By Amelia Cuesta
Editorial Staff El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO. - If you're looking for a house to rent, sometimes the listings are outdated and by the time you call, the place is already booked; you find an apartment or house with everything you want, but it's far from the area you prefer; you mention your budget, explain what you're looking for, and they offer you a higher price – sometimes even double. When you're buying, the price might exceed what you've budgeted or saved.
We often hear that moving is synonymous with stress: packing up everything, deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, cleaning, and so on. Others see moving as an adventure, an opportunity to make room for the new. However, regardless of how you see it, moving is everything: it's difficult and uncomfortable, but also the perfect time to make changes, get creative, and let go of everything you no longer want in your life. A new beginning.
Beyond the pros and cons we encounter on the path to finding a new home, it is important to know how to organize ourselves when moving, regardless of the reason we have: "it's time", "I don't like the area", "I need my space", etc.
El Inmobiliario shares five tips to consider when making the decision to leave home or change residences:
- Be organized
Not only when packing all your belongings into organized boxes, but also with your money. Create a budget that reflects your current situation and stick to it.
- Sustainable income
Having a clear understanding of your income is essential. Some people move with a partner, others with roommates, or alone; the truth is, no matter how you plan to move, knowing where your money goes and where you save is crucial when you're ready to move.
Some experts say you should save 33% of your salary, others 20%, and some suggest 10%. However, everyone saves according to what they feel they can afford and their priorities. The important thing is to never stop saving, even if it's just a small amount, always keeping in mind your Emergency Fund, money set aside to cover unexpected expenses and emergencies.
Far from being a straitjacket, a budget is a guide that directs you on how to spend. It allows you to set limits on your expenses and use your money wisely.
- Be realistic
When we move, we imagine our new home decorated, painted, and furnished exactly as we dreamed, but it doesn't always turn out that way. Ask yourself, "What do I really need for everyday life?" Maybe a stove, a refrigerator, a bed, and a fan. Focus on what you need to get started; you'll acquire the rest little by little.
- Knowing what suits you
Have you carefully considered what the best decision is for you? Buying or renting? This is an important question that needs to be evaluated. Buying is definitely an excellent decision, but it should be weighed carefully. If it's your first time living alone or moving out of your parents' house, renting is a good option.
- Shop smart
Furnishing, decorating, and painting is the most fun and joyful part of moving. It's wise to be mindful and not let the excitement get the better of you. Start with the essentials: a good bed, a sofa or armchair, a refrigerator, a stove, and a fan or air conditioner, depending on your preferences and budget. Opt for durable items that come with warranties and good reviews. Ask your relatives, friends, and acquaintances; they might have furniture they no longer use, want to exchange, or are willing to sell at a very low price or even give it away.
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