There are many ways you can save money before and during your stay at a rental property. Renting an apartment is the most practical way for many people to live comfortably without breaking the bank. If you’re not ready to buy a home or commit to one place for more than a year or so, renting makes sense. Here are some ways to help you budget while renting.

How Apartment Renters Can Budget Well

1. Declutter to Avoid Storage

If the rental property you’re moving to is an apartment, you may be limited on space right away or later on. While you could rent a storage unit, the smarter financial decision is to purge your belongings of what you don’t need. Decluttering your stuff not only helps save you money, but it also makes you feel better. It can even help you make money—sell any items you no longer want or use online, or have a yard sale.

2. Plan Ahead for Deposits & Fees

There’s a lot more to budgeting for your apartment rental property than the flat rent fee every month. If you’re bringing a dog or cat, there will likely be a pet deposit to pay. Another common expense is the first month’s rent and a security deposit. Other fees may include a garage or parking space. Inquiring about and anticipating these costs ahead of time can help prevent you from getting hit with expenses you didn’t plan for.

3. Watch Energy Use Month to Month

You already know what your monthly rent is going to be. But many apartment renters are surprised by how much their utilities cost every month. This is especially true in particularly cold or warm seasons when you need to use the HVAC system more often. Be mindful of how and when you use energy. Make sure to turn the lights off at night and when you're not home. Turn the AC up a few degrees when you leave as well. Purchase energy-efficient lightbulbs and energy-saving window treatments before moving in. These small, one-time purchases can save you big in the long run.

David McDonald Rentals in Hinesville, GA, understands that it’s much easier for apartment renters to save money and budget wisely when they’re actually excited about the rental property they’ll be moving into. That’s why this family-owned rental property management company has been helping people find affordable living spaces for almost 30 years. Their rental properties use a secure web portal that will send rent payment reminders, so you never have to worry about missing your bills. Give them a call today at (912) 368-9218 to speak with a representative or visit their website to learn more about their properties.