In housing limbo? Six Tips to help you cope.

With the property market at an all time high, more and more of us are finding ourselves in a temporary state of homelessness. 

And while sharing a friends place is great for a short time, what happens when your friendship is being slightly stretched by your over enthusiastic children not having enough space to play, or your dog who loves napping on you couch at home but isn't welcome on your friends designer furniture?  

The problem has already been identified, Auckland rentals are hard to get, people are lining up for overpriced inner city rentals (the reality of renting in Auckland) buyers are paying high prices in an over-inflated market and demanding immediate move in's and everyone who can't get a rental is left with their stuff in jam-packed storage units looking desperately for somewhere to lay their heads.

So what is the solution when you and your family are left with  nowhere to go?

Social Media

This is where Social Media becomes your best friend.  Post endlessly on Facebook and ask your friends to share the post, tweet, post on LinkedIn (good property managers use it as a top tool.  Post photos on instagram of where you would love to be.  Chances are someone will know someone and you will find something soon.

If you’re still stuck, try AirBnb, Holiday Houses, book-a-bach, they may be expensive short term solutions but they will still be infinitely cheaper than a hotel.   

Where do you put your stuff?

If you’ve always admired the minimalist look, now’s the time to embrace it! It is time to de-clutter.  Sell, give away or bin anything you do not need and rent a clean, dry, secure storage unit for the rest.  

What do you actually need?

Remember that you are now a temporary transient resident and you only have room for what you can carry and the necessities you need to ensure you don't overstep a hosts welcome.  Keep a supply of bedding, towels and toiletries with you.  This will mean you are self-sufficient and you still have a bit of your own home with you.  When it comes to your wardrobe only keep the bare essentials and learn how to layer for effect.  

Do you offer to pay friends when you are staying?

Tackle this subject before moving in with a friend or family.  Offer to pay rent or a portion of the bills, its gives everyone peace of mind that you aren't there just for a free ride, especially if your stay turns out to be longer than you anticipated. 

You may instead be asked to contribute in other ways such as child-care, cooking meals or cleaning to play your part.

How should you cope with the everyday routines?

This is a great opportunity to discover new restaurants and galleries in the city you may not know, save some money and be a tourist in your own city.

But be considerate and respect your hosts routines, fit in with their life, be very self aware and if you are not sure of something be sure to ask, don't assume anything.  

When do we move on?

Hopefully that perfect rental or new house will come around as fast as you are hoping, but if not always keep in mind that although your host will always be telling you to make yourself at home if the stay turns out to be longer than anticipated give them a break and pop away for the weekend or check into a hotel for a couple of nights to give them some space in their home.  

And as for the rest ... the perfect home will come along when you least expect!