So, you’ve finally flown the coop, moved out of your parents house, and are headed to Pune - one of the most exciting cities for young people in India. We’re sure your emotions are through the roof as you check out flats for rent in Wakad and imagine your dream home.
Well, you’re headed in the right direction, and we want to be there to support you as much as possible. Because setting up a life in your first apartment can involve a few hits and misses.
So, we’re here to tell you eight secrets that will help you immensely when you’re in the middle of this process.
Be realistic about your budget
When you move into a flat and pay your monthly rent, your first instinct is to think that the biggest chunk of your expenditure is out of the way, and you’re free to enjoy the rest of your income in the way that you want.
Well, we’re sorry to burst your bubble, but rent isn’t the only essential cost on your plate. The thing with first time renters is that you can often forget about the other living expenses and utilities that you need to pay for on a monthly basis.
This includes electricity, gas, internet, food and a whole lot more. Your flat may or may not include some of these services within the monthly rent itself, so when you make your budget, make sure you factor in all these real-life expenses so you don’t end up broke.
Be financially prepared if you’re planning to rent for more than a year
The traditional lease period for flats in Pune tends to be eleven months, but you could be so comfortable and happy in your home that you want to stay there longer.
This is a smart move if you really like your flat and helps you save on moving costs. But extending your lease beyond a year will mean that your rent goes up a bit too.
So, factor that in when you move. If the flat you’re renting is already at the maximum limit that your budget can stretch, you won’t be able to afford an increment at the end of the year (and will have to end up moving anyway).
So, make sure you’re saving enough or have a strong financial plan in place to keep you going.
Higher rent can be worth it
When you’re looking for a place to stay, the cheaper the better, right? Well, not always.
You might find a place in Pune that seems like a steal in terms of rent but if it doesn’t include utilities, it might end up being more expensive for you in the long run.
This is because you’ll have to go out of your way to arrange, set up and pay for all the utilities you need including electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, etc.
But on the flipside, if you find a flat with a higher rent that includes some, if not all, of these utilities, you’ll actually end up saving a whole lot more. Plus, you’ll have way fewer bills to keep track of every month, making life a lot more convenient for you.
Prioritise based on your needs
Your broker will try to tell you that the more your flat and its building can offer you, the better it is. But that’s not always the case.
You need to judge your future home based on how well it suits your lifestyle. Your building having a pool is of no use to you if you can’t swim.
And if you have a pet who needs regular walks, you probably won’t be able to stay in a tiny studio. So, make a list of things that are important to you in a home and customise it to match your wants and needs.
Visit the flat
Pictures may be worth a thousand words, but when it comes to looking for flats for rent in Aundh, it’s best to do the viewing yourself.
It’s easy to make a picture look good by playing with the angle or lighting, but you can’t hide the truth in real life. Schedule an appointment to visit some prospective apartments, check out their facilities and speak to some people who live in the building.
This will give you an idea of what to expect when you move in, how spacious the flat really is, what problems the place has and the culture of the building.
Have a tool kit handy
Okay first things first, before you move into your flat, ensure that your landlord has done any maintenance or repair work that they were supposed to deliver.
This could be anything from giving the place a fresh coat of paint or repairing a patch of damp in the walls. And while your landlord may agree to be responsible for maintenance of the place while you live there, it’s best to handle minor repairs and issues on your own.
Have a set of tools ready with you when you move into your flat. Mounting hooks, extra batteries, and a screwdriver can go a long way towards making your place feel like home.
Set up your kitchen ASAP
Ah unpacking - everyone’s least favourite part about moving to a new city. It can be easy to put this task off for weeks and keep living out of boxes and suitcases in the interim.
But the longer you do this, the less your new flat will feel like your home. Sure, surviving on takeaway every other night can seem exciting at first, but nothing beats the first meal you’ll cook in your own kitchen. So, don’t put off unpacking this part of your flat.
It should be the first thing you prioritise once you finish setting up your bedroom and bathroom. Then stock up your fridge and you’ll find your flat is a whole lot more comfortable and warmer.
Clean up
Once upon a time you lived at home and your parents picked up after you. But those days are gone now. And as a real adult, you have to master the art of cleaning your home.
And that means investing in the right supplies and creating a routine. It’s a good practice to wash up as you go in the kitchen so that you never have to handle a sink full of dirty dishes. Set a particular day of the week when you’ll do your laundry.
And make sure you give your flat a dusting every couple of days so that you’re not surrounded by grime and dirt. It can be quite cathartic to deep clean your space so make it a habit to keep your flat neat and tidy.
And there you have it. With these top tips and secrets, you’ll find it easier than ever to move into your new flat and call it home. So, welcome to your new life!
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