What to Have on Your Minimalist First Apartment Checklist

Living in an apartment is easier and simpler for many people in comparison to living in a large home. Many people are happier and less stressed to live a minimalist lifestyle. When you live such a lifestyle, it prompts you to avoid buying too many pieces of furniture, clothing, and other items. It also provides the exact space you need and gives you the liberty to concentrate on other things. While there are people who love the large space so they can fix it up, nothing is wrong with wanting to live without all that clutter.

For that reason, apartment living is the next best option. Rather than spending weekends doing home renovation and maintenance in a large home, you can take your children to the pool in the apartment complex to have a good time or you can relax or take a nap. This is what you would call intentional living, which places emphasis on what really matters in life.

If you’re trying to make your minimalist first apartment checklist, this list of ideas will help you determine what is actually important in an apartment.

The Bones of the Apartment

When you’re going through your minimalist first apartment checklist, one thing you have to think about are the bones of the apartment, or the basics of what the apartment is built around. This could include contemporary architectural roofing, which is generally flat. The reason you should opt for a flat roof is that it will be crafted as a longer horizontal plane, similar to the broad horizon lines that you would see in nature. Typically, they are simplified in their functionality and form. They also emulate clean lines. Flat roofs tend to be the best choice for minimalist living because of the ability to cantilever it into overhangs so as to receive more shade and solar control. Unlike other styles of roofs, they are more accessible while providing extra living space such as a rooftop with a panoramic view of the adjacent landscape. These roofing structures also adapt to the ground’s contour whiches gives an impression of an extension provided by nature. The roof’s architecture complements its environment.

Within the apartment, you should notice the height of the ceiling, the layout of the apartment, the size of the windows and how they are placed, flooring, paneling, and appliances. These are the things that will be visible even if you or your landlord make upgrades to the apartment.

How Well Maintained It Is

In another breath, you should pay attention to how well maintained the apartment building is, but also the exterior. It is imperative that you notice if there is any asphalt paving repair. On the inside, you should query the plumbing fixture, making sure that it is in good working condition. You should also determine where the plumbing is installed. It must be installed out of sight and not where everyone can see it. Making sure that your future apartment is well-maintained should be near the top of your minimalist first apartment checklist for sure.

Even though your apartment may be smaller than usual, you still want to make sure that you can drive up and park your car in a neatly paved asphalt parking space. Look at the design of the space where unnecessary things should be eliminated and organized with a central concept to include the plumbing, laundry, and essential equipment in a closet space or possibly everything could be in one location away from prying eyes while dividing the sleeping and living spaces away from the bathroom and kitchen.

What the Landlord is Like

Of course, with every apartment, you should know what your landlord is like and this also includes renting a minimalist apartment too. The landlord is usually someone who understands the minimalist lifestyle and wants to find a tenant that does the same too. So, when you approach a landlord, you should make sure to articulate the reason why you have chosen this lifestyle and ask questions of the landlord so you form a better relationship and possibly get tips on how to take advantage of this small space.

But, more importantly, the landlord should know the landlord and tenant laws and follow them as well. The landlord should maintain safety standards, building codes and be reasonable with the amount of security deposit collected. You need a landlord that will be able to negotiate the monthly rent where it serves your budget well. The landlord is supposed to maintain the property and the building, and that is why having a good and understanding landlord should be placed high on your minimalist first apartment checklist. If you find that the property is not well maintained, you should be able to speak up about your concern or you may use that as a sign of trouble to come and continue looking for apartments.

Landlords should be welcoming, kind, strict about the rules, understanding, and courteous. These are just some of the qualities you should look for right away. Find out the different types of repairs the landlord is responsible for before you actually move in. Usually, the landlord is the one that takes care of all repairs, but you want to confirm this from the beginning. The rental contract should be produced by the landlord and signed by both parties upon agreeing to the terms.

Whether Laundry is Included

If you are renting an apartment, you should definitely ask whether there is access to a washing machine and dryer to do laundry, making it an important thing on your minimalist first apartment checklist. In most cases, when the apartment is smaller, the landlord will install one of the best top load washers, which are easy to place in a small space. Laundry is an important space due to its functionality for the residents. Even though it does not seem to deserve special attention, the laundry should practical and easy to access in a small apartment. Even though the space is small, it can be more functional, if it is well organized. In addition, the space of this type of property is limited and it can appear integrated into the kitchen and be visible to those who may visit.

Make sure that you have a good washer, a countertop, a tank, custom cabinets, and shelves. An organized environment, given the nature of the activity, is essential. Everything must be in place, but not necessarily closed in, but always organized. Hiding clutter is not a good solution. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the elements and colors that are used in the laundry room of the small apartment. In general, spaces with fewer elements and neutral colors give a feeling of spaciousness. White combined with other colors is a solution. The contrast breaks the monotony of an area that is naturally clear and boring.

