I'm moving. Again!

Just when I thought I could stay at my current apartment for another 6 months or so before I buy my place, I was told I have to vacate the place TOGETHER with my housemate by 3 March.

Reason being, the owners intend to renovate the house after our current lease ends anyway. It was good timing for my housemate to terminate her lease because she has to since she bought a place. But since she sublet the apartment to me, my name is not on the lease; therefore I have no rights as a tenant whatsoever because I am not on the lease. The real estate agent was kind enough though, and with the push my housemate gave them, they gave me one month notice that I cannot stay (by right, it should be 2 months notice if something like that is going to happen).

Imagine how crestfallen I was when I learned that I have to move. I only moved in here like what, 7 months ago?! I really like this place too! I was so ready to take over the lease and sublet to someone else! So, I had to go through the process of hunting a place again, just that this time I am not hunting to buy and working towards my goal, I am hunting to rent and moving away from my goal!

Dad and I talked about this and he agrees that signing a one year lease would be reasonable. Finding my dream home is not easy, and it takes time, so my June/July target is rather ambitious. So within this year I have to do my research and find my house. I have already engaged myself with a very nice mortgage broker, and worked out my finances, so my next step is to find THE home!

For now, I have found a place in Prahran to rent, and have just went down to sign my lease during lunch break yesterday. It is a small block of units, refurbished inside, but looks kind of old outside with its red brick walls. The hallways looked kinda dingy the first time I inspected the place, but somehow it didn't appear that bad when I visited the place on my own again. It is just old, but in the apartment there are fresh carpets, new paints and pretty modern cupboards, so I guess I will be ok. It will be a one bedroom, so I will not be sharing with anyone - I have my freedom!!! Location wise, it is fantastic - walking distance to St. Kilda Road, where I will catch trams 3 or 67 to work, and it is only 5 minutes away. I can also walk home from work and it should take about 20 minutes with my speed. I am about less than 10 minutes walking distance away from Prahran station, and it is only 3 stops to the city. Chapel Street and Greville Street is just around the corner, and there is a really nice Fawkner Park nearby as well. I can also take tram 6 on High Street, which is just 2 minutes away, and go to work at the restaurant, as well as go to gym (all about 10-15mins away). So I have nothing much to complain about to be honest.

I have been really busy packing and throwing out things again. Trying to downsize as much as I can as the one bedder is quite small. Then I have to buy my white goods and some furniture, meaning, a huge dent in my savings. I will be so broke after this move! And to think I am going to NZ in May and am still planning to do a short intensive course in Korea in Aug/Sep. Can I still do that?

Only sad thing is: parting with Ibi. My housemate said I am always welcome to go over her new place and visit, as well as play with Ibi. Over the past 7 months I have grown so attached to Ibi, I don't know how to detach myself, and my love for her. I think I may have to get myself a cat, or a pet of some sort to keep me company! I will definitely crash my housemate's place every now and then so I can get to be with Ibi!!

Going to be so hectic the weeks right into March. I have a conference in Sydney in mid-March, so I will be busy up til then! I am trying to look positively towards this whole moving episode, and not fret too much. It's a pain in the arse, but I will be ok. Everything will be alright....... Have to be strong!