First-Time Renter Regrets: What I Wish I Knew Before Moving

The day you move into your first apartment, you expect a fresh start. Instead, you’re sitting on the floor, eating takeout with no forks because you forgot to buy utensils. The Wi-Fi isn’t set up, your shower floods the bathroom because there’s no curtain, and somehow, you already regret your lease.

I’ve been there. And if you’re about to sign for your first place, here’s what you really need to know so you don’t end up learning the hard way.

1. Rent Isn’t the Only Thing You’ll Pay For

You budget for rent. But then the hidden costs start piling up:

Security deposit (sometimes two months’ rent upfront)

Utility setup fees (electricity, water, gas)

Wi-Fi installation (which could take a week)

Basic furniture (even the cheap stuff adds up)

💡 What to do instead:

Before signing, ask about all upfront costs.

Budget an extra month’s rent for move-in expenses.

Look for secondhand furniture. Facebook Marketplace is your friend.

2. Your Apartment Won’t Be Move-In Ready

The first night, you realize the bathroom has no shower curtain. The kitchen has no trash can. The bedroom has no overhead light. Ever tried getting ready in the dark?

💡 What to do instead:

Pack a "first 48 hours" survival kit:

✅ Toilet paper and soap

✅ Shower curtain and rings

✅ Trash bags

✅ Lightbulbs (some places don’t come with them)

✅ A lamp (for rooms with no overhead lighting)

Set this up before you start unpacking.

3. You Won’t Cook as Much as You Think

Everyone assumes they’ll meal prep and save money. Then they move in and realize they forgot to buy plates.

💡 What to do instead:

Buy only the kitchen basics first: a knife, a pan, a cutting board.

Have easy meals ready (frozen food, cereal, instant noodles).

Don’t go overboard on groceries. Your first week will be chaos.

4. Landlords Don’t Fix Things Right Away

That leaky sink? The broken heater? The loud neighbors? You report it… and then wait. And wait. And wait.

💡 What to do instead:

Before signing, ask other tenants how fast maintenance actually responds.

Get promises to fix things in writing before you move in.

Invest in a basic toolkit. Some things are faster to fix yourself.

5. Check Your Phone Signal and Outlets

Imagine setting up your desk and realizing you have one outlet in the entire room. Or worse, your phone has no signal inside your apartment.

💡 What to do instead:

Test your phone signal in every room before signing the lease.

Check where the outlets are (or buy extension cords).

Ask what internet provider works best in the building.

Move Smart, Not Just Fast

Moving into your first place isn’t just about getting the keys. It’s about avoiding the small mistakes that turn into big regrets. Plan ahead, expect hidden costs, and make sure your first night isn’t spent in the dark.

Because trust me, showering without a curtain is a mistake you only make once.

P.S. If You’re Moving Soon…

Save this post or send it to a friend who’s about to move! And if you’ve already been through it, what’s one thing you wish you had known before moving? Let me know. I might add it to the list.