When I graduated from high school back in 2012 I was 17 and I was moving away from home for the very first time, and I am now 24 years old. I wanted to make a list of some things that I wish I would have known and some things that I’m happy I did, that made the experience a little easier.
I know that moving away from home is not easy both financially and emotionally. I am the older of three and I did have to figure it out on my own. Which meant that I had to turn to the one place that I know I could find answers for this new transition in my life; the internet. I remember looking up videos and reading articles all about moving out and the things you needed to start off and what to expect. My type A personality made me research everything to the bone.
But you know what beats any article and advice video? Experiencing things on your own.
Maybe you have been thinking about moving out yourself and found this article when looking for more information like I did when I was 17. First, off CONGRATULATIONS this is a big step towards becoming an adult. Second all don’t worry many people have been there before and they (and I) would be more than happy to help you out.
Here are some things I learned that helped the process be so much easier.
Tip 01: Have as much money saved up
If I could go back I would tell my 17 year olde self to save up more money when moving out. If you are planning to move away from home when you graduate high school take those last two years (take more years if you can), Junior and Senior year to save up money. Living expenses are more than just paying rent and having food on the table. Think about all those utility bills like gas, electricity, cellphone bill, having a car payment (if you have a car). It’s better to have more money saved up and have that as an emergency fund money instead of being short. Ways that you can save up money are baby-sitting more often, finding a part-time job while in school, selling old things that no longer serve you.
TIP 02: Roommates
When I moved out for the first time I was going to a University, and I knew living on my own would be expensive. My first year I decided to share a dorm with another student and even then cost was really high. By the next year, we decide to rent an apartment that would be cheaper with more roommates to lower the cost of rent and overall bills. Plus it was really nice to a group of girls for support. What I would recommend is to put flyers around campus or post it online that you are looking for roommates. It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends. I can talk more in depth on the process of picking roommates and what questions to ask in a future post if you’re interested. Let me know in the comments section below.
TIP 03: Stop eating out so much and cut back on unnecessary expenses.
Eating out can be really expensive, and let’s face it we can make a much healthier and less expensive meal at home. I’m not saying you won’t ever eat out again, but save it for special occasions. Because eating out can create a hole in your wallet and your goal to have a space of your own. I can’t tell you how easy it is to waste money going out. If eating out is used as a reward, then it should be a reward that comes once in a while and not an everyday thing.
TIP 04: Shop Inexpensively
When I moved in with my roommates it got me thinking about needed the basics to survive. I guess before I hadn’t really given much thought to buying pots and pans because they were already there. However, moving out means that you have to start from scratch and purchase those things. I was and currently am very fortunate that one of our roommates had the majority of the things. Which has giving me some wiggle room to start buying small things on my own. However, we all came together made a list of things we still needed and we all contributed what we didn’t already have.
If you living in your first apartment or home, don’t buy the most expensive dining set you can find or don’t buy things that don’t fit in your budget. Try to find cute, functional, and inexpensive items that you can gradually replace as you start to settle into your new life. If it’s something that you have been eyeing for a while but it’s off your current budget. Save a little every month for it and then purchase it in full. I personally love places like Marshalls and Home Goods, for affordable and cute home items.
Tip 5: Create a Budget
This tip goes hand in hand with savings. Creating a budget while your living on your own will guarantee that you stay living on your own. One of the most difficult parts about being an adult is managing money, even other adults that have been living on their own are still trying to figure this one out (me!) Know where every dollar is going! Do you love coffee as much as i do? Well, instead of buying a cup of coffee every single day from coffee shops try making it at home. That way, you’re not breaking the bank while having something that you enjoy.
Tip 06: Ask family and friends if they have old furniture they don’t need.
Buying furniture is probably one of the most expensive purchases you will make in your home. Unless you don’t mind eating on the floor for every single meal (all the more power to you!) Start by asking people around or looking at second hand places for old furniture.
Ask family and friends if they have old furniture that they want to get rid of, that you will be more than happy to take it out of their hands. Look around yard sales or craigslist for sales on inexpensive furniture.
I am moving and needed a new desk which I will be DIY’ing. I looked online at Home Depot for some inexpensive wood and also found some legs on Amazon to create a gorgeous, spacious, and inexpensive table.
Gradually, I promise, you will be able to buy that dinning table you have been wanting or that beautiful couch that you have saved on your shopping cart. And if the furniture is in good condition don’t forget to give it to others and pass down the furniture. Good karma goes a long way.
If you enjoyed this post and if you found it helpful don’t forget to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
