There are just some things you are going to miss about not living in a house anymore. If you don't prepare yourself mentally for what is ahead, you will have a hard time adjusting and in time you might not have the best relationship with your landlord.
1. Smaller space.
Going from a spacious home to small rooms will bring you some grief especially when you realize you can't fit everything into your new space. You might become upset having to get rid of some things.
2. Noises.
The maintenance staff, landscape crew, crying babies, loud talking, animals, music, parties, etc. all the noise can really get to you especially when you are trying to sleep. Find out what the noise hours are at your community. Sometimes landlords aren't always on top of this, so remind them. Keep in mind to close your windows when doing something loud and watch the noise volume in your place so that no one will report you and your family.
3. Strangers.
Community living has its share of people you know and those you don't. Relatives of neighbors will visit, people will move in and move out around you, and you may not like all the strange faces coming and going. You can get to know neighbors if that will make you feel somewhat comfortable; otherwise learn to tolerate what you see until you can move again.
4. Papers on your door.
This bothers some people more than others. Those envelopes and fliers can mean something good or bad such as: water shut off due to maintenance, outages, late rent, promotions, community events, etc. Read them and post the important ones up within your dwelling so you won't forget dates.
5. Mood swings.
Some days will be worse than others when you think of what you might have had to sacrifice to be in the apartment. Try to focus on the good things when those negative emotions show up. Be grateful that you aren't outdoors. Start planning to move again if you really don't like where you currently live, it will make you feel better.
6. Assigned parking.
Things will come up and if you aren't parked in the right spot or don't move your vehicle when requested by management, you will have your share of issues. Sometimes visitors might park in your spot or you in theirs. If your car should be towed or if you are responsible for getting your neighbor's car towed, you won't be happy. Apartment communities have their share of upgrades year round so pay close attention to announcements that there will be some things happening in the community parking lot. Also, notify management immediately when you discover someone is parked in your spot.
7. Annual rent increases.
This isn't always mentioned when you first move-in, but read your lease contract. You don't want to be that guy or gal cursing about the rent increase during lease renewal.
8. Offensive Odors
The odors can be annoying especially if you don't like certain meals people prepare.
9. Pets
If you aren't use to the smell of an animal or barking, you won't like your neighbor's pet(s). Be sure that you don't accept a unit near someone with a pet.
10. Busybodies
They may sit around the outside of your apartment or visit too frequently with neighbors. This can be irritating if you are a private person and are not interested in being social with others.
Moving from a house to an apartment is tough, try focusing on the positives like: no more cutting grass, paying large bills, worrying over something breaking down, etc. You now can count on the apartment management team to help!
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