How minimalism can make renting more convenient!

While many people could criticise renting saying that the money you pay for your weekly rent isn’t going towards paying off your own home, there’s also an array of benefits that come with renting. Not only does renting allow you to experience living in areas where you may not be able to buy a home, as well as grow wealth through investing, however it also gives you more flexibility to move should your work or lifestyle choices require a move .

With the possibility that you could be on the move quite regularly as a renter, embracing the minimalist lifestyle can make this process easier. Here’s how minimalism can make renting more convenient.

Moving becomes easier

Whether you want to move out of your current property or not, having fewer personal possessions to move between properties makes moving easier. Not only is it easier to pack, but you’ll also save money on removalists particularly if they’re charging you an hourly rate. If you’re very minimalistic with your belongings, you may even be able to move places by yourself if you have access to a large vehicle or ute.

You put more thought into your furniture purchases

When you’re a minimalist, the big-ticket purchases you make require some thought especially if you don’t know where you’ll be living next. Instead of hastily making big purchases that only work in your current property, as a minimalist you’re more likely to put some extra time and thought into that next sofa purchase. For example, if you love apartment living and you usually live in a smaller place, you might spend the time to research and find a couch that includes hidden storage space or sofa bed.

You limit your financial commitments

As a minimalist with your personal possessions, it’s natural to wonder how you can practice minimalism in other areas of your life. With the freedom that is renting, it may be hard to justify committing to something like a 24-month gym membership or internet account. To enjoy all the benefits of a gym membership without the long-term financial commitment, you could try ClassPass or research the month-to-month options that your local gyms offer. While you may not find something flexible at each business, more and more companies realise the value that flexibility provides to their customers today.

Renting provides many benefits to people with today’s busy lifestyle. While it can be difficult not knowing if you’re staying in the same property year after year, practising minimalism as a renter will make renting more convenient for you.

Four things to consider when you’re searching for a new home

Searching for a new home to rent can be a tedious process. Between scrolling through listings, attending inspections and putting your application paperwork together, it can be easy to be quickly exhausted by the whole process.

However, with a specific list in mind of what you’re looking for in a new home and understanding what’s important to you, some clarity can be brought to the house-hunting process. Here’s five things to consider when you’re looking for a new home.

  1. Location
    The location of your new home is arguably the most important factor many people want to get right. Before you begin scrolling through property listings, make a note of your location preferences and situations where you’re willing to compromise. For example, you may find a home you like but it’s in the suburb next to your ideal location. In this case, you need to ask yourself if you’d prefer to prioritise the home itself over the location or continue your search.
  2. Be open to negotiating
    When you’re renting the pressure of lease start and end dates can make the house hunting process feel like one big rush. To give yourself as much time as possible for your property search, start looking for properties as soon as possible and keep in contact with your property manager. If you have a good relationship with your property manager, and you’re worried about moving out on your lease end date, you may be able to negotiate paying rent for a specific number of days or weeks after your lease ends. This may be subject to whether a new tenant and lease is already organised for your current property.
  3. Lifestyle priorities
    While the prospect of a lively neighbourhood full of bars and clubs may be appealing, you may come to regret being a full-time resident in an area where you may be kept awake by bustling nightlife. To avoid problems like this, consider your lifestyle priorities. You can start by asking yourself what an ideal weekend around your local area looks like for you and whether you’re set on living walking distance to lifestyle amenities and transport options.
  4. Price
    Weighing up the weekly rental price you’re willing to pay is a big part of the house hunting process. You’ll need to consider the price and what’s actually included. For example, you may find a place that’s slightly over your budget, but it may include all of your appliances and utilities such as gas. This is where it’s helpful to stay open minded about price and what’s included in your lease.

Conclusion
Searching for a new home can be an exhausting process but keeping the four factors listed above in mind when you’re inspecting places will help you stay clear on what you’re looking for in a new home. If you’re particular about your living environment, you may not find something you love straight away.

Although it can be difficult, practice a patient approach to your property search so you secure a place you’re excited to call home.