In your search for a new apartment, there are numerous considerations. Size, number of rooms, location, appliances, amenities, and then, of course, rent. But when it comes to deciding what apartment to rent there are two factors that can often conflict with each other, all things being equal. Should you opt for more space, or should you look for an apartment that has all the amenities you would like to have? We provide our two cents worth on this very pragmatic question.
Do You Really Need More Space?
More is more when it comes to space, right? Who doesn't want a bigger place, after all? Well, it depends on what your needs are. If you're currently in a small two-bedroom apartment, and your family feels cramped and at odds with each other due to the lack of elbow room, the answer might be very simple. Get a bigger place that has more rooms or larger rooms than your current apartment if you can afford it. Space might just be your only priority because your living situation is just far too cramped.
Consider the fact that each person needs a bare minimum of 200 square feet but would actually be happier with about 450 square feet (your average single family home is about 2,000 square feet). That 450 square foot number includes an average sized bed, cooking space, sitting area, and a bathroom. If you're actually fine with your current amount of square footage, then at least factor whether or not you have kids who will likely need bigger things, more possessions, and more space as they grow. If not, you may be just fine.
Do Amenities Matter All That Much?
So, what are amenities? Well, they're perks that come with your rental agreement and are accessible by tenants. They come in various forms and they might include such things as:
- Utilities included
- High-speed internet
- In-unit laundry
- Fitness center
- Pets allowed
- Swimming pool
- Garage parking
- Electric vehicle charging stations
Of course, no apartment complex comes with every single one of the aforementioned amenities, but some have at least a couple, which makes the rentals much more attractive. The amenities that make your actual living space more attractive, like in-unit laundry, utilities included, pets allowed, etc. are the stronger draw in our opinion because it means you'll make use of them pretty much all the time. Whereas things like a fitness center, a meeting room, or a swimming pool might not get used all that much. Of course, there is the parking garage, which renters will no doubt use on a daily basis.
The real question is how much these things matter and if you'd sacrifice more space in order to have these amenities. We'd like to say a bigger apartment costs about the same as a smaller one with amenities, but there are so many variables. You have to weigh what matters to you. Amenities send the rental price up, as does square footage. Think about the needs of your and your family, versus desires and make the decision that best meets your needs, as well as some desires. If your follow that order, then you should be fine in the end.
