When it is time to look for a new apartment to rent, there can be a lot of different properties with a variety of floor plans and sizes. But to find a unit that works for your life, be sure you consider all the necessities and don't get overwhelmed by your wants. Here are some tips to help you find the right apartment and living area for your needs.

Determine Your Needs

Before you can find a rental apartment that fits your needs you need to decide what you actually need. Do you need a one-bedroom apartment with a single bathroom or do you entertain friends often and you need an extra bathroom for guests to use? Or do you have children or other family members who need their own bedroom?

Look at any space requirements you need for your family and ask the property manager if there are any housing regulations to help guide you in your selection. For example, some apartments will require you to have a separate bedroom for your children who are of different sexes. If you have two children who are girls, they can share a bedroom, but a boy and a girl will need their own space. 

Also look at your personal requirements, such as if you need an office space for your job that allows you to work from home. this may require you to have a second bedroom for your computer and other items, or if you can fit it into your bedroom you may only need a single bedroom. 

Calculate a Budget

It can be helpful to determine your budget before you even step out the door to go shopping for a new apartment. Make sure you have a clear outline of your expenses and income so you know how much you can realistically put toward rent. Then, be sure to calculate in other costs, such as off-site laundry, a parking permit, renters insurance, and any utilities that the property will not cover for you.

Consider a Storage Unit

Often when you need to downsize your life and possessions, moving it all into your new living space can be difficult. And when you need each bedroom for its own specific purpose at your new place, you don't want to clutter up your rooms with boxes and rarely used items. In this type of situation you can look to rent a storage unit near your new place.

And inside this storage unit you can organize your boxes and extras to make it easy for you to locate and access. For example, place your holiday decorations into your storage unit, as they only come out once a year. Then, when it is time to pull them out and decorate your apartment, you will know right where they are.