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Moving Into Your First Apartment? Here Are The Things You Need To Know

May 01 2017 Leave a Comment

Nothing beats the sensation of holding the keys to your first apartment outside of college. Whether it’s a pad shared with friends or a solo studio, the opportunity to carve out your own personal space in a city is empowering. 

While it can be incredibly exciting to immediately start a new Pinterest board for decor inspiration and peruse Amazon or Wayfair for the latest furniture pieces, there are a few things that are important to consider before you make a selection on your home and sign a lease commitment. This major life milestone requires several important considerations before you take the plunge. Let’s dive in!

ASSESS YOUR TIMELINE AND REASON FOR MOVING

Now before we get into the actual apartment discussion, assess if moving to a new place right now is the right decision. Maybe you just graduated and can’t wait to spend the summer with your friends in the city. Or maybe you just changed jobs and would like to live closer to your new employer.

While these are both valid reasons, assess if moving right now would make the most sense. If possible, and if you’re lucky to have the option, living at home for a certain period of time is a huge luxury. If you are able to live rent free or at a lower cost, you can use this time to make expedited payments on student loans, build up a robust emergency fund, or establish your investment contributions before you add in additional financial responsibilities, like rent and utilities. You will never regret saving too much and it’s extremely easy to get caught in lifestyle creep once you move. 

Personally, I lived at home from May-December and I was able to make large payments on my student debt. However, I did not use this time to set up an emergency fund. Looking back, I wish I had lived at home for a while longer to set up certain financial nets for myself. Future me would’ve truly appreciated it. 

PRIORITIZE YOUR ESSENTIAL AND EXCEPTIONAL APARTMENT QUALITIES

Okay, so you’re ready. You’ve assessed the situation, and yes, you want to move to your first apartment shortly. What’s important to you? Are you looking to keep costs down? Is public transportation important or do you typically work remote? Sit down and genuinely make a list of what you would consider as your essential and as your exceptional priorities. Essential are the bare minimum things your apartment must have. As someone who hates doing dishes and works from home frequently, my essentials include a dishwasher and loads of natural light. My exceptional qualities include a marble fireplace, winding staircase, and charming doorman. Realistically speaking, it also included a park nearby, ample storage space, and a good neighborhood. Doing this exercise will allow you to have more direction in your apartment search and lead to apartment visits that are closely catered to what you’re actually looking for. 

For me, my first apartment out of college was in a great area with two additional roommates (three if you count my roommate’s adorable pug, Kona!) and a whopping sticker price of $525 for the room. While it lacked a polished look, updated appliances, or in-unit laundry, (honestly, the laundry room was in an unfinished basement that looked like an abandoned horse stable and was completely scary to go in alone,) I prioritized a space that would be in a great location and a great price to comfortably pay off a large chunk of my student loans. 

It worked! Having such an affordable initial rent cost, while sacrificing my exceptional priorities, allowed me to make large sum payments monthly to bring my overall student loan debt down. 

BUILD A BUDGET AND TRY TO STICK TO IT

Which brings us to our next point. It may seem obvious, but defining an initial budget is critical. Do you have a steady income? If so, establish two price ranges. One is your ideal budget and one as your exceptional budget. 

Why define two budgets? Well, as we discussed earlier, you may have several priorities that are important for you. This could be essential factors, such as easy to find parking, central location, public transportation proximity, etc. However, you also could have your exceptional factors, things that make you swoon when you walk into a space. This could be an added outdoor space, natural light, a designated workspace, or a more upgraded kitchen. I have lived in both my ideal budget and exceptional budget apartments and I’m glad that I had flexibility with my range, so that I found what fit my needs at the time. 

The goal here is to truly define a number of what you would ideally like to pay to meet your essential priorities and a maximum number of what you would pay if the unit had your exceptional priorities. 

SET A PREFERRED MOVE-IN DATE

Are you flexible? Do you have a set date you’d like to or to move in by? Determine whether you’re required to have a set date or you’re flexible on move-in dates for the right unit. In the Chicago market, I typically like to start my searches one to two months before my expected move-in date or range. This allows me to get a good feel of the market, identify any potential spam listings, negotiate rent prices, and look at a number of units calmly without a looming move-in deadline. It also allows me to determine what the average rent prices are and any other factors that are important to consider. I also enjoy having a flexible move-in timeline because it typically leads to better negotiation tactics with apartment lenders. 

MAXIMIZE DIFFERENT RESOURCES

Personally, some of my favorite apartments have come from Craigslist or Facebook. I love to scour these sites, because you’ll typically find sublease options at a lower rent rate or more independent landlords that provide competitive rates on units compared to the big apartment companies listed on Zillow or Apartments.com. Make sure to modify settings or set alerts to notify you when new properties come up, and you’ll always be the first to know when a new spot within your parameters hits the market. Desirable units move fast – so the quicker you are to schedule a showing, the better!

