Here's a huge simplifier.

penelope · **Here's a huge simplifier.**

I may have mentioned this in Chitchat. We moved from a 30 acre 2 story farmhouse to a 3 bedroom mobile home. We bought it for 1000 dollars. We were paying 800 a month in rent, and now we are paying 315 lot rent.
We sure had to get rid of a lot of stuff.
Anyone else do anything like that?

Kim · 10-01-2007, 08:50 AM

Wow! No, we haven't done anything like that, but I applaud you. Sometimes I fantasize about moving to something we could pay cash for. Are you glad you did it? I'd love to hear more about it!

sportsmom · 10-01-2007, 09:07 AM

I just did something similar. We just recently moved from a two story home that we were buying to a rental home. With the house we were buying we had a mortgage of over $2800 a month. Needless to say we got into a financial bind. We are letting it go and are now in a rental that is nicer than the house were buying (as far as I am concerned). The neighbors are nicer, it is more private, the house is in better condition than the other one was from the start and we are only paying $1025 a month. We did get rid of lot of stuff but I am truly glad because we were in desperate need of decluttering anyway. I should be upset about the financial strain that got us here but instead I look at is a fresh start to smarter, better future. Won't make the same stupid mistakes again!

penelope · 10-01-2007, 03:24 PM

Well, my income was only about 200 a month with my part time job. Hubby is a construction worker, so work is not steady. He does a lot of side jobs too, and last winter he had to do a factory job that did not cover the bills. With a heating bill of close to 400 in the winter it was very hard last winter. When I mentioned to my husband last year my coworker was trying to sell her trailer for 3000 he said he wanted it. Well, I knew there was no way we could come up with the money. I didn't want to do it either, last year. 4 kids in a 3 bedroom trailer?! That's crazy! But when she told me this year that she was selling it for 1000, I told her we would take it(after mentioning it to Alan again). He had been praying for more work, or lower bills, well God gave us lower bills. He is doing ok on the work too. Although he had about a week of no work a couple weeks ago, he is pouring a driveway right now, so that should even it out.
Anyway, this time, I was at the same place as my hubby. We couldn't continue to pay 800 a month with winter coming. Even if he was employed all winter long, we wouldn't be able to save up to buy our own house, or let the kids do things like go to summer camp and join activities. So we told the kids about it, and can you believe the weridos thought it would be cool to live in a manufactured home park? Not putting it down, you would just think that they would rather live in a bigger house and have a big yard. But now the kids can go play outside with their friends daily if they want to. Although I am forbid to call it playing, they are chillin' or just hanging out.
There is no more going down to the basement to wash clothes, and going all the way upstairs to put the clothes away. Their rooms can be easier checked to make sure they are livable. And we don't have to trip through the girls room to get to ours anymore. No more worrying about the 3 year old falling down the stairs(gates didn't fit into the opening).
We can save up to fix our credit and buy a house of our own. Also the farmhouse wasn't really spectacular on the inside. Poor workmanship because the landlord, although an awesome guy,was a cheapskate.
I can't wait until we are able to save up for our own house. My dream house is a ranch with a finished basement. Possible a walk out basement. I wouldn't rule out a tri-level. I don't think we would need more than 4 bedrooms. With 4 bedrooms and a finished basement we would still have room for foster kids.

frugalmom1 · 10-02-2007, 07:01 PM

We had moved from a 3300 square foot house on over 1/2 an acre to a townhouse and then had 2 kids. We couldn't be happier. I love having a smaller place to take care of, less bills and the coziness of the family together rather than if we were in the old place, where everyone would be spread out behind closed doors.

LJGZsmom · 10-06-2007, 09:23 PM

That is great for you guys! We liked living in a smaller home. Less to clean and seemes so comfy and cozy. Right now we are in a large home but we plan on moving in the next year or two and will probably look for something smaller. Plus we have two boys and two girls so all we need is a three bedroom. We have five now but only use three as bedrooms. The other two are playroom and school room.