The Single Gal and Living Space
Where should the single gal live? When it is just you seeking shelter, flexibility abounds! Here's a few options:
1. Get a roommate or two. Apartments come in all shapes and sizes. Renting with somebody else can help defray the costs. I highly recommend that everybody have their own bathroom- that one thing has made having our roommate be the best roommate situation ever! Be careful in selecting a roommate. Be sure to call their references and see if you can get a separate lease. A quick google search can help you find lists of questions to ask potential roommates to make sure you are at least somewhat compatible.
2. If you're not excited about having other people live with you, consider a studio. Rent a tiny space, utilities included if possible. This helps a person stay frugal in many ways! With such a small space, there is little storage space. Little storage space means that you have to consider what you bring into your home very carefully, which can help with everyday spending. There are challenges to living in a studio, but the savings may be worth it!
2. House sit. A friend of mine did not rent a place for three full years by getting into house sitting. This can be hard to get in to, but is WELL worth the time if you can get it. For Julie, the first job came from a friend of a friend who was leaving for a year long mission. She then house sat for a professor who was going on sabbatical out of the country, and so on. She lived rent free and she was paid on top of it. Put out the word and have a few character references. You never know what may turn up.
3. If you own your home, rent out a large amount of it. Like living in a studio or small apartment, this can help you not fill your home with purchases that you may or may not need. If you do it correctly, you can have most or all of your mortgage paid by your renters. Be sure to get an ironclad lease and check your potential roommate's references.
4. Mention your needs to friends! If you need a cheaper place to live, ask around. You never know who may have a space available. A single friend of mine lives in a two bedroom apartment over a garage in a *very* expensive area for almost nothing. She had been living with her parents and commuting to her teaching job, and mentioned offhandedly to another member of her church that she was worried about what she'd do in the winter when the mountain passes closed. (Her parents live in a remote mountain town.) A few days later, a friend of that friend called and asked if she'd want to rent their space. They were frequently gone and worried about the house, but did not want to rent it to just anybody. She rents a space that would easily rent for $900-1000 dollars a month for $250, including utilities. It was not an advertised deal; she got it because she mentioned her need.
6. Try to find a job that includes a place to live. Depending on your profession and how flexable you are with where you want to live, this can be a good option. One of my friends teaches English in Japan, with housing included. She loves her life there and has been there nearly five years now. There are live in nanny gigs, home health aid jobs, companion jobs, apartment managers...more is out there than you'd think!
Next week: The Single Gal and Entertainment!
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