Mr.Mister Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 (edited) So I plan to get an apartment with a friend by July 8, one week before he goes to Ontario for 2 months for some military schooling. He said he will pay his share when he is gone as long as I keep the place clean. I have known him for 5 years and he's not the type to screw you over. http://www.bwalk.com/RentApartments/Albert...#detailsPricing (I'd be in one of the towers) 500 security deposit and rent is 1,079 a month for a 1000sq feet apartment. I will be making 1800 a month. My question to the ones living on their own is, how much do you spend on food for yourself every week? What lease term should a beginner get? And what would be some good furniture to start with? All I got is a small TV, xbox, king size bed (It's Ikea, can I just take it apart and bring it there?) and some posters. Should I pick up some free furniture from kijiji? (kijiji is like craigslist) Also, should I rent a U-Haul truck? Or are there better rental companies? Any other pointers would be helpful. I also will remember to bring my laundry basket, clothes hangers and cooking utensils. Edited June 19, 2011 by Mr.Mister Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
860 Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 (edited) My question to the ones living on their own is, how much do you spend on food for yourself every week? About 15-20€. And what would be some good furniture to start with? Sounds like you're missing a couch, a table and a chair or two. (It's Ikea, can I just take it apart and bring it there?) If you didn't use any glue, then yes. Also, should I rent a U-Haul truck? I had a couch, bed and a table on my dad's trailer. You've got a lot less so unless you don't know anyone who could borrow you one, I doubt it. Isn't it a bit expensive too? Edited June 19, 2011 by 860 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinski Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 (edited) You can now drink in the shower without being judged. Congratulations. In a similar vein actually, you know all these things you're probably saying to yourself? Like "I'm going to cook well and make sure I eat properly at least, if not well" and "I'm motivated enough to keep this place reasonably tidy" and "Laundry gets done once/twice a week, no matter what"? Give it 2 months. Edited June 19, 2011 by Robinski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lithium Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 I'd say a realistic amount to spend on groceries a week for one person would be about $50-$60 dollars. Groceries aren't cheap these days. For my girlfriend and myself we usually end up spending about $130 or so every week and a half/2 weeks. As well, I hope that's a huge apartment for a grand a month! F*ckin Deadmonton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lil weasel Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Put it in writing. Get your friend to agree to everything in writing so you don't have a falling out later. Figure 3$ to 10$US a day for food. Get a Mircrowave. The bed One comfortable chair. one Table (for tv/game console) Chest of drawers for clothing. Keep furniture to a minimum until you are truely settled in. The less you have the less trouble moving out again. If you entertain consider a comfy settee/fouton. keep it light. Bed side lamp. Living area lamp. Who pays what % of Expenses: Rent. Electricity Water Heating/Air Conditioning. Automobile fuel & maintenance. Telephone Internet Entertainment (movies/beer/pizza nights out) Girlfriend dating Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icarus Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 (edited) Well you'll learn quickly that Edmonton is not a cheap place for apartments; I live by the Stadium and I pay $665 a month, but it will be going up to $850 in December since part of signing a one-year lease was to get a rent reduction. First, it doesn't sound like you have too much stuff to move, so I would definitely recommend renting a U-Haul. Movers, from what I've heard, are really expensive in this city, so you might as well get a U-Haul. The other thing is you and your friend can use the same U-Haul and split the costs, so it will end up being even cheaper then. You just have to pay the standard rental fee, the kilometers and fill the tank up when you're done (i.e. pay for the fuel you have used). When I first moved in June 2010 from Sherwood Park to the north end of the city by Londonderry, my friends and I rented a 19 foot U-Haul and we got all my stuff in the Park, went to their place and packed the truck, went to the new place and unpacked, went back to their house to get the last bit and then unpacked at the new place. I think it only cost like $80 for the truck and between three people, it was a joke. It sounds like you need a couch, so I would recommend going to the United Furniture Warehouse just off 137 Ave and St. Albert Trail on the north end. I got my couch there for $1200 (but it's a massive sectional, brand new and I got a five year warranty on it), but you can find older models there (not second hand) for $500 and sometimes less. I would have a look around; you'll probably be able to find something that suits your tastes. On food, I probably spend around $200/month; I shop at the Save-On-Foods right by the Stadium and while it is expensive in some sense, if you get a Save-On card (free), you can get a lot of deals and really reduce your bill. When I went there one night, I ended up saving $68 just from the card. The same applies if you live next to a Safeway. Another tip with Safeway and Save-On-Foods (and I think a couple other places), if you go on the first Tuesday of the month and spend at least $50, you'll get 15% off your bill, so that's something to consider. Apart from that, I don't think there's much more. It's good you have a roommate because it makes splitting costs for the rent and utilities a lot easier; it sucks when you're by yourself. [EDIT] On leases, generally you will have a choice on six months or one year. This can be hard to judge since you might move in and the place ends up being a dive, which is what happened to us when I was living on the north end. Luckily, we only signed for three months (we were finishing up the previous renter's lease) and the landlord forgot to renew our lease until December, but we all decided to move out before he made us re-sign. If you think you'll be staying put for a while, sign a year. Edited June 19, 2011 by Icarus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Mister Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share Posted June 19, 2011 (edited) You can now drink in the shower without being judged. Congratulations. In a similar vein actually, you know all these things you're probably saying to yourself? Like "I'm going to cook well and make sure I eat properly at least, if not well" and "I'm motivated enough to keep this place reasonably tidy" and "Laundry gets done once/twice a week, no matter what"? Give it 2 months. haha yeah thats