Moving to a new apartment can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. From finding the perfect place after many inspections to packing up your belongings and then finally spending a night in your new place, there is a lot to do.

I went through this process in the first quarter of 2021, and it was a lot more than I bargained for. Living in my apartment has been a whirlwind of a ride with highs and many lows. I feel like there’s always one thing wrong! I’ve been tempted to break my lease many times, but I’m still riding the storm for now.

Nigerian landlords and agents will humble you, but if you’re patient and well-informed, you may end up lucky. I wanted to share the top 10 things I wish I had known before moving to a new apartment. So, if you’re planning a move, you can learn from my experience and avoid surprises.

1. Research the Neighborhood:

Before signing the lease, take the time to thoroughly research the neighbourhood. Consider factors like safety, proximity to amenities, the distance between the house and the next house, and noise levels. Visiting the area at different times of the day will give you a better understanding of what it’s really like to live there.

2. Check the Apartment Thoroughly:

When you eventually find a place you like, it’s easy to breeze through the space like I did. Please don’t! Check if the water is running and if it’s clean. Check if the windows are working and not broken. Check if there’s enough light and ventilation coming into the apartment. Check if the doors are secure and there’s no space between them and the ground. Check for everything that matters to you!

3. Understand the Lease Agreement:

Don’t rush through reading your lease agreement. Take the time to understand all the terms and conditions, including policies, maintenance responsibilities, and lease renewal options. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or surprises down the road.

4. Budget for Hidden Costs:

When calculating your moving expenses, don’t forget to include hidden costs such as fixtures and fittings, revamps, equipment setup fees, moving truck rentals, diesel deposit (if applicable) and security deposits. These expenses can quickly add up, so it’s best to plan ahead and avoid any financial inconveniences.

5. Check Cell Phone Reception and test Wi-Fi Signal Strength:

It’s crucial to test cell phone reception inside the apartment. Weak signals can be a major inconvenience, especially if you rely heavily on your phone. Don’t be like me, who can’t make or receive calls on one of her lines in her house. Additionally, check the Wi-Fi signal strength in different areas of the apartment. This will help you avoid frustrating dead zones and ensure you can work, stream, and connect hassle-free.

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6. Evaluate Storage Space:

Consider the storage space available in your new apartment. Will it be sufficient for all your belongings? If not, think about creative storage solutions or decluttering before the move to make the most of the available space.

7. Speak to Your Potential Neighbors and Security Personnel if Available

This is to ask as many questions as possible. Who better to give you first-hand information than the people who live in the building? Confirm if there’s a reliable facility management company and how things are handled. Ask if strange insects appear when it rains. Ask if everyone has their own electricity meters. Ask if everyone has their assigned parking space. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your neighbours after you move in and try to participate in any community events or meetings. You never know when you might need a helping hand or a friendly face.

8. Communicate with Your Landlord/Agent:

Building a good relationship with your landlord or agent at every stage of your tenancy is essential. If any issues arise, even before signing your lease, don’t hesitate to reach out and communicate openly. It’s better to keep them informed of every issue, even when you are addressing it yourself. Addressing concerns early on can prevent them from becoming bigger problems.

9. Be Sure You Can Call It A Home

It’s easy to get tired of apartment hunting, and then you decide to settle once you see something manageable. Don’t do this! Make sure you love it before you sign your lease agreement.

10. Take Photos Before Moving In:

Before moving your furniture and other items into your new apartment, take photos of the space. This will serve as evidence of the condition of the apartment before you moved in, protecting you from any potential disputes regarding the security deposit when it’s time to move out.

Moving to a new apartment can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to be prepared. By considering these ten things I wish I knew before moving, you can avoid unnecessary stress and make your transition as smooth as possible. I believe I’m better equipped with enough information for next time.

If you’re trying to get a new place and stumbled upon this, good luck finding a suitable place.

Mariam Shittu