In the past four years, I’ve moved a total of three times. I moved from Arizona to NYC, I moved apartments in the UES, and now I’ve made the move to my own apartment. With that being said, I’ve learned a few things with each move. Moving within a city or from city to city is stressful, especially in NYC. I know when I was moving here, I had more than a million questions. Are you thinking about making the move to NYC or moving apartments? I’m sure you’ve thought up your fair share of questions.
That’s why today to celebrate my move and the new apartment I’m sharing my NYC apartment hunting tips! Enjoy the post, and if you have any specific questions, comment them below! xo
Tip 1: Save Up
I had spent a summer in NYC, so I knew how expensive it could be to live here. That’s why when I headed back to Arizona for my last year of college, I worked a crazy amount of hours. I was finding any and every way to make money via a retail job and odd styling gigs. I wanted to save up as much money as possible, so I could make my dream a reality. If you’re thinking about making the move here, make sure you’re starting to save now. I will not lie, it’s not a cheap place to live, so the more money you have saved in the bank, the better.
Tip 2: Find Roommates Prior to Moving
Moving is stressful enough, roommate hunting adds to it. Before looking at apartments, look into roommates. Ask your friends if they know anyone who is moving/lives in the city, connect with old friends, or even use apps to find roommates. I luckily knew my roommates from my internship, but make sure to solidify roommates before looking into places.
Tips 3: Do Your Research
Don’t sabotage your apartment hunt because you forgot to do your research; before you and your roommates look at anything you need to do research. Figure out what neighborhood you want to live in, set yourselves budgets, and if you’re working with a broker Google them. Also, if you set up any viewings in advanced Google the building and see if there are any reviews from past residents. Research, especially in the NYC housing market is key.
Tip 4: Give Yourself Enough Time To Find Your Apartment
The NYC housing market moves fast, so luckily, you don’t need too much time. However, if you or your roommates aren’t located in NYC, I suggest giving yourself some time in the city before starting your job. I say give yourself at least four days in the city to apartment hunt. You can do this a week or so before you start your job or fly in for a long weekend. Once you find your apartment, it can take up to a week for your application to be accepted. Time management is key!
Tip 5: Be Realistic
When hunting for an apartment, you need to be realistic. Set yourself a budget, and understand what neighborhoods you can realistically live. You do not want to stretch yourself too thin. Don’t act like you can pay an amount of rent that you can’t afford. You need to live in the right area, but realize that you will not be living in a Gossip Girl-esq apartment with a $1,300 budget. A part of being realistic is talking to your roommates and understanding what all of you are looking for in an apartment. You all need to get on the same page before the hunt begins.
AUDREE KATE
FOLLOW AUDREE ON INSTAGRAM!