NightRoller
Member
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2022
- Goal
- Improve NG Social Skill
- Age
- 24
- Motto
- Sometimes shitty action trumps perfection
- Location
- Downtown
If anyone has further input to add to this, I would love to hear it, whether formatting, parts to expand, parts to streamline, or others. References, people to dm, or resources are also welcome.
Recently the issue of (finding) housing came on my radar (as someone moving out from their parents for the first time), and I want to ask for advice and compile it into a guide as I haven't found a good one here on the forums. Given game is generally better/easier in cities, this would be focused around finding apartments, discussing points to consider when moving, and so on.
By the way, Ed_ , KillYourInnerLoser told me that you had, at one point, made a list of points to consider when moving into or looking at apartments. If you still have that, do you mind sharing that file?
I've done some preliminary internet research about finding apartments, and here's what I've found:
Finding an apartment/living location:
Moving:
Recently the issue of (finding) housing came on my radar (as someone moving out from their parents for the first time), and I want to ask for advice and compile it into a guide as I haven't found a good one here on the forums. Given game is generally better/easier in cities, this would be focused around finding apartments, discussing points to consider when moving, and so on.
By the way, Ed_ , KillYourInnerLoser told me that you had, at one point, made a list of points to consider when moving into or looking at apartments. If you still have that, do you mind sharing that file?
I've done some preliminary internet research about finding apartments, and here's what I've found:
Finding an apartment/living location:
- Start saving for a down payment if you haven't already
- Find a city you want to move to (a few threads have discussed this before)
- Searching for a place
- Know your budget; less than 30% of your budget, preferably less (we're all about saving money where reasonable)
- Make a list of important points of your ideal apartment, like a balcony, or a bedroom separate from the rest of the place, or what size of a place you want. How easy would it be to bring a girl up into your apartment. I'm not sure how layout could affect that, though.
- You can find realtors at places like https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/
- Generally, you want to find people who know the neighborhoods of your target city
- Also search neighborhood info on places like https://www.addressreport.com/ and https://www.walkscore.com/
- Try living in the city and see how you like its vibes--hustle and find potential apartment options; one place for that is here: https://www.apartmentlist.com/renter-life/8-tips-finding-apartment-can-afford
- Apparently top and bottom floors can cost more, so consider middle floors for cheaper
- One thing KillYourInnerLoser suggested as an option is living in a hotel or couchsurfing (the latter if which you can do at this website https://about.couchsurfing.com/about/how-it-works/)
- Consider living with a roommate depending on the cost; articles suggest facebook groups, https://www.roomster.com/ , and asking friends of friends. Make sure to discuss thoroughly with them to make sure you're on the same page on habits, sleep schedules, splitting rent, etc.
- Take a tour of each potential option; take pictures and notes of each place; things missing, good points, etc. Dress well on the day of.
- Make sure things work properly; it can help to bring an experienced person along (even just a friend or acquaintance who's been around the block--might be handy to reach out to guys on here). I see water faucets, locks, the water heater, electrical sockets (just visually, do not touch them), and isolation from others being the crucial points to check off your list for each possible option.
- Ask about utilities and potentially set them up; here's a useful article that goes over common utilities: https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-set-up-utilities-in-your-new-home/
- Read the fine print on your lease agreement, some places take certain kinds of payment or include benefits.
- When hustling, consider paying more down than the landlords ask for--say, 3 months' rent. That can grease the gears to make them pay attention or be more interested in having you as a renter. Bring your checkbook and be ready to pay after you've gotten an idea of what options are in the market and if a given place is in your interest.
Moving:
- Planning:
- Make a plan for the actual move about all the things you need to gather up.
- This can work better if you make a list of all the rooms you need to gather things to pack from
- Make a day goal for your target moveout date, and tell anyone pertinent
- Know your budget and how much financial flexibility you have for after you move.
- Contact companies for moving; if moving last minute, you may need to contact several to find one available to help you move.
- Make sure you have a job lined up for your location, or solid plans for finding one.
- Some articles recommend getting renters' insurance
- Contact your utilities to make sure you have the essentials where you're moving and ending your utility service at your old location
- Make a plan for the actual move about all the things you need to gather up.
- Packing & Preparations
- Gather packing materials in one place, to be used for packing; boxes, trash bags, packing tape, markers, suitcases, etc.; office supplies stores should be able to sell boxes. It seems like moving the things to pack into that area is generally more efficient than going to each room with the packing supplies.
- Pack one room at a time, and when possible, try to keep similar items in the same boxes. Sort out essential items you need in the first few days if possible. Take care to wrap fragile items with bubble wrap and foam pouches, if any.
- Evaluate items to see if they're genuinely necessary or something you'll use--have you used the item in the past 3-6 months? Is it heavy or bulky, like an oven or refrigerator, which you can buy in the new location? Sell or give away items you don't want to take
- Make sure you have the necessities; https://updater.com/moving-tips/moving-out-for-the-first-time-checklist seems like a good list.
- Prep yourself emotionally; many of us try to practice stoicism, but moving can take a toll on you mentally, emotionally, and physically--I know it's even worse when moving to another country, as Manganiello and colgate have shared recently
- Tell people your new address, and talk to the USPS (for US people) to have mail forwarding starting on your moveout date. Also alert the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles, US) with your new address
- Consider meal prepping to ease into the first few days of move-in.
- Consider cleaning your new place before moving, so you can avoid having to clean around moving boxes
- Make the Move
- For moving day, if possible, recruit as many friends and family as possible (suggestion: make a party out of it!)
- When unpacking, some sites suggest going one room at a time, especially the bedroom so you can sleep on your bed
- Once moved in, celebrate with those who helped you move, and optionally (optimally) get to know your neighbors.
- Get to know your kitchen and if you cook, prep your cooking supplies.
- Add in furniture; it can be beneficial to use furniture that's easy to take apart, for easier moves in the future, depending on your long-term plans.