Alternatives to the Obvious Living Situation... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

BlueBongo · 09-10-2003, 09:06 PM

K... We are moving to Virginia in the beginning January. Our lease in our current apartment ends October 31st... that leaves two months that I cannot figure out what to do with.

I'm checking into Extended Stay Inn's and whatnot.. but they cost more per month than I pay currently in rent.

We have little to no money saved for the venture of moving from AZ to VA... and I'm really not sure what other possible alternatives are out there.

I would be up for asking his grandparents if we could stay with them for two months... but I don't think he likes that idea.

I just want to know what other solutions y'all might have to this complicated situation.

Any ideas of helpful hints would be greatly appreciated.

clavus · 09-10-2003, 09:41 PM

Camp?

phredgreen · 09-11-2003, 12:01 AM

not helpful.

i'm looking at rooms for rent ads on craigslist right now... anyone have any good/bad stories about things we should watch for if we take one of the ads up for the next couple of months? any other helpful suggestions?

billege · 09-11-2003, 12:06 AM

Your apartment doesn't just switch to month-to-month? Every apt. I've lived in will go month-to-month after the lease expires; they usually charge 10 or 15 extra for this.

I would check your lease out.

If this isn't already in your lease, have you asked the current landlord what options you may have? I mean, if you're paying rent, that's two months s/he doesn't have to worry about finding a paying tenant for.

Luck.

phredgreen · 09-11-2003, 01:01 AM

we could stay in the apartment we're in, they'd allow us a short-term lease paying the same rent we're paying now, but we're barely making it as is... we simply cannot afford a move across country if we're only gonna be able to save a couple of hundred dollars. we need something that's gonna keep a roof over our heads for the next two months at the least amount of cost so we can put as much money possible towards this move.

Averett · 09-11-2003, 05:06 AM

There are always those seedy weekly pay hotels....

If you can stay with her grandparents, that's the best way to go.

johnnymysto · 09-11-2003, 05:26 AM

I don't mean to pry, but what is the basis for the move? If it's for a new job, can your new employers help with anything?

If that's not the case, what about staying with some friends, or friends of friends? You've probably already considered this (you're a pretty smart guy), but I'm just brainstorming.

Cynthetiq · 09-11-2003, 06:24 AM

family is where you will save the most $$$. suck up the pride, it's just for now, it's just short term. it's not the optimal solution but it will get you the optimal result.

don't focus on the price... keep your eye on the PRIZE

jfranco13 · 09-11-2003, 09:28 AM

What are your job situations like? Can you take a month or whatever to drive across the country and stay with friends for 1-2 days per friend along the way? Or even just stay with a couple people along the way for a week each. Not sure if this will work for you, but something to consider. Rather than burden one family member, burden them all!!!

Troublebot · 09-11-2003, 10:43 AM

I'm with Cyn on this. Staying with the fam can be no fun (with a capital N-O F-U-N), but you'll save quite a bit of money, which should help with the move.

Good luck.

Tirian · 09-11-2003, 12:02 PM

I've known people to advertise themselves as house sitters. They look after the place for a while usually for no $$, but are in charge of the place.

Sometimes they even pay the sitters a small amount if for instance there are animals to tend or something along those lines.

yournamehere · 09-11-2003, 01:01 PM

This is a little off the main question, but I'm a little concerned - what part of Virginia are you moving to?

If it's anywhere near the D.C. area - you might want to reconsider.

That part of the country is way more expensive than the Phoenix area. I certainly mean no offense , but if you're sweating two month's rent in Phoenix, that's nothing compared to the shock that may await you. Again - if you're moving to the D.C. area - you should be making at least twice your present income to afford the same lifestyle.

Phoenix is an inexpensive place to live, and you can't beat the weather.

Also - how are you moving? I mean, are you hiring a moving companyand the whole 9 yards, or are you throwing a TV and computer into the back seat of your car and driving away? I went the moving company route a few years ago and will never do it again - next time I'm renting a Ryder, and whatever doesn't fit, stays! If you have a lot of stuff, you might consider a storage room, and come back for it when your financial situation is better. Rental trucks are bargains if you're driving away from a popular destination (like Phoenix).

Whatever you do - I wish you the best of luck.

phredgreen · 09-12-2003, 12:11 AM

we'll be moving to richmond, where bluebongo will be attending VCU. at this point, we're looking at renting a moving van and packing up what we can fit into it and our cars and driving across country. financially, it isn't too hot. she's working part-time and going to school full-time, so most of her income is going to footing her own bills (car payments, insurance, etc...), i'm working full-time, but have my own bills, so like i said before, we're not making alot of money, so it's gonna be tight. when it gets a little closer to the move and we have our route mapped out, i'll post a thread asking for couches across the u.s., but for now, we're considering crashing at my mother's place for the two months, but i'm still wondering what the other options might be.

billege · 09-13-2003, 12:04 AM

If for some strange reason you take a huge swing north, there'll be a place in Michigan for you. Just not next weekend; I've got this whole "wedding" and "honeymoon" thing going on.

phredgreen · 09-13-2003, 12:23 AM

appreciated billege (btw, good luck!), but given the time of year we're travelling, we're being told that a southern route will be the more forgiving way to travel in the middle of winter.

so any other thoughts on our upcoming short-term living situation?

