If there’s anything stressful, it’s moving apartment. You literally leave your comfort zone and have a very long to-do list that includes complicated and overwhelming unanswered questions.

To find the perfect flat, you will also have to make compromises. For example, you may find a lovely flat, but on the one hand, you have neighbors who like to party, and on the other hand, you have your favorite café within walking distance. So how can you avoid the “Oh, what a nightmare i’m having! and make as many right decisions as possible? Here are some questions you need to ask yourself when looking for a new flat.

1) What Do I Have To Pay and What Is the Final Cost?

If you are looking for a new home as the end of your current lease is near, you may have some special needs. You may want to have wooden floors, soundproof windows, and a parking space. Realistically, consider that you may have to pay a little more rent each month for these additional requirements. The most important thing is that you know what to expect, so there are no surprises.

Also, don’t underestimate the cost of moving (boxes, movers, etc.) and the money you will spend on new things you will need.  Consider your budget in light of these costs. Some services may be included in the rental contract, while others may have to be arranged by you.

Be prepared for scenarios where you will have to handle less glamorous things like gas, water, and electricity payments on your own. Also, it is often forgotten that internet is not included in the house as standard, but in many cases it is up to the tenant to provide WiFi (at a cost of course). These points will ultimately affect your choice of whether or not to rent a house.

2) Do I Feel Secure?

Once you find an apartment you like, you want to make sure that you and your belongings are safe. There are several ways to make sure that you feel safe in your home.

First, start with security. Do you have a secure lock on your front door? Can you park your bicycle indoors? Of course, whether or not these questions are important to you depends on your location. If you live in the center of a city or town, they may be more important than if you live in a village.

It is also wise to have homeowner’s insurance to keep your belongings safe. Unfortunately, accidents are just around the corner, and the cost of break-ins, vandalism, and damage caused by overflowing washing machines can be enormous.

3) Who Exactly Will I Be Living With?

It is vital to find a suitable flatmate. You want to live with someone who respects your belongings, your sleep, and your space. It is also crucial that you agree on whether you will share food, who will buy the toilet paper, and how you will share these expenses.

It may be something you don’t want to think about, but what if you have an extra roommate like a rat? Would your roommate be as disgusted as you are, and how would you handle such a situation? Of course, you want to be on the same wavelength when it comes to these unpleasant situations.

You may also want to live with a real pet, such as a dog or cat. The two of you must be on the same page. So, discuss it well before deciding to sign the contract.

4) Do I Feel At Home?

Of course, it is very important that you feel at home in your new apartment. Therefore, make sure you consider a few things to make yourself feel at ease. Think about what are the “musts” of the house for you and what your priorities are. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you say “yes” to a new home.

• Is there a good cell phone signal around the flat?
• Do you get enough sunshine? Or is it too much?
• How long does it take you to travel to school or work?
• Where do you go shopping?
• Do you have room for a yoga mat?
• How many friends can you invite?
• Do you have enough counter space for both a microwave and a Nespresso machine?

Once you have decided how comfortable you want to be in your home, think about the rest of the building’s exterior and the neighborhood.

Let us know if these few tips have helped you in the comments below!