Alternatively.... I applied for an apartment.

 Alternatively ... Theres a possibility I found that wouldn't require me to get a storage unit. 

https://www.liveatsouthview.com/brochure.aspx

 income: $3087 + 175 = 3262 = 3260

$1025 Rent

$120 utilities (water only incl; [50-60] MG&E electric, portal: trash [10]& gas [50-60], pest [5 if needed])

$271 loan --> should I pay it back with student loan?... will be a lot easier financially. would go towards savings and credit

$120 (25, 40, 50) credit 

$35 payment for flight up there to look at apartments. (this is almost paid off)

$70 Joint membership 

$235 car payment

$90 car insurance 

$50 internet (spectrum)

$370 health insurance through marketplace

$200 student loans (current is $170 but it will be relooked at in May)

$200 groceries 

$90 pets

$20 subscriptions ($9 hulu, $7 pandora, $1 cloud space)

$115 gas (only 6 min from work!! Might be able to get it even lower tbh) 

$75 savings 

$5 laundry (coin operated)

-------------------------------

2785

Even without a monthly bonus that gives me roughly 300 of wiggle room. (although, thats mostly from paying on the loan LOL - I would only be saving about 100 in rent; and if my student loans stay the same then even better)

Tour Monday - 2:30pm

I applied for a May move in. 

I could aim to keep the utilities lower. (turn off any power strips when not in use (like my air fryer, electric kettle, microwave, desktop computer, tv,wax warmers) I mean I like the heat, so I could keep the AC at 75 during the daytime in the summer and chill out at like 68 in the winter (brr). 

Pros of moving:

- a LOT closer to work; the closeness would allow me time to actually walk snow in the morning since there won't be a yard for her. Hell, I could bike to work in 15 minutes., great for good weather! 

- Closer to Fen (by like 15 min) & Rachael (same distance actually, but a much straighter drive)

- financially better price point wise

- BATHTUB = ritual baths <3 and ya know... bathing my dog. 

- more updated space, I would feel better about hosting people. 

- only $500 deposit

- won't be living in front of a bus stop = snow wont park herself in the window and growl/whine constantly

- lock all the pets in the room at night

- NO MORE FREAKING ANTS

- better kitchen layout

- possibly better libraries?? 

- has distinct rooms = I can lock the pets away if I need to when people are over

- PARKING LOT

- easier to de-clutter; don't have to worry about forgetting to put bins out. 

- garbage disposal <3 <3 <3 

- could finally decorate (walls are too hard at current home)

- Close to the arboretum! 

- no snow or lawn care 

Cons of moving:

- Paying to move... (Emmet might be able to help! He has access to a truck and said he could help move stuff)

- having to actually pack, move, and unpack all my stuff again

- not renting from jack anymore :( 

- no yard for snow

-  more stuff to do, so more temptation to spend money

- less privacy; will have more neighbors and the potential for them to keep me/snow up (alternatively could help keep my utilities down tho)

- will feel more self conscious dancing if I have downstairs neighbors

- will have to sneak one of the cats in; same as back home. 

as far as space goes.... i'm really only losing space in the fact that the living room is a little smaller; and I don't have a garage for storage. (i'll just have to keep my tires in the spare room closet; or get bigger storage shelves) 

Plus the reviews for the place are great!! seems like its really quiet, quick maintenance, and friendly staff & neighbors. :)