help me move out!?

Question

i want to move out, but have no idea where to start, i am trying to make a budget for all my expenses, i have the rent cost but am wondering what amount i should put down for the phone and electricty and stuff like that, which i will be paying every 3 months, also if theres any other things i should know, thanks heaps = )

Answer 1

Well if it helps any, i live in rural colorado..my electric bill is 200 a month.. dont forget youll have lots of crap you need pots and pans, stuff like that.. groceries.. cleaning supplies, and minor home repairs..just stuf like that.. good luck to you, hope you make it out there!!!

Answer 2

Congrats on moving out. Look around and see if there are apartments with no utility costs. I have ZERO utility bills except they did recently tack on water, but no lectricity or heat or air because everyone's system is connected although you can control it in your own place if that makes any sense. Have a cell phone ONLY, you don't need both a cell and a regular land line. Keep your cell minutes under the number so you only pay the basic bill. If you're going to have a computer get high speed, don't connect to dial up. Don't have any useless costs like magazine subscriptions, internet connection fees (other than just your basic high speed connection). Don't go out to eat more than once a week or even two weeks, that's super expensive. Don't go drinking in bars, drink at home if you must or don't drink at all. You should have NO recurring monthly bills that are not necessary for living. 10 bucks for this, 8.95 for that, adds up big time especially when you are young and trying to get things going. I think the biggest thing you might do though is what I mentioned first, see if you can get a place where you don't have a monthly electric bill etc. Look for "Utilities included." Even if the rent is a little higher it shouldn't equal 150-250 a month that electricity can be. That's a big chunk of money. You should also be ok with an older place where the rent might be a solid 100 less or more just because of the market. You can make an overall poorer place perfectly decent, and 100 a month is, again, a big chunk of change. You gotta be CHEAP but classy. Again, best of luck.

Answer 3

If you intend on paying your phone and electric bills every 3 months, you may want to reconsider moving out. Now, most places will ask for your rent upfront as well as a security deposit, usually equal to one month's rent. Make sure you know the exact due date of the rent and if there are late fees assessed. If you are paid on the 5th but your rent is due on the 1st, you will have a problem.

Your housing expenses will be rent, gas heat and/or electric, phone, cable, internet service, and renter's insurance is highly advised. You will also need to set a realistic food budget and also make sure to have toiletries and cleaning supplies and paper goods and such ready. That amount will be higher when you start out but eventually lower from your budget because they will last a long time. You may need spices and condiments and ziplock bags and all of that right off the bat when you first move in.

You will need furniture and maybe appliances, cooking items, bedding, curtains, dishware, flatware, a trash can, and all kinds of little things. Start now with a list of things around you that you use on a regular basis. What do you want versus what do you need? Consider buying used things when you can... resale shops, Ebay, and ask friends for extra items they may no longer want or need. Consider selling some of the stuff you don't want to get money coming in for your new purchases. I'll bet your closet has tons of stuff you would move to the new place but still not wear or use. Now is a good time for housekeeping.

Invest in a 79 cent notebook and start making a list of all of the things you want and need and then put estimated pricing next to each item.

It will be your choice to buy a $999 dining room set or if a friends old card table would work until you get on your feet. Don't get too far in debt with credit cards and loans for things that depreciate in value. Why would you charge $100 worth of food on a credit card only to repay $150 long after the food has been eaten???

Answer 4

It's tough moving out for the first time. You can start buy using your current money to buy necessities when moving out like kitchenware, microwave, and maybe a friend who will donate a couch to you. You can also start scanning the newspaper to get an idea of how much rent is in your area. Usually they'll want that month's rent plus an equal amount for security deposit. You likely can't get a leaes without all the security deposit upfront. Your landlord will also want to see a copy of your paystubs. When you check out the apartment, ask the landlord what the bills are and what he expects the average rate to be. There's electricity, water, phone, gas, oil, cable, and/or internet. Ask the landlord if he would negotiate the utilities into the rent for a flat fee - it may be cheaper than paying the bill itself and you'll know exactly what to expect every month. As well, each of the utilities ask for a connection fee of around $20 with the electric company wanting a deposit of $200 if you don't already have credit with them. Good luck!