Finding a new apartment can be fun and exciting all at once, but it can also be frustrating when you are trying to get the most for your money. Take these easy steps, and you'll find exactly what you need in a shorter period of time. Apartment hunting, not the best time to be had, is easier if you take the following steps:

1. Create a detailed list of your preferences. If you know what you want before you start searching, it will save you time. Do you have a pet? Where do you work? How far do you want to be from work/school? Will you have out-of-town guests, and will they stay with you? Having this list will decrease the time you take looking online. Additionally, having this list while shopping for an apartment makes it easier to see what you are willing to sacrifice for price, location, or amenities. Write it down.

2. What areas in Chicago will you look? Do you want to live downtown Chicago? If so, you will be paying for that privilege. If you can live without the noise of weekend crowds, your ideal apartment will be located outside of the city limits. Chicago extends quite a bit, so consider which areas you will and won't live in.

3. What additional factors do you want in your apartment? Utilities paid in the monthly rent? Trash service? Pool? A 24-hour doorman? Make a note of what is important to you, and ask the Management Company or landlord. Compare apartments based on these additional services because if they are not offered, you'll have that additional expense.

Once you've got your list, it's now time to search. Prices for apartments depend on location/neighborhood, high-rise or garden level apartment, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms. There are several sites, so check out a few, and you'll be able to find at least a few to make appointments to view.

One of the best places to start is Apartments.com, a powerful site providing searchable rentals all over Chicago.

http://www.apartments.com

Focus on the list you wrote, and search by certain cities, or zip code. Click on search map - apartment search made easier & faster.

A site similar to Apartments.com is Rentals.com. Again, you get another searchable database of available apartments. Use your list again to obtain rental information on apartments you would like to make appointments to see. Pictures, layout, and contact information are listed.

http://www.rentals.com/

Your final site should be Sublet. Sub-leasing an apartment gives you a short-term lease, sometimes for less than what your normal rent would cost. Ideal in cases where you do not like an area, want longer time to search apartments, or are not sure of your employment. Check out pictures, agreement terms, and maps online.

http://www.sublet.com