First Apartment Tips

Spring is right around the corner and that means graduations are coming up! If you are in the graduating class, you might be looking to get started on your own for the first time. This is a big step and finding your first apartment seems overwhelming but at the Grid, we have many first-time renters and understand the help that you might need. As you begin to look for a new apartment and start narrowing down what you need from the apartments and building management, here are some tips and tricks from our Leasing agents to make sure your first move-in is easy and stress-free!

Create a budget

               Your first apartment is going to create a new financial journey. You’ll have rent, utilities, renters insurance, and groceries to budget in now. This can seem overwhelming at first but once you create a monthly budget you’ll be able to confidently pick what you can afford and what you need to work on spending less at. You should be creating a budget before starting to look at apartments so you can narrow down your choices and get an apartment you love quickly!

Make a checklist for essentials

               Do you already have some essentials from your current living situation? Maybe you live in a dorm and have a good amount of items that you have accumulated already. Or maybe your parents are ready to let go of some of their small appliances and are willing to give them to you. You won’t want to be spending your first day moving in running to the store every few hours to stock up. A great idea to keep costs down and to make sure you don’t forget anything is to make a “move-in essentials checklist”. Here is a starter list (large items such as bed, couches, etc. are not included but don’t forget those!)

·        Shower curtain, hook, and liner

·        Towels

·        Bath rug

·        Silverware

·        Plates

·        Bowls

·        Coffee cups

·        Storage containers

·        Broom

·        Vacuum

·        First Aid kit

Get organized BEFORE you move in

               The day you move into your newest apartment you will have a lot on your mind, making sure you have the big items checked off before you move in will help you feel settled in right away. Your utilities can be switched into your name before you move in. Call the electricity provider, internet provider and if your new apartment doesn’t include heat you will want to call them as well. You can also contact the post office and get your address changed to make sure you do not miss out on any important items in the mail. These might seem like simple tasks but getting them under control before you move can really take the pressure off your to-do list the day you move.

Learn your new neighborhood

               If you aren’t familiar with the neighborhood you are moving to, make sure you explore the neighborhood and get your bearings. It is important to know where you will do your grocery shopping, where your closest coffee shop is, and any fun events you will have within walking distance. The great thing about living at the Grid means that you will have access to all the great events hosted in Downtown Worcester and you are only a short walk from the new Polar Park and the Canal District. Trying to find a great apartment that is close to everything you need is tough work, The Grid might just be the perfect fit for you!