Residential

For Newfound Independence: Tips For the First-Time Condo Owner

June 7, 2023
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By 
Shan Arcega

During the prime years of a millennial, moving out of the family house is one of the biggest milestones one could achieve. It’s a step that can allow millennials to live near their work and near convenience stores or groceries, and to gain better access to relaxing amenities that can’t be found in rural or suburban areas. Moving into your own condo for the first time may be quite intimidating at first since it requires a lot of mental, emotional, and financial preparation but here are just some tips to remember when moving into a condo for the first time.

  1. Prep Before Moving Out

Before leaving the home, always remember to pack the essentials that can help you settle in during the first few days of moving into the new condo where maybe the furniture and homely pieces are yet to be furnished. Some necessities could include extension cords, plates, toiletries (toilet paper as well), a shower curtain, trash bags, and comfortable bedding. Despite possibly lacking these, most condos have aesthetically-pleasing interiors and are great spaces that offer comfort, and give ample time for new buyers to move in. Before the overall moving process, make sure to take care of the important administrative paperwork preferably a month or two before moving into the condo. 

  1. Emotional Prepping

Filipino families are traditionally close to each other in the sense that moving out during one’s early late teens or early 20s isn’t usual. Aside from allotting the time to talk to one’s family, assuring them that spending time with them and enjoying the amenities together is a great way to ease them into the idea. In order to prepare oneself when moving into a new condo, one should also take the time to explore the new community’s neighborhood to see the nearby establishments and plan the best routes to get to them.

  1. Building a budget

Solo living means constantly noting down one’s budget and making sure that every financial choice is done out of practicality. Upon moving in, note the budget you’d need if you’ll be utilizing movers and how much you’ll need for purchasing moving boxes or packages. This also includes fixing your budget according to your daily meals and finding the places where you can have your daily meals in peace and without using too much of your allowance.

  1. Keeping an administration and maintenance directory

Having a directory of important contacts like the nearby hospital, police and fire stations, and even the building’s administration and maintenance offices is a necessity to ensure condo living feels more secure. With contact to administration and maintenance offices in particular, you can easily schedule a condo inspection to see if everything is in place or if anything needs repairs.

Related read: Creative Corners: Vern Enciso-Lim’s Cebu Condo

Metro Manila has several condos that young professionals can start calling their homes. In these high-rise residentials around Metro Manila, growing millennials can experience great amenities and tranquil city living as they establish their careers and experience what life in the city can offer. 

RLC Residences’ newly launched fourth building of Sierra Valley Gardens in Cainta, Rizal for example has beautiful, contemporary-styled units that have smart home features and even a WFH nook for each unit. Some of the amenities include a lap pool, a multi-purpose court or game room, and a three-level clubhouse where people can relax in the cozy lounge area.

Sierra Valley Gardens’ spacious lounge area is a great place to relax. Image courtesy of RLC Residences

Sierra Valley Garden units are targeted to be turned over in 2028, hence giving new buyers ample time to peacefully move out of their homes. The development is also set within a destination estate and has easy access to retail stores, restaurants, and the upcoming mall as well. Leaving the estate is also easy since the location has direct access to Ortigas Avenue.

Related read: Crown Asia Entices Travel Within Our Own Home Through These Condo Developments

The Grand Midori Ortigas Tower 2 in Ortigas Center meanwhile flaunts refined details that portray elegant simplicity that give off a feeling of balance and harmony.

The Grand Midori Ortigas Tower 2 by Federal Land
The Grand Midori Ortigas Tower 2 by Federal Land. Image courtesy of Federal Land
The Grand Midori Ortigas Tower 2 by Federal Land
The Grand Midori Ortigas Tower 2 Unit. Image courtesy of Federal Land

Each unit which they dub as the Flex Suite is also a creative and practical space that provides leeway for design and comfort. As an intuitive space, these Flex Suites have built-in sliding room partitions that make it a flexible space that can extend the living space into a nursery, an artist’s studio space, or hobby room, or a home office. Amenities also include spaces for active people such as the gym, jacuzzi, game room, and pool lounge among many others. Those who study or prefer a quiet life immersed in academia also have access to the study lounge and the conference room where one cna study or work remotely. Located near the new BGC-Ortigas Center Link’s Kalayaann Bridge linking to Bonifacio Global City, new homeowners here have access to shopping malls and leisure spaces like restaurants, coffee shops, hospitals, and exclusive schools.

The Kai Garden Residences by DMCI meanwhile features Japanese-style architecture within a genuine resort and country-club feel.

The Kai Garden Residences by DMCI Homes
The Kai Garden Residences by DMCI Homes. Image from Kai Garden Residences Dansalan Mandaluyong City Facebook Page
The Kai Garden Residences by DMCI
An aerial view of The Kai Garden Residences by DMCI. Image from Kai Garden Residences Dansalan Mandaluyong City Facebook Page

Alongside modern units, this latest three-tower resort-inspired high-rise has several amenities like a fitness gym, multi-purpose room, lap, lounge, and kiddie pools, landscaped atriums, and a linear park and playground where one can enjoy a day in the sun. Located along Boni Avenue near Dansalan Street in Mandaluyong City, The Kai Garden Residences is near major establishments and educational institutes.  

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