Moving to a new city
How do I plan a trip to find an apartment in another city?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Plan a trip of two to four days, about a month before your move date, with viewings booked before you land. Group viewings by neighborhood, see three to five places a day, bring your application documents on your phone, and keep one spare day for second looks and applying.
The trip only works if the groundwork is done first. Arriving with no appointments means spending half the visit on messages and missed calls.
- Two weeks before: shortlist neighborhoods and contact ten or more listings, since many will rent before you arrive.
- One week before: confirm viewing times in writing and map them so you are not crossing the city between each.
- Day one: viewings, then walk the best area in the evening.
- Day two: more viewings, and ride your real commute at rush hour.
- Last day: second looks, then apply on the spot for the place you want.
Bring what an application needs: ID, recent pay stubs or an offer letter, bank statements, references and a way to pay fees through a portal. Good places near move-in season can be gone in a day, and the person who applies before leaving the building often gets it.
Stay somewhere central to your shortlist, and eat and shop in the neighborhoods you are considering. An hour in the local grocery store tells you more than any listing description.
Want the whole picture? Read How to Find Housing Before You Move to a New City.