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I would stay in an extended-stay hotel for a week or two and look at apartments during that time. I might do some advance 'footwork' on the internet, looking for property management companies or large apartment buildings in the area, that might have vacancies available upon my arrival, so that I have a running list the minute I arrive.
If I had friends in the area, I might ask for their help or input on ads I've seen, but I wouldn't really want to impose so much as to have them tour different apartments I want to consider.
another suggestion utilizing craig's list or local paper - check sublets/temporary housing - in some cases, people are moving and will leave some furniture - in others, the places are furnished already -
it may be worth it to get a more extended stay in that manner without the usual deposits/fees/etc and really explore the place you are considering prior to making a commitment. You might find that you like the present choice and stay there. You might find in your exploring that another part of town is far more to your liking and you aren't locked in to an extended lease.
If you have a lot of stuff to move, you could use storage in your present locale and only take the bare minimum for your exploration period. You might be able to negotiate with the present occupant the issue of utllities as well thus avoiding deposits and connection fees. Obviously, the present occupant would want to figure out how to do this in an acceptable manner to them.
Presently doing these sort of scenarios in my head and it is amazing what is out there - I actually found a place where the person had prepaid for 13 months and was willing to accept 1/2 the rental cost to take the place for the remaining 11 months. A lump sum was needed up front. It actually checked out/spoke with the management etc but the place didn't work for me so I passed it up. With that said....................
do watch for scams - they are there - don't give out personal information particularly if there is a person offering a lovely house to house sit and watch their dogs and love them like family while the rest of the family goes to China/Europe/extended training/the list goes on......if it sounds too good to be true..................................be a smart little hobbit.
I moved site unseen before and used an apartment locator service that was free. They actually did a really good job in giving me the type of area that I wanted to be in. But I would recommend going and looking for yourself if at all possible.
I moved site unseen before and used an apartment locator service that was free. They actually did a really good job in giving me the type of area that I wanted to be in. But I would recommend going and looking for yourself if at all possible.
did you stay in a hotel untill your apartment was ready to move into?
I have done this both ways and I don't suggest renting a place without seeing it. When I moved to a state without a place I stayed in a hotel with a weekly rate. Before I made the move I did the research online and made apts if it was through a private owner. The apartment complexes I called to see availabilty and price. Most could do a credit check within a day and you could move in a day or two later.
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