Moving

[2BadCats]

Hello. I am new to posting but have been here a while lurking. I will get right to the chase. My husband and I are moving. We gave our notice at our current apartment and I cried for three days. I love it here but cannot afford the rent anylonger. My husband found a very (and I mean very) old apartment in the downtown section of our city which also means it is not the best place to live. I'm trying to look on the upside of it as our rent here will be increasing to $600/mth plus utilities totalling $750.00/mth. Where we are moving our rent is $485/mth inclusive. The building is a 4 plex and we are on the main floor. My living room is extremely small but the rest of the apartment is clean and large. The outside of the building is shabby looking and as I've mentioned not exactly the best part of town to reside in. I'm trying to look on the upside of things. It's not forever (we figure approx one year) and we can save at least $200/mth and perhaps more. I'm just so depressed about this move and embarrassed to have anyone know that I am moving there. I know this is totally ridiculous as I know if my friends/family judge me for where I live then they are not worth having around yet I cannot help but feel this way. So that's my story and I'm hoping for some words of encouragment or a kick in a butt to smarten me up!!!

[britbunny]

Hi and welcome to the village!

I don't know if it would be possible but I would consider switching a bedroom with the living room. If you could still get a bed in the small room it might be worth it for the extra living space..?

As you've said it is only for a year so in a sense the end is always in sight for you. You said your family and friends will not judge you, they are coming to see you not to examine the architecture after all. Like you said, it's shabby outside but nice and large inside, once it's full of your nice things it'll look fine. I know that doesn't make the area any better but at least you can make it more like YOUR home.

There's no need to feel ashamed, it's more crazy to be throwing money away you can ill afford than to make some sacrifices in order for you to get ahead in the future.

Don't forget you can always come here for encouragement or a kick in the butt! LOL

[voodidit]

Welcome to posting!
I think just the fact you realize that you have to do this for now is a good thing, so many people try to live beyond their means and just dig themselves deepper in a hole.
Home is what you make of it!

[forestdale]

If someone told you they'd give you $2400 to live for a year in an older apartment in the same city would you jump at the chance? That's what you'll be saving by moving there.

You sound to me like a couple with a plan. And that doesn't include living a life that drives you further into debt. We all go through stages in our lives. This is just one of those stages for you and you should look at it like that. It's the stage when you give up something to gain something you want, and need. It's a mature stance that many people never accomplish.

You're right about your relatives and friends. Those who are worthy of you will applaud this move and understand completely. Many might have done the same type of thing in the past.

I think it's great what you're doing, you've devised a plan and now you're going for it. So don't sit about crying over spilt milk. Get on with your life, know that you're doing the right thing and that it's not forever.

And welcome to the village.

[Emerald_Mommy]

Good luck with your move. Dh & I had to do that for about 6 months when we moved from TN to OH. It was tough. I was used to living in a nice, quiet apartment, beautifully landscaped, etc. We survived (sometimes I would have liked to murder my neighbors, though) and saved money for a house down payment. Now we live in our house and the neighborhood's not perfect and the house is old but we appreciate it. Plus we do have fond memories of our apartment days. Just remember this is not forever. "This too shall pass!"

[slowtypinwoman]

The year before Dh and I had our Dd, we lived in a hole! It was owned by a slum lord who wouldn't fix things. It was only a year of our lives and we moved before our child was born. We saved nearly $200 a month living there. He finished school and we moved to a nicer area to raise our child. Look at it as only a year and you too will get through this. Just think of the light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck!
Marcia

[fearoflight]

I think it is great that you and your husband have taken steps to live within your means. Many people live in "McMansions" with no furniture in them (because they can't afford to buy it) to keep up with the Jones'. There is nothing wrong with what you are doing and I know that you both can make a nice home where you are going. You mentioned that the area is not the greatest, so be safe, ok? Be aware of your surroundings. When you are walking around outside, always look like you have a purpose and know where you are going. I live in a college town outside of DC and several of the grad students live in some really dangerous apartments. This is the advice one of my husband's friends who lives there received.

[Mom23boys]

I think you have been giving some great advice. I think it is great that you and your DH realize that you need to move in order to live within your means. I see nothing wrong with it. I think it is a smart decision.

[sarcophagus]

I'm going through the EXACT same situation. We currently pay $700/month for rent but the landlord is raising it. Not to mention the skyrocketting phone bills because the roommate calls everywhere and then doesn't pay. I asked him 3 days ago for the money, he disappeared.
We were just informed that we were approved for an apartment. We'd only be paying $550/month inclusive. I know without out a room mate we can easily save $50-$100 on phone/internet/food. That means we'll be saving $200 a month by moving. The only problem is that DH doesn't like the area, thinks it's the "bad part of town". The funny thing is though, that the "good part of town" is just across the street. I dont really want to live there, but it's the only place we can afford...