Your First Move
What could be more exciting than making your first ever move? We don’t mean moving into short-term student digs, which is another matter – we’re talking about the nest-flying moment when you move out of your parental home and into the world. It’s a rite of passage that ushers you into adulthood once and for all, with – all being well – no turning back. It’s daunting, of course, but that’s more than mitigated by the sheer optimism that characterises this moment when it comes, in whatever guise, beckoning you into the realm of the fully grown-up. Still, it pays not to rush headlong into it with nary a thought or plan. In fact, it’s vital to give it proper forethought. Of course, there’s never going to be the perfect time of readiness – we have to take the plunge with a bit of blind faith because we can’t know the future. But we can still make sure we’re as primed as we can be, so that, fingers crossed, it all goes well. Here are some considerations to ponder when your first move approaches, whether you’re 16 or 36.
Income
Unless you’ve got parents who are willing to bankroll every aspect of your existence, you need an income. The most obvious solution is to have a full-time job already in place before your move or – if you’re continuing to study – some form of scholarship or bursary.
Budget
Numbers can dart around your head menacingly when you try to determine just how much your move will cost. To work out your housing cost you need to add up the price of your move, the rent you’ll be paying, the likely utility bills and the council tax. Just a good estimate is enough. Now, take a deep breath and triple this figure, because it’s best to start out being cushioned by three-months’ worth of expenses.
Chores
Make a list of the responsibilities that come with moving out – some are things you may have already been doing for some time. But it’s best to see them all set down in black and white. Your list might include things like: cleaning, paying bills on time, budgeting, maintaining your social network, laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, maintenance and repairs, washing dishes.
