Apartments aren't the most ideal living situations, what with the small spaces, paper-thin walls, high rent costs, and crazy landlords, but there are a few things you can do to make it better. Here are some of our best tips for surviving apartment living.
Photo remixed from an original by Reuben Strayer.
Make the Best of Your Living Space
Undoubtedly the most annoying thing about apartment living is the space. If you're looking to make the best of a small apartment, definitely check out our top 10 space-saving household projects for ideas. Of course, while some upgrades are apartment-friendly, like adding a new shower fixture, many others aren't. Check out some of our featured workspaces for apartment-friendly ideas, not to mention our favorite apartment hacks and how to customize your apartment without pissing off your landlord.
When it comes to noisy neighbors, you can easily complain without being perceived as a total jerk. Of course, if you'd rather be a jerk, you can silence them by transmitting your music to their speakers. And, if you're dealing with other apartment woes?like an apartment that smells like smoke or constant technical issues?we have tips for dealing with those, too.
Be a Good Roommate (and Deal with Crappy Ones)
Having a roommate can be a bit of a social minefield, so you have to tread lightly. Solve money problems with a rent calculator like SplitTheRent.org, which helps you divvy up the apartment evenly so everyone's paying their fair share. Iif you find you just can't find the right roommate for you, try an online service like URoomSurf. In the end, though, it isn't hard to be a good roommate?but it is easy to take more drastic measures to evict them if they're driving you up the wall.
Lower Your Living Costs
Apartment living can get expensive quickly. We've talked a lot about living cheaply, but for a quicker fix, you can always reduce your rent with a simple letter (though you should probably find out if you're actually paying too much first). While you're at it, you should really get some renter's insurance, so read up on how to get it for free to avoid extra cost. Lastly, as it gets closer to lease renewal time, do your best to avoid a rent increase, so you aren't forced to move out.
If All Else Fails, Move Out
If, in the end, there's nothing you can do to make your stay better, it's time to find a new apartment. It shouldn't be that hard to get out of your lease, and there is a bevy of good apartment search tools online to help you start looking. As you look, make sure you're asking the right questions?check out the neighborhood beforehand, prepare your questions ahead of time, and if you can, talk to others in the neighborhood. Research the landlords too, and make sure you aren't getting someone that's going to make your life more difficult. There are a lot of ways a landlord can screw you over, so know your rights and come in with strategies prepared to get what you want.
When it comes time to move, make it as easy as possible by de-crapifying your home first. Then, check out our start-to-finish moving guide and our simple moving tips to get through the process stress-free. Make sure you get your security deposit back when you leave, too.
Got any of your own essential tips for living in an apartment? Share them with us in the comments below.
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