You’re all excited and telling everyone, “I’m getting an apartment,” but before you make that decision, you want to make sure you understand the ground rules before you move. Making note of some “getting an apartment tips” may help you avoid making the wrong decision.

If you’re still living at home where your parents have been somewhat relaxed about the rules concerning certain behavior, you may find apartment living rather restrictive. Some rules you may have to follow when living in an apartment include the following:

Restrictions on parking for guests

Time restrictions on loud parties (common courtesy should dictate this)

Limit the hours when your friends come to visit

Apartment must be kept clean in case landlord stops in for an inspection (allowed by law)

Certain activities prohibited outside such as drinking and loitering in the hallways or at the front door

Restrictions on certain musical instruments (such as drums) due to potential effect on neighbors (not necessarily a rule, but if you’re too loud, you face complaints from neighbors)

Keep dishes washed and food put away to avoid insects

Payment of bills must precede entertainment

Though most of these are just a matter of common courtesy, if you aren’t willing to do them, then you are not ready for an apartment. This is especially true when it comes to putting financial obligations before entertainment.

Getting an apartment is more than shouting “I’m getting an apartment.” It means learning to be responsible and willing to follow the rules of the complex where you choose to live. It means being courteous to neighbors by not allowing your friends to knock on your door at all hours of the night and insisting they leave quietly, if it is past the time most people go to sleep. If you live in a building with other people your age, you may not face that problem too much, but make it a habit in case there are neighbors who have to be up very early in the morning.

Apartment living is certainly different than living in a house where you have more freedom to do certain things without disturbing other people. For older folks this doesn’t present much of a problem, but for young people who enjoy partying or listening to their stereo at a high volume, it can create problems with the neighbors, especially if someone is a shift worker or has a baby.

It’s important for you to go beyond, “I’m getting an apartment” to take the time to find the apartment that best suits your needs. That means getting an apartment in a building that is comprised largely of people your own age who like the same things you do. By doing that, you avoid infringing on anyone’s sleep or having complaints about loud music, because everyone else is either doing the same or they don’t care.

For young people, whenever possible avoid buildings with senior citizens, because they tend to retire early and wake early, so no matter when your friends visit, you will likely be disturbing their sleep.