Moving In Together? Ask These Questions Before You Choose a New Apartment

Did you recently decide to move in with your significant other? The choice to live under one roof is a major step in your relationship - and the first of many joint decisions. Now that you're ready to take the leap, take a look at the questions to ask before you rent a new apartment.

Where Do You Want to Live?
Location is a primary factor for many couples. If you're lucky enough to both work in the same area or one (or both) of you work from home, location may not play a main role in your apartment choice. But if the two of you need to commute to different parts of town or enjoy opposite areas of the city, you need to find a mutually agreeable location. To select the perfect place to put down roots and rent an apartment:

• Calculate each person's commute. Is it possible to split the difference? Calculate how many miles or minutes the drive is for each person for a few different neighborhoods. If possible, split the difference and choose an apartment in a location that's partway between both partners' jobs.
• Review public transportation options. Will either of you need to take the bus, train, or subway to work? Make sure your would-be future apartment is in a location with easy access to your chosen mode of public transportation.
• Walk around town. What is the neighborhood really like? While commute is a common consideration, it isn't the only reason to choose one specific location. Get a feel for the neighborhood and have a walk around town.
• Talk to friends or family. Do you have friends or family who live in the neighborhood? Your nearest and dearest (or your significant other's nearest and dearest) can provide insider information on the neighborhood, traffic times, or anything else you want to know.

What happens if the two of you can't agree on one location? Whether one of you feels the commute is too far or doesn't like the area, the location shouldn't get in the way of your move-in plans. Sometimes there's no perfect or one-size-fits-all answer. You may have to make some concessions - and so may your significant other.

How Many Rooms Do You Need?
A studio, one bedroom, or two bedrooms? Which one of these options is the right choice for your new life together? Like location, the number of rooms you need in your new apartment depends on several factors. These include:

• Work-from-home needs. Do one or both of you work from home? To create separate workspaces, you may need an apartment with one or two extra bedrooms.
• Budget needs. How much can you afford to pay for monthly rent? A smaller apartment may cost less - saving you money. If you don't have a large budget or want to save money for your wedding, a down payment on a house, or anything else, you may want to choose a studio or a one-bedroom.
• Comfort needs. Do you need your own space some of the time - or do you enjoy the togetherness and cozy feel less square footage can create? Assess your couple-comfort needs before you choose a studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartment.
• Space and furniture needs. How much furniture do you have? Some couples combine their own stock of furniture, while others don't. The more furniture you have, the bigger of an apartment you'll need.

Along with these considerations, think about how you plan to organize, arrange, and decorate your apartment. Creative room layout can help you to turn one room into a combination living-dining space or add an office to a one-bedroom apartment.

Are you ready to rent your first apartment - together as a couple? Contact Montgomery Realtors for assistance.