Moving to a new apartment is a large undertaking, one that involves a great deal of time, preparation, and money. If you’ve recently felt the itch to relocate, you may be wondering if now is the right time. To help you reach a decision, consider these five common reasons to move.
1.You’ve outgrown your space
Having ample space is an important component to your well being in your home. It’s human nature that the longer we reside in one location, the more items we accumulate. What was once a spacious studio apartment can now feel like closet. Similarly, if you’ve recently moved in with a roommate or partner, you could be feeling constrained in your current space. More square footage is one of the most common reasons individuals choose to move to a new living space. If this is your reason for moving, you’ll want to focus your search on apartments with additional bedrooms and square footage. Some other spacial elements to look for in a new apartment include the number of closets, counter space and kitchen cabinets, and building storage options available.
2. Your current lease is ending
The best time to move is at the end of your current lease agreement. Breaking a lease often comes with penalties and fees, so ideally you want that option to be a last resort. If you know your current lease agreement is coming to an end, this is the perfect opportunity to begin your search for a new apartment. Most lease renewals are sent within 60 days of the end of your lease. Use this time to weigh the pros and cons of staying in your current unit, and research potential new housing options. If your landlord is raising rent significantly or changing the terms of your lease, this is a great time to find a more affordable apartment that fits your needs.
3. Your commute is too long
Location, location, location. Another common reason to move is when your current commute time is too long. On average, Americans spend 152 hours a year commuting to work. Due to the increased popularity of remote work, some are fortunate enough to have a mere 30 second commute to their home office, but for many others a long commute time to and from work can be draining. Whether you’ve recently started a position in a new part of town, or have grown tired of the extra time spent in traffic, being closer to your frequent destinations is a valid reason to move to a new apartment.
If this is your reason for moving you’ll want to be sure to factor in commute times as you being your apartment search. Take note of nearby expressways and public transit options. For example, if you are living in a city that is mainly accessible by public transit such as New York City, being located close to frequently traveled subway lines can make all the difference.
4. You want access to better amenities
Having great amenities can take your rental to the next level. We all know how important in-unit laundry is after all. After you’ve lived in your current apartment for a while you start to realize which amenities you wish you had, and how they could make your living experience better. The most commonly sought after amenities include the following:
- In-unit laundry facilities
- Fitness center
- Pool
- Gated access
- Walk-in closets
If access to amenities is your reason for moving you’ll want to be sure to filter your rental search to include potential apartments that fit your requirements. Access to top amenities typically comes at a higher rent price, so be sure to keep that in mind and factor the difference in rent into your monthly budget.
5. Your circumstances have changed
There are a number of reasons to move and many events that take place in life that could cause you to reevaluate your current living situation. Whether your income has changed suddenly or you are looking to add a pet to your household, sometimes moving to a new space is a requirement. Renting with roommates may have been a cost-effective way to share a living space with friends, but now you’re ready to be on your own. Embrace the changes to your circumstances by adapting your apartment to fit your lifestyle, even if that means moving to a new city or space.
Tips to help you decide where to move to
1. Make a list of wants and needs
Lists are a great way to organize your thoughts. Write down your ‘must haves’ and ‘could haves’ and pros and cons to each apartment or location you are considering. This will help you as you make your decision and you can focus on what is most important vs. what would be an added bonus.
2. Consider renting short-term
Short-term rentals are a great option if you are unsure where exactly you want to move to. Flexible leasing gives you the option to test out an apartment or location for a brief period of time, without the commitment of a traditional 12-month lease. This is also a particularly great option of you are looking to move out of state and want to get a feel for the city and neighborhoods prior to making a long-term decision on housing.
3. Ask questions and do your research
Be informed to make the right decision by preparing yourself with all necessary information. This is especially important when moving to a new city, but is just as much of a priority when moving to a new apartment in the same area. Information you should gather includes cost of living numbers for budgeting, nearby destinations to visit and enjoy, the noise level of the area, and much more. Ask your potential new landlord questions about the building and the community to be able to make an informed decision when it comes time to commit to a lease.
Ready to take the plunge and move to a new city? Search thousands of apartments on Zumper and find the place for you.
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