Surviving life in Brooklyn

Although many people dream of living in Brooklyn, not everyone is entirely aware of how high the expenses can be. If you’re thinking about moving here, there are some things that you should consider taking care of first. Living on a budget in one of the world’s most expensive cities might sound like a reach. However, you’d be surprised at how much you can save up if you implement some great tips and tricks. Surviving life in Brooklyn is something that you’ll get the hang of over time.

Consult a financing professional before relocating

Organizing your finances is the first thing you should do. Even though there are many things that you can do to make surviving life in Brooklyn easier, if you’re not good with handling your budget, they won’t matter. Making sure that your monthly salary is enough for your expenses is imperative. Of course, if this is your first time living alone and dealing with finances, you might want to consult someone with a bit more experience. Contact a financing professional for some financial tips that’ll come in handy during the first couple of months in Brooklyn.

Use discounts and coupons

Of course, one of the more obvious things that you can do to make your time in Brooklyn easier on your budget is using various discounts. If taking advantage of coupons in stores and getting better deals is something you have experience with, that’s great. However, if this isn’t the case, make sure to do it mindfully. Don’t purchase something just because you’ll get a 20% discount on it. Try to wait for the things that you’ll actually use.

Surviving life in Brooklyn rule No. 1 – use public transport

One of the biggest mistakes newbies make upon their arrival to NYC is how they get around the city. Taking a cab now and again is fine. However, don’t make it a habit. Especially if you have a long commute, cab fares can amp up your monthly expenses. Luckily, NYC notoriously has one of the best public transports in the whole world. Do your research to find out what the best deal is for your route. Getting monthly or even yearly metro cards will pay off considerably.

Try to save money during your move

Relocation to Brooklyn is another thing you should be on the lookout for. There’s a lot that can go awry, and that’s why people tend to overspend on their move.

• Ask about the costs in advance – Whether you’re hiring movers, renting out storage space, or renovating your future home, always ask for the price in advance. The cost of moving to Brooklyn will be what you make of it, so make sure to get the best deal possible.
• Don’t overspend on packing supplies – You can also save money on packing supplies. Instead of purchasing new equipment, borrow it from someone or even make it DIY. You’d be surprised at how many items in your home can become packing equipment.
• Buy second-hand furniture – If you’re planning to furnish your apartment, make sure to look at flea markets and garage sales first. You can even check out some online second-hand stores. There are some real gems out there.

Hire a great moving company

Finding the right company for your move to Brooklyn might be the best way to save some money. According to Brooklyn Movers New York, making mistakes while trying to wing your relocation is how you lose money. Make sure to find professionals that are reliable and trustworthy before anything else. They need to be transparent and very direct.

Explore affordable housing

Affordable housing and NYC aren’t words that many people use in the same sentence. Even though finding a good apartment in Brooklyn is a tough job, you should try to find a place that doesn’t cost an insane amount. One of the best ways to cut housing costs is to get a roommate. If you can find someone who already lives in a decently priced place, that would be ideal. If this isn’t possible, make sure to start looking for an apartment as soon as possible, don’t lose hope, and don’t take long to call up the landlord of a place you like.

Share expenses with your friends

If you live with roommates, or even if you don’t, surviving life in Brooklyn is so much easier when you share these struggles with friends. Anything from getting your groceries together to sharing utilities can be really helpful. Of course, this doesn’t just apply to saving money, but also anything else. Life is easier when you don’t have to go through it alone.

There are affordable ways to have fun

Even though you should try to save as much money as you can, don’t let this get in the way of you having fun in Brooklyn. You’ve moved here for a reason and shouldn’t let anything stop you. Luckily, there are many ways to have fun without bankrupting in the city. You can always visit museums, go to comedy shows, hang out anywhere in the city, etc.

It’s all about the little things

Make sure to pay attention to some seemingly insignificant things that you can save on.

• Cook your own meals

Instead of eating out all the time or ordering food, make your own meals. Exercise for free

If you like to be active but don’t want to splurge on a gym membership, you can find other ways to work out. Maybe you can even count little things like walking to work as a workout.

• Buy in bulk

Purchasing items in bulk is a great way to get things you often use at a great price.

• Try a more minimalistic approach

If surviving life in Brooklyn is your mount Everest, then becoming a minimalist is the best way to climb it. The fewer items you need, the less money you’ll spend; it’s as simple as that.

Molly Abrams has been a financial advisor for the better part of the past decade. Even though she loves her job, she’s determined to make it a bit more fun. Advising the youth on better organizing their budgets and living a more fulfilling life for less money has become her great passion.