Finding a new place doesn`t need to be stressful as long as you take enough time to prepare for the whole process. However, it`s inevitable that not all things will go according to plan, especially if you don`t have prior experience in the subject. Of course, it is always better to ask family and friends for help as there are too many things to think about, including decluttering, packing, transport, loading, unpacking, and unloading. One of the burning questions regarding your new place is when is the best time to look for an apartment.
If you are on a tight budget and don`t plan on buying a house or an apartment, in most cases, you‘re going to need an apartment for rent NYC. In any case, looking for an apartment isn`t an easy task, especially if you aren`t familiar with your new neighborhood. If you are wondering when is the best time to look for an apartment, check out the following text below.
Set Your Priorities Straight
Before you even start looking for an apartment, it is best to take some time to rethink your priorities, mainly because there are a couple of factors you should consider, including the size of the apartment you`re looking for and the neighborhood, and other personal factors. We can`t give you a direct answer on your priorities, meaning that you should always talk with your family before making a final decision. However, some indicators are universal, referring to deciding whether you should focus on the price or choice.
If you set price as your main priority, chances are you can`t be too picky when it comes to the desired neighborhood. This doesn`t mean that you have to move to the worse neighborhood in the city but that you won`t be able to live wherever you want. So, if your priority is price make sure to start searching for the desired apartment on time.
On the other hand, if your priority is a choice, be prepared to spend a significant amount of money on your new apartment. Now, when you`ve decided what exactly you are looking for, it`s time to turn to think about when`s the best time to look for an apartment.
Summer Months
When talking about rental selection, the summer months are your best bet since it is the time when most people move out of their old apartments; college students move out of the dorm, meaning that there are plenty of options to choose from. The busiest moving and rental period is usually from May to September. Some say that it is easier to move in the summer months as it is the best time to look for a professional moving company. The aforementioned life changes and weather mean that finding an apartment is way easier.
However, there are also some downsides to moving and looking for an apartment during the summer months, which mainly refer to the price range. The cost of renting and rental fees can even double when compared to winter months which for many people makes a big difference, especially when talking about a tight budget. Another downside of looking for an apartment during the summer months is a lot of competition since, as we already mentioned earlier, many people are moving at this time.
Winter Months
In the winter months, the temperature drops, and so do prices. Low rental rates are mostly found between October and April, especially when it comes to the end of the December holiday season. Since fewer people are interested in moving because the weather isn`t very appealing and schools are in session, individuals save the most money by choosing to rent during the winter season. Like always, although moving during the winter months is cheaper, there are certain downsides to it. There aren`t plenty of options to choose from. It means that even if you are able to save up a lot of money, you`ll have to settle.
How Early?
Once you`ve decided when to move, it is time to think about how early to hunt for an apartment. Of course, the earlier you start, the more time you`ll have to choose. The optimal advice is to start choosing an apartment two months in advance. However, you can always gamble with the situation and start looking for an apartment later. But if you plan on doing things in the best possible manner, it is better to take our advice seriously. Don`t forget to check out all available options before making the final decision. Also, if needed, you can even hire professional help, especially if you`re not familiar with the surroundings.
The Bottom Line
When`s the best time to look for an apartment? As we already mentioned, moving is a very stressful process and requires a waste amount of time, money, and energy. However, you can minimize the stress with proper planning and organization, hiring professionals, or asking family and friends for help. The most important thing is to set your priorities straight before choosing the best time to look for an apartment. That implies that you should make a choice between prioritizing price or quality.
In any case, if you have no prior experience in the subject, it is always best to hire a professional apartment rental agency. Look out for scams, and make sure to perform a double check on the agency you plan on hiring. The best is to ask friends or family for help, especially if they live in your new neighborhood.
We hope our article helped and you found some useful information on the subject. We also hope it will help you determine when’s the best time to look for an apartment.