hi *waves nervously*

me and dp made the decision to split and take a breather due to waaay too much fighting and tension etc etc. Im feeling pretty ok about it, we're on good terms, I just feel a bit swamped now though because I have soo much to organise and so close to xmas I guess I kind of saw this coming but now that we've actually made the decision it feels a little weird, but it does need to be done. Thing is i'm back at uni on Jan 24th, so I have two options, either get a place for me and DS or move in with my mum (who lives with her partner who also has 2 kids - 10 and 12) which might be a bit full on, but would be good support especially with uni, daycare etc, but then I kind of think I need my own place?? What would you guys do? I also need to get onto WINZ arg so much to do so little time, where do I start! How long does everything take? Like how long would I get to get into a new place if I chose to do that? Sh*t sorry about the long post, i feel like im in over my head!

Thanks minik8e - I called WINZ and am going in on Monday, and yea that's probably a good idea to move to mums till after xmas so we can get sorted, I completely diidnt realise that xmas is in 9 days!!! what about stuff like furniture for the house? I only have a bed and drawers, computer and desk, so nothing like a fridge, washing machine etc, can you get help for that?like something you can pay back?

Yep, like james said, you have up to a certain amount which they claim back out of your benefit (I pay $10 a week out of mine for the advance rent and bond). For washing machines etc, you need to bring in two quotes from different places for the things you need, and they will decide from there. They have to be from a business - you can't use TradeMe. For that reason, I got most of my stuff from TM and secondhand dealers, because it was so much cheaper (my fridge was $102.50 on TM, as opposed to the $500+ I would have had to pay at a shop for the same kind of secondhand one...washing machine was $200, again from TM, and microwave was $80 from a local second hand dealer). I would suggest that if your mum can help you out at all with this, it can work out better for you - my parents paid and I am paying them back...it works out far far cheaper for me, but my parents were in a position that they were able to do that.

It was suggested above but don't discount the sallies either. Give them a call or pop into your local and explain the situation. They'll often give you items or sell you them very reasonably.