A Budgeting Checklist for Your New Apartment

Congratulations! You have found the perfect apartment for rent in Jacksonville, FL to call your own! You have just signed the lease and are now preparing to move in. Although you are excited, you may be slightly nervous to move into a new home of your own because of one factor: money. Having all the financial responsibility to pay for rent, food, utilities, and any other necessities can give you an overwhelming sense of responsibility. However, with the right budgeting strategy, this can be made simple. Check out this ultimate budgeting checklist for apartment-renters.

Rent

The largest payment you need to budget for is the cost of rent. Rent is simple to budget for, however, because it is a fixed number each month. You can anticipate this number month-over-month, so it is a fixed expense that can then determine the amount of discretionary spending you have available after the rent is paid. Talk with your landlord to negotiate rent, and only look for apartments within your price points. When your rent is too high for your income, you may struggle to make ends meet when you start living at your new place.

Utilities

Utilities are another fixed expense that you need to budget for, but they can also vary from month-to-month. Some apartment complexes cover the cost of certain utilities, so look for apartments that offer some coverage to help you with these costs. You may have to pay for heating, cooling, cable/internet, water, electric, and gas. Talk to other renters in the area to make a good estimate on these numbers so you can budget for them each month.

Food

Food is an essential to live, but it is a discretionary expense. This means that you can choose to spend as much or as little on food as possible. When you dine out, you will have a larger budget for food, but when you are trying to save money, you can eat at home. Buying groceries is a great way to save money on food, but it does not suit all lifestyles. Consider your lifestyle and be reasonable when setting your monthly food budget.

Parking

Some apartment complexes offer free parking for their residents. Others require street or city parking. Some tenants may also want to upgrade their parking with access to a garage or interior parking spot. Be sure to ask these questions when you are choosing an apartment to live in so you can choose an affordable place with the features you need.

By understanding the expenses involved in apartment renting, you can prepare for the financial responsibility associated with this new journey. If you are looking for affordable apartments for rent in Jacksonville, FL, check out The Lofts at Wildlight.