After over a year of living back in my parent’s house I’m starting to think it’s about time I move out on my own. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind living with my family. They’re great and they give me space. They’ve also been kind enough to let me stay while I was a clueless grad looking for work. Then they let me stay while I had unstable work. If it were up to them I could stay here until I have enough saved up for a downpayment on a house.
But now I have steady income coming in. And I have money socked away. And I know how to make extra money should I ever need it. And I really miss the feeling of independence I had when I was living in Naples.
It’s really incredible how I felt more independent at 20 than I do now at nearly 24. I miss feeling self-reliant. Moving back after being on my own for four years has certainly been an adjustment, and I’m starting to feel it’s high time I stand on my own two feet again.
So naturally I need to do some serious planning here – after all, planning is what I do best. That and templates.
Income
Figure out how much you actually make after taxes and with a side hustle. This will help you determine your budget.
Apartment Requirements
Figure out what you need and the max that you are willing to pay. Do you need to be close to public transit? How close do you want it to your job? Utilities included? Do they allow pets?
Apartment Research
Find 3 or 4 apartments that match your criteria and list the contact information.
Utlities (if not included)
If utilities are not included in the rent figure out how much they cost.
Other Bills
Calculate how much your bills cost. Credit cards, food, car, and insurance are just a few examples of bills you may have.
And now for the template…
I’ve put this all in an easy to use template that you can customize to fit your situation. Just save it on Google Docs and come back to it again and again! Just click here to jump to the Grad Meets World Moving Out Template
What’s your moving out story?
What’s your story? How did you make the decision? Any tips?
Feel free to sound off in the comments!
Image Credit: Sterin
I’m telling you, if I could move back in with my parents and live rent free again… I’d do it in a heartbeat. haha But I know what you mean – you don’t have a sense of freedom when you’re living somewhere that is not your own, even if you don’t have to live by the rules of others.
I lived with my dad for a year when I took some time off from school. I worked and helped him keep up the house, which was great, since I didn’t have to pay rent! While I loved the perk of saving money, I desperately needed to have my own place. I had freedom (he travels a lot), but I wasn’t ‘on my own.’ I finally moved 2 hours away, back to Indianapolis (with some help of a new job and my father), got back in school, and made it happen. I have always felt that Indy is my home – I came here to start my degree when I was 18, took time off and moved away (to Florida and back to Indiana) – but Indy was where my life was; where my friends were. I knew I had to get back as soon as possible.
Granted, I’m a little older – finished my BA at 27, and starting my MA in 2 weeks! – but I think it was better timing for me. I had my own place for 5 years – I struggled to make enough tips to afford my rent, keep food in the house, and the power on… but it was so worth it to be on my own.
You can do it!
If your parents are anything like mine (they sound like they are), they’ll help you when you need it. That’s always a nice thought to keep in the back of your mind. You already know how to budget your money, so just find a nice place that you like that allows you to live within your means (with some left over for those shoes!), and you’ll be happy. I guarantee it! Good luck! 
Thanks for the words of encouragement Nicole! It’s just such a Catch 22, you know? And it all always comes back down to what’s smarter for your money…
Ahhh, I feel your pain. Though I’m not making a steady income yet. I’ve got stuck-in-a-small-town blues. Making moving plans and keeping up with my side hustles. NYC is in my future. Thanks for the post!
Keisha D. recently posted..Happy Holidays!
Oh I had small town blues when I was living in Naples on my own. Then again I rather learned to enjoy it as a break from the city
I’m having the same thoughts, but am not quite sure when I want to make the move. That doesn’t stop me from scouring Craigslist at least once a week for the perfect apartment!
Lindsay recently posted..Warning: Money Won’t Buy You What You Need
Ha I’ve started doing that too! I found one 4 blocks away from my job and almost jumped on it.