Moving into a new home can be as nerve-racking as it is exciting. There are so many things to consider and to comply with—from making sure you find the right condo for rent to waddling through a complex legalese that could easily get you all tied up in a knot. These complexities often leave first-time renters beset with worries. But as you will soon realize, these are mostly just fear of the unknown. The more you arm yourself with knowledge and know-how, the less worrisome the process becomes. Read on about the things you are likely to be worried about, and the ways you can address them.

Upfront costs ballooning out of proportion

One of the things first-time renters worry about is the upfront costs of condo leasing. While this is a valid concern, it should not keep you up at night if you’ve done your homework. Talk to your agent. Make sure you are aware of what every fee is for.

Almost all lessors require a security deposit. This is to protect the landlord in case you neglect your unit and skip town without a word. As long as you don’t get this delinquent, you will get your deposit back once your contract is over. You may also have to pay a month’s rent in advance and application fees. As long as you are dealing with trusted agents and developers, everything should be straightforward.

Monthly costs that may no longer be affordable in the long run

Monthly expenses make first-time renters jittery. Rent, after all, is not the only expense you will have to deal with every month. You need to take into account utility bills, association fees, parking rental, among other things. You can easily stay on top of things though if you have the right budgeting skills. If this is not your forte, cultivate it. Budgeting is not rocket science, and is definitely something you can learn. And as long as you are dealing with trusted lessors, you should not have to worry about hidden fees catching you off guard. Your contract will also protect you from any unfair demands. Yet again, this boils down to dealing only with trusted lessors.

You may not be able to afford the stuff you will need in your new home

First-time renters are often both excited and wary about furnishing their new home. You are probably already playing several ideas in your mind about how it’s going to look like. Remember that most of the ideas you are toying with are more in the arena of wants and needs. Going overboard with your spending spree is definitely avoidable. Think of the bare necessities first, and budget accordingly. Otherwise, these are all just unnecessary worries.

All the stuff you want to take with you

One of the biggest challenges of moving to a new home is resisting the urge to take all your stuff with you. Do not allow your hoarding tendencies to take over. Most knick knacks are better left where they belong—in the past. You will thank yourself for the extra room and breathing space.

The terms of your lease agreement might get you into trouble

Many first-time renters worry a little too much about the legalese of their lease agreement. Sure, the document can be daunting, but it’s not a riddle that is impossible to figure out. Read it over carefully. You should also ask your lessor to give you time to review the documents before signing anything. You can then ask people you trust to check the terms of the agreement. Once you’ve done your homework, there should be no reason to lose sleep over the contract. Although the process can be stressful, it’s a great experience all the same. Your lease agreement is only the first of the many contracts you will have to deal with as an adult. It’s great practice!

Having to deal with nightmare neighbors

It’s one of the things renters worry about when moving to a new place: nightmare neighbors. People who do not clean after themselves or are too noisy can have a toll on your peace of mind. So yes, this is a valid concern. But it is not completely out of control. For one, you can choose to live in a property with a well-functioning management. That way, you can be sure all the rules are properly enforced. You can then make sure you will be living in an environment that allows for privacy and peace. First-rate developers like DMCI Homes often have a track record for effective property management. You won’t have to deal with the unknown.

You may not be able to take your furry friend with you

Get this worry out of your way by talking to your landlord. Other tenants simply choose to keep owning a pet a secret, but that could only get you into unnecessary trouble. Even if the building allows pets, there may be restrictions in terms of breed and weight. It’s best to know what you are getting yourself into beforehand. You will also want to know if the place will provide a happy environment for your furry friend. Most first-rate developments are pet-friendly. Yet again, it all boils down to choosing the right developer.

It may not be in the best location

Relocating can be a long and stressful process. This is why many renters worry a lot about whether they have chosen the best location. But this is not something that is hard to figure out. Before doing your condo search, make sure you are clear about your priorities. Should it be close to work or school? Are there any amenities you must absolutely have? Do an on-site check so you can make sure everything is in place. Make sure you go beyond just the unit when doing your ocular visit. Check the common areas and amenities. Take the time to observe the immediate surroundings. Is it the right neighborhood for you? Do you feel comfortable and safe? Many developers take all these key concerns into consideration, so finding the right condo for rent in Metro Manila should not be hard. Yet again, once you’ve done your homework there’s no point worrying.

The heavy task of moving your stuff into your new place

Moving is hard work, and you will need all the help you can get. But there is no getting around the heavy hauling of stuff, so you might as well just get it out of the way. The sooner, the better. There’s no need to waste time brooding over how difficult it will be. Just get it done. You’ll be so relieved when it’s over. The peace of mind will be all worth it.

Not having enough storage space to keep things in order

Most condo units only have the basics for your storage space, such as kitchen cabinets and wardrobe closets. With the right organization acumen though, this should not be an issue. There are so many ingenious ways you could create your own storage spaces that this is more of a fun project opportunity than a problem.

Choosing the right decorating theme

There is such a wide variety of interior design themes that you will never run out of options. Ironically, this becomes a problem for many first-time renters. There’s just too many to choose from that they become indecisive. Don’t make this a source of headache for you. Assess your own sense of style and the exact functions you need in your home, then hone in on a theme that best meets all these. This way, you can spend the rest of the time just having fun with your decorating project. You get to avoid design mistakes as well!

Condo renting in the Philippines is a highly sought-after dwelling option. Do not get too bogged down with worries that you forget about just what an exciting milestone it is. Get things done and remember to have fun. Enjoy your new home!