I signed a lease on the basement with the hardwood floors!
I had a massive meltdown the night before I signed it, fretting about whether the landlords’ cats would upset Econo Man’s allergies, whether I could really survive in a basement (it does have some nice windows), whether it would drive me crazy living in such close proximity to strangers, whether I’ll be able to get a separate internet connection. Think big, sobbing tears, and long, panicked conversations with my mom and my husband on the phone. But the couple who owns the place seems nice and low-key, the price and location were great, and it was by far the most attractive place I looked at. Also, they’ve got a couch and a kitchen table I can use, which will cut down on my furniture bill. So I went ahead and signed a month-to-month lease on the place — that way, if the cats present a big problem, or if the situation turns out to be not so great, I can always move. It feels really good to have that settled.
I also got my work permit, my SIN, and a bank account. All in all, a productive week!
I’m back in Boston for most of July, just hanging out with my sweetie, taking care of some paperwork for my defense (oh, how GSU loves its paperwork), and arranging for some other stuff like Canadian car insurance and a parking permit.
Congratulations! I’ve never signed a lease on an apartment and not had an “Oh my god, what have I dooooooooone!” meltdown; it feels too huge to be calm about it. I am sure this place will be awesome though, and now you have one less thing to stress about!
YAY, congrats!!!!! And the month-to-month factor is fabulous because you can always leave if it doesn’t work out and you find something that is a better match.
We are having our own apartment challenges at the moment, that I hope will be all worked out by the end of next week when I hope we can move in to our new place.
Anyhow, congrats! You made HUGE progress on your trip! And I think I always have one (or more!) meltdowns in the face of huge impending changes like that…
PS. I am curious about how you got your SIN. I think I need to do that…
Jenny, I just took my work permit down to a Service Centre Canada, and they gave me one on the spot. I had to wait a while for my turn, but the process was pretty straightforward and painless (thank goodness!).
You can download the form online from this website: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml
Woo-hoo! Hardwood floors, good location, good price AND month to month – sounds like you hit the jackpot on rentals! You can always move with relatively short notice if the cats are too allergenic or the neighbors too annoying. Sounds like a great place.
I had a total meltdown after we moved in last week. I think it’s natural.
Congrats on signing a lease on a good apartment! And I highly recommend one of those “ionic air purifiers” and pre-emptive claritin for econo-boy. My sister uses those and her cat rarely gets my allergies going, even though they can be severe.
YAY! I’m sure it will work out just fine!
Hooray! It sounds great! We found a place to and signed on the spot and I wanted to break out in hives because it felt so “rushed” and “impulsive” despite the fact we had known about it for a week or so. Breakdowns and panicky moments are definitely normal.
Just wanted to say thanks very much for your kind words in the TN comments. Reassuring to know that other people have been there, y’know?
Congrats on the upcoming move!!