How to Live on Your Own | How-to | Cross Country Movers Group

How to Live on Your Own for the First Time

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You’re finally ready to start a new chapter and experience adulthood in its true form. There’s no better way to do it than rent an apartment and learn how to live on your own. However, newbies who have never moved out before should consider some additional steps before jumping into it head-first. All the financial aspects and relocation planning you have to deal with can be overwhelming if not thought through well.

Figuring out how to pull this off won’t be the easiest thing to do. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the chance that has been given to you. No matter what the reasons for your move are, there will be many things to organize. Deciding where you’ll live and booking professional cross-country moving services are just small parts of the whole process. The first question you should ask yourself is: How much money do I need to live on my own? After all, you’ll be dealing with the monthly budget and all the finances from now on.

Starting a New Chapter in Your Life Means Learning How to Survive Out There

Putting yourself out there can be quite scary for people who are moving out for the first time. Yes, there are many benefits of this move, but still. Your feelings are mixed, and anxiety about the move is completely normal.

Avoiding any relocation mistake and figuring out how you’ll cover all the expenses should be the final goal. So as soon as you decide to leave the nest, start organizing the move. The less stress and unexpected situations you have, the better the adjustment period will be after the move.

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Prepare Emotionally Once You Decide to Leave Your Parents’ Home

Whether it’s a better job offer that has pushed you to move, or you decided to continue with your education somewhere else, one question will surely come up – Can I survive living on my own? Leaving the parents’ house can be quite nerve-racking, especially if you’re constantly wondering about things like:

  • Did you make the right decision?
  • Are you financially prepared for this?
  • Will your savings be enough in the beginning?

Don’t let these questions ruin the whole experience – once you decide to move to a new city, stick to that decision. Yes, moving alone can be challenging, but it’s doable when you’re sure of the reasons and aware of all the good things this relocation brings.

Organize the Move Properly Because It’s an Expense You Should Count On

As you probably already know, relocations aren’t free. In fact, a long-distance move can cost you around $2,000. It’s a lot of money, and considering all the relocation expenses, it can easily exceed your budget – for example, you’re moving at the last minute, and you need help with packing services. This is an expense you should keep in mind. So knowing some relocation tips is more than welcome if you want to avoid any stressful situations.

Make a Detailed Checklist to Keep Track of the Progress

There’s no better way of staying organized than having a moving-out list. Think of it as help that will ensure you don’t pay more and avoid financial stress. This list should include the following things:

  • Relocation essentials,
  • Packing materials,
  • What you’ll pack,
  • Finding a moving company,
  • Notifying everyone about the move.

Hiring Professionals Should Be on Your List

One of the ultimate relocation hacks you should use is hiring professional movers. The help you’ll get from a reliable moving crew is well worth the cost of their services. Imagine having some belongings that can’t fit the new apartment, but you just can’t bring yourself to toss them. In that case, the professionals will offer a secure storage facility.

Also, if you’re wondering what the cheapest way to ship a car is, we suggest you consider professional auto transport. Not only will you save money on moving costs, but you won’t have to drive all the way to the new location.

When Living on Your Own, the Expenses Require That You Create a Monthly Budget

Living in another place seems a lot easier now that you know how to save some money before the move, right? However, this doesn’t mean figuring out the monthly expenses in the new home is done. Of course, it all depends on the cost of living in the future place, your financial status, and the limit on your credit card.

It will be best if you find a job in another state before moving there. That way, you can plan each expense correctly and what exactly you can afford and what not. Make a monthly budget that will help you arrange all the payments and not end up without cash.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live on Your Own?

Starting a new life chapter is exciting. We all know how fun arranging and furnishing a new home is, but you have to think it through. Spending too much cash on stuff for an apartment isn’t the best way to start a new life, especially if you’re wondering what the cheapest way to live by yourself is. However, don’t leave out the essential stuff, like kitchen and bathroom items that you’ll most certainly use right after the move.

Not overstretching your finances by the end of the month should be your goal. This means you’ll have enough money to pay monthly rentals and still have cash for other things like utilities, food, and the like. So if the rent is $1000 a month, you should have at least $3000 at your disposal.

Learn Some Tips on How to Save Money Once You Settle In

Is it cheaper to live by yourself? The answer may vary from person to person. It all depends on your financial situation, the size of the new home, and the city you’re relocating to. After you consider all these aspects, decide whether your monthly budget can cover each expense when living alone. If not, you should consider checking out some roommate websites. This is also a good way to make new friends in unknown surroundings. And if you’re relocating for love, why not kill two birds with one stone – ask your partner to move in. It’s a good way to split the bills and be together.

Whether you prefer living alone or with a roommate, you should still know how to cut some costs once you move to the new home for the first time. Check some of the following things you can do to save some cash:

  • Don’t eat out or order food every day,
  • Commute by foot if possible or ride a bike,
  • Unsubscribe from some services you don’t read anymore.

Think About the Credit Score and How to Improve It When Renting a Place

Many people choose to rent their first apartment. If that’s your case, think about the things you need to rent an apartment and your credit score. It’s one of the most important factors that landlords use to see if you’re responsible and reliable enough. So a good credit score will take you a long way. If it’s above 620, then you’re more likely to give a lower deposit and get a place you really like. So the best thing you can do is to boost your credit score before you even begin searching for a spot.

Rent Won’t Be Your Final Expense – You’ll Have to Deal With Utilities and Other Things

Apart from the monthly costs that you’ll have to set aside for rent, consider other things, too. Organizing the finances and knowing exactly how much you’ll spend is the key to being a functional adult. So, first start with fixed amounts, like rent, utilities, debt installments, insurance, and similar monthly costs. Then move on to the flexible ones – food, clothing, transportation, and the like. Each one of them will depend strictly on your habits. So if you like going to the movies or concerts, count those into the monthly costs.

Get Rid of Old Habits and Pay Your Bills on Time

Taking all the practical tips when relocating will ensure a stress-free move. However, leaving the parents’ nest is a challenging process. Not only will you not get to see them every day, but also, there won’t be anyone to remind you of the things you have to do. Paying monthly bills is undoubtedly one of them. Find a method that suits you best and keep track of all tasks. It sounds easier than it is, and it usually takes a lot of time. Check how to pay bills online in five minutes to take some of that weight off your shoulders.

Knowing How to Live on Your Own Will Teach You Life Skills and Home Maintenance

Moving across the country to another home doesn’t only mean figuring out the answer to the question: How much does it cost to live on your own. It also scares most of us because you’ll have to take care of all the house chores. Ok, you managed to change the address using the USPS online form, but what about household chores like changing bulbs and cooking healthy meals every day (or at least most days)? Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before. It seems like an impossible thing to do, but after a while, you’ll become an expert.

When facing all kinds of challenges and situations, you’ll grow as a person and become more mature. Being alone in a place and responsible for everything makes you more mature and stronger.

Give Yourself Credit and Enjoy the New Adventure That Has Been Given to You

You’ll find many obstacles on your way to becoming an independent adult. But this doesn’t mean you should give up as soon as you encounter the first bump on the road. Living your best life will take some sacrifices, and you should be prepared for it. After all, nothing is for granted. And once you embrace the change, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of this move and being independent.

Steven Rogers

Apart from sharing Captain America's name, our freelance writer Steven is also a big fan of moving, history, and geography.

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