With the new year brings new opportunities, goals, and adventures. A lot of people will become first time renters in 2021- yay! Before packing up your things, you should be aware that moving to a first apartment comes with a great deal of responsibilities. To get you started; we have complied a list of helpful apartment you should know when choosing your very first apartment to live in. Good luck and happy moving!
- Figure out your mail situation – Does your apartment building have a community mailbox center where you pick up your mail? Or does your individual apartment have its own mail slot in the door? Does a doorman store packages when you’re away? Or will you need to ask a neighbor to pick them up? You’ll also want to check to see if mail and packages are left outside your building. This will help when you are planning large deliveries to your home.
- Purchase new décor – Give your apartment a fresh look! Purchasing a new living room and bedroom set will give your new home The new "home" smell will be surely to make you feel amazing.
- Change your address – When moving to your first apartment, remember to let your bank and post office know as soon as possible. Be sure to update credit card information with your new billing address. Also, don’t forget to let friends and family know you’ve moved. To ensure that you receive your mail, contact your post office and choose the date you wish to begin forwarding your mail.
- Tour the amenities – With a new apartment comes new amenities. Some apartments feature amenities that include gyms, playgrounds, computer areas etc. Touring these amenities before you move in will help you navigate where there are located and when they open/close.
- Explore your neighborhood – Get out of the house and explore your new neighborhood! Walk, drive or bike around the area to get a good sense of where you are and what’s around you. Make a point to locate nearby grocery stores, parks, schools, museums, libraries, hardware stores, hospitals and pharmacies. Discover more about your neighborhood through your county's website or social media pages.
Please remember to enjoy this experience! Due to the global pandemic- the traditional move in process may be a little different. Continue to wear a mask social distance while moving in common spaces in your apartment building.
Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc. Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area. Learn more from our website or Facebook page.