Moving into your first apartment is an exciting step. It brings with it a completely new freedom and independence, but at the same time it also brings with it many challenges and obligations. It is therefore important to prepare it well and to have a clear overview of the required furnishings, costs and the most important contact persons right from the start. So that you don't lose track, we have summarized the most important tips for you in our clear checklist.
My first apartment – keep an eye on costs
The monthly rent payment is usually the largest financial obligation when moving into your own apartment. What is often forgotten is that this also includes additional costs such as heating, water, garbage collection and janitorial services. If you don't want to tighten your belt at the end of the month, always keep an eye on them and set aside enough financial cushion for possible emergencies. Here is an overview of the most important cost centers.
Grundmiete
This is the amount you have to pay monthly for just using the apartment. Its amount depends, among other things, on the size and location of the apartment, but also on current developments in the rental market.
extra costs
Additional costs are additional costs that arise in addition to the basic rent. These include heating costs, water costs, waste collection costs and cleaning costs for common areas of the building. Find out from your landlord how much they are and how they are billed.
Rental deposit
As a rule, landlords require a deposit, which is usually one to three months' rent. They serve as security for possible damages and outstanding payments at the end of the rental agreement. The rental deposit is usually placed in a separate account (rental deposit account) and is repaid after you move out of the apartment, provided there are no damages or rent payments are outstanding.
Costs for TV and internet
These costs are usually incurred by external providers. A regular comparison can be worthwhile in order to find a cheaper offer.
Pay close attention to power consumption
Before you sign an electricity contract, you should compare different suppliers. This means you can often quickly find the tariff that best suits your needs. Pay attention not only to the prices, but also to the contract conditions, customer service and possible additional services such as green electricity or bonus programs.
To estimate your monthly electricity costs, calculate your expected consumption and the tariff you choose. It's best to compare with friends of yours who have a similar apartment size. Also take seasonal fluctuations into account, for example due to higher electricity consumption in winter for lighting and possibly heating. Based on this information, you can compare different tariffs and make a realistic estimate of your monthly electricity costs.
Remember that your consumption may also change depending on how you use your new home and which electrical devices you use. For this reason, a financial cushion should always be kept ready. Otherwise it can happen e.g Rent increases due to rising energy costs financial bottlenecks can quickly arise.
Benefit from our 48-hour advantage with a personal search order – receive the latest real estate offers before they appear on the public real estate portals.
Insurance – household contents and liability are a must
When it comes to your first apartment, you should always plan for sufficient financial cushion for insurance. What should be highlighted here are household contents and liability insurance.
Household contents insurance protects your belongings from damage caused by theft, fire, water and other dangers. It typically covers movable items such as furniture, electronics, clothing and valuables. In the event of damage, the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged or stolen items will be covered by the insurance. Before you take out home contents insurance, you should realistically assess the value of your household contents to ensure that you are adequately insured. Take into account the new value of your possessions, as this forms the basis for the insurer's calculation.
Private liability insurance is also essential, as it protects you against claims for damages from third parties that arise from your own negligence. It covers personal injury, property damage and financial loss that you cause to others. This can happen, for example, if you accidentally damage objects or cause physical harm to someone. Private liability insurance covers the costs of claims for damages and possible legal disputes. It is important to choose a sufficiently high level of coverage in order to be financially protected in the event of an emergency.
Furnishings for your first apartment – that’s what you need
If you are renting your first apartment, the furnishings naturally play a central role. Here you should first think about which pieces of furniture you really need in everyday life. This usually includes a bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers for storing clothes, a dining table with sufficient seating and a comfortable seat such as a sofa or armchair. This basic equipment forms the framework for your home and offers you the opportunity to furnish yourself comfortably.
In addition, the kitchen equipment is an important part of the home furnishings. Think of cookware such as pots and pans in different sizes, cutlery, plates, glasses and cups. You will also need basic household appliances such as a refrigerator, a stove or hotplate, an oven or microwave, and a kettle. Also, make sure you have enough storage space for food and kitchen utensils by using shelves, cabinets, or a kitchen island.
To keep your apartment clean and tidy, you will of course need a basic set of cleaning utensils and products. These include all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners, bathroom and floor cleaners as well as cleaning equipment such as brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners and cleaning rags. Don’t forget to include trash bags, sponges, and brushes for cleaning dishes and surfaces.
Of course, owning your first apartment not only brings with it responsibilities, but also offers you great opportunities to develop yourself and add your personal touch. Be guided by your personal tastes and style preferences and choose suitable decorative items such as pictures, vases, cushions, pictures, carpets and curtains. Houseplants can also make a great contribution to beautifying your home.
Don't forget to register and re-register
When you move into your first home, you will also need to complete some important registrations to ensure that you are legally registered correctly. The most important thing is the obligation to report. It means that you have to register with the local residents' registration office relatively quickly after you move in. The deadline can vary depending on the federal state, but you're on the safe side with around two weeks. This is how your place of residence is officially documented.
In addition to registering, you also have to notify your bank or existing insurer of the change of address and set up a mail forwarding order. Subscriptions to newspapers and magazines should also be adjusted to the new address. It is also advisable to inform your treating doctors of the change of address.
It is still mandatory to pay the broadcasting fee, which you unfortunately have to pay even if you do not own a television or radio or do not use the programs of the public broadcasters at all. Don't forget to complete registrations on time, otherwise legal consequences and inconveniences may arise.
Benefit from our 48-hour advantage with a personal search order – receive the latest real estate offers before they appear on the public real estate portals.
Conclusion – there are a lot of things to consider when buying your first apartment
Stepping into your first apartment is a significant milestone on the path to personal independence. It opens up new opportunities, freedoms and responsibilities, but also requires thorough planning and preparation. From choosing the right apartment to considering all costs to purchasing insurance, every decision contributes to creating a comfortable and safe home. We hope our tips make it easier for you to get started in your own life and wish you much success in the new phase of your life.
Are you looking for a suitable home? We would be happy to support you in your search with our free search request with a 48-hour advantage.
