Let’s face it, moving to a new home can be a stressful experience. When searching for a new place to live and an apartment, ensure it meets your individual needs. A renter’s checklist helps to simplify the process. While it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of a new home, a checklist helps to ground you with the move. At isure, we have some recommendations on what you should plan as part of the list before, during, and after your move-in date!
1. Determine Your Budget
It’s easy to get caught up in the multitude of options available with different buildings. But, you don’t want to get out of hand. A good rule of thumb to follow is to budget to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. However, this isn’t always possible in expensive cities, such as Toronto or Vancouver; however, you should do your best to keep your housing expenses to 30% or less. To find more affordable living options, it is highly recommended to consider teaming up with a roommate or creating an income-generating side hustle that can help offset your living expenses.
2. Know the Best Time to Look for a Place
If you have some flexibility in when you can move, there are times of year when apartments are less competitive and more affordable. Rent prices are subject to change based on seasonality, and you can save on rent by being strategic about your search. As a general rule, winter is the least competitive time to look for an apartment, and when you can score the best deals. This rule can even apply in warm-weather cities. Most times, it’s when families are reluctant to move their kids during the school year, college students are busy with exams, or people are busy with the holidays.
3. Checklist for Renters: Consider Expenses
Upfront expenses are only a portion of the total costs associated with renting an apartment. Other costs may include utilities, parking, repairs, and new furniture. Utility costs can vary depending on your location and the time of year. It’s common for renters to pay for utilities, including gas, electricity, internet, and cable. You should also factor in any subscriptions, the cost of transportation or gas, food, gym memberships, and any other ongoing expenses.
4. Choose Your Neighbourhood Wisely
Narrowing down your dream neighbourhood can feel daunting. This is especially the case in big cities such as Toronto, where every neighbourhood offers something different and refreshing from the next. To narrow down your choices, consider the following:
- How close am I to work?
- Do I prefer driving, public transportation, or walking?
- Do I need quiet or want to live in the middle of it all?
- Is my dream location more expensive than the surrounding neighbourhoods?
- How far do I want to be from museums, restaurants, and attractions?
The more you can narrow down your preferences, the easier it is to settle on the perfect location for you.
5. Budget For All Upfront Costs
Remember to account for any upfront costs that may be involved. You’ll need to budget for a security deposit, first and last months’ rent, and in some cases, an apartment application fee. If you’re moving in with a pet, this could also include a pet deposit or payment. Be sure to review your lease carefully to understand the terms for returning your security deposit, as well as any conditions for reimbursement.
6. Consider Amenities
You should always prioritize both amenities and location. In some areas, apartment complexes come equipped with options such as swimming pools, on-site fitness centers, rooftop terraces, and more. In addition to shared amenities, think about what you want inside your apartment. An updated kitchen, outdoor space, oversized bathroom off the master bedroom, and closet space are all worthwhile amenities to consider.
7. Organize Your Move
When you sign the lease, please plan out exactly when you can and intend to move in. If you have an existing place from which you are moving, have a slight overlap. In an ideal world, receiving the keys to the rental unit a week in advance would be ideal. If it’s not possible, it’s not the end of the world – but it does add some stress.
Discuss the earliest move-in date possible with your landlord
Although the lease may start on a specific date, your landlord may allow some flexibility if the former tenant is vacating early.
Enlist the help of your family and friends
Asking friends is cheaper and can be a great excuse to throw a party. However, it also requires considerable coordination. It’s often less stressful if you hire a reputable, bonded moving company to do the planning for you. Local moving companies usually charge by the hour.
Get the proper moving supplies
Purchase moving boxes at your local hardware or grocery store, where you can also save money on these supplies. Check out social media sites, like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Finally, don’t forget to ask your neighbours, friends, or family if they have extras lying around!
Renter’s Checklist: Set up utilities
Most utilities can be easily set up online, although some areas may require an in-person visit. Make sure to schedule everything ahead of time to avoid a lack of internet or cable. Don’t forget this crucial step on your renter’s checklist!
Change your mailing address/set up mail forwarding
It’s best practice to schedule mail forwarding as soon as possible, ideally at least a month before your move. Otherwise, you could end up without your mail for several weeks.
Pack your belongings
Use smaller boxes for heavier items and bigger boxes for lighter items.
Compiling a home inventory list can make moving day easier and help you determine the appropriate amount of insurance for your belongings. To learn more, check out our article on reviewing your home insurance policy.
8. Do an Inspection and Take Photos/Videos
When you do have the keys to the place, the first thing you should do is go through it and conduct a thorough inspection. Create a list of every room and every feature of the room as part of your renter’s checklist. Then, take that list and document any damage, necessary repairs, and anything else worth noting. In addition to completing your renter’s checklist, take pictures or create a video of each item to accompany the inspection. That way, if you ever have any problems with the unit or need to address any issues when you move out, you can refer to the notes, pictures, and video. Here is a direct link to a great resource you can use.
9. Prepare the Apartment or Home for Your Move
Once your renter’s checklist has been completed, you should prepare the new home for your move-in. These tasks include making minor repairs, measuring the spaces for your stuff, and painting. You should also create a list of items that you need to purchase or note which of your belongings will be placed in each room. This preparation phase will enable your move-in to run more smoothly and complete all central repairs/cleaning before your belongings arrive.
Important: Deep clean your space before you move in! A cleaning company can take care of everything for you, although they will charge a premium for the service.
10. Use a Rent Calculator
A rent calculator can help give you a better idea of what you can afford and what you can’t. Plug in your location, the desired number of bedrooms, and your monthly gross income, and the rent calculator will do the rest. It provides you with a recommended rent figure and, in some cases, apartment options in your area that fit your budget.
11. Cross Tenant Insurance Off Your Renter’s Checklist
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, get yourself renters’ insurance. Renters’ insurance is an inexpensive policy that covers you (and your stuff) in the event of a fire, flood, or other life-altering emergencies. Most landlords’ policies do not cover the items within individual units, and while the number of events involving renters may be low, it is far better to have it than to regret not having it. Renters insurance may be one of the best investments you can make in yourself, should something unfortunate happen.
So, whether you’re planning a move or may consider it in the future, be sure to keep our renter’s checklist handy. As always, if you require Tenant insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at isure! Contact us or request a Tenant Insurance quote today!
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