Moving should feel like starting a new chapter, not like filling out ten forms. However, the process often becomes more complicated than it needs to be because we start off on the wrong foot.
If you're wondering how to organize a move or how to choose an apartment to rent, there are three decisions that can help you streamline the entire process. And the third one is usually the one that really makes a difference.
1. How do you choose the best place to live?
The best place to live is one that fits your lifestyle, your daily activities, and the people you spend time with.
A neighborhood isn't just where you sleep—it's the scene that surrounds you when you step out of your home. Before you start looking at apartments, ask yourself what you want to find when you come home: galleries, community centers, lively cafés, a terrace where people gather to chat, or sidewalks where you can walk your dog at a leisurely pace.
There are areas in the city that exude culture and a sense of community; the key is to choose the one that makes you feel like you're part of something, not just passing through.
A good way to test this is to take a walk around your neighborhood on a typical day. If you can picture yourself going out to dinner with friends on a typical Thursday or going about your daily activities without any effort, you're probably on the right track.
Your living space should enhance your social life and daily routine—not just provide a roof over your head.
You might be interested in: Tips for choosing the best apartment
2. What features should an apartment have?
Before renting an apartment, figure out what you need for your daily life and identify your must-haves. Here’s the key to avoiding disappointment: distinguish between what catches your eye in photos and what you actually need every day.
Do you work on creative projects? Maybe a coworking space or flexible common areas are worth more than a huge closet.
Is your dog part of the family? Then a pet-friendly space is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.
Do you like getting your friends together? You need spaces where you can hang out comfortably.
Identify three things that are essential to you, and base your decisions on them. Think about your real life—your habits, your pet, and your community—not a version curated for social media.
You might be interested in: Tips for a pet-friendly apartment
3. How do you know how much rent you can afford?
Before you start looking for an apartment, figure out how much you can afford to spend on rent each month without compromising your financial goals. Here’s the thing: many people choose the neighborhood first, then find an apartment they love, and only at the very end do they check to see if they can actually afford it.
That's why so many searches end in frustration.
Before you even visit a single place, be clear about your budget and set a rent range that allows you to continue enjoying what matters most to you: your projects, your plans, and your peace of mind. Once you have a specific number in mind, you’ll stop wasting time on options that don’t work and can focus solely on the ones that do.
As a general guideline, the rule of thumb is that your verifiable net income should be equivalent to three times the monthly rent. However, if you’re unsure how much you should earn based on your planned rent budget, you can calculate it in less than a minute here.
So, what do you need to decide before moving?
If you want to simplify your search, focus on these three questions:
- Where would you like to live?
- What does your lifestyle need?
- What is your actual budget for rent?
When your neighborhood, your living space, and your finances all come together, moving no longer feels like a complicated process—it becomes the start of something new.
We believe there’s another way to live—one free of bureaucracy, where you can live without obstacles, with pet-friendly areas and amenities designed for creativity, relaxation, and socializing with your neighbors or guests, with easy rent payment without a guarantor, and everything taken care of so you can focus solely on enjoying yourself.
Discover Urbanista and see where your next chapter could begin.