Don’t wait until you reach your breaking point. Once you consider moving, it’s important to go ahead and begin making a plan for when you make that jump. While going from one place to another can seem simple–resolving your lease, packing up, and transporting yourself to your new place–there are things you should know before your next move.
With more people than ever using the internet to find a new home, you could forget about critical things that will matter. Here are the things you should consider before committing to a new place.
The Area
You could find an amazing new apartment, townhome, or house with modern features, plenty of parking, and luxurious amenities at a reasonable price. Sounds perfect, right? Not if it’s located in a bad area.
The term “bad area” normally refers to crime, but there is much more to it. You will want to check out the crime rates of your new neighborhood. Strange activity can turn into genuine fear for residents, particularly women. Even if no one bothers you, you don’t want to live on the edge.
Part of your crime research should involve looking at the online national sex offender registry’s database. It’s important to note that the people on this registry don’t necessarily mean they intend to commit a future crime or that their first crime occurred to another person. It’s good to know if someone nearby is on it, though, as you can do further research to determine whether or not you feel comfortable living in their proximity.
Once you feel safe in a potential area, consider its amenities. Homes get rented in the center of bustling cities and calm, rural places, so it’s important to know whether or not you can access the things you want to be around. Your favorite restaurants and grocery stores, entertainment opportunities, green spaces, and medical care are all things to consider when choosing your new place. If you have a long commute to do the things you desire, you might want to look to other places.
Speaking of commutes, it’s important to know how far a prospective place is from your work. If you’re one of the many people now working from home, you might not have to think about the commute. However, if you work in a commercial building, there are a few ways to determine you’re commute time.
You can reach out to other employees who live in the same area to see how long it takes them to get to and from work. You could map it out online if you don’t know anyone in your potential neighborhood. If you are moving to a new job in a far away location, you can use online tools, like Google Maps, to find the fattest commute times. However, you should also look into any local traffic pages for that location to get a better idea of potential route obstacles, like road work, heavy traffic, and accident frequency.
Travel from a potential new home to your workplace during the times you normally would to determine how it will go.
Keeping all of these things in mind will help you determine which area is right for you.
The Rent
Another thing to consider is the rent you can afford. With prices soaring, renters must stay a little flexible with their ideal home.
You might need to opt for an apartment that’s a little further from your work or choose one with less amenities than what you had in mind. As of 2023, the average asking price for new tenants in the United States is nearly $2,000 a month. This is significantly higher than the prices some long-time renters pay. It’s important to speak to apartments about their asking price and fees instead of relying on anecdotal evidence from current tenants.
Before you decide on the range you’re willing to pay, ensure that you sit down and calculate all your expenses to determine how much you can afford now. Your income and expenses might be different from the last time you signed a lease. You don’t want to under- or overestimate the price you can pay.
Don’t give up on staying in a nice place. Sometimes, adaptation is all you need. If you want a one-bedroom, consider a studio apartment. They’re generally less expensive than other options and you can section off a bedroom with curtains or a murphy bed setup. If you live alone, consider whether you’re willing to live with roommates. Splitting the rent can help everyone live more comfortably than you would alone.
Rent will often cost more in metropolitan areas, but there are exceptions. Thoroughly research your new location to determine the best deals.
The Future
When planning a move, consider whether or not it’s the best decision for you. Sometimes, renters don’t have a choice but to move. Work changes and family needs can influence where you live and at what time. However, sometimes people change homes because they need a change. Don’t let spontaneity interfere with your future plans.
Say you’re looking for a new place but plan to leave the state in six months. Is it really worth losing your current lease, saving to pay for movers, getting references, committing to a new lease, and more? Depending on your current living situation, it might be. For others, sticking it out until the larger move can save time and money.
Knowing your short and long-term plans allows you to evaluate whether or not to move and what you’re willing to commit to during your time at the new place.
Preparing For Your Next Move
Choosing a new place to live can be exhilarating and scary. By reviewing these three things, you can make the best decision.
About The Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.