Q&A for How to Move Out of Home Into Your First Apartment

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  • Question
    What is the first thing to do when moving into a new house?
    Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
    Professional Move Manager
    Marty Stevens-Heebner was the first Certified Senior Move Manager (SMM-C) in the United States and is Founder and CEO of Clear Home Solutions, a move management and professional organizing company based in southern California. Marty is also a Certified Professional Organizer and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders. She is the President-Elect and is on the board of directors of the National Association for Senior Move Managers, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and has been acknowledged as a Hoarding Specialist and ADHD Specialist through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.
    Professional Move Manager
    Expert Answer
    Unpack the kitchen and the bathroom first, and make the bed. You need to get yourself set up, so you can stay overnight. You don't have to completely unpack the kitchen or the bathroom, just the immediate amenities that you need. You may even want to have a go-box or an "open me first" box that has things like a couple of place settings or dishes, your immediate needs for the bathroom, and your bed linens. Open that up while they're setting up the furniture, and at least you're set to stay there for one night.
  • Question
    How do I find out how much money I need to survive?
    Community Answer
    If you keep a track record of your bills, you could try and accumulate all of the highest prices they come to and it might give you a realistic estimate.
  • Question
    What if I want my best friend to be my roommate but she has other plans?
    Community Answer
    Talk to your best friend about it, maybe she is unaware of your desire to live with her and she'd choose you over her other plans. If not, ask another friend you wouldn't mind living with or get an apartment near where your friend plans to live and live there alone.
  • Question
    When can I move out?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your situation. If you can afford to move out and live on your own, and you feel you are ready, you can move when you meet both criteria.
  • Question
    Is it bad to move away from home at the age of 19?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your situation. If you can afford living alone and feel responsible enough and ready to live alone, it isn't a bad idea.
  • Question
    Is it a bad idea to move out at the age of 16?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your circumstances, but for most people, yes. Living costs are high, and most jobs you would be able to get at your age pay very little, so it would be a struggle to support yourself. You would need a steady job and a roommate or two to live with, because it's almost impossible for someone your age to afford to live alone. You would also need to have a good amount of money saved up before you moved out to cover any potential unexpected expenses. Unless you are living with seriously abusive parents and can't tolerate the situation for another couple of years, it's not a good idea to move out so early. If you must, make sure to do the calculations the article discusses and figure out what it would really cost you.
  • Question
    What kind of job can I get right after high school?
    Community Answer
    Think about what kind of work you might want to do long term. You won't be able to do that right away, most likely but you can start getting experience now. For example, if you want to be a chef, get restaurant experience as a busser or server. If there's a company you want to work for, apply for a job in the mail room or as someone's personal assistant. You'll get your foot in the door. The easiest jobs to get are in the service industry (restaurant, retail, barista, etc.) and these are all good because they provide people skills.
  • Question
    Can you provide any tips for people looking to move into their first apartment with a friend?
    Community Answer
    You're going to hate things about your roommate, and they will hate things about you. Remember whose items are whose for when you move out, and don't buy expensive items together.
  • Question
    How can I move without money if I am elderly female have no one to help me financially?
    Community Answer
    Reach out to local boyscout troops, ruritan clubs, or high school interact groups. These people focus on community service and would not charge you anything to help you move. They would be delighted to help you move.
  • Question
    What should I do if I have issues at home and want to move out, but I'm not financially stable?
    Community Answer
    In order for you to get out, you need to be financially stable. Unfortunately, you'll have to stick it out at home until you can pick up a steady job. There are many opportunities available if you look around. You can apply for jobs in babysitting, tutoring, or even retail if you need to.
  • Question
    How much money do I need to make to get an apartment?
    Community Answer
    Your rent should be no more than 33% of your income (before taxes). You could consider getting a roommate to cut expenses on rent and utilities.
  • Question
    Should I live alone or with a roomate in my first apartment?
    Community Answer
    Depends on your financial stability. If you're in good financial standing and are responsible enough to live on your own, do it. However if you are not in good financial standing or you aren't prepared to live on your own, then don't. Live on your own when you're ready. There's nothing wrong with having a roommate, just be careful with who you choose.
  • Question
    Do apartments provide furniture, or will I have to buy my own?
    Community Answer
    It depends. If the apartment is advertised as "furnished," that means it comes with some or all of the furniture you will need. And if you move in with a roommate, they may already have some furniture. Generally, though, you will need to buy your own.
  • Question
    How much should you earn an hour to move out?
    Community Answer
    It really depends on where you live, the prices of rent in the area, and how many hours you work. Generally, your rent should not be more than 30% of your monthly income (before taxes), though some people spend more than that. You have to look into the costs of rent in your area and see if you can afford it. If not, finding a roommate to live with could be an option.
