Moving out on my own for the first time, any tips/hints?

Question

Ok so after 24 years of living at home, I am finally moving out on my own. No roommate, just me and my cats.

Does anyone have any tips/tricks/hints or just general advice on how to make it ok on my own? Anything from shopping to decorating, I need it all!

Also I havent told my old world Mexican Dad I am moving out, Mom knows and she is ok with it, but does anyone have any tips how to break it to my dad that his little girl is moving out?

Thanks all!!

Answer 1

I think you should find yourself a nice place in an area your father (and you) will be comfortable with. tell him you need to do this for your independance and make a "supper" night with your parents to make sure they don't miss you too much.

Make this place your home by decorating to your taste. Ikea has great things from furniture to decorative pieces. Moving out is fun and exciting!

Answer 2

Decorating and shopping should be the very least of your worries. When getting a house there are many things you need to be aware of and look out for. First of all, make sure that the house you have purchased is one that you will feel comfortable and safe in. There is no point in getting a house if you, (the owner), does not like it. Secondly, unless you have a lot of money saved up I wouldn't get a very big house. Meaning no condos, apartments, or penthouses, unless you have saved up some cool cash. The reason for this is because the rent is very high on those types of living structures and when you get your bill you will be looking at least a good $900 or more per month. If you only get a house or trailer rent will be much more afforable and you would probably only pay about $150. That already saves you $650 from going out the window. Bills like utilities, and water should also be something to consider but they usually do not go up as high as rent does unless you use a ton of electricity, water, heating, or air conditiong every month. After you have all of this settled than you can go out and do the fun shopping and get the dream phone you have always wanted, the computer that strikes your fancy, or the television you have been dieing to get. I would also recommend painting your house because just plain old white gets to be a little bit boring after a little while unless you are into that sort of thing. You should stick with your favorite color unless you have a reason you don't want to paint it that color. For instance my room is painted green. I got a book for Christmas once and it explained the different possible painting colors and how it has an impact on your body. I read for green and it said it causes extreme stress and anxiety. Yellow is the best because it is said to be a soothing color just make sure it is not too dark otherwise it will absorb heat and your house will constantly feel hot. Finally the word on your dad. I don't have too good advice to give you except just to tell him you need to have a conversastion with him and then break it to him right away. If he has had a bad day though don't tell him then otherwise it will just be a lot worse than it needs to be. I hope that I have helped you out.

Answer 3

Well, first off Congratulations! It is very exciting move out by yourself, ( I did it when I was 18), but scary at the same time. First off, make sure you can really afford to live by yourself. Make a list of all your bills, including money spent going out (over estimate alittle, because you never know), include money you put in your savings then add it up. Then add up your monthly income, make sure that the money you earn can be cover at least 1 and half times of your bills. Another tip I can give you, is remember that decorating your apartment is an essential. Its hard being away from home when your own house is drab. Hang up pictures and mementos that really mean alot to you. Also, when buying groceries, make a list. You will spend less money if you make one instead of just going and buying. TRUST ME!! I learned the hard way. Also, don't forget to clean as you go. Leaving things until the weekend or when you have time, will just make a mess. Something that also has helped me in the past, was to pay all my bills in the beginning of the month or as soon as you get paid. Another thing to remember is to be proud of yourself. Its a huge step. I'm sure you'll do just fine. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Read everything you sign and always get contracts in writting. Made several mistakes when I first started out. If your moving into an apt. make sure you read over your lease and ask any questions first. Take pictures or a video of the apt. and fill out the move-in checklist. Document anything that is wrong first!! Be careful because a lot of sales people are out to rip you off. If you don't have the money don't do it. A lot of people will offer small lines of credit, which is good to boost your credit score, but don't get carried away. Find the cheapest place to buy your stuff at. Dollar stores are good to buy most general stuff.

Answer 5

One of the most important things you need to do is learn how to budget your money. Everytime you get paid I would take something out for each bill including your rent money and take something out for you for you weekly/biweekly expenses, and put the rest of the money in the bank. WHen moving out you at least should have six months worth of living expenses just in case you have an financial problems. DDoing the month of march is the best time to by bed room furniture because of all the sales. Buying displays is a great way to save money on furniture. Just tell your dad that you love him and that you will always be his little girl, but now is the time for you to experience life on your own without the help from your parents; that you need to see if you can make it on your own.

Answer 6

You are a big girl and your dad should accept that you are an adult and are trying to be an adult by moving out on your own.

Tips: Clip coupons, shop around, never pay retail, clearance racks are your friend, I shop at Wal-Mart for basically everything, groceries are FAR cheaper there than in a run of the mill grocery store, If your state has a can deposit, save your cans for that refund,

Answer 7

Living on your own is great.
Balance your check book regularly.
Know what you can "get away" with and still make rent.
Try to put money back in savings. It helped me pay the bills while I was unemployed.

As for your dad, tell him the truth. You need to be out on your own.

Answer 8

Shop at your local re-sale shops, you'd be suprised at the deals you can find on decent (slightly) used furniture.

Answer 9

just make sure that he understands that you'll always be his little girl and that you appreciate him. it'll be smooth sailing and he'll help you out as much as possible. as to the rest, just do what you like.

Answer 10

my only tip is watch your money..
make sure you pay your bills on time.. make sure you dont' hurt your credit rating..

:)