There’s nothing more exciting than planning for the next chapter! However, amidst the thrill of the search, the timing of your move can significantly impact the selection of apartments and the rental rate you secure. Understanding when to kickstart the apartment hunt can make all the difference in ensuring you find the perfect place at the best possible price!
How do you start looking for an apartment? It all starts with when. We’ve broken down the apartment hunting timeline into manageable 90, 60, and 30 day increments. Having worked with countless prospective tenants, we consistently see the positive impact of utilizing a 90 day timeline. Those who plan ahead tend to secure an apartment that best matches their preferences in terms of location, rental rate, and overall quality of living. With ample time, individuals can thoroughly explore options, compare amenities, and secure favorable lease terms.
When should I start looking for an apartment?
We’ve moved-in A LOT of people throughout each “rental season”. As a result, we can confidently recommend a comfortable 90 day buffer before your desired move-in date. This timeline allows you to explore various apartment options, consider different neighborhoods, and navigate the application and leasing process without rushing. Whether you’re transitioning from another apartment or home, or this marks your first independent living experience, these principles apply universally to assure you lease an apartment that meets your needs!
Seasonality and why timing matters
Having a good understanding of seasonal rental trends is key to securing the best rate when searching for an apartment, especially if you have flexibility in your move-in timeline. Rates can fluctuate significantly throughout the year based on demand, with peak seasons typically coinciding with summer months and academic year cycles.
Spring and Summer: These seasons usually see an increase in rental activity. Additionally, many leases tend to end during the summer months, leading to higher demand for available units. As a result, rent prices may rise, and competition for desirable apartments can be high.
Fall: As summer transitions into fall, rental demand may begin to taper off slightly. Families with school-aged children typically aim to move before the start of the school year, leading to a decrease in competition for rentals. Landlords may be more willing to negotiate on rent prices or offer move-in specials (concessions) to fill vacancies before the slower winter season sets in.
Winter: This is often considered the off-peak season for the rental market. Landlords may struggle to fill vacancies, leading to decreased competition among renters. Consequently, this can result in lower rent prices and more flexible lease terms. Landlords may be more receptive to negotiation, offering incentives such as reduced rent or longer lease terms to secure tenants!
By strategically timing your apartment hunting (if you have the flexibility), you can often capitalize on lower rates and more favorable leasing terms. Ultimately, this will maximize your savings!
What to do before starting the apartment hunt
Before embarking on the apartment hunt, there are a few things you’ll want to do:
Make a budget
You’re going to want to budget for apartment living and for the move itself. Prepare a detailed budget that includes all sources of income and all anticipated expenses related to renting an apartment (don’t forget other expenses for daily living). This comprehensive view will help you understand what you can afford and where you may need to make adjustments to stay within your financial means. Budgeting for the apartment gives you a realistic idea of how much rent you can afford and helps monitor your financial health.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development advises not to spend more than 30% of your gross income on rent. This is not always feasible, but a rule of thumb to consider!
Research desired rental markets
Researching a desired rental market is crucial for understanding pricing trends, making informed decisions, setting realistic budget expectations, and even negotiating with a landlord. Try this rent calculator to get a sense of the apartment prices in your desired market!
It’s best to begin by exploring online rental platforms, local real estate websites, and property management company listings to gather current rental rates in your desired area. Additionally, consider reaching out to local real estate agents if you are moving to an area you are completely unfamiliar with and want assistance.
Research moving companies
Opting for a DIY move is always an option, but its feasibility can vary depending on your new apartment’s location and the volume of items you need to move. In such cases, exploring professional moving services or alternative transportation options can be more efficient and cost-effective.
Hiring the right movers requires thorough upfront research, involving more than just looking at rates. Comparing pricing and services offered by different moving companies guides you in finding the right fit for your specific relocation needs and budget.
Here’s what to consider when doing comparative research: pricing and services, estimated timelines, hidden fees, reviews and reputations, and the quality of services offered. A thorough comparison process when selecting movers helps mitigate risks and sets the stage for a successful move!
Check your credit score
Landlords check credit scores as part of the tenant screening process to assess the financial responsibility and reliability of prospective tenants. Check your credit score beforehand to ensure there are no surprises.
Generally, most landlords seek tenants with a credit score that is classified as “good” – per FICO, which is a range of at least 670 to 739. However, higher-end apartments or competitive rental markets may require a credit score within the 700s or above. It’s important to note that each landlord or management company may have different credit score criteria.
If you credit score is not quite in the “good” range, renting an apartment can pose some challenges. If your credit score is lower than desired, take steps to improve it, such as paying off outstanding debts or disputing any errors on your credit report!
Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Identify your move-in date
If you currently live in an apartment, most landlords are going to require 60 days notice. It is likely you will receive your renewal offer more than 60 days in advance. This offer letter will remind you of the official date your lease ends, should you choose not to renew.
If you’ve determined it’s time for a change and do not renew your lease, now you know when your move-in date is! If you are moving into your first apartment, you have much more flexibility and giving yourself 90 days before the move-in date is advised!
Preparing before the clock starts ticking puts you in a position to secure your dream apartment – hopefully with favorable terms and the feeling of ultimate satisfaction in your new dwelling.
90 days before move-in
It’s highly likely that the exact apartment(s) available 3 months before your move-in will not be there when you’re looking to lock in a rate and sign the lease (especially in a highly desirable/competitive market). Why start perceivably so early? So you can hit the ground running once you’re 60 days out!
Now is the time to define the criteria required for your new home. If you have a good overview of what you require then it will make the touring process that much easier for you. Here’s some criteria to guide you:
The neighborhood
Choosing the right neighborhood is incredibly important for your overall living experience. You’ll want to research proximity to amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and entertainment venues. Assess the neighborhood’s vibe, demographics, and safety to make sure it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. If you’re interested in moving to Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut, check out our comprehensive neighborhood guides!
Schools
If you have children or plan to in the future, researching nearby schools is essential. Look into the quality of local schools, both public and private, as well as daycare facilities! Depending on the location, there might even be higher education institutions in the desired neighborhood.
Safety
Prioritize safety by researching crime rates and overall security measures in the neighborhood. Look for well-lit streets, low crime statistics, and a general sense of community vigilance. Safety is paramount for feeling comfortable and secure in your new home. It’s best if you can verify what you’ve researched by visiting in person well in advance (if possible).
Public transportation
Evaluate public transportation options and commute times to your workplace. Check for nearby bus stops, subway stations, or commuter rail services. A convenient commute can save time and reduce stress during daily travels.
Apartment features
What does your ideal apartment look like? Consider the bedroom to bathroom ratio, preferred floorplan (open concept vs. traditional), and the inclusion of essential appliances like a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and air conditioning. Determine what is most important to you!
The apartment building
Assess the amenities offered by the apartment building. Determine if it’s pet-friendly if you have pets or plan to get one. Explore additional perks such as a concierge service, fitness center, rooftop terrace, or communal spaces that enhance your living experience. It’s also advised to verify the safety precautions the building has in place.
Utilizing these criteria points will help refine your apartment search and narrow down the options to what is realistic. It’s important to prioritize what matters most to you to ensure you find the perfect place to call home!
60 days before move-in
Now the hunt really begins! At this point, depending on the desired market, you’ll want to schedule and go on tours. We advise going to visit the apartment in person, if possible. This gives you the chance to see the upkeep of the building, the overall atmosphere, the integrity of the apartment, and the neighborhood.
However, we recognize in person touring is not always an option for some. In our experience, a live virtual tour with a leasing agent can suffice. Sometimes buildings will offer interactive photos labeled as “virtual tours”, and while this does give you an idea of what the community looks like, keep in kind these static images were staged and captured for the software in one moments time (who knows when). So if you have to go virtual, a live tour is the better option.
Remember, 2 months before your move is not just about touring! You’ll also want to engage with moving companies you’ve researched, create a plan for packing, and have a schedule for the coming weeks to stay on track. Let’s dive into what to do 60 days before your move:
Go on tours!
Touring an apartment before renting is important because it allows you to gauge the condition of the unit, floorplan, and amenities firsthand. You’ll be able to pinpoint any potential issues or concerns, such as maintenance problems or safety hazards that could be deal breakers. Additionally, touring gives you a feel for the neighborhood and surrounding area, helping you determine if it’s a realistic location for the lifestyle you want to have.
The main benefit of touring is that you will have the opportunity to ask the leasing agent your burning questions. In order to truly get a sense of the apartment/building you’re considering, we suggest having questions prepared prior to touring. This way, you extract everything out of the tour and time you have with the leasing agent.
There’s more to touring than just the visual aspect of the apartment/building. You’ll want to have a good understanding of the lease terms, building fees, application requirements, etc. As always, tailor your questions to your needs! Need some apartment touring tips?
Engage with moving companies
Hopefully by this time you’ve done some due-diligence on potential moving companies and compared their rates/services. Now you’ll want to get estimates (non-binding, binding not-to-exceed, and or binding), discuss services, and get an indication of the logistics of the move.
