Apartment Hunting Timeline: Planning Your Move to a Co-Living Space

The cost of living in NYC is considerably high when compared to other major cities throughout the country — but that doesn’t mean you can’t make an affordable and enjoyable life. 

Co-living offers more cost-effective housing solutions, and you can find shared apartments that are comfortable, equipped with the best amenities, and conveniently located. This guide will help you prepare for your move.

It’s Never Too Soon to Begin 

You should think about your apartment search as early as possible, preferably several months in advance. If needed, give yourself a little extra time to boost your credit score. Paying off debts and using a secured credit card to improve your rating will help you qualify for more apartments.

Additionally, take the time to create an actionable monthly budget. Include all of your expenses: credit card payments, expected utilities, subscription fees, groceries, and entertainment. The budget will tell you how much you can afford to spend on housing so that you won’t unknowingly rent an apartment you can’t realistically afford.

You should also know when to start looking for apartments. The time of year you enter the rental market will affect the rates and the availability of rentals. For example, fewer people are looking for apartments in winter. This increases the availability of vacant units, and the lack of new renters forces many property owners to lower their rates.

Organize Your Search

As you look for a new rental, follow some basic apartment-hunting advice. A common tip is to look for a co-living situation that will keep your expenses lower. 

As you search for rooms for rent, you’ll find many options with luxurious furnishings and state-of-the-art equipment for easier living. Apartments you couldn’t otherwise afford become attainable in a co-living environment.

Once you decide whether to rent an apartment on your own or to look for a co-living rental, focus on the must-have features of your new living space. Keep in mind that some features, such as the location, will result in much higher rates; you’ll pay less for apartments a little farther away from popular subway stops.

Look for apartments with amenities that appeal to you, such as smart technology, energy-efficient appliances, and security features. However, these amenities often mean higher rent — and high-tech apartments are in high demand. Prepare to act fast.

Prepare for the Application Process

Once you pinpoint the best time to look for apartments, gather everything you’ll need for the application. You can keep most of the information on your mobile device. Use your contacts to provide personal references and keep a document updated with your employment history and other information.

Make sure to bring your driver’s license or other ID if you apply in person. Ask each property manager about any other documents they expect you to supply with your application. This will help you arrive prepared, and the application process will go more smoothly.

In applying for co-living apartments, submit applications to your top choices first. You might get lucky and get into your dream apartment with your first or second application. You can always continue your search if the market is more competitive than you expected.

Tackle the Process of Moving

In addition to knowing when to apply for an apartment, you should also know the ideal time to pack your things. 

Pack your least-used personal items, knickknacks, and seasonal clothing around four to six weeks ahead of your move-in date. As the date draws closer, you can pack more of the things you use frequently. Set a few items aside for an overnight bag, such as a change of clothes, personal hygiene products, and a phone charger. 

One of the benefits of a furnished rental is that you won’t have to worry about buying new items. In a co-living apartment, you can store your belongings in your private bedroom, but the apartment will already have a full range of appliances and furniture. If you already have furniture, you can keep it in a self-storage unit. 

Meet Your Roommates

The last thing on your apartment-hunting timeline is to meet your roommates. Ideally, you should try to do this before your move-in date. A casual meet-up will help you avoid awkward introductions later. 

This meet-up is a good time to exchange contact information and review the informal rules in your new household. Your new roommates will want to know your expectations as well.

Enjoy Your New Home

Roomrs will make your move to New York City go more smoothly with co-living options. You won’t have to worry about finding a roommate or furnishing your new place when you join one of our furnished co-living units. To explore vacancies, browse our online listings.