Thinking About Renting? 7 Apartment Amenities You Need to Have
Apartment living gets a bad reputation. While it is certainly true that you don’t have as much freedom as homeowners in areas like renovations, it comes with many undervalued perks. Renting an apartment means that you don’t have to worry about the cost of repairs and it is easier to move at any given time. Plus, it can even reduce your environmental impact by decreasing your natural resource usage. However, to ensure that your new apartment feels like home, you should consider what amenities you want and need.
While you will probably want the comforts you find in homeownership, such as a laundry facility, you may also want to seek value-added amenities that are more unique to rentals, like in-building fitness classes.
If you are considering renting, check out these 7 must-have apartment amenities to make your new home comfortable and functional.
Outdoor space
We are spending more time indoors than ever, so outdoor space should be at the top of your priority list.
You want to look for amenities that offer you a chance to get some fresh air and relax. This may be a private balcony, a shared garden terrace, or a rooftop pool like the Chicago apartment, the Bush Temple (pictured). Outdoor areas that provide us with a connection to nature are crucial since they have been shown to provide mental health benefits, such as reduced stress and anxiety. If these spaces include plants and other elements that simulate nature, the more potent the benefits will be.
Laundry
No one wants to take time out of their busy schedule to haul their dirty clothes to the laundromat.
Look for an apartment that offers washer and dryer hookups. This means you’ll never have to go out of your way for laundry, you won’t need to have change on hand, and there is no waiting in a queue for the machines. However, suppose private laundry isn’t an option. In that case, a shared laundry facility in the building is still better than the laundromat. You won’t have to travel far for laundry and it can be a good place to meet people that live in your building.
Parking
There is nothing worse than coming home after a long day and having to circle the block or parking lot to find a space.
With assigned parking, you never have to worry about where you will park since you’ll have the same reserved spot every day. A close second to assigned parking is a parking garage. While these usually don’t offer designated spots, they will protect both you and your vehicle from the elements. Plus, a parking garage also means that if you live in a snowy area, you won’t have to waste time scraping your car after a winter storm. Both of these options usually offer designated guest parking as well, making it a breeze for your friends and family to find a spot when they visit.
Temperature Control
Not being able to control the temperature can lead to a lot of discomfort.
Too hot or too cold. Not matter which one you think is worse, chances are you will run into both of these issues if you don’t have temperature control within your apartment. You want to make sure that you have full control over the heat in your apartment. Many people also find air conditioning very handy, especially in hotter climates. However, if a central cooling system isn’t available, there are always portable air conditioners which are easy to install—just be sure to check the rental agreement to see if adding your own air conditioning comes with a monthly fee.
Carpet-Free
Carpet can irritate allergies, traps odors, and is easy to stain.
There is no doubt that carpet can make a home feel cozier, but there is little advantage of having one built-in. Hardwood, tile, vinyl, and other similar materials are easier to clean, don’t retain odors, and are far less susceptible to staining. Therefore, consider opting for an apartment that is free of carpet. If you still want the style and warmth that a carpet provides or want to dampen the acoustics in your apartment, you can always add an area rug. These come in virtually every color and design. Plus, they can easily get swapped out when they are past their prime.
Fitness Facilities.
Having a fitness facility such as a pool or gym right on site can make you more inclined to exercise.
A trip to the gym can easily fall off of the schedule for busy days. After all, when you take into account the commute, showering, and the workout itself, it can be quite time-consuming. This is why a fitness facility right on-site can make a huge difference. This amenity means you will no longer have the commute and you can shower at home. Some apartment complexes even offer fitness classes if you need an extra boost of motivation or are interested in socializing with your neighbors.
Communal Spaces
Living in areas with a high cost of living means that many can only afford small studio apartments—making hosting merely impossible.
In these situations, communal spaces are invaluable. Think of them as an extension of your apartment. Often these lounges, game rooms, kitchen areas, and similar spaces are available for daily use. However, they also accept bookings for private events. So if you love to host, then you will finally have the space to do so! Another communal area that is in high demand right now is community gardens. These give urban kids a chance to learn a bit of agriculture, provide the community with a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, and even lower the area’s crime rate.
Apartment living is a good match for almost everyone—you just need to know what you’re looking for. We suggest making your own list by ranking your top priorities before you begin your apartment search. With a little luck and research, you’ll find your dream apartment in no time. Happy apartment hunting!
*Photo courtesy of FLATS Apartments