The Arrival Guide

One of the inevitable problems you face when starting out on your own is finding a place to live. Whether you’re in the work force, or in school, looking for an apartment or a house to rent, may be harder to figure out than you initially expected. Don’t worry though; I’m here to help. You’re welcome.

There are definitely a lot more things to think about when you’re finding a place to stay than just getting the nicest place for the price. Something you should take into account is the utility bills. Some super-complexes, if that’s a word (Microsoft Word tells me it’s not), will include electricity, water, cable, internet, or a combination of those expenses into the monthly rent. I’ve lived in a prior apartment that included water, but I now live in one where it’s not. It can be a blessing and a curse, either way. For one, self-taught discipline in not overusing water/electricity is good because it costs money, but hey, if you don’t have to add water/electricity usage to your list of things to pay attention to, then I’m not going to be mad at you. Decide how much the convenience is worth to you, and compare the prices. It could help you choose between your options.

Another area to consider is what kind of “extras” the landlord or complex offers. Is there a pool? Is there a laundry room or do you have a washer and dryer in your place (which would add to your electricity bill)? Tennis courts? Basketball courts? Workout facility? You get it. If the difference in monthly cost is only a few dollars, but you are able to save money elsewhere, like on gas not driving to the tennis courts, or a gym membership, then a place with all of the extra features could be the right option.

The other feature I think about is if the place includes it’s own appliances or furniture. Maybe you don’t have furniture. You probably don’t have a huge fridge just lying around in storage. A place that offers one or both of these features saves a lot of time and hassle when it comes to your residence.

The place you live in, especially when price is the top concern, is less about the square footage and the “cool-factor” and more about the value of what you get compared to the price you pay. As always, weigh the options and choose one with a price that’s in your range.

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