Any move, no matter how big or small, can bring a lot of stress and uncertainty into this new chapter of your life. Whether you’re a recent college graduate moving into your own place for the first time or a seasoned renter just looking for something new, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and mentally drained during your apartment search journey.

A lot of factors come into play when you’re apartment hunting. Whether it’s where you’ll live, who you’ll live with, or even narrowing down your must-haves and dealbreakers, there are many variables to consider. 

To help you get started, we created an easy guide and list of tips to break down everything you need to know to have a successful apartment search. 

1. Determine Your Budget

Set a realistic and disciplined budget that encompasses not only your rent but also utilities, maintenance fees, and other potential costs. There are also one-time fees like the security deposit, as well as application and move-in fees.

Follow the gold standard of rent budgeting, which is to allocate around 30% of your monthly income to housing expenses.

2. Define Your Dream Space

Home means something different to each person, so before diving into the vast sea of apartment listings, take a moment to envision your ideal living space. Consider factors like the number of bedrooms, necessary amenities, nice-to-have amenities, and whether you need a pet-friendly place if you have (or plan to have) pets. 

Creating this checklist will serve as your compass throughout your search and help you gain a strong sense of your priorities to find a place where you can feel like yourself.

3. Narrow Your Neighborhoods

The next step is to narrow your preferred location down to a city level, followed by neighborhoods. 

Each neighborhood has its own distinct personality – from the trendy cafes of the artsy district to the serene parks of the residential area. For instance, if you’re searching for an apartment where there is an active living community and tons of nature in Chicago, check out Reside Living’s Apartments in Lakeview. Or if you’re looking for a neighborhood in Chicago with peaceful tree-lined streets and proximity to everyday necessities, Reside Living’s Apartments in Old Town might be for you.

Take the time to explore different neighborhoods, both during the day and at night, to see if the vibe matches your lifestyle. Most importantly, be sure to consider the proximity to work, public transportation, and essential services since these details can greatly impact your day-to-day life. 

4. Utilize Online Resources

With the help of digital tools, the fastest way to find an apartment is to look online. 

Online platforms like Craigslist, Zillow, and Apartments Finder are great places to start. Narrow down your search using filters that match your criteria, and browse through high-quality photos and detailed descriptions to get a feel for each listing. Bookmark the listings that caught your eye and use the contact information on the site to schedule your tour.

If you’re looking at an apartment that’s owned by a larger and more extensive property management company, look into the online reviews, which can provide insights into the management, maintenance, and overall living conditions of the apartment community.

5. Tour Apartments In-Person

While online photos are great for a preliminary assessment, nothing beats the experience of an in-person visit to get a better sense of an apartment’s layout, space, and overall ambiance.

There's also more to touring apartments than meets the eye. Come prepared with the rental listing and make sure everything is represented correctly. You should also look for existing damage and pay attention to street noise and sound through your walls.

One helpful tip while touring apartments is to use the notes app on your phone or a small notepad and pen to jot down each property’s pros and cons. If allowed, take as many photos and videos as you can. It’s hard to keep track of all the details in each apartment if you plan to tour a lot, so having these personal notes and visuals to refer back to can greatly help your decision in moving forward or not. 

6. Always Ask Questions

Tours are for you to evaluate the potential of living in that space, so never shy away from asking as many questions as you have. 

Here are some important questions to ask your leasing agent/future landlord:

• Will I pay for my own utility use, or is a portion of that already covered in my rent?
• Is there parking or off-street parking?
• What are the trash collection policies?
• What’s your pet policy?
• Do you require renters' insurance?
• How do you want me to pay my rent? Online payment portal, checks, or bank wiring?
• Is there a penalty for breaking the lease?
• How are repairs and maintenance requests handled?

7. Submit Your Rental Applications

If you feel confident that an apartment you've toured is a good fit, you can begin the rental application process. Expect to pay around $20-50 to apply and have your government-issued ID, proof of income/employment, and bank statements ready to be submitted as well.

The landlord or property manager will use your documents in the tenant screening process and if you don’t come prepared and ready to go, the landlord may choose another tenant in the meantime – especially if the market is extremely competitive and fast-paced. 

8. Plan and Start Your Move Early

Once you’ve sent in your application and got accepted for move-in, pat yourself on the back for making it this far! The next challenge is the actual moving, which comes with its own set of tasks: changing your address, managing utilities, furnishing your apartment, getting your belongings moved over to your new place, and more.

Take a look at our ultimate moving checklist to help you stay organized and seamlessly transition from the apartment searching journey to the move-in journey. 

Extra Apartment Searching Tips

1. Team Up With a Roommate

Opting for a roommate can greatly enhance your chances of discovering an apartment within your budget constraints. Besides the monetary benefits, there's the added advantage of shared expenses like utilities and furniture costs, which can be divvied up amongst roommates.

2. Avoid Popular Moving Seasons

Seasonality affects the rental market, so if you’re flexible on when you move, you can save a bundle. 

For example, areas that are close to colleges and universities tend to experience the highest turnover of renters between semesters, especially during the summer. In major cities, the summer months tend to have the busiest moving traffic, which means rent will be abnormally high compared to the winter months.

If you time your search right, you'll find yourself in a much better position to negotiate rent with your landlord.

3. Search for Rent Specials

New apartment properties often offer rent specials to attract new renters. These incentives might involve perks such as a complimentary month of rent or a reduced security deposit. Some even go beyond the standard rent specials and offer free designated parking spaces or a gym membership. 

Your Ideal Apartment Awaits

By following these steps and staying true to your preferences, you're well on your way to discovering the apartment that perfectly complements your lifestyle. 

And for those seeking a seamless transition to city living, explore the Reside Living apartment communities nestled in the vibrant tapestry of Chicago. Your dream apartment might just be a click away!