Everyone needs a place to call their own. Shopping for the perfect place for you and your lifestyle is exciting, and a whole lot of fun. However, this is not just all fun and games, especially if you’re planning on settling down long-term in your new place – there are some pretty serious things to keep in mind.

Here are four things to remember when you’re viewing different housing possibilities.

The Style

Sometimes our budgets can be limiting and we can’t always pick and choose exactly what we want. However, it is still important that you choose the type of home that suits your personal style. You’re going to have to spend quite a bit of time in this new space, and in order to feel comfortable, happy, and at peace there, you’re going to want to make sure that it’s you. 

For example, avoid signing off on an old, traditional-style home, if the modern look is more up your alley. Instead try to check out luxury apartments in Downtown Cleveland, or whichever area you might be looking to settle in.

The Size

Size does matter, no matter what they say. A single guy living all alone in a double-story, three-bedroom house doesn’t really make much sense, nor does a family of four squishing into a tiny apartment when they could afford something bigger. Pay attention to the size of the home, and consider how much furniture you have and how it would fit in the space around you. Consider future planning as well – a young married couple planning on starting a family might consider opting for a home with an extra bedroom in order to be prepared for when the time comes. 

The Storage Space

It’s easy to get whisked away by the sheer gorgeousness of the newly built, ultra-modern flat that you viewed a few days ago. But it’s important to remind yourself of serious questions – like, where will you put everything? 

Unfortunately, not all apartments come with built-in storage space, and are often pretty cramped and don’t have much space to bring in free-standing storage. For someone who prefers a neat and clutter-free home, having sufficient storage space is important. Be sure to pay attention to what the closet space looks like, as well as the cabinetry in the kitchen. Otherwise, you might find yourself needing to toss a few things away, which nobody really wants to do.

The Location

Location, location, location: it can be a deal-breaker when it comes to finding the home of your dreams. Realistically, although you spend a lot of time inside your home, you’ll also want to be happy with the environment around it. This is where you’ll do your shopping, grab coffee with a friend, walk your dog, send your children to school and go for early morning Sunday runs. You need to make sure you feel safe and comfortable in the area, and that you’re close enough to the places you’ll be visiting most often. 

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