The Best Ways to Determine What Size Apartment is Right for You

Looking for an apartment to best fit your needs? It is important to consider the size of the apartment you are looking for. Some apartments are larger than others, and the larger they are the more they probably cost.

Some things to help you consider the correct size apartment for you are, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, if your furniture is going to be able to fit in the allotted space, take a tour of the apartment, make sure it is a good deal for you, and make sure you will be able to have ample amount of money to pay for the rent each month.

1. Determine the Amount of Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Before you start looking for an apartment, think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need. This is a very important starting point. It will determine the exact type of unit you want to look at.

2. Will Your Furniture Fit in the Allotted Space

When moving into an apartment, make sure that the furniture you already own is going to fit before you start looking to buy new furniture. A simple way to do this would be to measure your furnitures’ height, width, and depth. Once you do this, write down the measurements.

Take a couple pieces of graph paper and then establish what one square foot is. On the first piece of graph paper, use a marker and draw out the dimensions of each room including the living room, dining room, and bedroom(s). A floor plan of your apartment unit is necessary to do this. Draw out the dimensions of your furniture on the second piece of graph paper. Then cut out the pieces of furniture and put them on the first piece of graph paper to see if the furniture will fit. Keep in mind traffic patterns and chairs or dresser drawers that will need to be pulled out.

Free online layout planners are also available. Check out Room Styler or Plan Your Room.

3. View the Apartment (or a Similar Unit)

When doing a walk through with the leasing agent, ask how the apartment you are viewing is different from the one available. It is important to remember what major furniture pieces you currently own and their dimensions. It is also wise to bring along a tape measure to see if all of your furniture will fit.

4. Is the Apartment a Good Deal?

When deciding if the apartment is a good deal, consider the monthly rent, if all or some of the utilities are included, and the square footage of the apartment unit.

5. Will it Fit into Your Budget

Just about anyone who rents would agree that a larger unit is best, but is it affordable for you? A lot of times space and value of an apartment can vary a great deal even within the same city. One side of town may offer a larger living space for less while on the other side of town it is just the opposite.

Just remember when considering apartment living, focus on lifestyle, location, and reputation. Also keep in mind bigger is not always better and may result in higher utility bills. Hopefully these tips will help you make a good decision in selecting the right apartment for you. An apartment you will be proud to call home.