Related Posts

  • What You Need To Know About Your Personal Finances
  • How to Make Sound Money Decisions When Furnishing Your First Apartment
  • The Key Elements to a Healthy Dating Experience
  • 26 Things I Learned By My 26th Birthday

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


I started this blog as my own personal and curated collection of experiences meant to guide, to inspire, and to inform. When I'm not running The Bolet Collective, I'm usually snuggling with my Boston Terrier Luna Mia, working as a data privacy consultant, thrifting vintage clothing, or watching films from the 1950's.

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theboletcollective

theboletcollective
📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list 📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list of quotes, podcasts, books, and other forms of media that I want to read or listen to, but I feel like I’ve run out of things lately. I ended up spending way too much time scrolling in Instagram or TikTok, so I’m asking you instead! 

What are some of your favorites books, articles, blogs, podcasts, etc? Share in the comments below! 🤍🕊

Here are some of my personal favorites: 
Podcasts • Style Your Mind 
Book • The Four Agreements 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas #pinterestaesthetic #winteroutfit #winterfashion
Controversial opinion… But I’m over hustle cu Controversial opinion…

But I’m over hustle culture. I’m over “the grind” and sleepless nights and self sacrificing personality. That doesn’t mean I don’t strive to be ambitious, to push myself, to challenge myself, and to aspire for more, but more so that I don’t make my mental and physical health the price I pay to reach my goals. 

So many influential entrepreneurs and successful people have a core routine and set of habits that enable their focus and balance in life while simultaneously pursuing their goals. What makes this possible is the elimination of noise, of doing extra stuff that we don’t want to do, or of saying yes to things that rob us of our energy. So instead of trying to do everything and anything, they focus on their core important things and channel their energy between that and self maintenance. 

So for today, consider the following…

•What plans are you saying yes to that you don’t actually want to go to that end up robbing you of your time?

•What conversations are you entertaining that aren’t inherently valuable to have?

•What relationships are you keeping around because of familiarity but that actually don’t serve you or the betterment of your life? 

•What excuses are you making for yourself and for your time? For the things you eat, for the things you consume, you listen to?

We can still be successful and ambitious and pursue the things that are out of our comfort zone, but I’m prioritizing time to sleep, to rest, to sit, to play, to listen, to absorb, and to just be as my own definition of productivity for this season of life. I’m working on eliminating the noise and making space for the things and people that bring me joy. 🤍🕊

What do you think about hustle culture? 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas
in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a productive week 🤍

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #chicagoblog #leopardprint #homedecor
Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite things to do is to order books from Amazon and have a little collection with me to read on long trips or on the airplane. 

I recently picked up, “14,000 Reasons to Be Happy” mostly because I was curious how you could possibly fit thousands of things into one tiny book.

However, it’s proven to be a huge delight in the sense that I love flipping to a random page and journaling my favorite things that the book mentions. When I’m trying to practice gratitude and I get stuck on what else to write, this is such a fun way to highlight the little and minute things we sometimes overlook.

Here are some of my favorite reasons: 
• being the only one awake in the morning before a big trip
• stained glass windows
• your first paycheck at a new job
• trying again later
• hand painted pottery
• pastry chefs
• sidewalk cafes 
• taking fewer things seriously
• cherry blossom season 
• better results from order and harmony 
• library sofas 
• the flickering lights before a show is about to start
• poems carved in monuments or statues 

What are some of your 14,000 reasons to be happy? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know! 🥰❤️

self love, self care, gratitude, meditation reflection, journaling, daily journal, affirmations, positivity, flowers, yoga, mental health, mindfulness 

#chicago #chicagoblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #midwestblogger #ootd #pinterestaesthetic #florals #selfcare #affirmationsoftheday #affirmationsdaily #lifestyleblog #lifestylebloggers
“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." 🌹
 

A major round of applause to what is now undoubtedly my favorite Broadway production I have ever seen. I had to match the fit to the occasion ❤️🥰 

@moulinrougebway @broadwayinchicago 

broadway, theatre, musical performance, chicago, lingerie, blazer, nyc style, parisian style, feminine style, street style, pinterest girl, city life, nightlife outfit, outfit ideas, monochromatic look, fashion inspo

#outfitinspo #colorfulfashion #fashioninspo #chicago #chicagobroadway #aesthetic, #outfitideas #poseinspo #ootd #femininestlye #photoshootideas #nycstyle #celebritystyle #broadwayinchicago #parisianstyle #influencer #chicagochicblog
just two gals on moving day 📦🛋 calling Chic just two gals on moving day 📦🛋

calling Chicago home has always been one of my favorite things. 

for the last seven months, I carved out a space in the West Loop area for the first time after a summer spent hopping around apartments and cities.