RoadRage · 09-13-2003, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by clavus
Camp?

In NOVEMBER and DECEMBER?!?!?!

The "seedy" weekly hotels are still more expensive than monthly apartment rent, except the ones where there's a constant danger of the meth lab in the next room exploding. Camping might actually be preferrable to that.

Swallow some pride and say hi to Granny. Try to give them some money and try to be as minimally intrustive on their lives as possible,

phredgreen · 09-13-2003, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RoadRage
The "seedy" weekly hotels are still more expensive than monthly apartment rent, except the ones where there's a constant danger of the meth lab in the next room exploding.

funny you should say that... this happened at the apartment complex adjacent to where a friend recently moved in... it really was quite a blaze.

Fremen · 09-13-2003, 01:18 AM

What about renting a mobile home of some sort?

ratbastid · 09-13-2003, 04:36 AM

If you come via North Carolina (and from AZ, you might!) there's a guest room waiting for you right here in Durham! It's a good place to crash on your last night on the road--we're about 5 hours from the DC Metro area. We'll take you out for some North Carolina barbecue when you get here.

I don't really have an answer for the short-term need, but over the longer term, you should look into buying. I know that probably sounds impossible, but with FHA and Fannie Mae loans available, it really doesn't take a big wad in the bank or a hefty salary. Mortgage payments are frequently similar to or lower than rent payments, that was certainly the case for us. Plus you're building equity. It's a good thing all around.

phredgreen · 09-16-2003, 01:15 AM

okay... so mom's couch isn't happening. she wants 250 from each of us per month for the priveledge of sleeping on her busted-ass hideabed. so i've posted a room wanted ad on craigslist and have been looking through the roommates wanted ads, but we're still kinda hangin..

johnnymysto · 09-16-2003, 05:51 AM

wha?...huh?....but...250 EACH???!! wow. Thanks, mom.

troit · 09-16-2003, 06:00 AM

Phred --

I think that the best idea is to switch to a month to month with your currentl complex and tighten the belt as much as possible.

If this is not doable then my suggestion would be to rent a storage unit for the majority of your stuff for the two months (usually between 50 - 100 per month) and try to crash at various friends places in the interim. With all of your stuff in storage it would minimize the impact of you being there.

Another idea -- Why don't we start a Phred's Across America Fund thread and see if we can raise a few bucks for you. If "yes" I'll be the first to contribute to help out a fellow mod...

Averett · 09-16-2003, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by johnnymysto
wha?...huh?....but...250 EACH???!! wow. Thanks, mom.

I'll second that! Mom gets no christmas presents this year, I say!

BonesCPA · 09-16-2003, 11:47 AM

Sorry about mom becoming a slumlord. You could always shop around rates of other relatives. They might be cheaper.

Quote:

Originally posted by troit
Another idea -- Why don't we start a Phred's Across America Fund thread and see if we can raise a few bucks for you. If "yes" I'll be the first to contribute to help out a fellow mod...

I could let some of the moths out of my wallet for Phred (I have enjoyed more than a few of his posts). What the heck, I'll write it off. (I just love sticking it to the man.)

One question: does that mean you will incommunicato for a while? I see a plumper shortage coming!

jbrooks544 · 09-16-2003, 05:36 PM

Mom could be doing you a favor. No pride in living with mom without contributing. You can find a place for less than $250 each a month? Certainly can't where I live - sounds like a bargain.

What's wrong with camping anyway? Nov. Dec. is cold but so what? You 'll save tons of money, learn a lot about winter camping and about yourselves, and it will be the best story you'll ever have to tell your grandkids. With the kind of other options you are laying out I'd invest in a huge dome tent and tundra parka and big sleeping bag. Then you can use it to survive when you break down half way to virginia! Oct. is the BEST month to buy left over tents when they are clearing the shelves for winter stuff.

scoobydugan · 09-17-2003, 06:48 PM

I'm all for the Phred Fund...can't contribute much...but a little is better than nothing....wuddya say Halx?

phredgreen · 09-22-2003, 10:52 PM

okay... so we have a solution to the situation..

our good friend has recently vacated her ex (bum), so she has a little extra room in her apartment, so we're gonna crash over at her place for a few months until we're ready for the move. she's not asking much to live there, so we should be able to save enough to get us across the country. it's a good deal all around.

