Apartment essentials

I learned a lot of stuff about searching for apartments when I moved from my Rexburg apartment to my new one here in the bigger (still small) city. Even though I loved my Rexburg apartment and it had really low rent and a bathroom the size of my current kitchen, it was in Rexburg, so it was completely unlivable.

This post isn't really about searching for an apartment (that's a whole 'nother story), but (once you've searched) making sure the apartment is a good one.

First off, you want to make sure your new apartment isn't in an area where you will be killed or fall victim to some kind of violent act. Unless you are mega tough and can beat up every bad guy and never forget to lock your door (or have no valuable possessions for anyone to steal), it's best to aim for a safe neighborhood. Check to see if the local grocery/pharmacy/laundromat/etc is close. I can't drive because of my seizures, so it was essential for me to have my grocery and pharmacy within walking distance. It's also good to find out if public transportation is available near your new apartment.

Second, you will want to know some basics about neighbors. When the apartment manager takes you on a tour of the apartment (always ask for a tour!!!), you will find out a bit about the building's environment, but you might want to ask questions, too. If you have allergies or dislike animals you might want to ask whether the neighbors have animals. Definitely ask if the neighbors smoke. I neglected to ask this, and my entire apartment smells like cigarettes (I didn't notice on the guided tour because the doors and windows were open and it was well-ventilated. Now, in winter, I am suffering). You might also want to find out from neighbors if any of the other neighbors are loud, fight often, get drunk and yell a lot, play loud music at weird hours, are incredibly grouchy, whatever. These things are good to know, even if you do end up moving into the apartment. Also consider, when you live in a house that is split into apartments as opposed to an apartment complex, everything your neighbors do effects you a lot more--their cigarette smoke and cooking smells come through your vents, your overflowing toilet drips into their closet.

Check the kitchen. If appliances are provided, are they in good repair? Is the kitchen big enough for you to move around in? Is there enough storage space for your dishes, your pots and pans, and your dry goods? Will you have to put up extra shelving? Is there enough counter space to prepare meals. Does the faucet work? Does the sink leak? Are the cupboards in good repair? Are they clean? Are there bugs? Are there places where bugs could get in? Is there a smoke alarm? Does it work? Is there a fire extinguisher provided, or will you need to buy your own?

Check the bathroom. Is it a tub or a shower? Does it matter to you (showers save space, but tubs are multi-purpose--you can wash your clothes in them, fill buckets for cleaning, even take baths in them)? Is there counter space by the sink--a place to put essential items? Is there enough cupboard space for all of your bathroom stuff--towels, toilet paper, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc? Will you need to buy an over-the-toilet shelving unit to house some of your bathroom supplies? Does the shower/tub have a place for shower supplies or will you need to purchase a shower shelf? Do the faucets in the shower/tub work? Is the showerhead functioning properly? Does the shower/tub drain properly? Do the faucets in the sink work? Does the sink drain properly? Do the pipes leak? Is the floor in good repair? Does tile need regrouting? Is linoleum peeling? What about the walls? Is paint chipping or peeling? Check for mildew and mold, often found in bathrooms (hint: look on the ceiling). Is there a fan? A window might be enough for summer, but it is certainly not enough for winter. Are there enough electrical outlets and are they in convenient and safe locations?

Check out the living area. Is there a utility closet--that's a big plus! Is there at least some kind of closet to hang coats and bags? Is there storage space, some kind of closet or some cupboards where you can put things you don't want out in the open? Is there enough floor space? Will you be able to fit all of your furniture into this area? Is the lighting good? Are there windows? Are the electrical outlets in places where you need them (close to where you want your desk, for example)? Is the phone where you need it (probably also close to your desk for internet purposes). Is the TV cable in a good location? Are there electrical outlets near the TV cable?

Check out the bedroom. Is there space for at least a full size bed (because who wants to sleep on a twin, really)? Is there space for a dresser? Is there enough closet space for all of your clothing? Are there electrical outlets in good places (buy the bed for a lamp or clock, for example)? Is there a window? Is there room for all of your stuff?

Find out how the apartment is heated and cooled. Check out the heaters and make sure they are working properly. If you live in a warm climate, you should probably check out the air conditioning, too. Make sure all of the windows work. Check for leaks under windows and doors. Ask about utility costs (whether they are covered in the rent or covered by you and how much they usually are).

It's not essential to have a perfect apartment to have a good apartment, and I'm not trying to give that impression. It is really good, though, to know what you are getting into before you get into it. For one thing, it keeps you from getting ripped off. For another, you can repair small problems before they become big problems (like your toilet exploding in the middle of the night when you can't call a plumber). I love my apartment even though the bathroom has no fan, the neighbors have just about smoked me out (I use my air purifiers a lot), my kitchen is tiny, my bathroom is tinier and has no fan(!), and there are never enough electrical outlets in the right places. Oh, and my fridge is in the worst place possible, I can't open it's door all the way, and water always leaks down into the vegetable crisper. An apartment can have bad things but still be a great apartment. So be sure to check thoroughly before you make a commitment. Decide what you can live with and what you absolutely will never live with, and good luck!