This home quickly became my source of peace and security when I needed it the most. It housed my solo dance parties with headphones in after a fun workout, my gal pal sleepovers with sushi on the coffee table and a rom com playing, my dinner parties with my family, and a playground for Luna Mia’s random zoomies. I even hosted Thanksgiving in this space, as my family shared a roasted Turkey and many laughs. 

i hosted friends who had always opened their doors to me whenever I needed a place to stay and this space gave me the opportunity to return the favor. I met my partner during this time and this space gave me the comfort of being in a quick walking distance to both of our apartments while we shared first dates and special moments together. This home allowed me to pop into the coffee shop downstairs for my favorite empanadas and the fact that it faced West meant that I was spoiled with the most amazing sunsets on a regular basis.

I wallpapered my bathroom hot pink and bought a marble fireplace mantle for all of the glamorous vibes and every morning felt like a hotel stay to me with Luna curled up by my side. I installed oversized artwork, put up my own Christmas tree, watered my plants and mental health, and even had a vintage Italian guestbook that I would have my friends and family sign whenever they visited me. 

my West Loop home gave me little and big luxuries in so many ways, but perhaps more importantly, it reminded me that what we want and desire is never out of reach if we take the time to define it. While I'm sad to be leaving this space for my next adventure, I'm so glad I made a home, even if for just a temporary moment. 🔑🏡
▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’ ▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’m planning a self care weekend 🖤▪️

How do you unwind?

I booked a massage and am perusing all of the sales lately at Deciem, YSL, and Sephora and can’t wait to get some of my holiday shopping in. I also think I’m going to put my Christmas tree up this weekend too.😍❤️▪️
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoinfluencer #midwestblogger #latinainfluencer #chicagolifestyle #chicagolife #holidayseason
▪️Black satin romper + that Chicago skyline 🤝 ▪️ peep the tiny vintage velvet purse 🥺

Ive been staying low key lately and I can’t wait to go out and get dressed up again. 🥺🥰 
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoblogger #midwestblogger #lifestyleinfluencer #latinablogger #chicagolifestyle
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theboletcollective

theboletcollective
📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list 📝 I have a journal where I keep a running list of quotes, podcasts, books, and other forms of media that I want to read or listen to, but I feel like I’ve run out of things lately. I ended up spending way too much time scrolling in Instagram or TikTok, so I’m asking you instead! 

What are some of your favorites books, articles, blogs, podcasts, etc? Share in the comments below! 🤍🕊

Here are some of my personal favorites: 
Podcasts • Style Your Mind 
Book • The Four Agreements 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas #pinterestaesthetic #winteroutfit #winterfashion
Controversial opinion… But I’m over hustle cu Controversial opinion…

But I’m over hustle culture. I’m over “the grind” and sleepless nights and self sacrificing personality. That doesn’t mean I don’t strive to be ambitious, to push myself, to challenge myself, and to aspire for more, but more so that I don’t make my mental and physical health the price I pay to reach my goals. 

So many influential entrepreneurs and successful people have a core routine and set of habits that enable their focus and balance in life while simultaneously pursuing their goals. What makes this possible is the elimination of noise, of doing extra stuff that we don’t want to do, or of saying yes to things that rob us of our energy. So instead of trying to do everything and anything, they focus on their core important things and channel their energy between that and self maintenance. 

So for today, consider the following…

•What plans are you saying yes to that you don’t actually want to go to that end up robbing you of your time?

•What conversations are you entertaining that aren’t inherently valuable to have?

•What relationships are you keeping around because of familiarity but that actually don’t serve you or the betterment of your life? 

•What excuses are you making for yourself and for your time? For the things you eat, for the things you consume, you listen to?

We can still be successful and ambitious and pursue the things that are out of our comfort zone, but I’m prioritizing time to sleep, to rest, to sit, to play, to listen, to absorb, and to just be as my own definition of productivity for this season of life. I’m working on eliminating the noise and making space for the things and people that bring me joy. 🤍🕊

What do you think about hustle culture? 