09-10-2003, 09:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	Camp? __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.

09-11-2003, 12:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
phredgreen who? Location: the phoenix metro	<b>not</b> helpful. i'm looking at rooms for rent ads on craigslist right now... anyone have any good/bad stories about things we should watch for if we take one of the ads up for the next couple of months? any other <b>helpful</b> suggestions? __________________ My country is the world, and my religion is to do good. - Thomas Paine Last edited by rogue49; 09-11-2003 at 04:31 AM..

09-11-2003, 12:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
billege Watcher Location: Ohio	Your apartment doesn't just switch to month-to-month? Every apt. I've lived in will go month-to-month after the lease expires; they usually charge 10 or 15 extra for this. I would check your lease out. If this isn't already in your lease, have you asked the current landlord what options you may have? I mean, if you're paying rent, that's two months s/he doesn't have to worry about finding a paying tenant for. Luck. __________________ I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence: "My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend." Last edited by billege; 09-11-2003 at 12:08 AM..

09-11-2003, 01:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
phredgreen who? Location: the phoenix metro	we could stay in the apartment we're in, they'd allow us a short-term lease paying the same rent we're paying now, but we're barely making it as is... we simply cannot afford a move across country if we're only gonna be able to save a couple of hundred dollars. we need something that's gonna keep a roof over our heads for the next two months at the least amount of cost so we can put as much money possible towards this move. __________________ My country is the world, and my religion is to do good. - Thomas Paine

09-11-2003, 05:06 AM	#6 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	There are always those seedy weekly pay hotels.... If you can stay with her grandparents, that's the best way to go. __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

09-11-2003, 05:26 AM	#7 (permalink)
johnnymysto Overreactor Location: South Ca'lina	I don't mean to pry, but what is the basis for the move? If it's for a new job, can your new employers help with anything? If that's not the case, what about staying with some friends, or friends of friends? You've probably already considered this (you're a pretty smart guy), but I'm just brainstorming. __________________ "I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request." - Capt. Barbossa

09-11-2003, 06:24 AM	#8 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	family is where you will save the most $$$. suck up the pride, it's just for now, it's just short term. it's not the optimal solution but it will get you the optimal result. don't focus on the price... keep your eye on the PRIZE __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

09-11-2003, 09:28 AM	#9 (permalink)
jfranco13 Crazy Location: Pittsburgh, PA	What are your job situations like? Can you take a month or whatever to drive across the country and stay with friends for 1-2 days per friend along the way? Or even just stay with a couple people along the way for a week each. Not sure if this will work for you, but something to consider. Rather than burden one family member, burden them all!!! __________________ We may lose, and we may win, but we will never be here again.

09-11-2003, 10:43 AM	#10 (permalink)
Troublebot Intently Rocking Location: Davey's	I'm with Cyn on this. Staying with the fam can be no fun (with a capital N-O F-U-N), but you'll save quite a bit of money, which should help with the move. Good luck. __________________ Howard Moon: The wind is my only friend. Wind: [whistling] I hate you.

09-11-2003, 12:02 PM	#11 (permalink)
Tirian Addict Location: Canada	I've known people to advertise themselves as house sitters. They look after the place for a while usually for no $$, but are in charge of the place. Sometimes they even pay the sitters a small amount if for instance there are animals to tend or something along those lines.

09-11-2003, 01:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
yournamehere Invisible Location: tentative, at best	This is a little off the main question, but I'm a little concerned - what part of Virginia are you moving to? If it's anywhere near the D.C. area - you might want to reconsider. That part of the country is <b>way</b> more expensive than the Phoenix area. I certainly mean no offense , but if you're sweating two month's rent in Phoenix, that's nothing compared to the shock that may await you. Again - <i>if</i> you're moving to the D.C. area - you should be making at least twice your present income to afford the same lifestyle. Phoenix is an inexpensive place to live, and you can't beat the weather. Also - how are you moving? I mean, are you hiring a moving companyand the whole 9 yards, or are you throwing a TV and computer into the back seat of your car and driving away? I went the moving company route a few years ago and will never do it again - next time I'm renting a Ryder, and whatever doesn't fit, stays! If you have a lot of stuff, you might consider a storage room, and come back for it when your financial situation is better. Rental trucks are bargains if you're driving <i>away</i> from a popular destination (like Phoenix). Whatever you do - I wish you the best of luck. __________________ If you want to avoid 95% of internet spelling errors: "If your ridiculous pants are too loose, you're definitely going to lose them. Tell your two loser friends over there that they're going to lose theirs, too." It won't hurt your fashion sense, either. Last edited by yournamehere; 09-18-2003 at 06:11 AM..

