Renting a Studio

• Savings. Studio apartments are generally the cheapest units available, which gives you an opportunity to save money.
• Prime location. With the money you’ll save renting a smaller space, you might be able to afford living in the hip and trendy parts of town. Many studio apartments are located in urban areas within a short distance of fun restaurants and shops.
• Less cleaning required. If the thought of sweeping or vacuuming makes you feel sick, then studio apartment living may be for you. Living in a much smaller space means less surface area to keep clean.
• Perfect minimalism. Life in a studio will teach you how to prioritize your belongings. You’ll quickly figure out what you really need and absolutely can’t do without because of limited space.

Renting an Apartment

• Bonus amenities. If you’re looking for amenities but want to avoid having to pay extra fees for a gym or health club, you might look into renting at an apartment complex that has a swimming pool, tennis courts, hot tubs or gym facilities. Sometimes, the added extras really make a place worth renting.
• Extra rooms. An apartment can be a good option if you like to entertain or if you frequently work from home. Having a bedroom allows you to maintain private areas when you have guests over for cocktails; overnight guests can also enjoy private sleeping quarters. A bedroom can also double as a home office, which you can leave behind at the end of the work day simply by shutting the door.
• Yard. Renters that live an on-the-go lifestyle might not exactly have extra hours for time-consuming yard work like mowing, watering or landscaping. Many larger apartment complexes are beautifully landscaped, which means you can enjoy all the benefits of having a yard without putting in any of the work.

Renting a Condo or Townhome

• Private ownership. Most condos are owned by private, individual owners, who generally have a bigger emotional investment in the property than a commercial landlord. This means that the space might be better maintained. Carpets, windows and walls may be cleaned or painted more frequently, and the space may be equipped with better appliances and features like premium countertops and flooring.
• Negotiation. Since most condos are privately owned, the owner may not be looking to make a huge profit from the rental. The owner may just be looking to cover the mortgage, taxes and other condo-related expenses, which means you might have more room to negotiate monthly rent payments.
• Sense of community. Most people living in condo buildings are unit owners, which mean there’s likely less turnover among the residents than in an apartment building. People tend to know each other. And, chances are, you’ll get to know others who live in the building rather quickly and enjoy that shared sense of community.
• Security. Living in an owner-occupied building can offer what feels like an added layer of security. Longer-term residents have a better feel for the neighborhood and can be more aware of suspicious activities. Condominium buildings also sometimes have greater security features, like secure entry doors, a staffed front desk or a doorman; and, in many instances, unit owners also have individual home security alarms. Additionally, a parking spot is almost always assigned to you, so you likely won’t have to worry about unsafe street parking.

Come Prepared

General Checks

• Check for any signs of an insect or rodent infestation, such as droppings or chew marks.
• Bring a cell phone charger to plug into outlets and check function.
• Make sure home phone or cable jacks are available (if you'll be using them) and that they are functioning and accessible.

Safety Checks

• Make sure proper fire safety equipment is installed: Check to see that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and in the appropriate areas, and ensure that fire extinguishers are in place.
• Find the fire escape plan (if your apartment is in a complex) and make sure you know where to go in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Door and Window Checks

• Check all windows and doors to make sure they open and close properly.
• Try all locks and doorknobs to ensure they are secure and not wobbly. If there is more than one type of lock, ask to receive a key for each lock.
• See if all window coverings are intact, including screens. Check for drafts.

Bathroom Checks

• Flush every toilet to make sure the plumbing works properly. Look inside the tank to make sure the handle is sturdy, so you know it’s not going to snap.
• Check for leaks under the sink by running every faucet. Look under the sink to make sure there are no drips, water discolorations or odors. Fill up the sinks to make sure they hold water and drain properly.
• Make sure the shower head works and isn’t spraying water all over the place.
• Test the hot water to ensure it heats up in a timely manner. Check the water pressure.
• Check for any cracks or discolorations in the bathroom mirror. If there is a medicine cabinet behind the mirror, make sure the door opens properly.

Kitchen Checks

• Turn on each appliance (microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, etc.) and make sure it works properly.
• Turn on all the burners on the stove to make sure they light up. Open and close the oven door, and look for all the racks in the oven. Check the broiler and make sure it works.
• Open and close the fridge doors and pull out every drawer. Check any musty smells. If there is an icemaker, check to see if it works. Make sure the fridge is chilly and the freezer is cold.
• Examine the linoleum or tile for any scrapes, scuffs and cuts, and check the counter tops for any stains, burn marks or chips.
• Open and close all the cupboard doors and drawers. Check for chips and dings.

