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10 Things You Should Know Before Moving Into A Montreal Apartment
Photo cred -@anaearth
Though the weather may not show it, May is approaching very quickly. And with the month of May, comes the inevitable end of your lease in Montreal. I know a lot of you are moving out of res, your parents house or your current apartment, so these trials and tribulations I went through are for you. And if you have already experienced the boundless fun that is student living, well, maybe you’ll be able to relate.
1. That My Pipes Would Freeze
Yep this happens. I have legit had to sit in front of my pipes with a blow dryer in hopes they would thaw.
2. How To Get Rid Of Mice
Just talking about it makes me want to hack. But it is an unfortunate reality when you live in a cheap apartment. Stock up on high frequency beepers, or use sticky pads. Those work best.
3. How To Properly Grocery Shop
Grocery shopping is kind of an art really. If you want to maximize your money (which you do if you’re a student) then it’s good to buy fruit and veggies, meat and grains all at different locations. Otherwise you’ll be spending moola you do not have.
Photo cred - montrealphotos.tumblr
4. How Far I Would Have To Walk/Metro
If you’re not familiar with the city, really do your research on an apartments location before you commit to anything. A 25-minute walk to school may seem fine now, but try that in four feet of snow on a day when you forgot your gloves. Literally, hell on earth.
5. How Much Things Smell
Weird, I know, but when you live at home or in res, you don’t really have to think about taking the trash out, or cleaning the fridge. If you forget, which a lot of us do, you’ll get that classic Montreal apartment smell. Kind of like a mix between diapers and weed.
6. That I Would Have To Cover My Windows In Plastic Wrap
Do it. It may look sketchy but you’ll save so much money on heating in the winter. Here’s a DIY. Feel free to thank me later.
7. That I Don’t Need To Spend A Lot Of Money On Furniture/Decor
Listen to me, and listen good. You do not need a bed frame. You do not need a nice coffee table or accent pillows for your couch. Everything you need is on Craigslist. Don’t go dropping dimes on stuff that you’re probably going to have to move in a year anyways. It’s stupid. Besides that whole minimalist thing is in right now.
8.That If I Have A Nice Place No One Will Leave
Unless you like the company, this can be a problem. If your apartment has got a big living space, and a mild diaper-weed aroma, your friends will essentially turn into squatters.
Photo cred -moneycrashers
9. How To Deal With Landlords
I thought that I’d sign the lease and that’d be it. But no. Your landlord will likely get on your nerves every now and then. Also be weary that Montreal landlords are notoriously … well, not great. Just make sure to stand your ground.
10. That I Would Have To Move
Since your first apartment in Montreal is probably going to have either all or more of these attributes then you’re gonna want to move to a new place where you can start the cycle all over again. Whoop-di-doo.