It could happen to the best of us – you love your apartment and the area in which it is located, but your job has moved you across the country or even overseas. For many people, this is their first apartment decision outside their hometown– possibly the farthest distance they’ve ever lived from family members.
If this is your current situation, don’t fret. In this blog post, we explore how you can take some of the guesswork out of moving and find your next apartment when moving out of state!
Let’s dive straight in!
Table of Contents
Start your search early.
There are a few reasons for this. First, the more time you have to look, the more options you’ll have. This way, you can afford to be picky when you’ve got time on your side.
Second, the earlier you start looking, the more likely you will find an apartment in your price range. Prices tend to go up as apartments get closer to being rented out, so if you start early, you can snag a bargain.
Finally, starting your search early allows you to get to know your prospective landlords and neighbors before signing a lease. This way, you can ensure that you’re moving into a community right for you.
Take advantage of technology.
There are a few ways to search for apartments, but technology can make your search much easier. For starters, some websites and apps can help you find an apartment in your new city or state.
Once you’ve found a few potential places, you can use Google Earth to get a street view of the area and see what it’s like in person. You can also use Google Maps to get directions and see how close the apartment is to public transportation, schools, parks, and other amenities.
Seek local help
When you’re ready to start looking for your next apartment, it’s important to research local resources to help you with your transition.
For starters, contact the Chamber of Commerce in the city you’ll be living in. They can often provide helpful information about businesses and services in the area.
Contact your employer’s HR department if you’re moving for a job. They may be able to provide some resources or recommendations for your move.
Finally, use social media platforms like Facebook Groups to connect with people who live in your new city. They may have great suggestions for apartment searching, job hunting, and more.
Ask to take virtual tours.
If you’re moving out of state, chances are you won’t be able to visit every apartment complex you’re interested in. That’s why it’s important to ask if the leasing office can provide a video or 3D walkthrough of the unit or complex.
A virtual tour offers an excellent overview of an apartment complex before you commit to living there. You can see the floor plans and common areas and get a feel for the community.
This tour can also help you get a sense of the neighborhood, commute, amenities, and more so that you can be sure you’re making the right decision for your next home.
Be well prepared financially.
When you relocate to a new state, there are a lot of unknowns. You don’t want to be caught off-guard with your finances.
To avoid this, get an estimate of your moving expenses. This will help you determine how much money you need to save up in advance.
Second, make a budget for your first few months in your new state. This will help you allocate your income and expenses appropriately.
Also, don’t forget to have contingency funds available in case of unforeseen circumstances. This could include unexpected costs such as car repairs or medical bills.
Finally, research the cost of living in your new state in advance to enable you to plan accordingly and make sure you can afford your new lifestyle.
Conclusion
There you have it — everything you need to know about finding your next apartment when moving out of state. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to land a great place to call home, no matter where you’re moving.
Good luck!
Featured Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
