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Original poster

Anyone live in a studio??

65 replies

Cavviesarethebest · 23/05/2022 20:39

At the moment I pay an eye watering amount of rent to live in a two bed with a garden. It’s just me and my dog.

Opportunity has come up for me to move to a studio - it’s 35 square metres. Kitchen is separate then there’s. One big room. It’s got great views. The twist is that I could live in the studio for no rent.

It would be for maybe six to eight months.

I lived in a studio way back when for a while when I was a student. But I’m mid 40s now!

just interested to know if anyones made a move like this and how it went??

OP posts:
Kite22 · 23/05/2022 21:53

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 23/05/2022 21:06

For a fixed 8 months rent free, hell yeah!

Siphon the rent you usually pay into a separate account and that's £14,000 saved. In under a year.

This

PermanentTemporary · 23/05/2022 21:55

I did for a while in my early 30s and I absolutely loved it. Tbh I always think about that place when I hear the words 'cosy' and 'safe'.

8 months rent free? No brainer.

CluelessHamster · 23/05/2022 21:55

Eight months rent free... I would!

EmpressaurusWitchDoesntBurn · 23/05/2022 21:57

Things I found really helpful were hooks - laundry bag hanging on the back of the bathroom door, for instance - & overdoor storage racks. I had all my herbs & spices in one of those on the front of a cupboard, & cleaning stuff in another one. Although you said the kitchen’s quite generous so you should be fine!

balkangrill · 23/05/2022 22:00

It looks like you'll do it and I think it's great. For reference, my family of 5 (including two adult DC, so 4 adults and a child) is living in 52 m2 apartment. DH and I sleep on the Murphy bed in the living room. Everything is bit Lego-like in the sense that everthing must fit together, but we don't feel crowded. So one adult and a dog in the studio is I think perfectly doable and possibility to save that money is wonderful. Good luck!

Original poster
Cavviesarethebest · 23/05/2022 22:01

I think that I am going to have a very happy day at Ikea before I move in 😁

OP posts:
Original poster
Cavviesarethebest · 23/05/2022 22:04

@balkangrill oh that’s reassuring to here. I’m originally from Australia and it took me about ten years to come to terms with not having a separate laundry room (and a backyard with a pool). This will be the ultimate sign of me becoming European

OP posts:
Zemw · 23/05/2022 22:04

Absolutely I'd do this.

Minimalme · 23/05/2022 22:08

I did six months of becoming a minimalist and am just about to move my family of five (plus small dogs) into a split level apartment.

Everything we own, we use, with a handful of items which have earn't their space because they are utterly loved and beautiful.

I love owning less and I will definitely love living mortgage free with no money worries.

Definitely do it!

Cluelessasacucumber · 23/05/2022 22:08

Two of us live and work in a "glorified studio" - two small rooms, no separate bathroom etc. It was supposed to be 3months, we've been here 2 years. We are incredibly unhappy and desperate to leave. BUT if we were offered 8 month rent free, I'd grit my teeth and get on with it, that's just financially such a good move - and your set up sounds much nicer anyway!

Original poster
Cavviesarethebest · 23/05/2022 22:12

Oh thanks everyone! So supportive!

OP posts:
BreadInCaptivity · 23/05/2022 22:13

Personally I think you'd be mad not to do it.

It's a great opportunity. You're fed up where you are and you will save lots of money to go travelling or put towards a deposit on your own home.

If it's just you and your dog there's no reason you can't make it work with some good storage solutions.

I like the idea of a pp about a day bed that can be used as a sofa. I know you mention your king size but I'd be tempted to put that in storage because I'd quite like the idea of making the space have a day/sleep mode.

The fact it has a separate kitchen is a big deal as one downside of studio's is cooking smells and you won't have that.

Frankly I can't think of a reason not to do this....

StarDolphins · 23/05/2022 22:14

Not a studio but I lived in a tiny mobile home with my then dog for 2 years while I saved a fortune to buy my first flat! It was actually fine, tiny, but there’s something very comforting about saving lots!

Rent free is the best position you could be in & a rare opportunity- I say go for it & if it feels small, log onto your online banking as a reminder of why you’re doing it!😃

Ohtoberoavingagain · 23/05/2022 22:28

Free for 8 months? Go for it.
Older than you and with more than one dog I lived in a space I’ve worked out to be 16 sq yards max. For 2 years. Loved it. Would do it again.
And you’ll have sea views……….( weeps)

PriamFarrl · 23/05/2022 22:30

Just me and the dog? In a heartbeat.

LaundryandDirt · 23/05/2022 22:40

Think of ALL the cleaning you won’t have to do. I’d be in my element chilling with my pup with a magnificent view. Enjoy and think of all the savings too.

Original poster
Cavviesarethebest · 23/05/2022 22:46

The view 😄

Anyone live in a studio??
OP posts:
BreadInCaptivity · 23/05/2022 22:51

You need to position a comfy reading chair and coffee table right next to one of those windows!

Beautiful 😍

easyday · 23/05/2022 22:53

Goodness yes! Rent free, nice views, park... grab it!

NannyGythaOgg · 23/05/2022 23:08

Whilst overall I have more space than that I spend most of my time in a room about that size, which includes the kitchen. I have a separate bedroom instead.

Over the past couple of years I have loved it because of the view. The view is great but it's not even that. It's the fact that it is THERE. I can see for miles (and miles). it's difficult to feel 'locked down or in' when you can see for miles. I'd much rather have this smallish space with a great view than be hemmed in withou views no matter how big the space.

Iheartmysmart · 23/05/2022 23:19

I spent a couple of weeks in Malaga recently in a tiny studio apartment and absolutely loved it. So easy to keep clean and tidy because you couldn’t have stuff for the sake of it. If I could find similar over here I’d definitely consider moving.

Oh and I’ve got a dog and no garden - it’s fine. Just need to get into a routine for their toilet breaks!

Seeingadistance · 23/05/2022 23:26

That sounds and looks fab!

You can only ever be in one space at any given time. I have a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, and I can go for days without stepping into my living room as the kitchen is big enough to sit in, so that's where I tend to spend my evenings.

Rent-free and that view! Go for it!

Oceanus · 23/05/2022 23:57

I've lived in a studio flat which was literally next door to a massive shopping center -loved it; I was never bored or felt "alone". I've also lived in a nice house with pool close to the beach but in the middle of nowhere - I wasn't particularly happy tbh and would think of every single excuse to drive to the city centre just so I could be around people.
Your age isn't an issue, it would be if you had to share but as it is I'd go for the flat to save the $$. Also, you have a dog which is a great way to meet people.
7 months go by in a heartbeat, even if the area isn't to your liking it'll be over before you know it.

puppetcat · 24/05/2022 00:00

i would definitely do this!!!

Flatandhappy · 24/05/2022 00:12

That view is gorgeous. DH and I (not DH then) lived in a studio in Sydney for a year when we first met. It was absolutely fine although we didn’t have much stuff which made it easier. Rent free is a no brainer and it’s not forever if you don’t like it.