On Living Cheap by Finding Affordable Housing

You might have lost your job. Gone through a divorce. Broke up with your girlfriend. Maybe had to move out from your parent’s home. Or, you might have taken on too much debt. There are any number of reasons why you might have decided or been forced to alter your living and spending habits.

Having a roof over your head is almost always going to be your main expense. First off, calculate how much you can afford, I mean really afford, for your rent each month and come up with a budget. Be sure to include utilities such as electricity, phone, Internet connection and water bills in your budget. Then ask yourself, how much space are you going to need? A one room studio apartment is much cheaper than a two bedroom.

Where will your new home be located? Be sure to live as close as you can to where you work. This will help you save on travel and vehicle expenses. Consider a location that is near to bus routes or other forms of mass transit.

After you have considered these factors, start your apartment or house hunting. It may be that you can get by being a roommate to someone who already has a home. This will end up being much easier and expedient  for you. It is usually very easy to find a roommate and it is much cheaper than renting on your own. A good start is to check out the local area Craigslist to find a roommate in your area. Another good source for finding a roommate is a local independent weekly newspaper. Also, there are several online services, such as EasyRoommate, Roomster, and Roommates.

Having to move is stressful enough. By finding an affordable and inexpensive place to live, you will be well on your way to achieving independence and peace of mind.

Need more tips on living large but on the cheap? Check out my Guide to Living Cheaply for more information on how to get by on a budget and other resources.