You’re finally ready to live on your own, but how much does it cost to move into an apartment? It’s an extremely exciting process of starting a new life that can also be a stressful time in case you’re not ready for all the pitfalls. There are so many things to foresee and take care of. Let’s get more familiar with the process of moving into new apartment.
How Much Does It Cost To Move Into An Apartment?
Know Your Budget And Estimate Your Expenses
How much do you think you can afford spending on apartment rent without cutting all other expenses too much? What neighborhood are you going to hunt an apartment in? Will you be able to rent a place without a roommate? A Studio apartment in Brooklyn can costaround$2,100, while a one-bedroom place is around $2,600 per month. Want to live In Manhattan but think you can’t actually afford one? It is quite possible to find a Studio apartment in Harlem for $1,900 and a place with one bedroom can cost you only $2,300. A general rule of thumb is that your apartment rent should not be more than 30% of your gross income.
To understand how much it costs to move into an apartment, don’t forget that you’re also going to pay for utilities, such as gas, electricity, water, sewer, the Internet, etc. All landlords also require their tenants to pay a security deposit that is usually equal to the monthly rent. In case you’re going to need some furniture, consider buying some of it second-hand. You should also include some expenses on car maintenance, in case you have one.
It’s good to pretend you’re already moving into your new dream home. What are the things you’re going to need first of all? We have already enlisted the most essential things to have in one of our previous posts. Make sure you have everything necessary for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc. How much do you usually spend on groceries, clothing and entertainment? Will there anything be left in your salary? Food often takes more than you think. Will you be able to save any amount for the future? These are some of the questions to think of when talking about how much it costs to move into an apartment.
Do Some Research And Learn The Details
Determine the neighborhood you’re planning to move to, and learn as much information about it as possible. What are the usual housing costs there? Is the apartment you’re considering close to a subway stop and main stores you’re going to need? How close is it to your work place? Compare all the places you have seen and make the final decision. When you find the right place read the lease carefully. You should know your rights as a tenant and know how to get your security deposit back. Read every detail of this important document.
Moving is always a challenging task, so you’d better hire professional movers to help you out. Keep in mind that summer is a high season for movers, so book them weeks or even months before the moving date. Get ready and pack some of your belongings beforehand. Don’t forget to pack a box for your first night at the place. Smart organization is really important here. As soon as you know how much it costs to move into an apartment, begin your search and be ready have a small celebration of the big event on the move-in date.
