Decisions, decisions...

Okay, I need help from you guys, because apparently I suck at making up my own mind. The plan was that I was moving into a new, larger apartment on Sept. 15 (the building is right next door and managed by the same super as my current building). Tonight I got a call from the super, offering me another apartment, which has just become available, and now I can't make up my mind whether to go with the original apartment, or the new one he's offered.

Apartment A: is in a building with an elevator, an address that will allow my packages to be shipped to the post office just up the street instead of the one 20 minutes and two bus rides away (probably doesn't seem like a big deal, but it is huge to me as I get a lot of packages, so this is a regular hassle), and has a laundry room with several washers and dryers so that I can do all of my loads of laundry at once. The apartment itself is a decent size (bigger than my current one), but the kitchen and dining room are extremely small and cramped, and the layout is not great. This apartment also has parquet floors, which I do not find attractive. It does, however, have a great view.

Apartment B: is in my current building (which would make moving somewhat easier and less time consuming), without an elevator and on a high floor, which really, really sucks for bringing groceries home or taking laundry downstairs, etc. It's ina different postal code than the building next door, believe it or not, so the post office issue. Also, the laundry room only has one washer and one dryer, so I either have to spend hours doing one load after the other, going up and down the stairs, or haul everything to the laundrymat. The apartment itself, however, is nicer - it is larger (not *hugely* larger, but enough that it is noticeable) and has a nicer layout. It has gorgeous hardwood floors instead of parquet. The view sucks, though.

So - help me out here - which apartment would you go with? Thanks in advance!

(For the record, I realise that floors and views and such are not the most important considerations, but all of the very important factors, eg. rent, pet policies, etc. are exactly the same for both apartments, so they don't really factor into the decision in this case)

I'd got with that first one, the elevator is, to me, a HUGE issue and selling point. Also, you can cover up unattractive floors to some extent with area rugs. Can't do much about a layout, unfortunately, but you'd be surprised how you can work around such things. It also sounds like overall what the first apt will save you is TIME; doing your laundry, and saving trips to the PO for your packages. And as they say, time is money .

Cindy

I think the first one would be better as well. The fact that you can do your laundry at once, and that you can get packages easier(since you say you get them often) is a plus in my opinion.

i vote for apartment A.

first of all, you have to move. Regardless of whether its in teh same building or beside your building, you still have to pack/organize your stuff in order to move.

laundry, an elevator and your packages coming closer are good.

parquet floors, i have no idea what that means, i'm guessing linoleum or something. Put cute rugs like another poster suggested, or even try and convince your landlord to put in new hardwood looking linoleum (you know that stuff?).

it sucks that the kitchen is tiny and cramped, but do you cook a lot? have a lot of people over? If not, i would get one of those cool metal rack thingys and turn the dining room or at least half of it into more kitchen storage.

I say apartment A....
I was doing a pro/con list in my head and once I got to pro's for Apartment B, the first one is that it has a nicer layout and hardwood floors. I think that you can do as others have mentioned and put in rugs to cover the floors. As far as space there are many things you can do to work around having small space.
The only other pro for Apartment B is that it is in your building so moving is easier and less time consuming...... carrying loads of groceries up without an elevator, and doing laundry one load at a time and have "travel time" with it is going to add up to much more time in the end than what you would have saved moving there.

A for sure...but I am lazy...lol

Originally Posted by RoseHawke

I'd got with that first one, the elevator is, to me, a HUGE issue and selling point. Also, you can cover up unattractive floors to some extent with area rugs. Can't do much about a layout, unfortunately, but you'd be surprised how you can work around such things. It also sounds like overall what the first apt will save you is TIME; doing your laundry, and saving trips to the PO for your packages. And as they say, time is money

.

Cindy

Click to expand...

That says it all. Definitely have to go with A.

I vote for A, too! Those conveniences that you mention are all very important. You are right to consider layout, though - I find it difficult to get motivated to clean rooms that I consider ugly.

Apartment A, yup!

Apartment A, convenience is a very important factor to me. You may want to play with the furniture to improve on the layout.

I'd go with your first option, but in the end, it's really up to you.

'A' for me too. The elevator/washing machines may not seem like a big deal now, but give it 6 months and you'll be wishing you had them.

I said A, it sounds like it would be much more convenient overall. Just get some cute throw rugs and decorate it nicely. Every apartment is what you make of it. I think the elevator alone would be enough reason for me, lol.

I go with "a" also. I think views would be nice. Multiple washer/dryers/elevator are all pluses. I also concur with the others on the flooring and kitchen ideas.

Thanks everyone! Well, I ended up going with Apartment A - after a lot of thought and consideration, the amenities at the other building are much more important to me than an extra 50 sq feet and nicer floors. Thank you for helping me to decide!

still vote for A....let us know what happens

Appartment A is the best

Go with A, for it's the best of the two options.

Have you ever considered buying your own home ? ?

Rent money is spent money, it is said, and you should be able to save enough for a down payment in a year or so, and if it takes you longer, you would still be ahead of the game if you have your own place.

No one to tell you to move, or you can't do this or that.

Ownership lets you really feel comfortable, if it is at all possible, and after 10 years, you would have quite a bit of equity built up instead of 50 or 60 thousand dollars worth of rent receipts.

Leonard.