Moving to a new place can be one of the most gratifying experiences one can ever have. However, for the unprepared, it could be their worst nightmare. A new apartment will not only be your home, but it could be the place where you also do work, entertain guests, or even have a small family. Other than those things, there are many factors that need to be considered before moving in. Most people think that you just pay the landlord and you just move in. It is not that simple. In order for you to make the most out of it, you need to have an apartment checklist.
10. Inspect the floor
Before you sign that lease, you would first be toured inside the apartment to see if it is something that you really want to live in. The first thing you will notice is the floor of the space. Make sure that it is clean and if it is carpeted, inspect thoroughly to ensure that the landlord has taken good care of the apartment he is renting out. In addition, check to see if there is anything missing. This is important for tiles as well. Point out if there is anything missing so you won’t take the blame for it when you do move in.
9. The bathroom
This is a huge deal and it should be. Bathrooms should always be clean even if there has been no one living in the apartment for quite some time. Toilet bowls, bathtubs and sinks should be free from grime or any type of dirt. Besides, it wouldn’t leave a lasting impression with you if a dirty bathroom is what you will be faced with.
8. Walls
After checking out the floor, the next on your checklist should be the walls. Carefully inspect each and every section to make sure that there aren’t any holes, stains or markings that should not be there. If there are holes, ask the landlord to fix them up before you move in. Plus, ask what types of materials were used to make sure that they are not poisonous and potentially hazardous for your health.
7. The Windows
Another thing that you need to pay close attention to is the windows in the apartment. Even if it is a small space, you need to make sure that they work and are not chipped or broken. Plus, even if they seem to be in good shape, try throwing some water on them to make sure that there are no leaks. The worst thing you can experience is having windows that do not protect you from the rain during a storm.
6. Plumbing
While you are checking out the bathroom, try using the features in it when you’re in there. Make sure the faucets work as well as the shower, the toilet flushes and that you can control the water from hot to cold with ease. Taking the time to inspect the plumbing can save you a lot of trouble before you move in. In addition, if you have a kitchen, make sure that the plumbing there also works. If there is a disposal unit in the sink, ensure that it works as well too.
5. The Electricity
So you come home to your new apartment at night, only to find out some of the lights don’t work all because you didn’t check it out before you moved in. That absolutely sucks since you will have to replace them on your own. You could save yourself the trouble by testing all the lights by flicking switches on and off in the apartment. It would also be better if you had an electrician check the place out to make sure everything works perfectly.
4. The Bedroom
In the apartment you plan to move into, you need to check the bedroom and beyond that. Why? Because that is where you will be sleeping and spending most of your nights so you need to make sure that it is nothing short of decent. If the apartment already has a bed, check to see if it is clean and free of stains and other things that should not be there. Other than the bed, the entire area should also be clean as well. If it is an empty space, inspect the floor and the walls to check if there are holes or missing pieces of anything in them.
3. Kitchen
If you hate to take food out and would rather cook your own meals, then the kitchen will be a big part of living in your new apartment. Make sure the gas line works and if there is a stove, check to see that it works perfectly. Dishwashers, if available, should be tested to avoid any hassle of having to call your landlord if you do move in without inspecting it first.
2. The Doors
Not the band, but the actual doors in the apartment. First of all, the main door should be opened with ease and not have creaking sounds in it. Then it should contain locks and a working doorknob to prevent what is outside from coming in. Check the remaining doors in the apartment to make sure they work as well.
1. Pests and Insects
One thing that you should not miss out is to check the apartment for pests. At first glance, they could be invisible to the naked eye. However, when you check cupboards, the bathroom and under the sink, they could be hiding in there. In the event that there are pests present, ask the landlord to take care of this first before you move in.
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