Launch Party
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, LAUNCH! We have lift off, and its time to move on with your life. Time to move out and get a place of your own.
Moving out is a big step and if you don't do it right your going to end up back home (boomerang anyone?) and you may find yourself sleeping in your moms craft room or your dads man-cave.
Location, Location, Location:
Location is going to be a major contributor to the cost of the apartment. Generally speaking the closer to a campus the higher the cost. To lower the cost look to avoid apartments labeled as "student housing." However, the lease agreements for "student housing" apartments are generally very short to accommodate the schools semester schedules. Talk to the landlord about a shorter-term lease for non students housing apartments before you sign the lease.
Take-a-way: It may be cheaper to live closer to your part-time job and commute to school.
Roommates:
There is so much to learn from having roommates. Again, check the lease agreement. Some apartment complexes don't allow co-habitation (roommates). Also, non-student housing apartment complexes are going to want the rent payment to come from a single source. So one of the roommates is going to have to volunteer to be the "fall-guy" if the rent isn't paid.
Take-a-way: [R/M=F] Rent divided by the number of roommates equals built in friends (until someone can't cover their portion of the rent.)
First/Last Security:
Be prepared to pay nearly triple the monthly rate. The landlord is going to want some security against future possible issues. You pay the rent in advance (First) then they will want an extra payment in case you miss a month (Last) and they will want even more money in case you damage the place.
Take-a-way: While it will take a lot of money to sign the lease you can get your last months rent deposit and most of your security deposit back if you take care of the place and never miss a payment.
Furnishings:
Don't go nuts here! I know that you will want to make your new place look like Cinderella's Castle or the Ultimate Sports Den but don't, just don't. You should have much loftier financial goals than to spend a bunch of money on decorations that your roommates won't appreciate or won't grow-up with you. Your young, you have a good back, cheap bedding will suffice. I wouldn't even rule out an air mattress and other inflatable furniture. It packs light and makes relocating easy.
Take-a-way: You've moved out, enjoy life, don't spend it huddled up in your apartment or dorm. Your apartment is for eating and sleeping, get a life, go meet people, have fun!
First Grocery Store Visit:
I still remember the bill from my first grocery store visit. You just don't realize the value of a broom and mop until you've been living on your own for a few weeks. Yep, there will be a lot of little things that start to add up when you move out and no longer have the benefit of what your parents/guardians have had a life-time to accumulate.
Take-a-way: In the weeks/months leading up to moving out start hitting up the garage sales looking for pots/pans, working vacuums, brooms, mops (your probably not going to find a used mop.), sandwich makers, panini-press, hotpads, spatulas, utensil's, toilet plunger (again, you probably don't want to find this used), and other house-hold items.
Special Considerations for College/University students:
Dorm bed/couch combos are longer than standard and may require special sheets in order to fit.
Take-a-way: Amazon has a section of oversized dorm sheets. Blankets from around the house still fit just fine. You don't need to buy the entire bed set from the bookstore.
Special Considerations for Religious Service (Return Missionaries):
New wardrobe for the additional "growth" and style changes that happened while you were away.
Take-a-way: Start sparingly at first. Two pants, four shirts, new shoes, and a new Sunday outfit (Walmart or similar low-cost/low-quality store). Add two more pants and two shirts (from a nicer & longer wearing brand) for the next two months. In three months you'll be good to go. Remember, your body is going to go through some additional changes once you return. You may out-grow or shrink from these new clothes so don't buy too much to soon.