My First Apartment: What I Wish I Knew Before Moving Out

Introduction

I remember the first day I walked into what would soon be my apartment. It was an old building with creaky floors and a front door that stuck a little when I turned the key. Still, it was perfect—or so I thought. I was 19, eager for independence, and couldn’t wait to live on my own. But there were a few things I hadn’t thought through (like how expensive it is to keep the heat running in the winter!).

Looking back, there are some key lessons I learned that would have made my first experience as a renter smoother and a lot less stressful. Let me share my story—and some tips—so you can be more prepared when it’s your turn to find your first place.

1. Budgeting Beyond Rent: The Hidden Costs

I had saved enough money to cover my rent, so I figured I was all set. What I didn’t account for were the other bills. Sure, I knew I had to pay for electricity and water, but I had no idea how much they would actually cost. And let me tell you, heating an old apartment in the middle of winter is no joke. My first electricity bill was almost double what I had expected.

What I wish I had known:
When you’re budgeting for your first place, don’t just focus on rent. Ask the landlord about the average costs for utilities (electricity, water, gas, and internet), and build those into your budget. Also, don’t forget to factor in things like groceries and transportation. A budget is more than just rent—it’s all the little things that add up quickly.

2. Finding the Right Place: It’s More Than Just the Apartment

I was so excited about the apartment itself that I didn’t pay much attention to the neighborhood. It was cheap and only a 10-minute drive to my work, so I figured it was fine. But after moving in, I realized that there were barely any grocery stores nearby, and the public transportation was unreliable. Plus, I didn’t feel as safe walking around at night as I had hoped.

What I wish I had known:
When apartment hunting, think beyond the space itself. Look into the neighborhood—visit it during the day and at night to see how it feels. Are there grocery stores, cafes, or parks nearby? Is it safe and well-lit at night? Is there public transportation? The apartment itself is important, but the location can make or break your experience.

3. Roommates: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

I couldn’t afford to live alone, so I found a roommate through a mutual friend. At first, it was great—we shared rent, groceries, and even hung out together. But as time went on, things got more complicated. We had different ideas about cleanliness, and suddenly the apartment didn’t feel as comfortable as it used to.

What I wish I had known:
Living with a roommate can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to set clear boundaries from the beginning. Talk about how you’ll split bills, clean, and have guests over. Having these conversations upfront might feel awkward, but it’ll save you a lot of trouble down the road. If you’re more comfortable living alone and can afford it, that might be a better option for you.

4. Reading the Lease: The Fine Print Matters

I didn’t read my lease as closely as I should have—I was just so excited to sign it and move in. But a few months in, I realized there were some terms I hadn’t noticed, like a rule about not being able to sublet, and a clause about late fees that caught me off guard when I was late on rent one month.

What I wish I had known:
Your lease is a legal contract, and it’s worth taking the time to read it carefully. If there’s something you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask the landlord for clarification. Look out for key details like the length of the lease, security deposit terms, and any fees for breaking the lease early. Knowing what you’re agreeing to can save you a lot of headaches later on.

5. Move-In Day: Start with a Plan

I was so excited on move-in day that I just started unpacking without much of a plan. It wasn’t until later that I noticed some damage—like scratches on the floor and a leaky faucet—that I hadn’t pointed out when I moved in. I ended up losing part of my security deposit because I didn’t document the issues from day one.

What I wish I had known:
Before you move in, take the time to do a thorough inspection of the apartment. Check for any existing damage—like holes in the walls, broken appliances, or leaky faucets—and take pictures. Send them to your landlord and ask them to confirm receipt so that you’re not held responsible for anything that was already there when you moved in.

6. Being a Good Tenant: It Pays Off

I’ll admit it—I was late on rent a couple of times, and I didn’t always keep the apartment in the best shape. By the end of my lease, I didn’t have the best relationship with my landlord, and I wasn’t exactly proud of how I’d handled things. When I started looking for a new apartment, I realized that landlords often ask for references from previous landlords, and my shaky rental history didn’t make things easy.

What I wish I had known:
Being a good tenant is about more than just paying rent—it’s about building a positive relationship with your landlord. Pay rent on time, keep the place clean, and communicate any issues early. Not only will it make your current living situation easier, but it’ll also help you when you’re looking for your next place. Having a good rental history can make a big difference.

Conclusion

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting step, but it’s also a huge responsibility. There’s so much to think about—budgeting, finding the right place, reading the lease, and being a good tenant—that it can feel overwhelming. But with a little preparation (and some lessons from someone who’s been there), you’ll be ready to take on this new adventure.

Trust me, it’s worth the effort. Your first apartment might not be perfect, but it’s the first step toward building a life of your own.