Looking for a new apartment can be a very stressful activity. You need a place to live, and you don’t just want to settle on any old place. You want a place that’s within your budget, that has enough space, that fits your lifestyle, and that’s in a neighborhood you’re going to love.
It can be an anxiety-inducing experience, but there are ways to mitigate the stress that comes with the search. The next time you’re apartment hunting in Edmonton, these are some strategies that can reduce your stress levels. Showing up well-informed and well-prepared will go a long way toward giving you confidence in your search.
#1 Set Your Price Point and Maximum Budget
Money is a common source of anxiety, and rent is often the most expensive line in your budget. Before you start viewing apartments, get ready by crunching the numbers. Set an ideal price point (the rent you want to pay) as well as a maximum budget (the price point you can’t afford to go over). Ideally, rent should not account for more than 30% of your pre-tax paycheck.
In some high-cost cities, that’s not a reasonable amount, and renters have to decide to either move cities or live with the higher costs. Fortunately, apartments for rent in Edmonton are among the most affordable of big cities in Canada. You have a lot more options.
#2 Define Your Must-Haves: Space, Location, Amenities
Viewing apartments can be more stressful than you might expect. It’s something you have to do on top of the rest of everyday life, including going to work, running errands, making dinner, and everything else.
Simplify the process by creating a list of your must-have amenities. Decide how many bedrooms you need or what square footage you can live with. Make a short list of neighborhoods that you want to live in. Make a wish list of amenities you want in the unit or the building. This will help you narrow down your search so that you only view those you will seriously consider.
#3 Take Breaks; Don’t Procrastinate
Procrastinating can put you in a very precarious situation when you’ve already given notice that you’re terminating your old lease. It can take numerous apartment viewings and applications before you find a place that you love. Leaving it to the last minute can leave you scrambling and stressed.
That said, it’s important to look after yourself and take breaks. Searching for an apartment can feel all-consuming at times. When you’re not running around trying to view places, you’re online looking at listings. It can be overwhelming at times.
Give yourself time to step away and recharge. Schedule days off from your search and pursue activities that you find relaxing, like reading, taking a walk, or just doing nothing. You need extra self-care now more than ever.
#4 Prepare Your Application in Advance
Instead of scrambling to get your application in before any other prospective renters do, have everything you need ready in advance. Typically, landlords will want to see a credit check, proof of income, and letters of reference from previous landlords.
When you have these ready to go, you don’t have to stress to get them done in a rush when you want to apply for a place.
Don’t let your search for an apartment get you down. Come prepared, know what you want, take breaks, and have your application ready to go when you find the perfect place.
