Whether you live in a house or an apartment, eventually, there may be things about your home that you find frustrating. These household grievances can cause discomfort, cost you money, and undermine your appreciation of your home.
Moving can provide you with a chance to find the perfect new home. You might find yourself dreaming of a new apartment that has all the features you want. Whether you’re looking for a studio apartment in the Windy City or a luxury apartment in Miami, taking the steps outlined here will ensure you find the perfect new apartment.
Identify your needs.
The fanciest apartment in the world will frustrate you if it’s too small for your needs. Make a list of the core features your apartment must have and prioritize identifying apartments with those features. For example, if you have a bad knee, you won’t want to rent an upper-floor apartment in a building without an elevator.
Making a checklist and using it to filter out unsuitable apartments will save you time and money. You won’t spend time looking at apartments that don’t fit your needs, and you won’t have to spend money relocating later if you settle for an apartment that won’t work for you or your family.
You can use your checklist to filter your search results when you’re exploring Chicago apartments. For example, Hello Landing’s apartment filter tool lets you search listings by neighborhood, enabling you to focus on apartments in desirable neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Lake View, Old Town, South Loop, River North, and Magnificent Mile. On the other hand, you might opt to limit your search to neighborhoods near the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, or Wrigley Field.
You can also limit your search results based on whether you need a one-bedroom apartment, 2-bedroom apartment, three-bedroom apartment, or can manage with a studio apartment. Your search may also be influenced by your budget, which could limit your options if you have a tight budget and plan to move to an expensive city.
Identify crucial building features.
Having a reliable air conditioner may be crucial for your comfort and safety during the hot summer months. Extreme temperatures can cause heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. People may die if they’re exposed to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods. Finding an apartment with air conditioning is critical because it ensures your comfort during warm temperatures and protects you from developing heat-related illnesses.
AC companies, such as Direct AC, offer crucial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) cleaning services. Ask potential landlords if they have a service contract with a reputable HVAC company that cleans out the ducts and HVAC system. Cleaning your ducts removes toxins and allergens from your home, which can trigger allergic reactions and cause health issues, such as headaches and dizziness.
Finding a new landlord who invests in trusted professionals is an excellent way of ensuring your peace of mind before moving in because you can have confidence that your critical household systems are maintained correctly.
Compare the amenities.
Apartment buildings offer different amenities. If you have a dog, finding a pet-friendly apartment with a dog park may be your priority. If you enjoy working out, you might prioritize apartment buildings that have a fitness center for residents. You might favor rentals with an appealing view or want an apartment in New York City that’s near cultural attractions you want to visit.
Make sure the apartment passes the inspection.
Renters often focus on meeting the landlord’s criteria so they can qualify to rent a property, but you should put just as much importance on your property inspection before you sign a lease. Check each room to ensure there are enough electrical outlets and make sure they work. If you don’t have enough electrical outlets, you’ll overload circuits and could cause an electrical fire.
Ensure the apartment has suitable cable and Internet hookups to ensure you can get the services you want for your new home. Ensure there aren’t cracks or holes in the walls and check for signs of rodents to ensure the apartment’s clean and pest-free. Settling for an apartment that’s infested by bugs or other pests can cause health issues and lead to damaged possessions.
Each person has their priorities when it comes to finding a new apartment, so you must start your search by making a checklist of your must-haves. Once you narrow your search to apartments with the essentials, compare the building features and amenities, and inspect potential apartments before choosing a new apartment to call home.
