I'm kinda ashamed to say that I'm finally moving out of my parents house soon at the age of 22 and will be moving into a nice apartment in Redmond, WA, and living alone for the 1st time in my life.

However, I'm very excited that I'll finally be able to enjoy the independence and privacy. And My GF can come over and hang out as often as she wants; both of our parents are very strict and we never really had a chance to hang out while enjoying absolute privacy.

Living on my own will be a completely new thing for me. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. What should I take with me to the apartment? What should I buy or look to add? Anything that I should expect?

Thanks!

 

Supporting a home can be a fun and exciting thing but you will soon realize that your parents do much more than you realize - things you take for granted will need to be purchased like broom and dustpan or cleaning supplies! Enjoy the experience but do not lose sight of your responsibilites amd after you get settled invite your parents over for a nice dinner and show them your new digs! Have fun

 

Get renter's insurance. It's only like $100/year, and it protects both your apartment and various other posessions (cd's in your car, bicycle accidents, guests who get injured in your place). Definitely worth the piece of mind.

 

Ashamed to say you're moving out of Parent's house at the age of 22? Am I missing something? That seems about right, maybe even bit early compared to some

 

Hi, EvoVII.

I said "ashamed" because most of my friends moved out from their parents' houses when they were 18, 19; so I assumed that it is the norm. Granted, a lot of them went to schools that were far from their houses so they were forced to stay at dorms which their parents paid for anyhow, but at least they had the experience of being on their own, not having their moms nag at them everyday, and just being indepedent at a much younger age than me.

 

- its normal for people to move out in mid to late 20s now-a-days

 

yeah, I commuted to college so I lived at home until I was 22.

I second the suggestion about renters insurance, especially if it's a multi-unit building. If one of your neighbors burns the building down you will be up you-know-what creek. I know someone that this happened to.

Also - I have no clue what your financial situation looks like, but it's really really easy to get out of control fianancially trying to buy everything for an apartment to make it up to same standard as you may be used to. Furniture, electonics (TV, Stereo, etc.),....

 

Thanks for the suggestions, folks!

I wonder if the renters insurance will cover my car, too. The apartment has a pretty secure underground parkade that people need a keycard to enter the gate. But then again, a friend of mine who has an S2000 got his soft-top slashed at the same parking garage. I'm worrying about my Z4, and wondering if I should get a car cover or not. I'm worried that getting a car cover might attract more attention though.

 

Being responsible with your income is the #1 priority. I know you've heard it a million times but setting a budget and sticking to it is a great course of action. I only say this is #1 b/c as you've stated this is your first time on your own. Many people your age got a chance to figure out their spending habits while away at college and had their parents as a saftey net should something go awry.

As the months go by and monthly rent is due, you'll find ways to "cut corners" with expenses. Example is eating out. Burger king and Wendy's adds up after a while. I'm not saying don't treat yourself and your gf every now and then but buying from a supermarket and eating at home is the way to go. As is making lunch at home and bringing it to work.

FWIW, I'm just 24. Moved out at 20 to go to a university (was at a community college since 18 and lived at home). Being from a single parent family I had no choice but to figure out my finances on my own, so no saftey net for me. My wife, gf at the time, and I got an apt. together when I was 22 and now were looking to build a house.

Everything should work out for you, all you have to do is plan ahead a little. Also, don't go too ape shit in trying to furnish your apt too fast. Its nice to have stuff but you'll dig yourself in hole buying it all at once. I suggest buying funiture in the order of necessity, one or two peices every month. Meaning that if your apt dosen't come with a refrigerator or you don't have a bed, you might want to get those first. Lamps and endtables can come later on. Hope this helps.

 

Enjoy yourself. I know moving out made things so much better between my parents and I. The whole thing about gaining weight while in the dorms is bull. I started packing it on when I moved into an apartment because all the food I ate was fast food. Learn to cook, it tastes and feels much better. It also saves money.