My fantastic housemate bought a condo. This means that she and her boyfriend will be moving out of our apartment, probably around the beginning of May. I was immediately filled with dread at the idea of having to find two new housemates. Aside from the difficulty in finding good housemates, I really dislike the disruption of having people move in and out of the apartment, and my experience is that there may be several personal changes before the apartment settles down for the year.
When my friend, Rachel, mentioned that she was looking for a housemate, I quickly volunteered myself. Rachel lives about a street over from where I live right now, and we both feel we’re well-matched as housemates. Yesterday, I went to look at her apartment, and I’ve made the decision to move there, probably some time in May. There are definitely pros and cons to the move though.
Pros: I get to live with Rachel and her two cats. The new apartment will just have Rachel and I living in it, which I hope means there will be less housemate disruption. I will have a lot more room in my new apartment – aside from my bedroom, I’ll share a kitchen, bathroom, office/spare bedroom, living room, dining room, and balcony. The apartment feels really comfortable; I think I’ll enjoy coming home to it. Rachel and I plan to cook together, and to share the food shopping. I get to stay in my current neighborhood, which I really like. I will be (marginally) closer to work.
Cons: The new place will be more expensive. My new bedroom will be smaller than my current one (although this will be offset by the extra space I’ll have access to in the rest of apartment). There is no washing machine and/or dryer – I’ll be going to the laundromat. The new apartment isn’t in quite as good condition as my current apartment (the appliances are older, from the outside, the building looks like it’s days away from falling down). I don’t think the balcony of my new apartment is going to be as good for growing stuff.
I really do think my decision to move is the right one. In fact, I’m almost unreasonably excited about it. Anyone want to help me move?
Jonathan said
Yes, I volunteer!
frillbow said
I’d say that the fact that you’ll be with a good and like-minded friend will more than make up for the other stuff! Life can be a bit of a trial if you’re living with people you don’t really know. Just think of the cooking possibilities and go for it!
nezza said
I’d love to help you move, but I have a feeling that the little thing known affectionately as the Atlantic Ocean might make things a little tricky. ;)
Katie said
Jonathan: I knew there was a reason I gave you hand-knitted socks! :-) Thank you so much for the offer – I will likely take you up on it.
frillbow: I really do know I’m making the right decision. After I was done looking at the apartment, Rachel and I sat down, just to chat about nothing-in-particular, and everything about the place felt right. Something I can’t really put into words, but definitely the right place for me to move to.
nezza: It’s OK – it actually looks like I have plenty of people to help me move. :-)