Moving out of your parents’ home is a huge step, and anyone who now has a place they can call their own can attest to that. As a young adult, it’s only natural if you feel both excited and scared to finally live independently. While it is indeed a challenge to have full responsibility for your life, it’s important to not be overwhelmed by the amount of work that you need to do before and when you finally move out.
List down your needs, preferences, and budget for the long run
Make sure you think about whether you want to acquire or rent a property, how much you’re willing to spend, how much space you need, and how you’ll manage it. Would you rather live with the convenience of being near your office in Salt Lake City or would you prefer the quieter side of Utah?
Make a list of the things you want your future home to have and then, categorize them into “negotiables” and “non-negotiables.” This way, you can instantly cross off what you can’t afford or those that don’t satisfy any of your “non-negotiables.” Having a list makes it easier to spot red flags. As for your budget, stick to it when it comes to successfully maintaining the space and lifestyle you want.
Be well-equipped for your regular chores and routine
Now that you’ll be living solo, you have to take responsibility for your schedule and all the chores that need to get done. These include washing the dishes, taking out the trash, doing your laundry, cooking your meals, going places, and other things that are part of our daily life. It’s important to set a routine for these chores.
Also, list your essential home appliances by priority and see if the place you’re eyeing includes some of these. You’ll need bins, a washer, basic kitchenware and silverware, and an allocated budget for groceries and transportation.
Invest to protect your space
Managing your own place involves a lot of investment, which concerns not only the property itself but also its upkeep and the maintenance of the appliances as well. One of the things every newly independent young adult needs to know is that spending on quality furnishing or appliances and regularly maintaining them will save you more money in the long run.
Right now, it may seem like going to the laundromat weekly costs less than shelling out cash to buy a washer, but actually, it’s much better to invest a chunk of your first paycheck in a washer and dryer so that you’ll have more mobility with your future paychecks. The same goes for actively having the budget for appliance repair. For example, if you don’t have an emergency budget for the repair of your washer, you’ll only get caught up with a hunk of metal you can’t use and a growing pile of dirty laundry.
In the end, what’s important is making the most of what you have and staying organized. This will help you ensure that you have the means to sustain the life you’ve signed up for and if you play your cards right, one you’ll grow to love.
