Check every knick and cranny. EVERYTHING.
this. aside from having like at least 5gz saved (you'll need it)
-also, visit the place/neighborhood at all hours of the day and night. the area might feel one way in the morning but be totally different at night
-see if the neighbors have kids; I had neighbors with kids who ran up and down on the floor all day/night (fukkin nightmare)
-knock on every door/cabinet/wall to make sure them shyts are solid
-jump on the floor in each room to make sure the shyt is solid, level and not squeaky
-make sure the bedroom/bathroom doors close the way they should
-check the outlets to see if they work
-make sure the paint job in the place is official and not just them painting over the same shyt a million times
-turn on the faucets in the bathroom (especially the hot water) to check the pressure and make sure the pipes aren't noisy (people overlook this)
-check the windows to see if they are properly sealed and close the way they should
-check for evidence of water leaks into your potential place from the apartment above you
-if possible, live on the top floor so no one is above you
-move in a smaller building; larger buildings can have roach/rat issues if not maintained properly
-hang out around the building for a while to get a feel for who the neighbors are and see who is coming in/out of the building
-take PLENTY of pics of the apartment (room to room) and take a goddamn walk thru video of the place also (take your time with both of these!!!)
-budget accordingly and get the important shyt first
-do all your deliveries (bed/couch) and installations (cable/internet) on the same damn day if possible
-mop/sweep/scrub the place before you even move in. maintenance people do a shytty job of this before you come in
-inspect your lease with a fine toothed comb. in case shyt goes wrong you need to be able to back outta that lease ASAP or get a lawyer involved
-be weary of a getting a roommate. you're better off staying at home longer and stacking that $$$ up. roommate situation aint for everyone
-dont splurge on dumb shyt. get a good bed, a decent couch and a decent TV
-buy most of your cleaning supplies from places like Family Dollar or Target because they have good deals
-if need be, change the locks on the front door of the apt; you never know who was coming/going in that place before you
-avoid living in a building that allows dogs/cats. the place will be a mess and the sounds of barking will drive you crazy
