This article was inspired by our book, "How to Ditch Your Parents" - a guide to leaving home for the first time.
Moving out for the first time is EXCITING! But it will take you a while to get the hang of being completely on your own. Independence requires sacrificing luxuries, budgeting for the things you need and want and maintaining a proper living space. My rule of thumb: live like your mother could come over for dinner at any moment. I always thought I lived with a bunch of clean-freaks growing up, but it turns out, I like keeping a clean space too and, just as shocking, top-ramen three nights a week is no way to keep a balanced diet.
So I give you my list of things I wish I knew and learned the hard way: Tips for Moving Out for the First Time:
1. Clean your space once a week. It's healthy to keep a clean space and you'll feel more at ease coming home to an organized room instead of clutter.
2. Keep a drawer of healthy snacks: budgeting on food does not mean going hungry and a snickers bar does not replace dinner.
3. Make a monthly budget for groceries and going out. Keep track of this budget and see what kind of changes you need to make.
4. Take advantage of useful buys. Make your place feel like home. You can have nice expensive things when you're older with a steady salary, but in the meantime, Ikea and Target have plenty of bargains that will make you look like you "have it together" when your guests come over. With that in mind, don't splurge on things just because they're cheap.
5. Keep a whiteboard on the door. It's an easy way to write yourself reminders and can also help communication with roommates.
6. Go to bed at a decent hour. Just because your parents aren't around to remind you when to go to bed, doesn't mean you should stay up into the wee hours of the night scrolling through social media. You'll feel better when you're well rested - every time.
7. Make chores for yourself and do them. Wash the dishes and take out the trash - because no one wants to live with a slob.
8. Keep a calendar. Being an adult means you are responsible for being on time and keeping commitments.
9. Learn to do laundry and do it weekly. It's a scary day when the only clean clothes in your closet are old halloween costumes and that awful offensive t-shirt your friend got you as a joke.
Advice from our book, "How to Ditch Your Parents" - filled with things you should know before moving out.
10. Don't smoke indoors and don't let your guests do it either!! The air you breathe is important to your health and you'll most likely get fined by your landlord for smoking indoors.
11. Plan meals. Buy groceries that you can use for more than just one recipe.
12. Call your parents. They miss you and it's important for them to know you're doing okay.
13. Keep an awesome movie collection and fun coffee-table books. It's always fun to entertain guests.
14. Keep a spare key in a safe place or with someone you trust close by.
15. Keep a first aid kit in the house. This will always come in handy and it's best to be prepared.
16. Clean out your closet every other season. This will help you clear out some clutter and by donating your old clothes, you get good karma AND a tax deduction (just make sure you get a receipt).
17. Voice your concerns with roommates. It's better to address issues as they arise than to let them brew and create conflict in your living situation.
18. Keep plants around the house. It's an easy way to brighten up your place and also makes the dreary seasons a little more tolerable.
19. Frame photos. Keeping pictures of friends and family around is an easy way to lift your spirits. Not every day will be easy as you adjust.
20. Most importantly, pay your bills and rent on time!! Although some landlords might be more flexible with this, your future landlords might not be. Develop good references for when you're ready to move into your dream apartment someday.
Check out our book, How to Ditch Your Parents, that serves as a helpful guide for those moving out for the first time or a great graduation gift for high school and college seniors.
