Switching Apartments to Save Money

Looking to make a move in order to save some money? Maybe you quit your stuffy corporate job in pursuit of your art career, or you're just realizing that maybe signing that lease a year ago for your one bedroom downtown loft just wasn't such a fiscally responsible decision. Whatever your reason for wanting to downgrade, make sure you're taking into account the cost of moving before you automatically spring for the place that's $50 cheaper a month. Should you make the move?

Deposits and Fees

Intangibles

Moving from the city to a distant suburb? Your day-to-day life is going to change – you'll be farther from entertainment and possibly work.

Amenity Changes

What amenities are you missing out on? Apartment complexes often come with certain perks, like pools, HBO, etc. that are tacked onto your rent. How will a change to a basic apartment (where those costs are

in addition to

rent) affect your budget?

The Act of Moving

Solutions:

Well shoot! That's a lot of potential charges that could add up against the cost of your move. Although it's highly unlikely you'll encounter all of them, just of few of these items will add up quickly onto the cost of your rent.

Consider more roommates:

Rather than choosing another one-bedroom or studio apartment, are you considering moving into a two bedroom with a roommate (or two or three)? Keep these things in mind:

Pick a place you'll know you'll be happy with for a while.