive the keys, ask your manager for more details. It is essential to have any extra sets of keys made to give to friends or family.
In most cases, the landlord or property management company will take a month or two to clean your new place and make repairs thoroughly. Then, you can move in and start living in your new apartment! Make sure you choose a suitable apartment that suits your wants and needs. There is an apartment for rent in Troy NY, that you could also check out. Most people in Troy rent their houses, giving the city’s citizens an urban/suburban fusion vibe. There are several parks and coffee cafes in Troy. Troy has a large population of families and young professionals, and its citizens generally have moderate political views. Troy’s public schools are better than average.
Set Up Your Utilities
Getting settled into a new place may be difficult. From packing up your belongings to finding a reputable hauling company, there are many things you need to think about. But one of the most critical tasks on your list should be handling all the utilities.
Typically, apartment utilities are included in the rent or billed directly by the landlord. When you move in, some landlords will automatically activate water, electricity, and trash collection services.
The best way to avoid any issues is to set up these services two weeks before you move in. You can do this online or by calling the local utility company directly.
Once you’ve registered for services, contact the company to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you transfer utilities to a roommate, you must contact the utility company to update the account information. You’ll also need to notify them of your move date so they can schedule service accordingly.
Organize Your Finances
Moving into a first apartment can be one of the most exciting times of your life, but it also means you’re taking on a new level of financial responsibility. Before relocating to your first apartment, it is critical to organize your money.
The best way to do that is by making a budget. It will help you to understand how much you’re spending and what you need to save for.
A budget will also help you to save more money faster. It is beneficial if you want to save for a larger apartment in the future.
One easy way to boost your savings is by cutting back on non-essential expenses like streaming services and magazine subscriptions. It will save you money without negatively impacting your quality of life in the short term.
Get Renter’s Insurance
Getting renter’s insurance is one of the first things you should do before moving into an apartment. It’s a great way to protect yourself against financial loss during a break-in or theft.
It’s also a good idea to get renters insurance if you have expensive personal items that could be damaged or stolen. If you own a laptop, TV or smartphone that would be irreplaceable after a burglary, your renter’s insurance will cover the cost of replacing it.
Take an inventory of your things to decide how much coverage you require. It can be done with a home inventory app or simply by writing down every item in your house and how much it’s worth. Once you have an accurate estimate, you can compare renter’s insurance quotes online or with an agent. The latter will take a bit more time, but building a relationship with an agent and getting a personalized recommendation for coverages that fit your needs can be helpful.
