Moving out of the nest! Advice!?

Question

I am moving out of my parents house in 2 weeks! Yippee, I'm so excited. I'm 22. I'm glad I waited, but it's definitly time!

I feel like I'm pretty prepared and I have pretty good handle on what I'm in for. But, even so, there's always something, right??

So, everyone, give me adivce on having my very own first place! Anything! Even if you think I've heard it, tell me again! :)

two quick notes - I have plenty of money in savings and am not having roomates!

ok...GO!

Answer 1

Congratulations, Tiff!

You'll want a good stock of cleaning supplies, a plunger, a good set of pots and pans, and dishes. But you probably thought of that.

When you choose your abode, inspect it: Some people will try to slip a fast one on you otherwise. The first place I moved into, I had to scrub before it was livable. Though I could see where a casual nod had been made toward TRYING to clean it up. You might even want a trusted friend to come look with you in case you miss something.

Make sure you have the furniture you need. But you've thought of that already I'm sure.

Find out about the neighborhood. Is it safe? I have a friend who has crazy neighbors who shoot at her house, and the law enforcement (I use the words VERY loosely) seems utterly incompetent to deal with it.

A couple of decades ago, this wasn't an issue. But now you'll want to find out what ISPs you have in the area.

What kind of heating will you have? Make sure you have a plan in case of a power outage for instance.

Keep water stored up in case of a major outage, such as those caused by Katrina and Rita. You may be glad you did.

There is more, but you seem to have things figured out for yourself.

Again, congratulations!

Answer 2

Even though you have plenty of money saved, which is great, always have a nest egg saved for a rainy day, cliche but true.

Since you aren't having roommates, you can decorate to please yourself, but don't buy anything major (furniture, appliances, etc.) until you think about it for a few days. If it's a true emergency, like the washer died, this is where your nest egg comes in. But if it's not an emergency, don't buy anything big on impulse. You may change your mind later and not be able to return it.

Buy one big thing at a time, that way you can make sure you like it before you buy an entire apartment full of fuchsia pink furniture (or whatever)!

The most important room is your bedroom, make it your sanctuary, buy the best sheets and bedding you can afford, decorate it in soft soothing colors and whatever makes you feel comfy. Also big thick fluffy towels, as nice as you can afford. Target has some really nice towels for a good price.

If you are good with plants, a live fresh green plant will do a lot for a room. I think you get more bang for your buck with a couple of big plants than a lot of little ones. Treat yourself to fresh flowers too once in a while, it's really nice to have them on your kitchen table or in your bedroom.

One more thing is not to buy anything for your apartment that requires special treatment, cleaning, or other unusual maintenance, unless you love it enough to put in the time. You may not want to spend all your free time doing upkeep.

Congratulations on getting your own place!

Answer 3

Be really carefull to not spend your savings money on bills. Make sure that you can pay for your new found monthly bills with what you make in your regular paycheck. only use the savings to buy things like dishes a microwave and some start up groceries.
Make a budget based on your base pay... every time you get a raise put a percentage of it into a savings account every paycheck. You'll never miss the new money and it will add up fast.

I don't know how much you cook but you will need at least some little things like measuring cups and a frying pan or wok.
do google or umm yahoo searches for easy recipes for single people and stuff like that if you plan to cook for your self. Try not to eat out every day.. it's unhealthy and REALLY expensive.

Answer 4

If you're not buying, instead of renting, you DON'T have plenty of money, so spend frugally and SAVE for when you can BUY. Sacrifice NOW when you're young and you'll have more of what you want when your older, even just a little older, say 32. That doesn't mean live like a peasant, but don't buy anything NEW unless you have to! Go to Craig's list, buy used but good furniture, buy online from eBay, go to yard sales, estate sales, take hand me down furniture and paint them. Splurge on only 1 thing each month, or better, every 3 months. Make that 1 thing a focal point in a room, on a wall, on yourself! And KEEP SAVING to BUY!

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Congrats! I am 22 also and am waiting till I am done with school and can afford to live on my own and not have roomates. Here is my advice- be proud of your new place and enjoy it but don't take the responsibility lightly.

Answer 6

First see how much room you have. When you buying furniture but stuff that matches and stuff YOU like, so you dont have to spend more money later. Plants are always great to have around but bugs might settle in them. You should also get funky pillows or cool wall hangings. Hope that Helps!

Answer 7

Where to begin!!?? Apart from furnishings etc, you shouldn't forget the little things like pegs, basic kitchen items, sheets, blankets, microwave, towels... Also some kind of diary because you need to keep track of appointments and when to pay bills etc - it pays to be organised. Good luck with the move.