How to Figure Out What You Need vs. What You Want in an Apartment

Read Time: ~3-4 minutes

Moving into your first apartment? Congratulations! Now comes the tricky part: figuring out what you actually need versus what you really want. It’s easy to get lost in the Pinterest-perfect apartments and forget the basics, so let’s break it down in a way that keeps your bank account (and your sanity) intact.

Step 1: Start With Your Non-Negotiables (Needs)

Think of this as your survival kit. These are things you absolutely cannot compromise on because they impact your daily life. Here’s how to figure them out:

• Budget Check: Before falling in love with an apartment, decide how much rent you can afford comfortably without eating ramen noodles every night. The general rule? Rent should be around 30% of your income.

• Location, Location, Location: How far is it from work, school, or places you frequently visit? If you don’t have a car, how close is public transport?

• Safety First: No matter how cheap an apartment is, if you don’t feel safe coming home at night, it’s a no-go.

• Basic Amenities: Running water, working appliances, heating and cooling. Don’t assume these are a given. Check everything.

• Lease Terms: Is it a flexible lease? What’s the penalty if you need to move out early? Read the fine print before signing.

Step 2: Define Your Wants (But Be Realistic)

Now, let’s talk about the things that would be nice to have but won’t make or break your experience. These are your “wishlist” items:

• In-Unit Laundry vs. Laundromat: Convenience is great, but is it a dealbreaker?

• Modern Aesthetic vs. Functionality: A trendy apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows is cool, but a clean, well-maintained place is even better.

• Extra Space: A second bedroom or a bigger kitchen sounds amazing until you’re paying an extra $300 for it. Do you need it, or do you just want it?

• Amenities (Gym, Pool, Rooftop Lounge, etc.): Are you actually going to use them? If the answer is “probably not,” don’t let them sway your decision.

Step 3: Reality Check and Making the Call

Once you’ve listed your needs and wants, compare available apartments. If an apartment checks all your needs but is missing a few wants, it’s still a win. On the flip side, don’t let a gorgeous apartment with cool perks distract you from a lack of essentials.

Before signing anything, ask yourself:

• Can I comfortably afford this?

• Will I still be happy here in six months?

• Does this apartment make my life easier or just more expensive?

Your first apartment doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to work for you. Prioritize what truly matters, and you’ll end up with a place that feels like home without unnecessary stress.