I spend a lot of money on my rent for every money. As I’m considering moving in with my partner, we’re thinking of ways we can cut back on what we both spend. However, it turns out that there is a possibility that we won’t end up spending much less on an individual level once we get moving. Some of this relates to the five things I don’t want to do in order to lower my rent:
1. Getting out of San Francisco
This is the big thing. I love San Francisco. This city is where I thrive creatively, emotionally, physically and socially. I’ve lived here for about 16 years now, and I still don’t want to leave town. Of course, it is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Therefore, my love for the city certainly makes it difficult to lower the rent drastically.
2. Move to certain neighborhoods
Obviously, just like anywhere else, some neighborhoods are cheaper than others in San Francisco. In fact, I couldn’t lower my rent that much if I moved on my own to a different neighborhood. However, if my partner and I moved to live together, there are neighborhoods we could move to that would cut half the rent. Some are certainly possible. However, there are so many of them that I wouldn’t even think of it.
It’s not that I want to be in a “better” neighborhood. In other words, safety is not the main concern. In terms of safety, frankly, there are some blocks within neighborhoods that I’d prefer not to live in, but there are no specific neighborhoods that I would completely rule out.
However, there are many other factors that make me rule out entire neighborhoods. I need sunlight so that I don’t live in neighborhoods where it’s always foggy. I don’t have a car, so there are some remote, less walkable neighborhoods that I have left out. Few neighborhoods have a bit of a party vibe to me. So, even if those neighborhoods are cheaper, I’m not likely to move in.
3. Get roommates
Obviously, the best way to lower the rent is to convince someone else to split it with you. However, I lived on my own for a long time. I love to live alone. As long as I am in a position to do so, I don’t want to have to live with my roommates.
The exception, of course, is if my friend and I decide to move in together. But like I said, it wouldn’t lower my rent drastically and here’s why…
4. Living in Too Small
You don’t need tons of space. In fact, I never wanted to live in a mansion or a huge house or anything like that. I love the little house. Less home, less cost, less stuff to fill, less cleaning, less hassle. Having said that, I won’t move into a very small space. what does that mean? To live on my own, this means that I will not rent a studio even though it is cheaper than a one bedroom. I live and work in my home and can’t do all of this in one room all the time without compromising my sanity. To live with the friend, this means that we are looking at two bedrooms, not one.
5. Commercial rent for work
I’ve already thought about this option before. For example, you thought of working as a building manager to get an apartment on the block for free. However, I eventually decided that I didn’t want to do that.
Does all this make me spoiled? For me, that means I know what I want. I’m working hard to make it happen. It’s not easy working for yourself in San Francisco and supporting yourself without roommates for more than a decade. You have achieved it. I just make my financial sacrifices in other ways. What would you not do to lower your rent?
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Catherine Vercello is a professional writer who loves to live a balanced life. She values a good work-life balance. She enjoys balance in her relationships and has worked hard to learn how to balance her finances to allow for a balanced life overall. Although she is only blonde at times, she always strives for perfect balance. She’s excited to share what she’s learned with you and discover more together along the way.