Moving out?...?

Question

I'm turning 18 in November.I am planning to move out and rent a place with a friend of mine because I just want to get away from my house (too much drama and alot of crap in my parents house).
I should be getting my licence in November(I already got a car because of my grandmother passing away =/), I have one steady job right now (hoping to find a second little job for extra money), I already paid off a laptop with my own money so I would have my own, and I was wonder what else should I do and make sure of before I move out? Any tips or suggestions will be appreciated.
I just want to get some idea's and everything organized now before rushing out the door. How much should I have saved in my savings accounts before I move?

Oh, I already have my own checking account and debit card so I think that's a good thing..Should I make sure im making atleast $1500 - $2000 a month before moving out or what?Keep in mind I will be spliting the shared place with a school friend.

Answer 1

Yeah I have a few suggestions for you:
When searching for an apartment, if utilities are not included with the rent, ask to see copies of previous bills. (if the landlord can't provide these, contact the utility company's and they will)

Now, figure out what your 'fixed" monthly expenses are...i.e. Rent, Heating, Electric, etc.. Next, add up any and all other monthly costs...i.e. Car Payments, Credit Cards, Gasoline & Auto upkeep, Groceries, Misc. Expenses etc..

If the total monthly expenses adds up to more than 60% of your income......you're gonna be living on the edge.

Just my 2 cents......Good Luck!!!!!

Answer 2

Maybe get a mini fridge so no one eats all your food. Some roommates steal from you even if they are good friends. Or borrow your clothes. I had a roommate borrow my car one time when I was out with my bf. I was really mad about that. Make up a list of expectations or possible rules that you would like to communicate to your roommate. Make sure you both have an understanding on what the other person wants in the apartment. Work out anything such as if one of you has a pet or smokes. You might want to try to make a budget to see how much you want to spend groceries weekly or monthly and gas too. Just to give you an idea of what you will be spending. and see if you might need a second job. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Most 18 year olds I would tell to stay at home a while longer. But it seems to me you are a very intelligent person. Yes make sure you are making at least the amount a month you mentioned you will not believe the expense of living on your own. You will also have to think about furnishings or renting a furnished place. Be sure that you can cut it if the friend cuts out. No matter how close a friend it can still happen. Good luck and be careful.

Answer 4

well for 1 u and ur roomate need to decide what type of place r u looking to rent.. u know like a studio, 2 bdrm apt, in a house or bldg.. decide how much u both want to pay.. then divide that by 2, u and her then need to come up with rent, security, light bill & gas $$ divide the bill in half, decide if u both will share a phone or get ur own lines, cable divide the bill in half... have extra in case u have to buy a stove or fridge.. plus ur gonna need $$ for car ins, and repairs if necessary.. not to mention food and meat (groceries)..

i mean these r the necessities after that, everything else comes lil by lil..

u and ur friend should also have a written agreement notarized bout everything above just in case it doesn't work out....

Answer 5

You should make sure you will be able to handle all the responsibilities because I done seen this alot where two friends get an apartment and one decides to move out leaving the other to take care of every thing on their own good luck