09-12-2003, 12:11 AM	#13 (permalink)
phredgreen who? Location: the phoenix metro	we'll be moving to richmond, where bluebongo will be attending VCU. at this point, we're looking at renting a moving van and packing up what we can fit into it and our cars and driving across country. financially, it isn't too hot. she's working part-time and going to school full-time, so most of her income is going to footing her own bills (car payments, insurance, etc...), i'm working full-time, but have my own bills, so like i said before, we're not making alot of money, so it's gonna be tight. when it gets a little closer to the move and we have our route mapped out, i'll post a thread asking for couches across the u.s., but for now, we're considering crashing at my mother's place for the two months, but i'm still wondering what the other options might be. __________________ My country is the world, and my religion is to do good. - Thomas Paine

09-13-2003, 12:04 AM	#14 (permalink)
billege Watcher Location: Ohio	If for some strange reason you take a huge swing north, there'll be a place in Michigan for you. Just not next weekend; I've got this whole "wedding" and "honeymoon" thing going on. __________________ I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence: "My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

09-13-2003, 12:23 AM	#15 (permalink)
phredgreen who? Location: the phoenix metro	appreciated billege (btw, good luck!), but given the time of year we're travelling, we're being told that a southern route will be the more forgiving way to travel in the middle of winter. so any other thoughts on our upcoming short-term living situation? __________________ My country is the world, and my religion is to do good. - Thomas Paine

09-13-2003, 01:18 AM	#18 (permalink)
Fremen With a mustache, the cool factor would be too much Location: left side of my couch, East Texas	What about renting a mobile home of some sort? __________________ Google

09-13-2003, 04:36 AM	#19 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	If you come via North Carolina (and from AZ, you might!) there's a guest room waiting for you right here in Durham! It's a good place to crash on your last night on the road--we're about 5 hours from the DC Metro area. We'll take you out for some North Carolina barbecue when you get here. I don't really have an answer for the short-term need, but over the longer term, you should look into buying. I know that probably sounds impossible, but with FHA and Fannie Mae loans available, it really doesn't take a big wad in the bank or a hefty salary. Mortgage payments are frequently similar to or lower than rent payments, that was certainly the case for us. Plus you're building equity. It's a good thing all around.

09-16-2003, 01:15 AM	#20 (permalink)
phredgreen who? Location: the phoenix metro	okay... so mom's couch isn't happening. she wants 250 from each of us per month for the priveledge of sleeping on her busted-ass hideabed. so i've posted a room wanted ad on craigslist and have been looking through the roommates wanted ads, but we're still kinda hangin.. __________________ My country is the world, and my religion is to do good. - Thomas Paine

09-16-2003, 05:51 AM	#21 (permalink)
johnnymysto Overreactor Location: South Ca'lina	wha?...huh?....but...250 EACH???!! wow. Thanks, mom. __________________ "I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request." - Capt. Barbossa

09-16-2003, 06:00 AM	#22 (permalink)
troit Transfer Agent Location: NYC	Phred -- I think that the best idea is to switch to a month to month with your currentl complex and tighten the belt as much as possible. If this is not doable then my suggestion would be to rent a storage unit for the majority of your stuff for the two months (usually between 50 - 100 per month) and try to crash at various friends places in the interim. With all of your stuff in storage it would minimize the impact of you being there. Another idea -- Why don't we start a Phred's Across America Fund thread and see if we can raise a few bucks for you. If "yes" I'll be the first to contribute to help out a fellow mod... __________________ I've yet to dephile myself... Last edited by troit; 09-16-2003 at 06:02 AM..

09-16-2003, 05:36 PM	#25 (permalink)
jbrooks544 Addict	Mom could be doing you a favor. No pride in living with mom without contributing. You can find a place for less than $250 each a month? Certainly can't where I live - sounds like a bargain. What's wrong with camping anyway? Nov. Dec. is cold but so what? You 'll save tons of money, learn a lot about winter camping and about yourselves, and it will be the best story you'll ever have to tell your grandkids. With the kind of other options you are laying out I'd invest in a huge dome tent and tundra parka and big sleeping bag. Then you can use it to survive when you break down half way to virginia! Oct. is the BEST month to buy left over tents when they are clearing the shelves for winter stuff.

09-17-2003, 06:48 PM	#26 (permalink)
scoobydugan Crazy	I'm all for the Phred Fund...can't contribute much...but a little is better than nothing....wuddya say Halx?

09-22-2003, 10:52 PM	#27 (permalink)
phredgreen who? Location: the phoenix metro	okay... so we have a solution to the situation.. our good friend has recently vacated her ex (bum), so she has a little extra room in her apartment, so we're gonna crash over at her place for a few months until we're ready for the move. she's not asking much to live there, so we should be able to save enough to get us across the country. it's a good deal all around. __________________ My country is the world, and my religion is to do good. - Thomas Paine