When you’re making the plan to move into your first ever apartment, you may feel like the costs are ever-increasing. Between purchasing furniture, registering to pay for utilities, trying to figure out rent, and more, moving into your first apartment can feel like you’re bleeding money before you ever step into the door.
However, it doesn’t have to feel like that! When you’re trying to figure out what’s best for your first move, you should look for the best cost-effective tips out there so you can get the most bang for your buck. Whether you’re interested in our apartments for rent in St. Joseph, MO, or you’re looking for an apartment across the country, here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save for your first apartment:
1. Find a roommate
While it might be the ideal situation to live on your own, it isn’t always the most cost-effective choice. Finding an apartment within your budget when you’re completely on your own is extremely difficult, but finding a roommate or two can open up more doors for bigger, better apartments in better locations, since you’ll be able to split the rent with another person.
Rent isn’t the only thing that a roommate can help you save on, though. When you’re shopping for your apartment, having a roommate can help you split furniture purchasing costs, utility bills, food basics costs, and more. Having a roommate means that you’ll share most of the basic expenses instead of having to shoulder them all on your own – and isn’t that awesome?
You need to remember though that even the best roommate relationships can quickly turn sour. Before you make any kind of official decision or sign up for any utilities, be sure to create a signed roommate agreement between any roommates in the apartment that outlines the house rules, who’s paying for what, and more. That way you will have an established framework when you move in, and there won’t be any contention about deciding who pays what after you move in.
2. Look for a move-in special
When you’re looking for a new apartment, apartment complexes will sometimes offer move-in specials or deals, especially if they’re newer complexes.
Some common apartment deals and move-in specials include a free month’s rent, a waived or discounted security deposit, and more. Others will sometimes offer items like a free parking space, a free gym membership, or something along those lines.
When you see these kinds of deals, make the most of them! If they’re in an area that you’d already been interested in, then even better. These kinds of deals don’t tend to last for long periods of time, so if you can snag one of them for yourself, then you’ve really hit the jackpot! When looking for apartments for rent in St. Joseph, MO, be sure to ask about any specials that are available.
3. Fixer-uppers can save you money
Just like houses, apartments can also come with a “fixer-upper” status. If you’re willing to put in the work (and your landlord will allow you to do the work), then a fixer-upper apartment is likely going to have some amazing rent prices. There is the catch that, if you do rent a fixer-upper apartment, you’re going to be expected to, well, fix it. If you aren’t the type of person who can follow through on a commitment like that or worry that you might not have the funds or the capability to do so, then this tip may not be for you.
4. If you see a good deal, get on it right then!
Just like ticket prices, rent prices can also change daily. When you’re looking for apartments and you see your ideal apartment, in your ideal location, then apply right away! Don’t hesitate!
Because these prices change constantly, finding an amazing apartment deal is like finding a needle in a haystack. You shouldn’t hesitate if you find something that will work for you. Of course, make sure that you have the basics established before hitting go, like if you’re going to have a roommate, your budget, and more. But move quickly and efficiently, because you don’t know how long that deal will be available!
5. Try to move during the “off season”
Did you know that moving, like going on vacation, has an off season? It’s true! Just like prime vacation time is going between April to August, so too is the ideal moving season. This is because moving in winter, especially if you live in an area that deals with a large amount of snow, ice, and more, can be difficult or even impossible.
However, if you can play your cards right on the timing, moving on the off season can save you a surprisingly large amount of money. This period of time is when you’re going to find the best deals, not only on the apartment itself but also with the moving process itself.
If you’re in a college town, then the off-season might be the opposite! Because summer is when many of the students in the area go home, then the summer might be the time to jump on a new apartment when everyone is moving out. Our apartments for rent in St. Joseph, MO, may even experience this kind of drop when the local students from Missouri Western head home from the summer. The important thing to remember is to know your area!
Apartments for Rent in St. Joseph, MO
Here at AE Lofts, we want you to find the apartment that’s best for you, especially when it’s your first time out on your own. Our different apartment sizes are perfect for anyone, from a single person studio to a two bedroom full apartment, making it easy to figure out what best suits your budget. With our incredible amenities, like a fitness center and a yoga room, we can help you save even more money.
If you are interested in AE Lofts being your very first home away from home, contact us and schedule a tour today!
