It doesn’t matter what age you are, there will be a time in your life when you make the decision to move away from your parents’ home and make your own way in the world.
It doesn’t matter when it will happen, you’ll probably be anxious and excited.
Here are a few tips that will help you when it comes time for the big move.
Financing the Move
How will you be moving? Will you be packing and moving your stuff yourself or will you hire a company like Allied Van Lines to do all of that for you? I guess it will all depend on your finances.
If you have saved enough and try to rent a van, you need to look at all of the hidden costs.
You will need to have insurance and gas money, and you will need to return it full of gas, too. How much will that cost you when compared to hiring a moving company to do it for you? Sometimes hiring a moving company can actually be cheaper… and you won’t even have to load or unload the truck!
Financial Plan
Before you move out on your own, you will need to have some sort of financial plan in mind.
You need to have saved enough money for your first and last month’s rent, deposits for utilities, and the move itself. You also need to already have a budget made out so that you will know exactly how much you can spend each month on rent, utilities, and the like. You need to be sure that you always pay all of your bills on time so that you can get a good credit rating.
If you decide later on to purchase a home, the finance company will be looking at how you handle things financially.
Common Living Areas
Moving out on your own is a big step. You don’t have to go it alone, though.
You might decide to get a roommate. This is a good thing because it means that you will have help paying the bills. You will also have help with the chores around the house.
However, this can also be a risk.
Your roommate might not be a good person and decide to stop paying their share of the bills. They might be a slob, they might not help with the groceries, etc. Be sure that you know the person you will be living with well before committing to sharing a place with them.
Regular Habits
It is best if you get used to doing some things so that they become second nature to you.
These habits include but are not limited to things like:
- Regularly cleaning your home
- Remaining in touch with your family
- Paying your rent and bills on time
- Listening to the needs of your body, such as exercise, sleep, and food
- Saving and managing money
- Managing your time
- Making and keeping to a budget
- Steering clear of addictions
Regular Chores
Moving out of your parents’ home can give you adventure, freedom, and independence. However, it also comes with quite a few responsibilities. One of those responsibilities has to do with keeping your place clean.
You need to clean the house at least once a week, take the trash out when needed, wash the dishes daily, do the laundry weekly, etc. Now that you are out on your own, it is time that you look after yourself and that means not being a slob.
Communication is the Key
Yes, it is known as the key to relationships, and it holds true for roommates too. You can avoid any sort of conflicts by setting up some basic ground rules, respecting the opinions of others, and being open.
Living on your own means that you will have your share of challenges and surprises.
You just need to keep in mind that you are not totally alone and make a habit of letting your roommates know how you feel so that there are no miscommunications and misunderstandings.
Final Word: Spare Keys
There is nothing worse than having to pay an after hours fee to a locksmith because you lost your keys or locked yourself out. Give a spare key to your home to someone you trust to avoid this situation.