So you’re searching for a new place to live. In this climate and housing crisis, it may seem impossible to even find a small one-bedroom for a reasonable price, especially if you live in a city or need to live alone. The anxiety can be high through searches like this; however, there’s a simple plan that you can write down and follow to make this process as manageable as possible. 

Know your Preferences

Are you living alone or with other people? How many bedrooms do you want? What location? It may seem like obvious questions to ask yourself, but solidifying your wants and needs early on will save you much stress. It’s also important to keep in mind your dealbreakers for an apartment. 

Websites, Social Media, and the Car 

This is where the research comes into play. Zillow and Redfin are great options with plenty of filters and customization options to find a place within your budget. If you live in a larger city like New York City or Los Angeles, there are certain websites dedicated to city-specific housing such as Westside Rentals and StreetEasy. You can also hop onto Facebook or Instagram to join groups and find places; this would be a great method if you are searching for a roommate. It’s important to remember that this is the time as well to cast your net wide and apply to tours. Most of these sites have opportunities to schedule tours directly through the app. If you are in the area where you want to live, another great method is driving around in areas that interest you and keeping an eye out for “For Rent” signs. 

When Touring

This is where all we have learned comes into practice, especially regarding initial preferences. When touring apartments, it’s important to keep expectations low, as the photos on websites often do not look the same in person. This is a time when it’s important to keep an open mind and trust your gut with how you feel in these spaces. Make sure to ask the agent giving you the tour various questions, such as what parking looks like, how utilities operate, where the trash is, etc. Make sure to ask every question you have, even if it sounds irrelevant or dumb. 

The Application

After you have found the perfect place to live, make sure to carve out a couple of hours of your time, because applications are not quick. There are usually background checks to take precautions and make sure that you are a real person and are able to make rent. If you need a cosigner, make sure to ask if the rental agency uses “in-state only” cosigners, which is difficult, especially if you’re moving from out of state. Documents to keep on you are your Social Security card, Driver’s License, a complete bank statement and tax form, as well as past renting experience if it applies. Try to apply to multiple places and have options to lower your stress, especially if some applications are rejected. 

After submitting your application, allow up to three days to hear back and cross your fingers. 

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Finding a new place to live is a great leap. There are various hurdles, complications, and technicalities that make apartment hunting quite terrifying. What’s important to know is that at the end of the day, you put in the work and will find somewhere to rest your head. It will take weeks, even months, so make sure to plan accordingly in advance and lean on your resources and friends for help.