When looking to rent a new house or apartment, it is essential that you plan your finances carefully.

There are obvious expenses which you must make allowance for before you move - charges such as rent, insurance and deposit. These expenses can be planned out before you move in, and it is vital that you have an estimation of these figures so you can decide what's in your price range in your preferred location.

Setting aside these issues, there's the associated costs of running a household.

One of the major costs is utility payments - gas, electricity and water. Budgeting for these costs is no easy matter, especially as it varies depending on the size of your future home, not just the number of people living there.

On top of this there are the costs of a trash service, TV cable and internet access to take into consideration, which can take you unawares if you are not careful, adding up to a considerable sum over the course of a year.

If before you move you are aware of these costs and have an accurate budget forecast for the upcoming year, from a financial point of view you should have a trouble-free first year in your new home.