Once you’ve engaged and feel confident with a moving company, as soon as you sign the lease you can secure your move date! PRO TIP – Find out if the building you’re considering wants COI from the moving company for move-in.
Start packing non-essentials
Begin packing items that you won’t need before the move, such as seasonal clothes, decorations, or books. Packing early helps declutter your current space, determine if there are items you no longer need, and reduces stress closer to moving day. Don’t forget to label boxes for easy unpacking when you arrive at your new apartment!
Schedule utility disconnection/transfer
You certainly don’t want to pay for keeping the lights on in a dwelling you no longer live in! Coordinate with utility providers to schedule a date to disconnect services at your current residence. This prevents unnecessary charges for utilities you won’t be using after you move out and ensures a smooth transition for setting up utilities at your new apartment.
This time is absolutely critical because once you enter the 30 day window, everything begins to move rapidly (especially if you’re renting during a peak season). The more you can get done in this 60 day time frame, the more enjoyment you’ll have in the last month of your current home, and the simpler the moving process will be.
30 days before move-in
By now, you’ve seen some apartments and you’ve narrowed it down to your top 2 or 3 top choices. This is a great position to be in. Of course, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of each apartment and the building/community they’re in. You’ll also want to factor in your budget, lifestyle preferences, and whatever else you feel is absolutely necessary for your happiness.
As Leasing Consultants, we want to strongly emphasize the importance of understanding the lease terms. There are clauses that can have major financial implications, such as: breaking the lease and or clearly stated lease violations. It’s in your best interest to find out the penalty for each apartment you’re interested in for breaking the lease early and the repercussions for a lease violation (and what some of these violations actually are).
It’s possible the lease terms at one apartment better align with your current or future situation. So, don’t overlook the actual contract and the differences between them per apartment.
Make a plan!
Presumably you’re about to or have just signed the lease on your new apartment, congratulations! Since it’s crunch time, you’re going to want to devise a schedule to make sure everything is handled timely. This will make your move-out and then move-in as seamless as possible. What should I do during these 30 days? We got you covered:
Confirm move details with the moving company
At least a week before the move-in date, verify all the logistics of your move. Confirm the exact date and time of the move, the services included (such as packing or furniture assembly), and any special instructions or requirements for move-in day. This will help prevent any last-minute surprises!
Change address with USPS
You won’t want to forget this step! This prevents any interruptions in receiving important mail or packages during the transition to your new home. It’s best to submit your new address as soon as you know your move-in date. USPS can start forwarding your mail within 3 business days of a submitted request – but they recommend giving at least 2 weeks to be safe.
Use this link to submit a change of address through USPS.
Finish packing
If you are packing yourself, time it up so you’re finished a day or two before your move-in date! This will avoid rushing and any mistakes. Use sturdy boxes, label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in, and pack fragile items with extra padding to make sure they arrive safely at your new apartment. Taking the time to pack systematically and efficiently will make unpacking much easier once you’re in your new space.
Pack an essentials bag
Make sure to pack items you’ll need for your first few days in your new apartment. Such as: toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents (like IDs and lease agreements), electronics, basic kitchen utensils (plastic silverware, paper plates, napkins, etc.), bedding, cash, and any medications you may need.
Clean your apartment
Determine the day you are dropping off keys and make sure your apartment is clean. Many lease agreements require the apartment to be returned in the condition it was in prior to you renting it. This includes being clean! Some management companies will offer a cleaning service for a fee. If this is not the case, it’s definitely worth the time and effort to clean the apartment – you don’t want to risk your security deposit being reduced!
PRO TIP: Take pictures of the apartment before you walk out for the last time to document its condition when you left. This will protect you.
Update your address
You’ve already handled your address with USPS. But, you still need to notify the following: government agencies (for your benefits, driver’s license, and voter registration) and companies you use (like banks, insurance, online stores, etc.)
Secure renters insurance
Most insurance policies have a waiting period before they become effective. Giving yourself at least 30 days before your move-in date ensures that your coverage will be in place by the time you start moving your belongings into the new apartment. This way, you are protected from any unexpected events that might occur during the moving process or immediately after you move-in. What is renters insurance and do I need it?
Taking proactive steps and creating a structured schedule for your move can significantly reduce stress and make the process more enjoyable. You’ll be well-prepared and can look forward to settling into your new apartment with ease!
Planning ahead is best
Rushed decisions often lead to compromises and missed opportunities. Therefore, beginning your apartment hunt well in advance can significantly increase your chances of finding the perfect home that meets all your needs and expectations! Good luck!