Renting your first apartment is an exciting event but can be intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect. For a seamless experience from start to finish, keep these tips in mind so you can sign your new lease with confidence.

Determine a Budget

Avoid overspending by calculating your monthly budget before you start looking for an apartment. Typically, the rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30-percent of your gross income on rent. This will also help narrow down your options when you begin your search.

Make a List of Essential Needs

Make a list of your must-haves before searching for an apartment. These are things you absolutely can’t go without. For example, if you have a dog, you’ll need to find a pet-friendly community. Perhaps being close to work is non-negotiable; location will be important to you. With these items in mind, it will be easier to conduct your apartment search and narrow down your options.

Be Aware of Utilities

Apartment communities may include some utilities, or none at all. Keep this in mind when searching because this will affect your monthly rent and overall budget.

Consider Parking

Parking is an important factor, especially in denser, urban areas. Make sure to inquire what the parking situation is for residents (covered, assigned, on-street, etc.) and guests. Some communities may have limited parking, which can be a nuisance for you or your visitors if you’re not aware ahead of time.

Floor Level

Every floor level has pros and cons. While this may not be the most important element to consider, it’s good to think about, especially if you have a choice. Ground-level units are much easier to access and can be less expensive. However, they often don’t have the best views and can be noisy if children or dogs are in the unit above. Top-floor units, on the other hand, can require more legwork to get to, but they generally have better views, and are quieter.

Know What You’ll Need to Apply

When you find the perfect apartment, you’ll need to go through an application process to see if you’re approved. This process typically requires several pieces of information in addition to the rental application, including:

• Credit score
• Rental history (if applicable)
• Proof of income (paystubs and/or W2)
• Personal references
• Application fee

Give Yourself Enough Time

Hunting for the right apartment can take up to a few months. Make sure to give yourself enough time to find one so you’re not rushed on making a decision.

Working from home comes with countless distractions and challenges, and it can be made even more difficult if you’re already tight on square footage. Add a functional office area into your apartment by keeping these easy space-saving tips in mind.

Dedicate a Workspace Area

Avoid your work spreading all over your apartment by dedicating a specific area to working. Keep all relevant items (laptop, notebooks, documents, etc.) in this space. Having an area solely for work will help keep you productive and organized.

Go Wireless

Opting for wireless technology can be a huge space-saver. By using a wireless keyboard and mouse, you won’t be constrained to being near an outlet or have to deal with extension cords running across your floor. Even a small wireless printer stored in a closet or under the bed can free up valuable desk space.

Use Vertical Space

If you have a lot of documents but not a lot of floor space where file storage would normally sit, add room above your desk by installing simple shelves to house file boxes and books. Not only will this declutter your foot space, it can also open up your room more by drawing the eyes up.

Find a Desk That Fits Your Space

It may be tempting to purchase a big, stunning oak desk, but choosing one to fit your small space will reward you in the end. Opt for a writing desk, which tends to run on the smaller side, or depending on your apartment, consider a corner or vertical desk. These desks can utilize space you otherwise may not use and save other precious areas of your home for your actual living.

Sprucing up your apartment might seem like an impossible task without a ton of space. By following these simple tips and tricks, you’ll get the most out of your home, no matter how tiny, without sacrificing eye-catching décor.

Incorporate a Light Color Palette

A lighter color palette will instantly make a space seem much larger than it is. White, beige, taupe and light gray hues are ideal choices for bigger items like couches, rugs, window treatments and statement pieces. Incorporate pops of color by adding smaller accent pieces like books, pillows, throws, and wall art.

Go Vertical

When you run out of floor space, look up. Vertical space is extremely valuable and often under-utilized. To make the most of it, add extra-tall bookcases or shelving to create additional storage for decorative pieces, books and miscellaneous items. In the kitchen, consider adding decorative storage boxes on top of cabinets to hold items you don’t use as often.

Utilize Mirrors

Mirrors not only come in a wide array of shapes and sizes to fit any space, they also make a room appear much more spacious than it really is. Consider adding one near the front door to be used for a quick last-look when leaving your apartment. Areas where multiple people tend to gather, like the dining or living area, can also benefit from a mirror to open the space up.

Use Floor-to-Ceiling Drapes

If you’re struggling with what to do with small windows, think outside the box – literally. To create the illusion of high ceilings, add drapery longer and wider than your window. To do this, hang floor-length drapes a couple inches below where your wall meets your ceiling and extend them slightly wider than your window.

Opt for Dual-Purpose Furniture

Big furniture pieces are what take up the most room in any home. Save space by purchasing pieces that can serve more than one purpose. For example, a dining table that pulls double duty as a desk, a plush ottoman used for extra guest seating, or a coffee table with hideaway storage.