You may be considering moving out because of things like heavy traffic, a desire for independence, or even the need for privacy with your guy (wink wink). But before you put your life savings into renting to own the first condo you see, make sure you consider about all the changes and adjustments you'll have to deal with being independent. For example, furniture shopping can be ~fun~ but the cost you'll have to shell out for basic furnishing is a different topic altogether.
Here, five things you have to consider before getting your own space. Bookmark this if you're thinking of getting your own space for the new year.
1. Make sure you can afford it.
Rent isn't the only thing you have to consider before deciding to leave your family home. There are bills, association dues, groceries, laundry, and other expenses you probably haven't even thought about. It's best to make a list of everything you'll need to start spending on—and how much each expense will be—before you decide to move out.
The money you'll spend on your own space is, of course, an important consideration. Can you manage the rent? Can you really afford that rent-to-own unit you've been eyeing? Sign up to good online property sites to look for your own space and be updated about real-time vacancies. Property 24 is a good site to check because of its wide range of property choices.
2. The area where your potential condo is located.
Are there any supermarkets or convenience stores a few minutes away? Will your move be worth it (a.k.a. is your office close enough)? Or are there sketchy people who hang out across the street? Explore the area, and then decide whether or not you'd be comfortable living in it.
3. Things for your future home.
You probably think you could get away with taking furniture from your family home and moving them into your condo, but you know you can't take everything. It may also be way over budget to head to the department store and buy everything brand-new. Our tip? Browse buy-and-sell sites like OLX! You can buy both new and pre-loved items for a fraction of the cost, plus you can visit the owner's place if you want to check the item first. We know you CGs love online shopping, so why don't you do the same for furniture?
We suggest you stick to the necessities first like a bed, couch, dresser, a table and some chairs. You can work on building your interiors over time but if you really are moving out, the least you could do is make sure you are comfortable in your new nook.
4. The things you'd be giving up.
If you plan to live away from your family, that'll probably mean you won't have home-cooked meals on a regular basis. You may find yourself missing your mom's special kaldereta after bingeing on fast food for a week. That means you might need to invest in good kitchen essentials to copy your favorite homemade recipes so ask yourself if you're willing to sacrifice these things in exchange for living independently.
If you're strapped for cash, you can also sell some of the items you're no longer using to get extra moolah for all the home basics you need to buy. Try advertising them in buy-and-sell sites since a lot of shoppers now prefer browsing online.
5. And the things you'd have to start doing.
You may have grown up in a home with helpers that cook and clean for you, but you'll probably have to give that privilege up if you move into your own space. Yes, you can hire a cleaning lady and order food delivery plans online, but it won't be the same—trust us.
The upside, however, is that you get more space to do things that you love, whatever it is. Have you always wanted to get your own guitar but didn't have the space to practice or store it? How about painting? Your own home means you can do whatever hobby you've always wanted to pick up so better start shopping now for all the things you will need to start your passion.
Independence can be intimidating, but it does have its perks. Sure you may need to give up some of the comforts you are enjoying now, but these efforts will be worth it in the long run. You can check out OLX if you want to give #adulting a try! Download their all-new Android or iOS app as a good start.