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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go and live in a cheap room for a month or two

136 replies

Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:09

With my partner who I currently live with (providing he agrees)
We currently live in the city centre (this is very convenient for us as non drivers due to work locations).
Paying £1050 per month including all bills and council tax, however this is for a studio flat. I pay a bit more due to our incomes, so I pay closer to £600.
I also have to pay £55 to student finance each month (this is due to a period I was working abroad) £110 CC debt, and honestly it's killing me.
Our flat is lovely but absolutely tiny.
I've just changed jobs and gone from weekly to monthly pay which is also killing me atm. I only have around £600 n savings.
Our tenancy is due to end on the 1st September. Part of me is very tempted to go and live in a flatshare for a month or two, where rent will be more like £350 each including all bills. I have seen some where you can just rent on a month to month basis without having to sign a tenancy which will be ideal.
We'd also get the deposit back from our current place.
I'm not saving and I'm anxious about paying next month's rent. I just want a month or two to save up a few hundred, then we can look for a more affordable property. Does this sound like a good idea? We're in Manchester.
Obviously he has to agree too.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:11

It was affordable before but in March our rent increased by £200 pcm (as did many people's)

OP posts:
YallaYallaaa · 28/07/2023 08:11

That sounds really sensible. Living only just within your means is risky, so cutting down to give you a buffer of savings while you can is smart.

WashableVelvet · 28/07/2023 08:12

Sounds great, but I think bank on doing it for a bit longer than that to save up more.

SleepingStandingUp · 28/07/2023 08:13

Very sensible if you'll manage all your belongings either into the flat share or affordable storage. Would you be looking at a room each on two flat shares or moving as a couple into a flat share?

Original poster
Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:13

Thank you. Obviously it's not ideal sharing a kitchen/bathroom but it wouldn't be forever! Both our families live further away so that wouldn't be possible sadly.

OP posts:
bellac11 · 28/07/2023 08:13

Personally I dont understand how people manage to rent flats with the price of them.

A flat share is far more sensible (and not just for a couple of months) for your level of income. Save up sensibly, put the extra money aside, get yourself a 5 yeaer plan

Original poster
Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:14

Yes, the space does worry me. We have 2 bikes which we currently keep in our flat as I've previously had 2 stolen (despite being locked).
It maybe would have to be longer. Hopefully the room is of an adequate size.

OP posts:
Tohaveandtohold · 28/07/2023 08:16

You sound sensible. I think you should do it for at least 6 months. I know it’s annoying having to share a bathroom and kitchen but in the 6 months or more, you’d have saved a lot more. It’s just like living with family where you share common areas but this time, it’s strangers but you know you have a goal in mind

Pinkitydrinkity · 28/07/2023 08:16

Do you both work full time? What do you each take home if you don’t mind me asking?

lionsleepstonight · 28/07/2023 08:21

I'd rather take a second job to boost my income than go back to sharing. It's what I did.

Just over 1k for your household bills inc ct sounds good to me.

How much do you both earn though?

LawnmowerBlues · 28/07/2023 08:22

I don't know, don't most flatshares say no couples? It sounds awkward to me living as a couple with strangers in a flat, and vice versa. I'd personally look for another solution.

LawnmowerBlues · 28/07/2023 08:23

Also, if it's just a month or two, how much will you really save once you factor in moving costs and general inconvenience?

Original poster
Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:23

Partner earns about £1400 and mine varies, but this month it will be around £1400 too. However after September/October it will be up to £1800 per month so that will be a lot better.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:24

This particular flatshare allows couples fortunately, and it's short term lets for people who are in between flats.

OP posts:
justanotherlaura · 28/07/2023 08:24

We moved into a flat share when I was 30, it sucked a bit having to share a kitchen and bathroom, especially once you get into your 30s but we stayed in it for 4 years and managed to pay of 5k of debts and save enough to buy a small house on the outskirts of the city. We'd have never been able to save up if we'd had a 1 bedroom flat to pay for so I'm really glad we persevered

Original poster
Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:25

Luckily we won't really have moving costs as families are able to help us, it'll be a 1 day job.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:25

That's great you managed to save so much, I am hoping to do the same.

OP posts:
catsnhats11 · 28/07/2023 08:29

Don't think it's worth the hassle for a few hundred saved. Transport is great in Manchester and cheap buses etc to get to work, what about a smaller 1 bed flat further out, the city centre is prob the most expensive place to rent a flat! I'd also look at your finances and absolutely scrimp or sell stuff to get that debt paid off.

Mindymomo · 28/07/2023 08:34

It’s a great idea, but good to meet the other flat share occupants to ask questions like what’s their work routine and how everything is divided, cleaning rotas, fridge, food and cupboards, whether they have friends round regularly, do they have pets and who pays for what. Make a list of questions to ask. Unfortunately you may not know if you will get along with other occupants until you move in, but if it’s on a month to month basis, you won’t have much to loose. Is there a contract to sign.

Niftyswiftie · 28/07/2023 08:34

Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:23

Partner earns about £1400 and mine varies, but this month it will be around £1400 too. However after September/October it will be up to £1800 per month so that will be a lot better.

Is that even minimum wage? Are you both working full time? I'd rather work as many hours as I could than flat share.

Original poster
Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:34

I have nothing of value to sell unfortunately, I will see if we can find something cheaper outside. Sadly traffic and buses can be horrendous here unless you're on a very good transport route.
If you're living in say Rochdale and working in Didsbury then you can be looking at a 1.5h commute. I will look though.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ripsinead · 28/07/2023 08:37

Yes, both full time. Though I am a supply teacher so it's tricky over the summer holidays, come late September I should be back to normal though. I used to be on weekly pay but I've taken on a summer role which won't pay until very end of August.
No there's no tenancy agreement, it's just a flexible arrangement (though I know that can be risky too)

OP posts:
gogomoto · 28/07/2023 08:40

Can't you get a permanent teaching contract, your income will be significantly higher then?

mondaytosunday · 28/07/2023 08:44

A friend lived in a bedsit (own kitchenette but shared bathroom) in her 30s for a few years to save up to buy a part share flat. So worth it for her.
I think you will need to do it for longer - six months and if you could tolerate it longer to save as much as possible.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 28/07/2023 08:48

Do it - but stay ling enough to clear the debt. Service the debt before bulking up the savings.

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