Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but can also be a nerve-wracking because you want to make sure you choose wisely. To help, use this checklist as you look at potential places.

Inside the Apartment

Many people just want to see if the apartment is nice and inviting. While that's important, you also want to see that the apartment is well maintained, with everything in top working condition.

Don't just assume something works if it looks like it works – check out everything. It's a good sign that the apartment is maintained properly, and anything that is broken now you'll have to deal with right away after moving in – not a fun way to christen your new home.

Bathroom: Check the water pressure in the sink and shower (hot water too), and flush the toilet to make sure it's working.

Appliances: Check the refrigerator, heating and air conditioning, stove and oven and any other appliances.

Windows: Make sure they open and close easily, and make sure the glass has no holes or cracks. Make sure they lock properly, particularly if you're on the ground floor.

Electricity: Where there's a switch, try it out to make sure it works. Check each one.

Doors: Make sure all doors closely properly and latch, and make sure locks work where they're installed, particularly the front door.

Ceilings: Take a quick look to see if there's any water damage from the unit above. If you see anything suspicious, ask the landlord.

Floors: If you're an older building with wooden floors, they might be noisy – and the upstairs neighbors could make enough noise to be annoying.

Walls: If the building's near a street, can you hear the traffic? Can you hear the neighbors next door? If near an airport, can you hear the planes landing? (And make sure you visit at different times to gauge noise levels.)

Smoke Detectors: Make sure they're installed, and working.

Outside the Apartment

The bottom line: do you feel safe? If you have any hesitation, keep looking.

If you visit the apartment during the day, think about how will feel coming home at night. And visit at night if you can to see how the neighborhood changes.

Also, ask neighbors about safety, and check in with the local police about crime statistics.

If there's no laundry in the building, is it nearby? If you no car, it better be close.

Is the apartment rental clean and well kept? Are entryways and hallways well lit? Are there unsavory types milling about? How the building is kept up is a pretty good indicator of the apartment manager's devotion to his job.

Is the building near major roads, public transportation and other amenities like shopping? Do trial runs for how long it would take to reach your work, daycare, or other places you'll need to visit frequently.

Where is stuff? Find out where the following things are: gas stations, restaurants, banks, supermarkets, drug stores, and gyms – is the distance friendly or daunting?

Relocation.comis a leading provider of moving services and advice for people who are relocating.