So, I have been adult renting for nearly 12 months now, and I have lived in 2 places. They are both very different, and I have done different things in both of them. I still rent, because I have no savings for a house in this climate, but I am significantly happier in one than the other.
What do you want in a habitat?
At first, I thought I wanted unfurnished, so I had the freedom to decorate. Turns out furniture is expensive, and I didn’t like that. My first place I bought everything, except the washing machine. Unless you decide on a second-hand sofa, it can take 6-10 months to get a sofa, and they are expensive as well. You also got to make sure it can fit through your door. For those two reasons, I opted in for 2 bean bags. I lived alone and had 1 visitor a week for a couple of hours. I wasn’t planning on being the host of the grad scheme, so it didn’t matter.
Location was also something I considered. My work wasn’t forthcoming with informing me where I am based. This resulted in my first place being 20 minutes away, with no company bus service to help me (in case my car couldn’t) and I lived in a village with no train station. The village was also 20 minutes away from main shops, so I had to organise my shopping trips, to minimise the time and fuel used for the commute.
Do you want a garden? In the summer you’re going to have to maintain it. That made me jump ship as quickly as I could from my old place.
My new place is a short walk to my office, in a town with good local amenities and has a train station. It’s also furnished, but I didn’t get rid of mine, as it all fit. I had considered what I really wanted in my next place, which was location, car park, convenience, local amenities and a sofa.
What to get when you start to rent
My first place was a house, so I had the whole building to myself. I set up my bills and that was it. Gas, electric, water and council tax. There was TV license but I paid that in full.
The new place is a flat, and when I showed interest at the lettings agent, they told me to get insurance. I have never gotten insurance for my stuff ever. I brushed it off at first, and decided to live my life on the edge. However, I have a friend in a flat, and things have happened, where the flat above theirs, caused a leak in their flat. Luckily it was in their bathroom, but it wouldn’t have been good if it was the living room or kitchen.
I own my TV, fridge, toaster, microwave and laptop. If any damage was to occur to them, I’d be in huge trouble. So, I got insurance. It’s £7.50 a month, but I can live comfortably knowing if the building were to set on fire, or the flat above flooded, my valuables are covered. This isn’t sponsored but I used Urban Jungle and signing up was really easy.
Be considerate
In my nightmare place, the walls were thin, but I could live my life, at any time. However, in a flat, I have noticed I can’t run my washing machine overnight. They are so loud, and I feel sympathy for my neighbours under me. Plus, I would not be happy if the ones above me ran their machine overnight. You definitely have to be considerate of your neighbours, and the space you share with them.
If your garden isn’t fenced, you might want to re-consider the house party, unless you establish a boundary with the neighbour. I never did do parties, but my old neighbours established the boundary, by never telling me when they planned to cut their grass. The whole neighbourhood had theirs done by the same person, on the same day, whilst I was always away. So, my garden always looked a mess, compared to everyone’s. It was irritating. Hopefully you might have nicer neighbours, or try to communicate with them. I really didn’t like the old place that much, so didn’t try to make it seem like I was settling in.
Finishing touches
Keep a stock of bulbs and batteries for your place, as things seem to break at really awkward times in the day.
Set your bills and rent to be automatic after pay day, so then you don’t have to think about it.
Settle down and enjoy your space, this is your new home for a while.
Moral of my story
- Consider what you want– You don’t want to be in a place where you know, it’s not giving you what you need.
- Get what you need– Bills set up. Maybe some insurance. Any warrantees for your new furniture is always worth considering.
- Be a good neighbour– I’m not saying bake a pie, but say hi when you meet in the corridor or in the garden. It reduces any awkwardness when an incident happens.