true, I know im going to become lazy, especially with cooking. My friend can do that while I do the cleaning. We are definitely going to do this together and everything will be in writing. We wont have much sh*t so keeping things clean wont be hard. I'll find a couch, tables and chairs on kijiji, get em for free. My friend owns a truck so maybe I can use that to move. I dont think edmonton is that expensive compared to other big cities. How much would cable and internet cost every month? it seems that they are offering a telus deal After rent I'll have about 1275, 200 a month max on food for me. Another 100-200 on bills and necessities such as bus fare and coin laundry. that leaves atleast 800 for emergencies, savings and entertainment Edit: thanks for the advice Icarus, you really are helpful. Theres a Safeway down the street so Im going there. I was thinking of doing a 3 month lease, seems right to start with. Edit 2: I work at a IT company as a technical assistant, 10 bucks an hour for a 45 hour work week. Im on probation until september 23rd, which then I may get a raise. I could have gotten a better paying job but they hired me so I said yes. I do plan on saving a couple hundred every month, which will go towards school whenever I decide to take classes Edited June 19, 2011 by Mr.Mister Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lithium Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 You can now drink in the shower without being judged. Congratulations. In a similar vein actually, you know all these things you're probably saying to yourself? Like "I'm going to cook well and make sure I eat properly at least, if not well" and "I'm motivated enough to keep this place reasonably tidy" and "Laundry gets done once/twice a week, no matter what"? Give it 2 months. haha yeah thats true, I know im going to become lazy, especially with cooking. My friend can do that while I do the cleaning. We are definitely going to do this together and everything will be in writing. We wont have much sh*t so keeping things clean wont be hard. I'll find a couch, tables and chairs on kijiji, get em for free. My friend owns a truck so maybe I can use that to move. I dont think edmonton is that expensive compared to other big cities. How much would cable and internet cost every month? it seems that they are offering a telus deal After rent I'll have about 1275, 200 a month max on food for me. Another 100-200 on bills and necessities such as bus fare and coin laundry. that leaves atleast 800 for emergencies, savings and entertainment If you'll have $800 to spare maybe you should put $100 away off each pay? That way you know you'll have some if you really need. $1,800 a month is a good f*ckin pay, but better safe than sorry right? What are you going to be doing for work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BGModder Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Sounds like all you really need is a couch. I hope you can cook, because take-out and TV dinners start to make you feel sick after a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sofa_king Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Bad idea. wait the 2 months then when he returns hammer all this out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blitz Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Seems like a nice place you got there, I don't think you'll be needing much furniture, actually. You should have: •A couch •A TV •Coffee Table •A small bookshelf, just decoration but can be rather useful Stuff like that. However, I do recommend that you wait the 2 months so that both of you can do it instead of you having to do everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Mister Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share Posted June 19, 2011 Well we would actually set all this up before he leaves on the 15th. He also has a sh*tload of cash saved up and will pay his share of the rent even when hes gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyler Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 Bad idea. wait the 2 months then when he returns hammer all this out. You don't want to take this kind of leap without knowing for sure that he's there and ready to pay every payment that you aren't. Seriously. Just wait for him to get back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Mister Posted June 19, 2011 Author Share Posted June 19, 2011 well if I stay for the summer then I gotta deal with bullsh*t. But if im out, then something could happen which forces me to leave. but what would that be? I can also just ask some other friends, or just move out with an aquantence that I met through a good friend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trip Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 So you are like 19? Moving out for your first time? f*ckit...you don't need much of anything. Just enjoy the whole survival of it all. As long as you have a something comfortable to sleep on, even if it is just a mattress on the floor - that is a positive start. I'm guessing you have a tv and some sort of game console unit - so that is covered. Maybe a cheap ass $50 sofa from Ikea would help, but still not needed. Maybe some dishware and eating utensils too. Although, I'm still not completely on board with the arrangement you spoke of. That seems a bit risky. I only say that because I've seen enough Judge Judy(thanks to my wife) and according to what I've learn from TV that seems like it has potential to be a problem you may not want to deal with it the wrong thing happens. My crappy games at MyCrappyGames.com Free copy of Save The Puppies and Kittens Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unopescio Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 Are you moving far away from home? Are you going to be in the same place that you always have? When I left home I packed up all my sh*t in my car and drove 1000km away from where I grew up. Its different when youre moving to a whole new city where you know no one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leik oh em jeez! Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 Bad idea. wait the 2 months then when he returns hammer all this out. You don't want to take this kind of leap without knowing for sure that he's there and ready to pay every payment that you aren't. Seriously. Just wait for him to get back. This. Or find someone that will be willing to move in with you if things fall through with your other room mate. I usually spent $5-10 on food everyday, but I'm a hungry mother f*cker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Mister Posted June 23, 2011 Author Share Posted June 23, 2011 OK well things have changed quite abit. My friend backed out so now I am going to move into a 3 bedroom apartment with two other friends. Rent will be $423 a month per person. Looking to move in sometime between July 4th-15th. This place is only a kilometer away from my current home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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