IMAGINE YOUR IDEAL LIVING SPACE

Before you commit to a lease and finding out that the living space does not suit your lifestyle, work out what type of living arrangements you need. If you have a clear picture of how you want to live, it will help you narrow down your new place.

Just a note, when you imagine your ideal living space, we are not talking about the decor. Think beyond the look of a place, unless you are paying top dollar be prepared for threadbare carpets and some 1970’s colour schemes in your near future. Instead, focus on how functional it will be.

How do you like to live?

Take note of how you live at home – what are the things that you use often that have always just been there – like a fridge, a quality washing machine or hot showers with no time limitations?

Focus on what is important to you by breaking down to these three areas:

– What do you NEED (can’t live without);
– What do you LIKE to do (your routines); and
– What do you WANT (what you can be flexible about). Below are some examples to get you started.

Download and Print the Needs / Likes / Wants worksheet:

Where do you want to live

Turn your mind to where you want to live. Thinking about your ideal rental property, what are the MUST have’s, NICE to have’s and DEAL Breakers. Keep in mind, the less picky you are, the more options you will have.

Some examples below:

Download and Print the Selection Criteria workshop and brainstorm your Must Have’s, Nice to Have’s and Deal Breakers.

Types of Accommodation

Now you have got your needs, likes, wants and selection criteria you can start looking at the types of living arrangements that might suit you. There are lots of different types of accommodation situations, the main options are:

Joining an Established Share House

PRO: Moving into a share house is one of the best things you can do when you first move out of home. The biggest benefits are shared costs and meeting a new circle of friends.

CON: There are some downsides too like personality clashes, late bill payers or someone skipping out and leaving you to pay their portion of the rent/bills.

Moving in with a Friend/Partner

PRO: Having someone you know to share the good, the bad and the ugly is less scary than living with complete strangers.

CON: Friendships/relationships change as people grow. Consider if living together and socialising together is going to be a good fit for you both. Would you be willing to sacrifice your relationship if things don’t work out?

Living on your own

PRO: When you live on your own you have total control. You can walk around naked, no one is going to eat your last Tim Tam and you won’t find random strangers making breakfast in your kitchen.

CON: You are also responsible for everything, including all the bills, cleaning and blocked toilets.

Download and print the pros and cons of different types of accommodation are the best fit when you imagine your ideal living space.

When you imagine your ideal living space, your first, second or third rental might not tick all the boxes. After you have lived out of home for a while, you’ll being to live with less and still enjoy yourself.

Remember: the first place you move into is not your forever home. You need a safe place to sleep and keep your stuff.

Related Articles:
Make Moving Out Work For You
How Much Money Do You Need?