After almost 2 years of living with a roommate, it’s time to move on to my own apartment. I think I lucked out into a great roommate situation (no horror stories here), but she’s moving out, and I really don’t want to live with a stranger.
After hunting down craigslist ads for a bit, I’m checking out a couple of prospects this weekend. One is a studio (~$900), and one is a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom (~$1,000).
I’m leaning towards the larger place, even though it’ll be $100 more than the studio. Not very cash-conscious of me, but, space! Isn’t that worth something?
Another selling point is that the 1 bedroom/1 bathroom offers a 6-month lease. I’ve enjoyed being month-to-month at my current apartment, (and I’m not super confident in the job situation) so I think a shorter lease is better.
Moving is a strictly cash-outflow process (with the overlapping rent, security deposit, credit check / application fees, etc.). Also, try as I might, I probably would NOT be able to curb my urge to decorate. Years of following Apartmenttherapy.com has finally done me in!
Cash savings won’t be able to grow at its previous clip…
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definitely take teh larger space, if neighbourhood/amenities are on par! Not because bigger is better, but because the 1-bedroom gives you a bit more privacy
I lived in a largish studio once, which I kept organized and clean and all that, but I realized how nice it is to have a separate room, especially when you have guests over!
If it’s only $100 more for the 1 bed/1 bath, i’d go for that one. Plus, can’t beat that 6 month lease. I hate being locked into a long-term lease.
I definitely vote for the 1 bed/1 bath, I think that extra wall and door make a big difference! Especially if you have a visitor staying on your couch.
Good luck with everything, moving totally is a money drain.
Personally I’d go with the larger space too. How exciting though! As much as I hate moving, and the expense of the whole thing, like you, I LOVE decorating new places. Oh, and good decision on the not living with strangers.. I watched Single White Female last night for the first time, which has put me off for life!
$100 = $1200/year. If you love space, go for it
If you are like me, and don’t need much space, just save the $1200/year, but knowing you……… we’ll hear that you took the larger spot, I am sure
And if you have visitors, it’d be a good idea to have a separate room.
Check both out and see which you prefer. I lived for 4 years in a studio that had a great layout, the bedroom was separated by a half wall. It was more like a 1 bedroom and cheaper/nicer than the actual 1 bedrooms I looked at. Those are pretty good prices for LA, I hope you find something you like! I gave up on roomates once I graduated college, too many nutcases over those years.
Definitely get the 1BR. I was trying to choose between a two room studio and a one bedroom, and I chose the more expensive option (also by $100) and I have not regretted it for a moment. My clothes don’t smell like the food I cooked for dinner, I can easily have company and provide a modicum of privacy for us both, and I can have a table to eat meals at. I would pay $100/month for each of those things individually so to get them all is actually a great deal.
I’d take the 1BR too because you can afford it and the 6-month lease option is great. I lived in a large studio in LA for 2 years and while it was great when I was alone, I’d dislike how when my friends came over, they would be sitting or lying on my bed when they came to visit ’cause it was that or the floor. I wish I’d had space for a separate couch or futon…sigh.
Congratulations, very exciting! Living alone, I didn’t mind a studio (with a almost full wall to separate, but no bdrm door), but whenever T stayed over, it was kind of annoying. Anyway, the 6 mo. lease is important too.
Have fun!
Argh, that Apartment Therapy is clogging my reader! So much inspiration!
Good luck with making your choice! It’s totally cash-conscious if you know what the extra 100$ will get you and decide you want it more that 100$.
What a great dilemma to have! Having your own place is slightly more expensive, but worth it for peace of mind and privacy. I agree that the layout can make a huge difference in the feel of the place, but if the 1bedroom feels more spacious, I’d go for it. The boost to your mental health could be worth $100 a month, right? Better than a Starbucks a day.
Re moving in with the SO and saving, don’t do it *just* to save money, but the savings definitely don’t hurt. =P
I would take the 1 bedroom. Living on your own rocks. You can decorate just as you please. AT is a great site although it makes me spend $$ because of so many great ideas.