The moving-out thread

[Talon]

Hello all,

This is something I've been meaning to do since the beginning of the year. So naturally I'm trying to make it happen now, close to the end of the year

My home life situation isn't anywhere near as bad as some of the crap I've read here on CS. I'm in good health, paid off all my college debts with a great job that's actually in my field, and I'm living here rent-free. Nevertheless, I'm not happy here. Long past time I moved on.

As far as why I'm not already gone, it's partly laziness and procrastination. Earlier in the year I wasn't sure if my budget could handle it. Some unfortunate let-goes at work during summer gave me pause. I had hoped to find a place within walking or bussing distance of work, but turns out that's not workable given my shift-hours. I'll have to take my car with me, meaning more money. But as my best friend put it "With great bills comes great freedom". I want that on a T-shirt.

I've already done the proverbial fire sale, dumped/gave away the stuff I don't want and boxed the stuff I do. My dad supports me on this, though I'd rather not involve him and give mom any more excuses to give him shit. Brother also has my back, and is willing to help move stuff. I've driven U-haul trucks before, but I don't think I'll need one for this.

As far as searching for appartments, I've been canvassing viewit.ca. There's also craigslist and kijiji.ca, haven't tried those yet. That leaves word of mouth, sadly not my strong suit. There's one guy at work who lives close by, I'll try hitting him up when next I see him.

I'm hoping to be out of here by end of this month. If I can't find a place by then I'll probably have to wait until spring of next year. Not crazy about that, but not crazy about moving out in the dead of winter either.

I think I finally made the first ice-breaking step with the first phonecall today. Meaning I sent an email, listened to my phone messages, and called back after I got the news that there was no vacancy until January. Surprised I got a callback so fast. I suppose that's progress. Or something...

Any advice from those more experienced than I would be appreciated.

[Andara Bledin]

When we needed an apartment, stat (long, sordid story), we found a free magazine that was nothing but rental properties. I think it was called Apartment Guide, which is the name of a magazine that also has a website.

Good luck!

^-.-^

[Bandit]

As you're a fellow canuck, look for the yellow box by a transit station. They carry Renter's News which is a good starting place.

It has been a good start for me in the past.

B

[Draper Mel]

If you can, try driving around in the neighborhood you're interested in. Sometimes landlords just put a sign out with a phone number. Also try any alternative or free newspapers. I found my last apartment that way.

[NorthernZel]

Since I live on another continent I cannot give advice re: searching for houses/apartment, but I can give advice on what you need in your "moving-out-pack":

A basic toolbox: Just a hammer, a set of screwdrivers, two boxes of nails and screws, some pliers and a sharp knife will get you a long way.

Cutlery and crockery: 4 units of each (flat plates/deep plates/knifes/spoons/forks/cups/glasses) is good. Eventually look for cheap "beginners' set" at some stores. Eventually look for cheap second-hand option at thrift stores.

Cooking utensils: Again, look for "beginners' set" when it comes to saucepans, pots and such. Do remember to buy stuff such as kitchen knives, stirring spoons, can openers and other utensils.

Cleaning utensils: Some landlords will claim that the house/apartment is clean while it actually ain't. So make sure to have some detergents, sponges and cloths ready at hand. Oh, and also washing powder and fabric softener in case the unit has a washing machine and/or tumble dryer included.

[Food Lady]

I found this apartment just driving around.

[dalesys]

Since I live on another continent I cannot give advice re: searching for houses/apartment, but I can give advice on what you need in your "moving-out-pack":

Toilet paper!
Soap.
A few light bulbs.

[Seshat]

Something to cheer you up when you're lonely. Something bright and lovely and personal.

[Talon]

Thanks for all the replies.

Made some additional phonecalls today. Guess no one wants to answer their phone on a Friday afternoon, so left voicemails.

[MoonCat]

Don't worry about moving late in the year. It can be done. I closed on my house on Nov. 30 of 2004, and then ended up actually moving into it in March of 2005. During a heavy snow.

Most people who have a place to rent are hoping to show it on weekends, so you might still get some callbacks. If not, try them again on Monday. They might have been out showing the apt. and if no one took it, you'd have another chance. Now that Nov. 1st has passed, you might find someone willing to lower the rent a bit so they can get someone into the place before they lose another month's rent money.

[Flying Grype]

Toronto real estate blows and is expensive. I'm moving to Buffalo.

Moving in winter can be done. It's just a little slippery. Moving in summer is sweaty and heatstrokey, though.

Be careful of any replies you get from 'landlords' that have the following elements: 1) the owner is overseas, probably doing missionary or medical work; 2) they want you to wire the payment and they'll get the key to you; and 3) they sign off with 'god bless'. This is the template of a scam. There is no apartment, they just take your money.

Don't rule out apartments in houses. I avoid basement apartments because of seasonal depression, but if that's not an issue for you, there are lots of great self-contained basement apartments out there. You don't have to deal with buildings and their managers/companies that way.

Good luck!

[Talon]

Be careful of any replies you get from 'landlords' that have the following elements: 1) the owner is overseas, probably doing missionary or medical work; 2) they want you to wire the payment and they'll get the key to you; and 3) they sign off with 'god bless'. This is the template of a scam. There is no apartment, they just take your money.

Believe me I'm not putting down a dime until I actually inspect the apartment.

Don't rule out apartments in houses. I avoid basement apartments because of seasonal depression, but if that's not an issue for you, there are lots of great self-contained basement apartments out there.

Unfortunately I don't really like cold, so basement apts probably won't work for me.

So I was hoping to get back on the horse today, but after working nightshift I decided not a good idea to do business while half-asleep. Tomorrow then.

[Draper Mel]

I'll chime in and recommend getting a shoebox or something to keep packing supplies in: packing tape and tape gun, markers, string, mat knife. You probably won't pack all your stuff in one day, so it's good to have somewhere central to corral that stuff.

Stores like Big Lots or Home Goods are good places to look for sets of inexpensive dishes and cookware. Also stuff like rugs and lamps and things. I think Big Lots even has TVs and other electronics. Even Family Dollar has some halfway decent stuff. They have a couple quality levels of bath towels; their highest quality ones are pretty good.

I never looked at basement apartments, because of seasonal affective disorder, but the apartment I'm moving into at the end of the month is an English basement or garden apartment. It's only halfway underground, so it has larger windows. The living room actually gets pretty good light.

[Talon]

Now that I'm recovered from nightshifts, made a bunch of calls today. This time places are actually answering and returning my calls. Getting feedback, but...

Why am I reminded of this old Goofy cartoon?

So far I've only had one hit, might be available Dec 15th.

Why do I feel like I'm doing a job hunt all over again?

When I put it like that, 1 hit in 1 day of searching actually seems pretty good.