4 Things To Know When You’re Looking To Move

Create a budget – and stick to it

One of the biggest problems that renters can fall into is going over their budget and then struggling to make rent and other payments. Spend some time looking at your income and your necessary outgoings, and make sure that you have got a comfortable fit for your monthly rent. It’s also important to keep in mind the extra bills that you might not think about at first – we’re talking water bills, electricity, council tax. Some places will include your bills, but you need to check this, as this could massively increase your outgoings without you realising.

Outline needs vs wants

Needs and wants in the home can often blur into one, but knowing the difference and sticking to them will ultimately help you find a better place to commit to. You might really like the idea of an extra bedroom, or a balcony with a view, but if you need specific features, like storage, a walk-in shower for mobility, or access to an outside space for a pet, you need to prioritise those needs ahead of any wants. In the ideal world, you’ll find somewhere that fits both of these, but always focus on your needs first – a want can always come in your next place.

Choose your location

Whether you want to be close to where you’re studying or working, or you’re willing to commute, you need to be in the right area to be able to live your life smoothly. Typically, living in Manchester offers you a great level of public transport, so you don’t always need to be on the doorstep of your school or workplace, but there are areas that have less transport options – and sometimes we just want to live in the best spot for us. Work out a few options that are feasible for you location-wise and focus on those areas – there’s nothing worse than finding your dream home to then find out that it’s way too far out for your day-to-day life.

Do your research

There are too many horror stories out there of too-good-to-be-true rental opportunities that – well, were just too good to be true. Make sure that you research the company that you’re renting from, and that you feel comfortable moving forward with them; and most importantly, don’t ignore any red flags. If it’s really difficult to get hold of someone during the intial stages, this can be an indicator that the support level when you move in might be quite low, or if you’re seeing properties that just don’t look the same as the adverts, it might be time to switch to somewhere else. A reputable letting agent will support you throughout the rental process, and continue that help when you’ve moved in, so don’t settle for less – after all, if you’re going to be living somewhere for an extended period of time, you want to know that if you need any help, it’ll be available.

What are some key things that you focus on when looking to move home? Let us know over on our socials – and if you’re currently looking for a new home, reach out today and let us make it easier for you.