Highly Sensitive People HSP Community Group
The highly sensitive person (or HSP) is someone who cares deeply about everything ... feels emotions with great intensity ... is highly conscientious ... has a rich and complex inner life ... is very intuitive ... is often creative in a variety of ways... is easily overwhelmed and/or overstimulated. A HSP needs lots of quiet time,space, and freedom. If this sounds...
Having a place of your own sounds like a good idea. I don't have much knowledge about renting or buying. I would make sure I had a friend with me who "speaks the real estate language". I would also find it helpful to make lists. I always think better & clearer when I see things written on paper. It might be a hassle to move but if you take it slow & get some help it will all work out. Good luck with this.
I always like to drive around the area that I am interested in living in. Going with your gut feelings on things- for example; is it a safe looking neighborhood, who are the neighbors around me, is the landlord helpful and kind willing to work with you. Do you feel secure.
As far as material things- Keep it simple. You don't need a lot of things just the basics. You will know as you need things what to purchase.
I'm sure once you are settled you will enjoy your new freedom.
Hugs.
Get a copy of the rental agreement, look it over carefully, do a walk through with the landlord to mark down any damage no matteer how minor so you wont be blamed for it and have to pay for it later if and when you move out
Lists are good. Negotiating can sometimes be done but seems that most places, landlords have set rents, though deposits can be negotiated in some cases.
I looked up a list for you
I love lists, so helpful!
Best of luck, I am happy for you friend :-)
-Kitchen Basics: The important things that might top this list might be a can opener, sharp knife or wooden spoon. Pots/pans, dishes, towels, dish scrubber, dishsoap, kitchen cleaning products
-A Toolbox: You'll at least need a screwdriver (or two), a hammer, a tape measure, a level, adjustable wrench, and set of wrenches- The rest is up to you.
- A Plant: Even if you kill it in a few months, the breath of life they bring to a space is unmistakable. If your thumb isn't exactly green, try a succulent that only has to be watered every few weeks.
-3 Light Sources: Many apartments can feel lacking in light and often your first apartment isn't as awesome as you wanted it to be. Remember 3 light sources for your main room and it will always feel more like home. Plus, as a rule of thumb, all overhead lighting in apartments is ill-placed, too harsh, or too dim.
-Comforter, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, pillows.
- 5 More Extension Cords Than You Think You Need: Unless you designed and built your own home, there's a 99% change your outlet ratio to products that require them will suck. Having a few extension cords or power bars on hand will save you frustration and trips to the hardware store later on.
.-$50 Emergency Money: It doesn't matter if you keep it in the bank or stashed in your secret hiding spot, every first apartment has some sort of emergency. It might be the need to escape and have a night out, a lamp you didn't think you'd need or possibly a fan due to the lack of air circulation. Big or small, there will always be something.
This is a big step for you so take it slowly.
Have a look around the room again, and talk to the house owner to ask what is included. CWB1's list is good, even if some is included it is best to have your own tools and stuff.
Is the place furnished already or do you need to provide furnishings? How about 'soft' furnishings like bedsheets, towels etc? I would feel better about using my own anyway. How about plates and utensils? What food storage and cooking facilities are available?
Be careful of security, is your room door lockable? If not ask the owner to look into this and how much it might cost.
As nabby suggests, spend time in the area at different times, day and night. But don't believe too much in the reputation of an area - my area has a terrible reputation but I don't feel unsafe there personally. You just need to be sensible - don't wander about with your phone out for example. Learn where important things are - the nearest shop, ATM, bus/train stop if you rely on public transport or safe place to park your car.
Once you have moved in, try and get to know others in the building. If there is a problem and you need help it is good to have someone to turn to - if you lock yourself out for example. And being away from your parents for the first time, it helps to have other people around so you don't become lonely or isolated.
Is there anyone who is experienced who could come round with you? Someone who knows what to look for and could help negotiate on price. If a landlord sees an inexperienced young person sadly if they are unscrupulous they may try to rip them off and charge more.
That's all I can think of for now.
thanks for your nice tips.
Thanks CWB1 :), really appreciate those tips.
hi lizzie, yea i have had a look at the house. It is more like a hostel, newly built. They have not actually got any tenants as for now. They are looking around for serious persons. It is mainly for students but they are looking mostly for people who work like me for example. Their security system is like coded + camera around the house and doors well locked.
All is included equipped with a common kitchenette with all the necessary utensils and basic tools like washing machine, fridge and so on. It is well equipped and new.
The rooms are OK, as for me great. They've got a 30m2 and 24m2 rooms. I like both but the 30m2 is more spacious of course.
I have never lived alone but it is really near my office and will save me lots and lots of time.
I am only scared of how to announce this at home since in my country it is difficult for a girl to leave home and go by herself.
Thanks again for your advice :)
As far as announcing this at home, maybe you could gather together all the details of the house, to show that it's safe, and that it's near your work. You wont be by yourself. You could show your family the place, reassure them you are going to be fine, and introduce them to the landlord(s).
As for the first approach, you could say that you found a place to live and you are wanting to move because it would be a good positive thing for you and emphasize that it's not going to disrupt any thing you are doing, you will not be lone, and your family will still see you, know that you are okay, and that you are still the same girl that you always have been-even though inside you may feel that you are making positive changes, and changing, reassuring them may calm your concerns of announcing this to them.
HUGS
I know you can do this!
Since the basics seem to be all provided, what remains is things which make your home homely. Personal items. Ask about the walls - are you allowed to put up picture hooks, or are there some there already? I would avoid using sellotape or sticky tack to put posters up as that damages the paint. What about shelves? Decide on a small number of personal items to bring with you.
Also, there are practical matters which might need to be dealt with - for example, how about chores - if the kitchen is communal, who does the dishes? Is there a rota for cleaning communal areas (eg vacuuming floors, cleaning bathroom) or is that included in your rent? How is washing arranged - is there a communal machine or do people go to a laundromat? How about food shopping - is it all put in a communal fridge? If so I would invest in a mini-fridge for your bedroom as there is always a food thief who comes back drunk in the early hours and eats whatever they find, keep basics in there eg cheese, bread, milk. If the communal areas are damaged (eg that late-night drunk makes a mess) who cleans up or pays for repairs? Is there a deposit to cover that? How much notice do you need to give if you want to leave?
As for approaching it with your family, it is normal for most people to leave their parents' homes eventually. You could arrange to come back regularly to ease the blow - for example my partner goes back to see his family every Sunday. Do things to show them you are being careful of your safety - invest in a rape alarm, try to stick to busy areas when going home alone, keep important phone numbers in your phone eg local police station. You could even arrange to phone them regularly at first as you yourself might find it harder than you expect. CWB1's ideas of introducing them to the landlord are good as well.
Living alone can be hard even if you are used to it. Try to make yourself socialise and avoid becoming isolated. Get to know your neighbours, talk to them when you are cooking your meals or washing clothes in the communal areas - ask about them and why they moved there, what their stories are. You could even arrange some kind of communal meal rota, where one person cooks each day for all the others, if you get along well with them. Neighbours can be a great help if something happens late at night and the landlord or your parents are unavailable.
What I liked most is the quite and uninterrupted time to myself. Would like to suggest candles, scents, herbal tea, thick carpets and comfortable cushions. =]