Meditation, journaling, gratitude, self love, self care, flowers, spring ottd, home decor, affirmations, routine, green, spring, Pinterest aesthetic, hustle culture, ambition, success, rest 

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #lifestyleblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #latinablogger #latinabloggers #latinabloggersconnect #latinablog #chicagochicblog #selflove #selflovejourney #selfcare #selfcarefirst #gratitudequotes #journalingcommunity #journalingideas
in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a in my “my turn” era 🕊💫 wishing you all a productive week 🤍

#chicagoinfluencer #chicagoblogger #chicagoblog #leopardprint #homedecor
Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite Since I’m usually on the go, one of my favorite things to do is to order books from Amazon and have a little collection with me to read on long trips or on the airplane. 

I recently picked up, “14,000 Reasons to Be Happy” mostly because I was curious how you could possibly fit thousands of things into one tiny book.

However, it’s proven to be a huge delight in the sense that I love flipping to a random page and journaling my favorite things that the book mentions. When I’m trying to practice gratitude and I get stuck on what else to write, this is such a fun way to highlight the little and minute things we sometimes overlook.

Here are some of my favorite reasons: 
• being the only one awake in the morning before a big trip
• stained glass windows
• your first paycheck at a new job
• trying again later
• hand painted pottery
• pastry chefs
• sidewalk cafes 
• taking fewer things seriously
• cherry blossom season 
• better results from order and harmony 
• library sofas 
• the flickering lights before a show is about to start
• poems carved in monuments or statues 

What are some of your 14,000 reasons to be happy? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know! 🥰❤️

self love, self care, gratitude, meditation reflection, journaling, daily journal, affirmations, positivity, flowers, yoga, mental health, mindfulness 

#chicago #chicagoblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #midwestblogger #ootd #pinterestaesthetic #florals #selfcare #affirmationsoftheday #affirmationsdaily #lifestyleblog #lifestylebloggers
“The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." 🌹
 

A major round of applause to what is now undoubtedly my favorite Broadway production I have ever seen. I had to match the fit to the occasion ❤️🥰 

@moulinrougebway @broadwayinchicago 

broadway, theatre, musical performance, chicago, lingerie, blazer, nyc style, parisian style, feminine style, street style, pinterest girl, city life, nightlife outfit, outfit ideas, monochromatic look, fashion inspo

#outfitinspo #colorfulfashion #fashioninspo #chicago #chicagobroadway #aesthetic, #outfitideas #poseinspo #ootd #femininestlye #photoshootideas #nycstyle #celebritystyle #broadwayinchicago #parisianstyle #influencer #chicagochicblog
just two gals on moving day 📦🛋 calling Chic just two gals on moving day 📦🛋

calling Chicago home has always been one of my favorite things. 

for the last seven months, I carved out a space in the West Loop area for the first time after a summer spent hopping around apartments and cities.

This home quickly became my source of peace and security when I needed it the most. It housed my solo dance parties with headphones in after a fun workout, my gal pal sleepovers with sushi on the coffee table and a rom com playing, my dinner parties with my family, and a playground for Luna Mia’s random zoomies. I even hosted Thanksgiving in this space, as my family shared a roasted Turkey and many laughs. 

i hosted friends who had always opened their doors to me whenever I needed a place to stay and this space gave me the opportunity to return the favor. I met my partner during this time and this space gave me the comfort of being in a quick walking distance to both of our apartments while we shared first dates and special moments together. This home allowed me to pop into the coffee shop downstairs for my favorite empanadas and the fact that it faced West meant that I was spoiled with the most amazing sunsets on a regular basis.

I wallpapered my bathroom hot pink and bought a marble fireplace mantle for all of the glamorous vibes and every morning felt like a hotel stay to me with Luna curled up by my side. I installed oversized artwork, put up my own Christmas tree, watered my plants and mental health, and even had a vintage Italian guestbook that I would have my friends and family sign whenever they visited me. 

my West Loop home gave me little and big luxuries in so many ways, but perhaps more importantly, it reminded me that what we want and desire is never out of reach if we take the time to define it. While I'm sad to be leaving this space for my next adventure, I'm so glad I made a home, even if for just a temporary moment. 🔑🏡
▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’ ▪️Cheesing hard because it’s Friday and I’m planning a self care weekend 🖤▪️

How do you unwind?

I booked a massage and am perusing all of the sales lately at Deciem, YSL, and Sephora and can’t wait to get some of my holiday shopping in. I also think I’m going to put my Christmas tree up this weekend too.😍❤️▪️
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoinfluencer #midwestblogger #latinainfluencer #chicagolifestyle #chicagolife #holidayseason
▪️Black satin romper + that Chicago skyline 🤝 ▪️ peep the tiny vintage velvet purse 🥺

Ive been staying low key lately and I can’t wait to go out and get dressed up again. 🥺🥰 
.
.
.
.
.
#chicagoblogger #midwestblogger #lifestyleinfluencer #latinablogger #chicagolifestyle
Load More... Follow on Instagram
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