So you are moving out of your home for the first time. First, congratulations are in order! Making the decision to move out of your home is a major accomplishment. Taking the steps to actually do it is even more commendable. Now it’s time to gain some guidance on the best way to make the transition as smooth as it can be. There are always bound to be obstacles when renting an apartment, no matter what the circumstances, so it is never a poor choice to equip yourself with some tips before the big event.
How Do You Want to Live?
One of the first things you’ll want to do is decide whether or not you’ll want to share your new living space with others. There are pros and cons to having housemates, the first and major pro being that you’ll be splitting the cost of living with another or others including rent and utilities. That being said, the same roommate(s) that could be helping you pay rent could also STOP paying their share, or quit helping you with domestic duties around the house. Even if you choose your very best friend to be roomies with, the same hazard could occur, so be cautious when getting into a share situation.
Where Do You Want to Live?
Another wise move is to begin looking for apartments or rooms to rent months before the actual move. Sri Lanka property offers wonderful options for first-time movers, so there’s no need to rush. If you’ve got your eye on a particular spot, give yourself sufficient time to get a feel for the space and the location in which it is. For instance, try not to choose a place simply because most of your friends live in the same area. Remember: this will be your home base, where you come to relax after a long day – every day. You’ll want to choose a location that is convenient and suits you. If sharing an entrance with other tenants in a building is uncomfortable for you, you’ll find many rentals offer a private entrance. If you use public transportation, make sure you are in walking distance to the bus or train; if your apartment will not have laundry facilities, make sure there is laundry service close by. On that note, to save money you may want to seek an apartment that has a clothes drying area. Also, being in walking distance from town where there is a convenient store or grocery market is always a smart strategy: you don’t want to have to lug home groceries for a mile whenever you need to restock your pantry!
More Money or More Space?
When searching for your new place, keep in mind you may have to make some sacrifices. Chances are, especially if you are moving out of the coziness of your mum and dad’s, you’re not going to find a place that offers all of the luxuries you once had. Compare the rate of the apartment to the quality of the place, and then to other rates. Decide whether it’s more important for you to have a nicer, maybe bigger place at a higher cost or possibly a slightly run-down pace at a cheaper rate. On that note, remember that “slightly run-down” doesn’t mean crappy: you’d be amazed at what a simple, cheap can of paint can do! And it’s fun to nest!
Mind Your Money
Don’t forget to draw up your budget plan WAY before you even consider moving. Take into account utilities, insurance, food and clothing costs, entertainment expenses, transportation funds and more. The last thing you need is to move into a place only to figure out you just can’t handle all of the expenses. You want to live comfortably and without anxiety. You’ll also want to be able to pay your rent on time. This is especially important for building a solid rapport with your landlords – in the case you want to move out, it will do wonders to have a good reference.
Do Your Chores
Moving out is an exciting and liberating adventure, but it doesn’t come without a bunch of new responsibilities. Remember, mum and dad will no longer be there to clean up your mess, so get into the habit of doing chores. Don’t let things pile up; instead, keep a list of small, everyday duties – otherwise cleaning up can become quite overwhelming. Stay on top of the laundry, dishes, and taking the bins out. If you enjoy cooking for yourself (if not, you may want to pick up the hobby; take-out could take big bites out of your budget), get in the habit of cleaning up after yourself immediately after your meal.
Get Along with Others
Whether you will be living with housemates or alone and surrounded by other tenants, it’s important to be in open communication with your fellow residents. Unfortunately, some neighbors aren’t too “neighborly”, so be prepared for some conflict. You may be lucky enough to fall in wonderfully with everyone. If not, however, don’t be afraid to set ground rules, be open about your needs and be respectful of others’. Your home is your sacred space. You want to be able to walk through your door and say “Ahhh, I’m home”, not cringe at the thought of having to go back to “that place again”. Being open, honest and kind with others is the best way to reach compromises so that all parties involved live peacefully and without conflict.
Keep Your Contacts
While living independently can be an exhilarating escapade, it is important to stay in communication with others – particularly your family. There is a saying that goes: “Parents give their children two things: roots and wings.” It’s certainly nice to have some long-awaited downtime from the folks, but at the same time, there’s no better way to express gratitude to your parents or guardians by visiting them now and then. After all, it is they who raised you to become sufficient enough to move out on your own in the first place. Staying in communication with friends and family is also important because living on your own (even if in a share situation) can easily lead to isolation – which can lead to depression and so on. Plus, you’ll never know when you might need some help. Say you are locked out of your apartment – which happens to all first-time movers now and again – you’ll want the security of knowing there’s someone you can turn to for assistance. On that note, it’s also wise to give a spare key someone you trust. Getting locked out of your apartment in the middle of the night is not only a drag, but it can be dangerous.
Once again, congratulations on this next chapter of your life! With some careful research, patience and budget-minding, you’ll be settled comfortably in a new sacred space of your very own in no time.