  • Question
    When is the best age to move out?
    Community Answer
    When you are of legal age and are financially stable.
  • Question
    What do I pack to move into an apartment for university for the first time?
    Community Answer
    Bring bed sheets, and personal basics. Anything else like furniture and notebooks and whatnot can be bought at your secondhand store. I made the mistake of bringing my room's entire contents to save money, but in turn spent that money on the means of transporting it.
  • Question
    Would it be better to get my own apartment or live in student housing when I'm in college?
    Community Answer
    Student housing is typically far less expensive than rent on an apartment, and can usually be at least partially covered by financial aid. Many colleges also offer meal plans to cover some of the cost of your food. If money is an issue, student housing would be your best option. You will have less privacy and freedom, however, and may have to share a bathroom with many other people depending on the type of student housing available.
  • Question
    Should I relocate closer to my child's daycare, or closer to where I work?
    Community Answer
    It would probably be a lot more helpful if you relocate closer to your child's day care, or try to find a day care that is closer to where you work. If there's an emergency or your child becomes ill at daycare, you'll want to be able to get there quickly.
  • Question
    What should I do to prepare for moving in with my boyfriend?
    Community Answer
    Before you move in, both of you need to come to an agreement about how the rent payments will be split. You should also discuss who will handle which chores. Finally, as unpleasant as it might be, you should both talk about your backup plan in the event that you break up. (It might even be a good idea to have a backup roommate.) Other than that, just be prepared to handle each other's annoying quirks.
  • Question
    What if I have a disability?
    Community Answer
    It all depends on the type of disability. Most ads seeking renters will not include any specific information about people with disabilities. Always ask. While most apartments or residential buildings are accommodating to the disabled (in most areas it is illegal for them not to provide wheelchair access, etc.), you never know who you'll be dealing with. Before you call a landlord or potential roommate, make a list of everything you might need to know pertaining to your disability, and then ask these questions when you call.
  • Question
    If I'm financially stable and can support myself with the help of a roommate, can I move out a few months before I turn 18? Or will I have a hard time finding a place because I'm only 17 currently?
    Community Answer
    You generally have to be 18 to be able to rent a place. In the meantime, if you have someone 18 or older who's willing to let you live with them 'unofficially' (for which you could pay them), you can do that.
  • Question
    How can I become financially independent at age 16?
    Community Answer
    It is very hard to become financially independent at age 16, but you can get a part-time job and save all of the money from your paychecks. Even if you did become financially independent, however, it's unlikely most landlords would rent an apartment to a minor.
  • Question
    I'm planning on moving out at 18 with a full-time job and a side part-time job. If I have a roommate, will it be easy for me financially?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your expenses, but if you live in a modest apartment and share the expenses with a roommate, you should be just fine. Try to make sure you have 6 months of utility grocery money saved up, and keep an emergency fund in case something goes wrong or some unexpected expense comes up.
  • Question
    How can I move out if my parents are not letting go and I am already an adult?
    Community Answer
    Moving out is your decision, not your parents'. If you're able to support yourself financially and you want to move out, move out. Hear their advice, but be firm about whatever decision you make.
  • Question
    How do I stop being nervous about moving into my first apartment?
    Community Answer
    You can't really stop being nervous. If you're financially stable, then moving into your first apartment is quite exciting. After you get over the first night or two you'll feel a lot better. Try to focus on all the positive aspects of living on your own.
  • Question
    How can I find an apartment for myself, my girlfriend, and my girlfriend's child?
    Community Answer
    Look on Apartment Finder or check different apps. You can even ask friends and family and post on Facebook that you're looking. The right price, and location are always important. Don't be afraid to be picky about your living arrangements.
  • Question
    How can I find and hire a reliable moving company?
    Community Answer
    Follow the methods in Hire a Moving Company .
  • Question
    How do I find out where I want to live when moving into my first apartment?
    Community Answer
    When deciding where to live, take into account the location of your workplace, the nearest gas station, public transportation, grocery store, and school, should it apply. Think about what else you may want to be near or far from and search for apartment listings in those areas. Another important factor is the crime rate; a low-priced apartment may be near everything but be in a dangerous neighborhood, so a more expensive one is a better deal for safety and less damaged property. The size and amenities in an apartment are great factors to help narrow down your search.
  • Question
    What is the best age for an autistic girl to move out to a first apartment?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the severity of the autism. Be sure she is able to cook her own meals, financially support herself, clean and get a job. If she can, 19-21 years old are good ages to move out.
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