Remote workers don’t have to worry about long commutes or travel times, but they have different requirements and desires. If you plan on holding many video conferences, for example, be sure your internet connection is fast enough. Remember that even if you “work from home,” you won’t want to spend your entire day in your apartment! Remote employment provides flexibility because you do not need to be pent up in one area all of the time. Look for free WiFi in local coffee shops, libraries, and other public places. Many apartment communities (including Summit!) are now offering coworking facilities, so you don’t even have to splurge on expensive coffee to get out of the home every day.
4. What are the ground rules?
Except for pet policies, this question may not come up until later in the leasing process. Still, you should ensure that you understand the community and management rules and policies before signing a lease. A competent leasing associate will answer all of your critical questions before you ask them, but don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you need it. Remember that once you sign a lease, you’re committing to living there for that period, so do everything you can to avoid any major surprises after you move in. While this is by no means an entire list, here are some key questions to consider:
- What is your pet-friendly policy? Is there any breed or weight limit? What about down payments or monthly fees?
- Is it permissible for me to decorate the apartment with paint or hanging pictures?
- When is rent due, and how do I pay it?
- Are there quiet hours, and if so, how are they enforced?
- When does the pool/gym/clubhouse/etc.? Open?
- What are the parking alternatives, and are modifications such as garages available?
- What happens if I need to break my lease?
- Is there a list of recommended businesses for renter’s insurance, internet, cable, and so on?
- What are the guest policies and parking arrangements?
5. When and how will you be moving?
Hopefully, you’ve given yourself a few months (or more) to hunt for and find a new apartment, but regardless of your timeline, it’s a good idea to start preparing and packing as soon as you decide to move. Nobody likes packing, but it’s even worse when you try to do it all the day before you’re supposed to move in. Examine what you have and establish a plan for packing and when. Begin with goods you aren’t currently using, such as out-of-season apparel, spare bedding and towels, and decorations. Make sure to mark all of your boxes as clearly as possible, noting what each box contains and where it belongs. You’ll have a better sense of what items to unpack first, and you won’t have to instruct friends or movers where to take every box.
- You’ll also need to figure out the best approach to get everything from A to B. If you’re merely relocating across town and have a few great goods, you should probably hire a professional moving company for a few hours. If you’re moving across the state or have a few small boxes, you might want to save some money, cash in some IOUs, and rent a box truck for the day. If you use a moving company, they may also provide extras such as boxes and other packing materials; otherwise, you will have to obtain things on your own.
