Where to focus - mortgage, renovations etc?

Yorkie1

Congratulations - fingers crossed for the rental.

MeandO

Great news Shellstar! Good luck finding somewhere else temporarily. Can you fall back on the offer of your friend if you can’t find anywhere though? Or perhaps an air b&b if any are reasonable? X

South_coast

Congratulations - and good luck!

shellstar

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82145302#Comment_82145302

The cheapest airbnb I have found is genuinely £2,500 per month and was tiny! It might even have been 1 bedroom. I just can't afford that, so I will fall back on friends if I need to, but most will struggle to house a rambunctious 3 year old for long, and certainly not for an indefinite period. I have had offers of putting us up for the duration but the nearest is an hour away from my childcare, so is very much in the back pocket rather than plan A. I saw the rental this morning and it is very nice, so I have made an application. A couple have done the same, but apparently I can move in sooner so we shall see where things land. Fingers crossed.

beanielou

Good news.

shellstar

I have the keys to my rental!! I have already taken my son over. He wasn't too sure, definitely a bit freaked out by the empty house, but then I showed him the garden, which is nothing but gravel and mud, and he took his tractor-trailer straight out, collected all the dead snail shells he could find and had some very big emotions when I said it was time to leave!

I've already dropped around some bits in advance. Child proofing things, first night stuff like a plate each, knives and forks, and a mini bottle of prosecco for me to have a tiny celebration for one once DS is in bed on the first night.

I am haemorrhaging money though. Rent and deposit up front, moving costs, a (£25) temporary wardrobe, over door hooks to have somewhere to hang our coats, a bolt for the garden gate, contents insurance, new broadband etc. etc. etc. I will do my best to keep things low and hopefully there will be some rebates coming through eventually from utilities.

My dog is going to stay with my mum on Saturday until I get into my purchase. I will miss him, but also a part of me is craving having one less responsibility for a short time. I'm trying not to feel guilty about it.

So, over the next month, I am starting to see clients, writing my first essay, delivering on a big project at work, moving house (on the 20th - EEK!) and settling my little one.

I saw my very first client last week. I was so nervous, but tried not to show it. I think the session went well, but I came home and slept for 90 mins. It was a lot. I am sure it will get easier, and I am looking forward to seeing her again this week. I also have a second client I'll be starting to see soon. 1 client hour down - 449 to go until qualified!

Yorkie1

Congratulations both on getting into the rental and your first client hour!