Moving out is a super exciting time, but it can also be expensive. Often we forget to take into account the cost of bond, bills, internet connection, food and of course furniture! My first apartment was partly furnished and I managed to finally save for a couch after months of sitting on the floor but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. I loved the freedom of having my own place where many memories were made with late night hangs with friends and finding bargains to make my house a home along the way. There are some easy ways to save cash when you move out but you have to be diligent in your approach.
First things first, you’ll need to have savings in your bank before you can move into a new place. Your bond will be 4 weeks of whatever the rental amount is and to secure the lease you will also have to pay another two weeks rent up front, you can save money on removalists by doing the move yourself, reach out to friends and family to see who has a ute or a big 4wd you can use to move your things.
Gas and electricity are free to set up, but there may be some costs involved for setting up your internet so budget for that as well. You can find some great quality, cheap furniture at places like
Ikea and
Amart Furniture and you can’t go past
Kmart for bedding, storage, throws, plates, cutlery and pillows.
Once you’re moved in it’s easy to save money by cooking for yourself instead of eating out as much and prepping your meals for work in advance. Buying groceries for the week can sometimes be the same cost as just one night out, so do yourself a favour and buy some plastic containers and take your food each day to work or uni, by just doing this you will save hundreds of dollars each week!
Another great way to save cash is to save on power, always remember to turn off lights when you aren’t at home, stay away from using the dryer unless it’s an emergency and try not to use electric heaters in Winter, if you have a gas port use that. Electric heaters and clothes dryers chew through the power and leave you with a hefty bill at the end of the month.
Where you can, use public transport instead of using your car, not only is it better for the environment but you will save on petrol and parking costs by using your trusty Opal Card to get around.
When you are entertaining at home, don’t be embarrassed to ask people to chip in. Ask each person to bring something different to contribute to the evenings dinner plans think salads, a roast chicken from the local chicken shop, cheese and crackers or a bottle of their favourite wine or a 6 pack of their favourite beer. Of course you want to show off your new pad but feeding everyone can turn into quite an expensive evening so with everyone chipping in you will be able to entertain more often and still keep some cash in your back pocket.
Finally, sharing with a roommate is another great way to save money, you can split the bill costs, food and rent and often secure a better property as combined you will have more cash to splash on your new pad!
Moving out is honestly one of the most epic things you will ever do and it will teach you how to adult real fast, it may seem like an expensive adventure but after the first costs of setting up your new place it will all begin to even out and you will enjoy just chilling in your new pad which is your very own home sweet home. Happy moving!
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