When you are moving locally, locating a new apartment is generally easy and all you have to do is to spend some time on online/offline classifieds and a personal visit to the places.

You already know what your new commute will be like, what the different localities are like and what reasonable lease charges are in the area.

On the other hand, when you are planning to move to a different city, you might know next to nothing and classified ads are not so useful for locating apartments when all you have to go by is a zip code.

However, an apartment search in an entirely new city is sometimes inevitable, whether you are moving for studies, job or for any reason.

So, here are some tips on how to simplify the whole apartment search process, even if you are thousands of miles away:

1. Take Assistance of A Realtor:

A smart move that you can make is to take assistance of a realtor, who is familiar with the area and can help you out in finding:

     • Which regions are safe ?
     • Whether some miles outside of the city is a miserable or doable commute?
     • What you should assume to get within your budget?

 working with a realtor. You can also ask your new friends or coworkers to recommend a realtor.

2. Don't Start Your Search Too Early:

I know you are ready to start your apartment search as soon as you have finalized your move date. But if you value your sanity, then don't start your search months ahead of the actual time.

You can certainly start browsing apartment listings and exploring neighborhoods to get an idea of leasing charges, but remember calling realtors or places is pointless in actual, because they won't be able to tell you what's really available on your move date for months.

3. Know Your Requirements:

Get in touch with your realtor (about two months before your moving date) and tell your preferences on things such as:

      • Rent,
      • Amenities 
      • Proximity to public transportation.

For instance: what's more essential to you a large kitchen or a large bedroom? A great unit or a complex including facilities like a gym or a doorman?

It is also vital for you to be very clear on your requirements & also your deal-breakers and don't just let the realtor's idea of an "amazing place" sway you from those.

If you don't have your own conveyance, don't confine yourself away from public transportation or other essential stores just to save some money each month on lease.

If you've a pet, then always look for a place that is pet-friendly and never sign a rental agreement for the apartment that doesn't allow it.

It's always ideal to determine what you can practically expect for your budget (because it certainly isn't the same from city to city).

Do a quick Google search for usual monthly leasing charges in the area and interact with friends (or friends of friends). You might not get a definite figure of what you will be paying, but it's always better than nothing.

4. Visit The Place If Possible :

If you are adventurous, you may feel confident to sign a leasing agreement based on pictures. But I don't recommend this.

It would be better if you can take some spare time about a month before your actual move date to visit to the new city (you're planning to move to) and check out some decent places.

Inform your realtor in advance about your personal visit, so that he/she can line-up some tours for you.

In addition to just checking out the apartment complex & unit, make sure to drive or walk around the locality and also interact with some locals in nearby coffee shops or bars about how they feel about the area.

If you have family or friends already residing in the new city, bring them along to know about the neighborhood. As they undoubtedly have an idea of what's a good deal for your money (and what's not).

Trust me, you can't do too much research, when it comes to the place you will be residing for at least one year. Most importantly, be patient & accept moving for the essential evil that it is.

I admit that searching an apartment is nerve-racking, but you will get through it, even though it is being done long-distance.

After signing a leasing agreement, thank your realtor with a nice note or maybe a bouquet of flowers, because if you made the wrong decision, you are going to need their assistance again in a year.