Many renters across the country are ringing in the New Year with a new apartment. According to a national survey conducted by Apartments.com, more than 95 percent of renters said they are planning a move in 2010.

Many renters are also moving earlier this year, searching for better deals and nicer apartments in more desirable neighborhoods. While the typical peak rental season extends from April through August, there have been some notable changes in renter moving behavior from year to year. Forty percent of renter respondents said they will be making their move during the first quarter of 2010, which is 16 percent more than 2009, the survey found.

Given the growing inventory of apartments across the country and competition to fill vacancies, many renters are moving on their own terms and seeking out better bargains during their apartment search.

Nearly 40 percent of renters told Apartments.com they are moving to live in a nicer apartment in a safer neighborhood. Renters are looking for value, and want to get more for their money, the survey found.

Renters moving into a new apartment in 2010 are going online to conduct their search. According to Apartments.com, more than 80 percent of renters said they will use an online apartment search site to find a new place to call home.