But, even in apartments that have an integrated kitchen and laundry area, there are ways to divide them, even if the space is not so large. However, precisely for this reason, it is necessary to pay extra attention so that it does not weigh on the environment.

Safety Items

When it comes to renting an apartment of any kind, safety should be paramount. Therefore when you’re thinking of important things to add to your minimalist first apartment checklist, it is key to ask the landlord what kinds of safety measures have been taken and to get a list of whether safety equipment has been installed. These would include items like fire extinguishers, and it would be important to ask if a fire inspection has been done too. Fires can affect anyone’s accommodations and small apartments are no different. Moreover, a fire in a small apartment can turn quickly disastrous for its residents. Because of the small space and the fact that the kitchen features appliances on small counter tips, it is imperative that the apartment is protected against possible fires.

Other safety measures are the tenant’s responsibility and this includes things like installing a security system against theft and break-ins. It is the landlord’s responsibility to make sure that the locks are solid and intact. Make sure that there is a smoke detector installed. Exterior lighting should be on point so as to feel secure when entering the apartment. Window locks are advantageous especially when there are small children around.

Since the space in a small apartment is so tightly positioned, it is susceptible to small fires in the event you have a cooking mistake. Therefore, you must make sure a fire extinguisher is installed and easily accessible. It is recommended that you keep it in easy reach in the kitchen. Be sure that the fire extinguisher is not out of date.

When you are looking for a small apartment, one of the things to look for is how many large bushes are by the windows and doors. These types of bushes can make it easy for an assailant to hide in, which makes your apartment a better target. Ask the landlord to cut them so the entrance is clear and there is not enough room for a possible thief to hide.

Location

The location of your apartment determines many things: the quality of life, the choice of nearby educational institutions, traffic, and social interactions. It’s one of the most unchangeable things about your apartment, and that is why it should be considered on your minimalist first apartment checklist. It’s never a good idea to sacrifice an aspect as important as the location of the apartment even if at first glance you think you have found another apartment of your dreams. If you’re having a hard time finding the right apartment in the right place, consider shifting your budget range slightly to live in a neighborhood that you really love and that meets your needs.

If you have school-age children, their education is probably the main reason for choosing a specific apartment. Therefore, it would be beneficial to move close to the best educational institutions. Find out about the schools that are close to the neighborhood you are interested in living in and also find out what are the best options to determine if the location of the apartment is the right one. This way you won’t have to travel long distances by car to get the quality education you want for your children. Making sure that important things like schools are near your apartment is something that should definitely be on your minimalist first apartment checklist.

If you have a pet, then you also want to consider the location of vet services in comparison to where the apartment is located so you don’t have to take long trips to the vet. You also should think about a good long distance moving company so that when you get ready to move, you won’t have to look far for one.

With the right choice you will not only get to live in a good neighborhood, but you will also avoid spending endless hours in traffic. When looking for your new apartment, pay special attention to the distance between the apartments you like and the main access to public transport, such as buses and trains, as well as to major avenues. Calculate how much time the traffic will take you when commuting to and from work each day.

Unchangeable Features

Now, we have arrived at unchangeable features within the apartment that will be the catalyst to choosing that apartment. This might include engineered quartz countertops, especially, if you are the kind of person that loves nice things. Of course, you are going to have to take care of it while living in the apartment because any damages will be deducted from your security deposit. Other similar features may also exist and this could include light fixtures, kitchen fixtures, and bathroom fixtures that have been newly installed prior to your moving in. These are things you are not allowed to change because of your lease and may even determine how much you enjoy living there, which is why it’s important to include them on your minimalist first apartment checklist.

Amenities

Most small apartments do have an air conditioning unit installed. This is important in a small space especially during the summer months when it gets hot outside. It can get quite uncomfortable if there is no A/C unit. Ask the landlord whether it is central air or not. It is best to have central air because it has the ability to cool down the entire apartment. Having an air conditioning unit in your small apartment will save you a lot of agony and heat. Because it is a small apartment, you may not have to pay a high energy bill as you would in a larger space. You should also look for other amenities such as the ability to install Internet access and cable. Some apartments will allow you to use the water for free. Taking into account what your budget is with amenities added is important to ensure that your minimalist first apartment checklist is going to help you get your perfect apartment. Be sure to inquire from the landlord if that is included in the rent.

Finding the perfect apartment can be hard, but with a good minimalist first apartment checklist, you can make sure that your apartment is a good fit for you.

If you’re apartment hunting right now, what’s on your list? Let us know in the comments!