If you’re moving out for the first time, you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions that range from excitement and happiness to anxiety and sadness. Being on their own is something that many young adults cannot wait for, and something that a lot of others absolutely dread. There are a great number of responsibilities that are picked up once you move out, meaning that you need to be prepared and ready to tackle some basic challenges as they come your way. Even though you are stepping out into the “real world,” the good news is that you are not alone, and there are plenty of resources that can help keep you safe and put you in good financial standing to move out successfully.
Budget, Budget, Budget
You’ll need to have a crystal clear image of what your financial situation is, and it all starts with a budget. You may just roll your eyes, thinking “Yeah, there’s no way it makes that big of a difference.” Well, let’s set the record straight now: a budget is essential for successfully moving out on your own. It isn’t the most fun thing to do, but it gives you a solid idea of where your money is going.
Start tracking your monthly income and find out what your average monthly expenses are. List the non-negotiables payments, like your car, groceries, phone bill, rent, and so on. Break down how much income you’ll need to cover those expenses, and leave some room for fun stuff, like trips, tattoos, drinks, excursions, ect.
Nail Down a Steady Job
If you’re not making any money, chances are you won’t be living on your own for too long, unless you have a student loan that covers your payments, or your parents are helping you out. Most jobs that hire young adults and teenagers are entry-level jobs and won’t provide the fat paychecks you may be dreaming of, but with careful allocation of funds through budgeting, you may be able to work it out.
If your job doesn’t pay enough to even cover rent, you may either want to wait to move out or consider getting a second job, which likely isn’t a reality for many students. If this is the case, you may want to consider a student loan.
Lower Your Expectations When Finding a Place to Live
Of course, your safety should be a priority, so look for a place to live that is going to maintain your health and safety. That being said, lower your expectations. If you’re moving out on a budget, don’t expect the bells and whistles when you take apartment or house tours. Stick to your rent budget and choose a location that is close to school. If you get a furnished apartment, that’s great! If not, plan ahead and start collecting things you’ll need, like furniture, kitchen items, and personal essentials.
We hope you found this article helpful as you prepare to step out into the world around you! We will be covering more tips and information like this in the future, so be sure to check out our blog posts page regularly for more updates! Upper Crust is your resource for all things college, including the best college catering service. We provide fraternities and sororities with fresh, fun, and nutritious meal plans. Give us a call to learn more!