Moving out of your parents home is a big deal and can be an overwhelming thought. But having your own space, freedom and responsibilities is a good thing. Maybe you’re moving to a new city or maybe you’re moving down the street. Either way, we’re talking about the signs to look for that will help you know when you are ready to rent.
Your Finances are Stable
A huge part of knowing that you’re ready to rent an apartment is knowing that you’ll be able to finically support yourself. You need to have a steady job, decent credit (although kids right out of college might not have any, which will require a cosigner for some apartments) and are confident you can pay your rent and utilities on time. Make sure you have the $$ before you head out on your own.
You Know How to Budget
Going hand in hand with stable finances, you need to know how to budget these finances. That means knowing that you’ll have enough money for rent, utilities and other things like groceries or insurance. Before you go out on your own, make up a spread sheet with all of the things you spend money on and budget it out month to month so you know if you can afford it or if you’ll need to make some adjustments.
You Can Do The Simple Tasks
Basically you need to know how to do your laundry. You need to make sure you know how to cook for yourself or change the fire alarm batteries. The basic things that your parents most likely did for you when you lived with them. If not, no worries! You can always learn before you move out. But it’s important that you’ll be able to take care of yourself.
You Know What You Need vs. What You Want
Wants and needs are two very different things. You might want something, but you don’t necessarily need it. Knowing this beforehand can help you manage your budget which will in turn help your finances stay stable. This is a huge help when it comes to living in your own place — decorating and buying things that you need rather things that will just look good for a moment.
You’ve Done Your Research
You’ve looked at potential places to live that are near places you need to get to like your job, at a decent prices and a decent place to call home. You’ve seen the apartment, talked with landlords and looked at the lease.
You Have a Plan
Above all, you know you’re ready to rent when you have a plan. It doesn’t matter how long the plan is or how in depth it is — you just have a plan that you know is going to get you from point a to point b and you will be able to support yourself on your own.
If you’re able to check off all of these — congratulations! You’re ready to rent your own apartment! Check out all of our apartment communities by visiting any of the communities on our homepage!
