- If you're worried about the financial strain that moving out and paying your own way will put on your finances, consider advertising for a roommate or see whether a friend would like to share an apartment. Having a roommate can relieve some of the stress you might feel about moving out. Keep in mind that you'll need to find a roommate that you're comfortable with, and one whom you can trust to pay bills on time. Many friendships are ruined when friends move in together. Draw up a contract that deals with payments and living arrangements, and sign it with your roommate, so there is no question about what the arrangement is.
- Of course, you'll remember to pack your clothes, all of your pictures and mementos, and as much furniture that you can scrounge up, but many people move out for the first time and forget to get some of those crucial day-to-day supplies they took for granted in their parent's houses. For instance, make sure you get all of the kitchen utensils you'll need, such as spatulas, serving spoons, pots and pans, and other kitchen items A cookbook wouldn't hurt either. Make sure you also grab bathroom supplies like toothpaste, bathroom tissue and other supplies you may not think about in the flurry of getting out of mom's house. Make a list of all the items you'll need and ask your parents whether you forgot anything.
- When you move into your new place, you may have an empty fridge compared with the bounty that was available to you at your parent's place. Grab some staples while at the grocery store, and then help one of your parents make a couple weeks' worth of freezer meals so you don't have to worry about what to eat while you're getting settled. Favorites like lasagna and casseroles freeze nicely and come together quickly when there are a couple of people in the kitchen working on them. As you adjust to your new place, you'll become more confident in shopping and cooking for yourself.
