California is the epitome of sunny, beach living. It might be one of those places you’ve dreamed about moving to, but don’t know if you can afford it. This is probably because when people think of California their first thought is of Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and other high-end neighborhoods. However, California is a huge state with many affordable areas! Using these tips, you can make California your new home without breaking the bank! Here are some ways to save money while renting in California!
Optimize the Weather
California is known for its sunny weather and intense heat! During the day the temperature in the summer can reach well beyond 100 degrees in some areas. The hottest temperature ever recorded on earth was actually in Deer Valley, CA in 1913 at 134 degrees! Luckily, it is definitely possible to remain cool during the day and not make your pockets suffer from running your AC all year round.
If you were to run your AC for 8 hours during the day and another 7 hours at night, you’re spending roughly $9 /day depending on how big your apartment or home is. That can add up to over $250/month you would be paying to cool your home down! Instead, buy thermal curtains that keep heat out and shut them during the day. Open your windows at night and use fans to let in cool air. You can also try cooling yourself down with cold drinks or a cold washcloth. Avoid using the oven or creating a lot of body heat in your apartment-especially if it is small! Try using some of these tips and see if your bank account notices a difference.
Utilize Public Transportation
Driving your personal car is fast, reliable, and gets you where you need to go. Instead of paying for gas and driving your own vehicle, try public transportation a few times a week. You can even opt for biking instead of driving your car if you live near your destination. This will help you to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while also saving money on gas. California is leading the way in the number of bike paths and sidewalks for people to use! You can also get with a friend or coworker and carpool a few days a week to save money and time!
Remember when people used to walk to get to their destination? Not many people do because most of us have grown up with transportation. Try leaving a little earlier and planning out a route you can walk to reach your destination! In big cities like Los Angeles, many people bike and walk because you can get to places pretty easily and avoid highway traffic. You might be surprised by the things you miss on your route while driving in a car. These are simple ways to save money while renting in California that might be very beneficial in the long run!
Reuse and Recycle
California is a progressive state that is constantly trying to become energy-efficient and implement green initiatives. Just take a look at all the solar panels around the state! Businesses and residents are looking for ways to save money, help the environment, and reduce their impact on the world and you can too! Reuse old soil and fertilizer in plants to help them keep growing. Donate old shirts and clothes or cut them up and use them for rags or towels. Recycle old cans and bottles and fill them with soil to grow plants! Cardboard boxes can be painted and used as storage bins or cut up to lay down for pets in a carrier or crate. Instead of tossing food, look for ways to use them in recipes or learn how to can or jar them for food storage.
It is all about reusing the items we have in our homes instead of buying something new. This will create a habit of conservation and recycling that is good for your wallet and also for the environment. Of course, if you do choose to recycle, pay attention to the type of material it is, and how it is supposed to be properly recycled . For more ways to be eco-friendly in your apartment, click here!
Rent out a room
Among the ways to save money while renting in California is renting out a room! California is the perfect place for roommates and shared living. A lot of people are single and looking to afford to live in California and save a little money! Whether you are a college student, retired couple, or just living with friends, renting out a room can be a great way to offset the cost of the apartment. Use social media sites and websites designed for finding a roommate to post your rental or search for rentals. If you don’t have a spare bedroom but you don’t have a car, consider renting or selling your parking spot. Sometimes you can talk to your leasing office and give up your spot to make a few extra dollars every month. For more information on finding a roommate click here.
Avoid Expensive Neighborhoods
Even though everyone dreams of living in LA or even just visiting California, you have to be careful about where you choose to live. Many areas have higher price tags because the stores are more expensive, the reputation it has is associated with celebrities or it is just a more upscale area. Even in Los Angeles, many of the locals are actually considered low-income but the housing is very expensive there. Opt for neighborhoods on the outskirts of major cities as the rent and living costs are a bit cheaper. Some nice, but affordable areas in California are Oxnard, Redlands, Ventura, Simi Valley, Vacaville, Bakersfield, and Camarillo. These cities are nice because they aren’t too far from major well-known cities and yet they are affordable to live in.
Avoid extra pet costs
The last way to save money while renting in California is to avoid extra pet costs. Everyone wants to have their furry friends with them in their apartment home! Pets can bring joy, comfort, and companionship when people need it most. Unfortunately, the extra costs that come with having a pet in your apartment are usually not very cheap. One thing to help with the cost is to register your pet as an emotional support animal if possible. This is done with a therapist’s approval and includes some paperwork and fees. Talk to a therapist and your leasing office and see if this is an option for you.
If you want a pet in your apartment but don’t have one yet, try having a smaller breed or older pet. This is less likely to bother other tenants and create less mess you will have to pay for upon move out. Also, look at what places charge for the monthly cost and deposit. Some places will do half of the deposit as refundable whereas some apartment communities charge a large amount that is all non-refundable. Remember to clean up after your pet when you’re outside, as failing to do so might cause extra fines.
Looking to move to California? Visit Market Apartments to find the perfect place to call home.