If you’ve hit the “legal age” or you’ve just graduated from college, chances are you’re itching to strike out on your own and enjoy your own apartment. But, are you really ready for moving out? Going it alone is a very big step that demands responsibility and comes with some serious work attached. Before you head out the door and kiss Mom and Dad goodbye, you might want to sit down and ask yourself a few frank questions.
To help yourself decide if you’re really ready for the big move answer the questions on this first apartment checklist:
1. Do I have a stable job? While there are no guarantees with employment, it just doesn’t make sense to leave the comforts and stability of home unless you have a job that’s likely to last long enough for you to find a better one.
2. Do I really make enough money? Having a stable job is not enough to justify moving out. You will need to have a budget large enough to enable you to pay rent, buy food, pay for utilities, transportation, clothing and more. While your parents might help for a time, don’t expect them to do it forever. Your budget should be large enough to handle the basics, plus enable you to buy some extras, pay for occasional entertainment and even save some money. Before signing a lease determine how much you can afford to pay on rent after creating a personal budget.
3. Do I have enough money in reserve to set up a home? You might not need much to get started in an apartment, but you will need a few things. If you don’t have the money to buy furniture, turn on utilities, get groceries and pay for the move, you might want to spend a little bit of time saving money for your first apartment necessities.
4. Am I responsible enough to take care of everything necessary? If you move into your own place, you’ll have to cook, clean and do your own laundry. If you cannot do these things or don’t want to, you might find living on your own is a nightmare.
5. Am I really prepared to live on my own? Living alone can be a frightening proposition on some occasions. Even if you have a roommate, there won’t always be someone there in the middle of the night to check out creaks and groans. You might have to squash your own spiders, change your own light bulbs and even handle other crisis situations. Are you ready?
Moving out on your own is a huge step toward adulthood. While most people find themselves roaring to go, it is wise to look at the prospect from all angles before diving in. If you’re not ready, getting a roommate can ease the transition. If you’re really not ready, an extra year or two at your folks’ place won’t kill you. Besides, you will be able to save some extra money and it will beat having to “go home again” if things don’t work out right away.
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