I could use some advice, on my first time...

[Guest NoCalMike]

Ok well as far as money is concerned, I know between how much me and my girlfriend make, it should not be any trouble putting together the money for rent/utilities and the "getting started" money. However I am just interested in what advice on ANYTHING you would give to me about being out on your own......any advice is appreciated.

[Guest MrRant]

Make sure you have at least 2 months rent in the bank after making the deposit/first month rent, etc. Also be sure that if for some reason things ended.... badly with your currect g/f you can at least get by.

[Guest DrTom]

Get as much free furniture, dishes, housewares, etc, from your parents that you can. Even if the furniture is old, it's better than nothing, and it gets you started until you get better stuff later. Thankfully, in the eighteen months before I moved out, my parents replaced a sofa, loveseat, two endtables, a kitchen table and chairs, a full set of plates, and a silverware set. We were able to store it all in the basement of their house, and I took it all with me when I moved. Some of it has since been replaced, but it DOES get you started nicely.

[Guest NoCalMike]

Ok, good so far. My parents are giving me a Sofa and a Loveseat, the computer is literally MINE. My mom will most likely buy me a medium sized TV for the living room*crossing my fingers, that I also get a surround sound package with the tv* hehehe.....Mostly we will need appliances. My girlfriend already has all the dishes/silverware we need...Kitchen appliances and accessories are the way to go right now.......(George Foreman grilling machine) hehehe

[Guest Sassquatch]

Quick and short:

 

Make sure you have every possible outcome COVERED.

 

The advice everyone has given so far covers most of the bases needed in order to maintain a humble abode.

[Guest Texas Small Arms 09]

When I moved out I collected as much shit from everyone that I possibly could. Especially now since there are sales all over the place, I would go to Walmart or something like that and get whatever else you need there.

[Guest cobainwasmurdered]

Okay. I moved out on my own when I was 17, I learned through trial and error and now at 19 Own a (heavily mortgaged) house.

 

Some advice:

 

Hit up every garage sale,swap meet, flea market you can find to get furniture and other neccasary's.

 

Don't be afraid to talk to your elders for advice. Your parents, and grandparents have been there and done that.

 

If you got a nice fancy car...trade it in for something more simple and use the extra money for something neccasary.

[Your Paragon of Virtue]

Whoa, you live in a house and you're only 19? That's pretty cool. What were the circumstances that lead to you leaving in the first place?

 

I'm 16 and I can't imagine moving out of the house anytime soon.

[Guest cobainwasmurdered]

I was in foster care and it was a very bad place so I went to my social worker and arranged to go on independent living (they help you find a place and you get $600 a month until you're 19)

 

Then I found a very good job working as a Lawn Care Specialist though during the winter months I work at 711.

 

Anyway with a lot of scrimping and saving and some prime convincing I got a loan from the bank to get the house. 2 floors plus a basement, 3 bedrooms, good kitchen,etc. It's ina bad area though so it was cheap.

[Guest converge241]

ive had 2 apartments and have had a house for 15 months now.

 

the best advice is what others have said:

save and horde, both in money and the things you will need

 

be prepared to forgo some luxuries/spending money

 

do smart food shopping, dont eat out 24/7

 

be aware of the possibility of your situtaion with your other going sour (hopefully it wont!)

 

most importantly

 

HAVE A HOUSEWARMING PARTY

 

you're sure to get a bunch of things that you need