What does the perfect apartment look like to you? This answer varies, depending on who you ask, but common responses may include an expansive, open kitchen or a big living room. Some people might even consider the apartment’s amenities when defining the best apartment. Since it’s usually not possible to have it all when you’re on a limited budget, prioritizing can help you find a place that includes most of the items on your apartment wish list. As you begin your apartment hunt, reference your wish list to help you find the perfect unit.
What should you include on your apartment wish list?
Imagine your ideal apartment. Now, write down the first few items that came to your mind. These items will likely be somewhere at the top of your apartment wish list. Some people may find that their list is long. Consider the following criteria when narrowing down your wish list:
Ultimate must-haves
What are the items you must have when choosing a property? These items are the objects that you won’t consider giving up, and if a space doesn’t have them, you’ll move on to the next property.
For example, finding a pet-friendly apartment may be a requirement if you have a family dog. If you don’t have a car, an apartment near public transportation may be necessary for you.
Preferable features
Consider what features or amenities you prefer, but would be willing to give up if necessary. These items might include a location within walking distance to a park or a kitchen space with ample countertop space. While everyone would enjoy these things in a property, you would give them up if it meant having enhanced square footage or cheaper rent.
Consider your lifestyle and what apartment features would best match it. For example, if you enjoy biking on the weekends, you might want a space near a bike trail. If you enjoy unwinding after a long day, you may want a bathroom with a bathtub.
Nice to haves
Now consider the features that would be nice to have but are not as essential to your choice. These factors may include factors such as updated appliances or modern floors. While you may prefer a space with these features, they’re not at the top of your list.
Everyone’s list will look different. Since people have diverse interests, family sizes, lifestyles, and design preferences, it’s essential to consider the most important features for you.
What should you consider when creating your apartment wish list?
Some people may find that narrowing down their needs in an apartment is an overwhelming process. If you are having trouble prioritizing apartment features, consider the following factors:
- Your lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle, including what you like to do, the types of places you frequent most, and your budget. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, an apartment near hiking trails may be significant to you.
- Size needs: It’s also important to consider how much space you’ll need. It may be more challenging to fit numerous features into a smaller apartment. Larger apartments are also more likely to come with a higher price tag.
- Time spent in the apartment: How much time you spend in the apartment may also determine how important certain features are. If you use your apartment to sleep between shifts and social outings, features like ample kitchen space may not be as important to you.
- Entertaining plans: If you enjoy inviting others over and entertaining them, you may want to choose a space with more room and an open layout.
- Location: Location may or may not be a priority to you. Consider the distance to family and friends, and more importantly, your job.
- Sleep patterns: It can also be helpful to study the location of the bedroom and the apartment’s proximity to traffic. If you’re a light sleeper, you may not want an apartment with a bedroom facing the road.
- Neighborhood: Once you move, you’ll spend a lot of time in your new neighborhood. Consider what businesses are most important to you to be nearby.
- Amenities: One of the best parts of renting an apartment is many come with amenities. Consider if offerings such as on-site laundry or a pool are essential to you when choosing an apartment.
Think about your current apartment. Consider the qualities you like or dislike about it to help you prioritize the features to include in your apartment wish list.
What should be on an apartment wish list for multiple renters?
Narrowing down your apartment wish list can be difficult with multiple renters. Whether you have many family members or roommates with different priorities, you’ll have to find a way to compromise and find what matters most to each renter.
It may be helpful for each person to write down one or two things that are most important to them when choosing an apartment. While you may have less control over family priorities, choosing roommates with similar needs is best. This decision can help everyone find the best apartment without going over budget.
Some extra things to include on your wish list for multiple renters:
- Multiple bathrooms
- In-unit washer/dryer
- Dishwasher
- Separate living spaces
- Large bedroom size
What features should you consider when making your apartment wish list?
While everyone’s must-have’s, preferables, and nice to haves are different, the following list of apartment features are somewhat standard across a range of renter types:
- Ample storage space
- Central heat or air
- Close distance to restaurants
- Friendly for pets
- Front doorman
- Large kitchen
- Nearby college
- Number of bathrooms
- Number of bedrooms
- On-site laundry
- On-site parking
- On-site pool or fitness center
- Rent budget
- Security features
- Soaking bathtub
- Spacious bedrooms
- Updated appliances
- Walking distance to parks
- Walking distance to public transportation
Taking the time to create an apartment wish list can help you find a suitable apartment that fits your lifestyle and living preferences. Be sure to give yourself more time to narrow down your options if you have multiple roommates or family members to ensure that everyone is satisfied with the rental choice.
Related content
