Moving into your first apartment in Calgary can be exciting and adventurous. It requires some planning, smart financial sense, and knowing what you’re in store for. Be prepared for your move into your first apartment in Calgary, AB or elsewhere in Canada.
Know something about the building
If you were buying a home, you’d of course want to know how old the water heater is, the condition of the appliances, and if there is lead paint or radon or other risks in the home. As a renter, you should be aware of the condition of the entire building, not just the small portion that you’re going to live in.
Even though replacement and repair isn’t your responsibility, you’re the one who will be inconvenienced by breakdowns.
Prepare for paperwork
Renting an apartment in Calgary involves a ton of paperwork. Get ready to sign your name and initial pages until your hands cramp. Be prepared to get papers notarized (your bank should have a notary who will handle this for you at no charge). You may need your parents to provide their own financial information and vouch for you.
Realize what you can afford
What rent can you afford? Some experts say your rent should be less than 50 percent of your income. Depending on the cost of living in your city, that could be difficult. Before committing to a lease, draw up a detailed budget and be certain you’re not overextending your financial means.
When building a budget, figure on emergency costs, because if something can happen, it probably will. It’s a good idea to have three months’ rent in the bank; your landlord might require it anyway, if you haven’t yet established good credit.
Don’t be tempted by an apartment you can’t afford. The amenities that jack up your rent will be hard to enjoy when you’re scrimping just to get by.
Know what your lease says!
Know the terms of your lease. Read the fine and not-so-fine print before you sign. If your lease says you’ll get your security deposit back when you move out, as long as there is only normal wear and tear on the apartment, ask for specific examples of what constitutes “normal wear and tear.”
Your apartment furnishings
Don’t go crazy with expensive furnishings! Don’t give in to the temptation to binge-shop for your dream apartment furniture, busting your budget on pricey, trendy pieces. On the other hand, don’t totally cheap out and buy a lot of furniture that won’t last. Get a few solid, basic pieces and save up for the fun, decorative things. Wait for sales, deals, and spend some time in thrift stores and your patience will pay off.
Unexpected supplies
Unlike in your parents’ house, toilet paper won’t magically appear in the bathroom. That and other household supplies are on you now. When you’re budgeting for groceries, don’t forget about non-food items like TP, paper towels, dish soap, cleaning supplies, light bulbs and other supplies.
Get to know your maintenance man
And give him cookies or something at the holidays. If you don’t know why, are you sure you’re ready to move out on your own?
And then there are these adult life things
Renter’s insurance. Ever heard of it? It’s essential. In case of fire, flood, theft and other disasters, you will want to have insurance to fall back on.
Hidden costs, like non-refundable lease fees, deposits and other hidden costs when renting are part of doing business. Some apartments automatically jack up your rent to pay a flat water and sewer fee. Know what’s covered and what’s expected of you as a renter.
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Diane Laney Fitzpatrick is a writer, blogger and author of Home Sweet Homes: How Bundt Cakes, Bubble Wrap, and My Accent Helped Me Survive Nine Moves. She writes about moving and other adventures in coping at www.DianeLaneyFitzpatrick.com.
About our Company
Viktoria Professional Movers Calgary is a professional moving company operating out of Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Calgary AB and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada. By helping to educate our clients on topics that can help them plan and execute a successful move, we are fulfilling our directive of taking the stigma out of hiring professional residential movers in Calgary, and helping to make the moving process a stress free experience overall. To hear first-hand about our high quality moving services, please visit Homestars page where you can read reviews on our company submitted by many of our satisfied customers.
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