STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

lsubatgirl · Gucci

Apartment Shopping...

Elle · Hermes

Hmmm, I've never been to a site that rated apts. before. I really like www.apartments.com - I've found it has the largest database.

Anyway, I would say anything less than 700 sq ft is pushing it IMO. Also see if you can find a place that's wheelchair accessible - our current apt is and the place is much bigger than similarly priced non-wheelchair accessible apts. Also try to get into a newer-ish apartment, you don't want to have to deal with lead paint/pipes and asbestos.

If it's possible, I would do your research online to narrow your search and then schedule as many tours as you can fit into a weekend. It can really blow to have to move to a place you've never seen IRL, as most of the places look nicer online.

-- Edited by LMonet at 17:27, 2005-04-29

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

The last apartment I was in was 850 sq. ft. and was big enough for me, but cramped when my honey moved in. The bedroom was very big by apartment standards, and it had TONS of closet space. I learned when I was househunting that the design will really influence how livable an amount of space is. It's all about the floor plan.

After you look at the rating sites, I'd try to find the site for the actual complex, or call them and ask them to send you a brochure. Of course the actual company will make the place look as good as possible, but you will at least have an idea of layout, space, amenities for the money. By the time you move and meet up with the relocation specialist, you'll have an idea of what amenities you can expect to afford in what kinds of neighborhoods , and it will save you both a lot of time.

good luck!

-gd

jacL · Coach

I am in the very process right now! I think closet space is very important and room size. For example, I like to cook so I can't stand those little kitchens that are the size of a hallway, so I am willing to compromise some living space for that. Ask about utilities--who pays what; appliances--what type, how new; other apartment features--pool, workout area (although some of these so-called areas are simply a room with a dumbbell and a treadmill); neighborhood safety; parking; and access to public tansportation if you need it. Are you moving by yourself? I have never lived in a single apartment, so I can't really say how many square feet you should look for, but I am living with my BF and our minimum is 1000 sq. feet.

About those apt ratings, I too have read them but take them with a grain of salt. It seems like mainly unhappy people write them. The apt I currently live in is not rated too great, but I think it is just fine. I think some people think everything should be perfect, but, really, you only get what you pay for.

itsapinkthing · Coach

I have to say I agree about taking the rating with a grain of salt. Usually id people do not get their way with a rental company they like to complain, and do it publicly. I think as for what too look for and how big, you need to determin what you needs are. Its far different for me, married with a school age child, than say someone single with no ties. I am extremly happy with our apartment. I knew I wanted a large kitchen and 2 bathrooms and that's where I started to narrow my search. I also agree a lot is in design. I like that my daughters room is on the oppostie side of our apartment, this might have been different if she was a baby. Our place is a little larger that 1150 square feet and it suits us pretty well. But as my daughter gets older we are going to need more space. OS also consider how long you think you'll remain in the rental. I also like that we have a washer and dryer in our unit, saves me tons of time. Good luck with the apartment hunt!

Here is a layout of our place now, its the one on the right:

lsubatgirl · Gucci

Thanks for the advice. Makes me feel a tad better. I'm mainly looking at 2 apt complexes in downtown houston - same management company and only 2 blocks from one another. My friends are all moving into the more expensive one with a little bit smaller apts but it has some nice things in it. I'm only going to live in an apt for 2 years at the most. Then I'll be getting married and hopefully moving into a house. I've just never been in an apartment - just dorm rooms so I have no clue what 700 square feet are and if that's enough or not enough. I guess the best thing is just to go over there and see the apts.