I'm moving out of my house when I turn 18. Which is in about 5 to 6 months from now. I have a job, I'm saving up money, and I already have a car payment I'm stuck with. I know I'm going to have to pay for rent, insurance, the car payment, and all my expenses to live. I know I'm going to have to have a tight budget.
Does anyone have just some good basic advice on what I need to do before and after I move into an apartment?
2007-07-23 09:19:44 · 14 answers · asked by Laure 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Find good roommates.
This will help trim your expenses...but they need to be trustable (if that's a word).
Garage/Yard Sales are good to pick up Plates/Utensils/Glasses...you don't need matching ones yet.
You can even find good working microwaves for pretty cheap.
Usable furniture.
See what your folks will let you have so you won't need to buy...
Towels
Sheets
Try and get your Utilities, Garbage, Water and Sewer, included in the rent so it will be a fixed amount.
If you have a cell phone, you may not even need to get a home phone, and if you do just get local, not long distance.
2007-07-23 09:28:57 · answer #1 · answered by ADF 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would wait until about 1-2 weeks before your birthday and go through the paper and see if there is anyone that is looking for a roommate. I know it is scary, but I had a friend that interviewed with a few people and she found a really, really great girl to live with that was super nice and she just didn't want to live alone. It really did work out great for her. It's not like you have to move in with anyone, but please check it out. The less bills you have the better you will make it on your own. A car note is already a tough way to start. But you can do it girl! I did!
2007-07-23 09:25:14 · answer #2 · answered by Pammy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be honest. There is no reason to get uptight or raise any voices. If they get that way tell them the conversation is over and you will talk about it again when they can have a conversation like an adult in a respectful manner. I think if you are completely honest with your parents they will have to respect it, even if they don't like it. In my family there are three boys and I am the only one that went on a mission, but it wasn't something I was always sure of and had to make my own decision. Missions aren't always right for everyone, although they are great. Religion is just a touchy subject. I married an agnostic and it bothered my mother at first, but she must accept it because we each must make our own decisions. Regardless of my choices I can't deny what I know is true, and you will need to find that out on your own. Good luck.
2016-05-21 03:34:59 · answer #3 · answered by loren 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't move to far from your parents, and don't get locked into signing a year lease. 6 months at the most. That way, if something goes wrong your first time out of the house, you can leave easily. Plan on upgrading your digs or moving to another area you prefer in a year. Just get something cheap and near safety for now. Your first place will be fun no matter what, but it'll be more fun if it's not too far from your safety net!
2007-07-23 09:27:23 · answer #4 · answered by Wendy E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought all my kitchen stuff before I moved - tinfoil, spices, all the stuff you can keep for a while, if you have to buy it all at once it's awfully expensive & at a bad time. You check out a roommate to keep it a bit cheaper? Read your lease before you sign it, it's not set in stone, if you don't like something, they might change it, unless it's a big company. Check for damage that was already there & make sure the landlord signs off on it so you don't get stuck with it. Do you have furniture yet? Hit tag sales, or check out the freecycle yahoo group. Make sure you get a receipt for the deposit. OMG I sound like a mother.. sorry :)
2007-07-23 09:26:44 · answer #5 · answered by lyobov 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
10 % of your paycheck goes to the bank for emergency funds.
Shop in bulk for items now you will need, while you have the extra cash (toilet paper/paper towels/tampons etc.)
Get an apartment on the 2nd floor, it will be cheaper to heat in the winter as the first floor will help heat yours! Get one that faces away from the sun in the summer as it will stay cooler
Get a roommate
Get your car tuned up before you move out and make any necessary repairs before you have to start paying rent.
Good luck!
2007-07-23 09:33:27 · answer #6 · answered by Brownie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be a good idea to find a roomie... It's tough to afford an apt. alone.. You need to have 6 months worth of living expenses saved up.. I would say try and get as much furniture as possible from family/friends and hand me downs.. Also, go to the Salvation Army or Good Will to purchase dishes, tables chairs furniture... good luck
2007-07-23 09:28:48 · answer #7 · answered by pebblespro 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you keeping a written journal of expenses? Seeing what you have to work with and what you spend is better in writing.
You'll do fine. Yes it may be tight, but you will figure out a way to make more money to give yourself a few luxuries! Good luck!
2007-07-23 09:26:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I do is add up my total bills and divide it by the number of paychecks I get per month. That tells me how much I need to save out of each paycheck for bills and such. It's fool proof way to not land back at your parents' house. Your bills will always be paid; no worries. Good luck!
2007-07-23 09:25:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a Costco card definetely! I think memberships are around $50 a year, maybe more. But it will be totally worth it. You will be able to buy all your food and houshold items such as toilet paper and paper towels in bulk and for cheap.
2007-07-23 09:23:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