Bedroom and Living Room Checks

• Flip every light switch on and off.
• Test the air conditioner on both the hot and cold settings. Listen for any strange sounds and be aware of any weird smells, which could be a sign that the filter needs to be changed.
• Open and close the blinds to make sure they work properly.
• Look for cracks and dents in the walls and baseboards, which could be an indicator of structural damage.
• Check for any aesthetic details, like stains on the carpet, chipped paint, peeling wallpaper, nail holes in the wall.
• Make sure the fireplace (if there is one) is in working condition.

Eight Weeks Before Your Move:

• Moving notebook: Keep track of all of your moving information in a notebook/binder, and use it as an easy reference guide. This can include receipts, contracts and a list of all the items you are moving.
• Sort and purge: Go through your place, room by room, and sort all of your belongings. Determine what you plan to keep and consider throwing (or giving) away things you no longer need. Set aside the items that you plan on taking with you and that you may not need for the next few weeks.
• Moving company: Decide if you will be moving your own belongings or if you plan on using a moving company. Tip: If you go the moving company route, request an on-site estimate, which will give you a more accurate quote than if you were to do it over the phone.
• Research your new city: If you have kids, research local schools, as well as community resources. Determine the new school locations, and begin asking for recommendations for doctors, health care providers, etc. Begin transferring school and medical records.
• Give notice: Be sure you check your lease to see how much notice you need to give before you move out.

Six Weeks Before Your Move:

• Change of address: File a change of address form. This is a good time to forward your mail to your new address.
• Make arrangements: Contact your new apartment community and discuss your moving day. Finalize move-in details, and determine if special arrangements need to be made, such as special parking, moving hours, etc.
• Renter’s insurance: Research insurance companies and arrange for renters insurance at your new apartment. Additionally, set a date to terminate your current policy.
• Measurements: Check the room dimensions of your new apartment. This step is important, especially if you have larger pieces of furniture. Make sure your furniture can fit through the doorways of your new space.

Four Weeks Before Your Move:

• Valuables: Make a list of valuable items that will require special moving arrangements. (This could include a flat-screen TV, artwork, etc).
• Begin packing: Start packing your belongings, and begin with the items you use less frequently. Consider packing a priority box, which will make your move easier.
• Use up items: If you have items such as frozen foods or detergent that you will not want to move, start using those items to avoid having too much waste.
• Magazine subscriptions: Cancel or transfer your magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
• Utilities: Call your utility providers to set up water, power, gas, television and Internet for your new apartment. Additionally, make arrangements to have your utilities canceled after you move out. Remember to ask about deposits and what to do with equipment (like the cable box, for example).
• Bank accounts: Call your bank and credit card companies and close any accounts you will not be transferring. Also, ask about the moving process for your accounts.

Two Weeks Before Your Move:

• Credit cards: Transfer your credit cards and bank statements to your new address.
• Talk with your new leasing manager: Contact your new apartment community manager and confirm the time you will be able to pick up your keys for your new apartment.
• Moving truck: Confirm the time that your moving truck and movers will arrive at your current apartment.
• License plates: If you are moving to a new state, apply for a new vehicle registration. Additionally, determine how soon you will need to update your driver’s license.
• Cleaning: Read over your lease agreement to find out what kind of cleaning is necessary when you move out. Consider calling a carpet cleaner and/or a company to come out and thoroughly clean your apartment.
• Safe deposit box: Remove the contents of your safe deposit box at the bank if you are changing banks. Place these items in the safe box that you plan to take with you on moving day.
• Prescriptions: Refill any prescriptions you may need during the next few weeks.

• Suitcase: Pack a suitcase with enough clothes to wear for the first few days in your new apartment. Don’t forget toiletries.
• Double check: Go back through your moving notebook and confirm that you have everything covered. Confirm the moving time with your moving company, and make sure you have written directions to your new home for the moving staff. Make sure these notes include your cellphone number.
• Payment: If you are paying the moving company on the day of the move, be sure to have a money order, cashier's check or cash for payment, as well as for the tip. A good tip for a job well done is 15 percent. If you want to go the extra step, provide refreshments for the movers.

• Clean: Perform last-minute cleaning and take out the trash.
• Final walkthrough: Walk through each room and make sure you aren’t leaving anything behind.
• Priority box: Be sure to keep your priority box(es) in your car.
• Arrive early: Be sure to arrive at your new apartment before the movers. Contact the apartment manager and have a walkthrough of your new apartment. Check to make sure the necessary utilities have been hooked up. Once the moving company arrives, take note of items as they are unloaded. Sign final paperwork and keep a copy for your records.
• Unpack: Go through your priority box and unpack the items you may need. Then, arrange your furniture and set up the items you may need the most first. Then, work your way through the rest.

• Renting 101: Ten Moving Tips and Tricks
• Moving In Together: What Stays and What Goes?
• 5 Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid