Don't move into your first place with a significant other. Learn who you are on your own first. You can always make changes to your and your SO's living arrangements down the road.

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Final score:

26points

Brandy Vitatoe

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1. Make a list of things that are important to you. Not just necessary things but little things that mean something. While you may not be able to afford everything, little things end up meaning a lot more than you think. So while most people don't care about having a long hot shower- I do. So it's important to have good water pressure and a good heat setting on the shower. Do you live in cold weather? You'll need a place with a garage or plowing services. I wouldn't want to have to go to a laundromat every week so having a washer/dryer hookup is important to me.

2. If you're overweight, disabled, or just aren't a skinny athlete, you'll want to live on the first floor unless there's an elevator. You might think going up and down 3 flights of stairs is no big deal once in a while, but you'll end up getting lazy about taking out your trash, and you'll constantly be thinking about how you're going to carry it up in one trip. It might also change your activity in a negative way. The idea of going up and down the stairs in 90-degree heat might make you stay home instead of going out and doing something. So you procrastinate or become less social. You also have to check the weight of everything you order online; if you can't carry it up then you shouldn't order it.

2. Look at the apartment before you move in. And by the look I mean, check the water pressure, check the windows (this is a big one), and notice any damages. If the apartment doesn't look like it's been taken care of, then chances are likely the landlord doesn't care and isn't going to fix things-- but it might not be something you necessarily care about if you're getting a good deal. Taking a long hot shower is important to me, so crappy water pressure is a big deal. If the windows aren't new or if there are gaps in the screens, expect to have higher heating and cooling bills ....and bugs.

3. Everyone says to pack a box with things you'll need right away, but I recommend more than that. Pack the things you'll use in the first week. Otherwise, you're going to force yourself to try and get it all done quickly and you'll be shocked at how tiring a move is.

4. Schedule a grocery delivery if you can for the day before or for the following day after the move (get delivery the first night. That's moving law, lol). Rather than going to the store, have groceries delivered so you can relax a little. Also, prep your fridge by putting in liners or organizers. You'll appreciate being able to not deal with groceries. Your body will be sore.

5. This one applies if you live in a house on the first floor currently and are moving to a higher floor. If there are any heavy items you want to buy, get them before you move so that the movers will be able to carry them up for you. This applies to furniture, and pantry items you can pack. So stock up on soups and heavy cans and bottled water. Also, does the place have central air? Is it hot in the summer? Then you'll need an air conditioner. Buy it before you move so the movers will carry it up and you'll be good to go for when summer comes. Otherwise, you'll have to go downstairs and lug them up yourself when they are delivered. Don't forget that deliveries in apts don't come to your door...they leave them in the mailing area or outside the front door. So any larger or heavy items you might need... get them before you move!

6. This one applies to me but I'm sure to others, too. I would highly recommend only renting if the landlord lives on-site. If there are crazy neighbors causing noise or fighting or damaging the property, the landlord won't put up with it. But he doesn't live there, they won't care. It's the single biggest complaint tenants have is noisy crackhead neighbors and you'll be miserable having to call the cops over and over while the landlord does nothing. If he's there, though, then he won't put up with it and they'll be evicted. People are also better behaved when they know the landlord lives there.

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Final score:

24points

Kate Jones

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Washing clothes. It takes time to wash, hang & fold/iron stuff. You might start buying a whole new wardrobe based on this information once you live by yourself...

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Final score:

24points

Bart

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Your name is on the bills you create (rent, utilities, phone, cable, etc) so you are the one whose credit is affected by paying (or not paying) them. Good credit goes further than cash every time, and bad credit can sink you quicker than being broke.

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Final score:

22points

Mrs.King0315

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I've lived on my own since I was 17, and of course, I had to adjust. I'm not sure if this applies, but I do wish someone told me how much you have to compromise, all the adjustments you make when you move in with your significant other. I'm independent, so sharing my life with someone was something I had to work at I moved in with my boyfriend 10 years ago, and it was really difficult at first. Sleeping in a bed with someone was really hard for me. I barely slept the first few weeks.

Also, buying things. I'm not talking about big purchases like a car, or paying bills, just buy things I want. I'm pretty impulsive, and honestly not great with money, so if I was at a store and saw something I wanted, I would just buy it. But now, it's not just my money. I can't spend $200 on games, or clothes, because it's not just my money, it's our money. I figured it out, and we're still together, but we've both in the beginning had to learn how to live together.

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Final score:

21points

Bonesko

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Make sure that you have lights/lamps installed after you move in, otherwise, you'll be sitting in a dark apartment on your first evening.

Also, for me, putting my 1000 books in paper bags instead of one big, very heavy box made moving in much easier. I would use this generally: Do make sure that your boxes are not too heavy. It required more trips, but it's so much easier, healthier and also prevents you from "accidents" where your boxes floor opens because they're too heavy...

If you move in with someone then make sure that you're on the same page concerning general cleanliness, cooking, and lifestyle (e.g. bedtime, being able to be quiet when the other's sleeping,...)

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Final score:

20points

nini

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I wish someone taught me how to mop. I still feel I’m doing it wrong and I’m 39.

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Final score:

20points

Dr. Carlos Dangercat

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**Thrifting:
Garage Sales, Yard Sales, Thrift Stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army,
Next Door App, FB Market Place (be safe and take someone with you when you go to these places-such as a persons home)

These places will save you so much money on appliances, clothing, shoes, art work, home decorations, etc etc etc

**PLEASE get RENTAL INSURANCE.

**Stock up on your cases of water, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Dishwashing Liquid, Detergent, sponges, body wash, soap, hand soap, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, lotion, paper plates etc on each pay day...NOT when you are low on these things or low on money...
--buy them at least 2 at a time until your stock pile is at your satisfaction.

***Have an EMERGENCY KIT in your place:
Candles/Flashlight
a lot of batteries (every size)
Battery operated Radio
Perishable Food
(emergency stash) Pet food

**Have a GOOD Relationship with your Leasing Office Agents/Landlords, Maintenance Crew/Grounds Keepers, Security Officers, and Neighbors

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Final score:

20points

Danniee Gyrl

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Put things away after you use them. This will keep your house fairly tidy and a tidy house is better for your mental health.

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Final score:

19points

Julie Smoak

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That there are people who rent out illegally (their flat belongs to the city and by law, only them or their immediate family can inhabit it), and the contracts you sign are just between you and them, with zero validity in the eyes of law. I was dumb as hell and it was cheap, also the family renting out seemed nice and decent. Lasted a year, then me and my roommate were kicked out with zero notice. We learn by our mistakes, I guess.

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Final score:

18points

Dutchman Callypso

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That I'd finally be free.

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Final score:

17points

Ru Bee

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Caretakers are not landlords and not authorities to evict you. They can't just hand you an eviction notice because you don't have rent available yet on the morning of the 1st and always get a receipt or some proof of payment when you hand in the rent.

Never accept an illegal eviction notice.

You will get discriminated against for your age when you're searching for a place and after you move in.

Changes to how you pay utilities (included to not included with rent) are not normal, and the utility company will find it suspicious you're setting up an account for a place you've already been living at for some time.

Utility accounts can be stolen from you by someone else posing as you, live somewhere in your name, rack up debt on the account and you'll be on the hook to pay the debt when you move and do need to set up an account for the new place.
To prevent this, keep your old lease even after you moved. Keep any documents, such as taxes or anything that proves where you've lived during those years, and when you moved.
If a landlord does make a strange change to the rent agreement, get it in writing, call the tenant board, and contact the utility board to confirm of the changes are valid.

Keep all documents regarding leases, lease renewals, and damage inspection reports before you moved in and just before you move out. Take pictures. Speak up about even the smallest things, such as chipped, peeling paint, and stains.

Look for signs of infestations. Ask about infestations. Sometimes a landlord will spray for bugs before you move in and then later, when the insecticide wears off the bugs come back because they weren't properly exterminated. (Happened to some friends.)

Go to the local library archives department and do some sleuthing on the property. Sometimes you'll uncover untimely deaths on or around the property that have been forgotten.

Get tenant insurance!

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Final score:

17points

BadCat

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Sit down with someone who has a household set up and make a list of things you need. I'm talking about the things you take for granted: dishes, silverware, cups, dish soap, wash clothes, broom & dust pan, TOILET PAPER!!, body wash/shampoo, toothbrush, shower curtain, etc. You just don't realize you're going to need those things. Also, thrift stores are a great resource when it comes to getting a lot of first-time essentials like dishes, cookware, furniture, and lamps. Buy it used and upgrade to new if needed when you have the money.

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Final score:

17points

SparkleFarts

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Whether you just met or you’ve been friends for years, roommates share a place to save money, for companionship, to feel secure, and to enjoy a stable home life.

Planning to share a house or apartment? Before you unpack the boxes, you and your new roommate(s) should agree on how the household will operate. Simple rules help everyone know what to expect, eliminate conflict, and make a house or apartment into a home.

The owner or primary lease-holder (“owner”) decides whether to hire a house cleaning service, and how costs will be divided. If no service is hired, then cleaning expectations for common areas should be part of the rental lease or addendum.

10 Roommate Rules:

1. The living room is neutral territory, setting the tone for your home. If only one room is always tidy, this is it. Each person must remove their things before going to bed each day. No one should ever worry about what the room will look like if they bring friends or colleagues over unexpectedly. Don’t feel
embarrassed by a mess or (worse) nag each other.

2. Bedrooms & desks are private territories. NEVER enter their room or touch their desk. Never comment on any chaos in their room. It is their space.

3. Each person buys their own food. Divide the fridge into mine, yours, and house sections. Try not to borrow food, but if you do, replace it (with the same brand) the next day. Reserve some pantry shelves for
“house” items such as cleaning supplies.

4. Pooling food and/or chipping in to prepare a simple meal together can be fun, and a chance to discuss house issues – and should be at least once a month.

5. Each person must wash their own dishes/load the dishwasher/tidy kitchen after each use. Don’t leave it for later or the other person.

6. If you own the property, assets that “belong to the house” appliances, dishes, furniture, artwork, lawn mower, and satellite dish] are your responsibility. These are items that remain if the other person moves out. Don’t expect roomies to “chip in” for assets. Ditto for water, sewer, taxes & other basic expenses.

7. Common utilities like electricity, internet, TV cable, and gas are divided evenly. If phone use may be an issue, get separate landlines or cell phones.

8. Buy your own, don’t borrow, and never mooch personal items like toiletries, pet food, magazines, stamps, printer paper, clothes, and booze.

9. Don’t run out of the basics. Make a list of official “house items” such as cooking oil, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, charcoal, etc. used by everyone.

Tape a list on the fridge with a column for each person. When anyone notices a house item is running low (or spots a good sale), just buy it. Each person records any purchases and prices on the list. At the end of each month, total the columns.

If “A” spent $17 on supplies, and “B” spent $27, the difference is $10. “A” then gives “B” $5. This way you are always “even”. No one feels they are always the one who pays. And you’ll never run out of toilet paper.

10. Don’t expect every roommate to be your greatest friend, share their intimate secrets, listen to your problems, loan you money, or invite you to join them on their next vacation. Such a relationship could very well develop, and that’s a great bonus if it does...but don’t expect or demand it.

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Final score:

17points

Vasha

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Get a budget account in the bank, so you know what to pay each month.

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Final score:

16points

Sanne

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If you're going to be renting, look up tenants' rights in your area. Lots of landlords try to take advantage of young renters, assuming you won't realize what your rights are. Depending on where you live, your government or your university may have a tenants' hotline where you can get free legal advice.

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Final score:

16points

wowbagger

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Move out when you can still move back in.

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Final score:

15points

s246

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if moving in with a roommate, something that is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to talk about is how much noise and activity you like at home. if you're the type of person who needs to come home from a long day at work and exist quietly in your room alone, try not to live with someone who needs to come home from work and blast music. even if it's good music.

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Final score:

15points

Kieran N

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"Don't go, you're too young, your father's banned from this house!"
Also, realistically, "Don't forget to take an all-purpose soap". My first apartment was a rhododendron thicket. Since it was that or Rageacholic Dad with tendencies to strangle... I must say, I had worse apartments in *buildings* than that thicket.

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Final score:

13points

Leo Domitrix

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Quality over quantity. Buy cheap, buy twice. Invest as you go in good quality household items and furniture - it’s worth it. Henry Hoover for example over a cheap alternative.
Try and have two month’s rent in savings if you’re renting to fall back on.
Save little and often - there are banking/ finance apps which round up your change, or take small amounts as often as you like.
Also, boil potatoes before trying to mash them!

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Final score:

13points

elsieairhead

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With your new found freedom comes many responsibilities whether you want them or not.

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Final score:

12points

HByersRN

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That living all by yourself can be really lonely and that doesn't mean you can't hack it away from Mommy and Daddy. It means you are a human being who enjoys social contact. That's a good thing.

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Final score:

11points

Jessica Heckner

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Beware of credit cards! My "learning curve" when I moved out was tossing around the plastic too much while I was settling in. Too many unwise purchases later, I was stuck in debt to the point where I had to weigh which bills to pay, and how little food I could get away with eating.

You need things that are cheap but not going to disintegrate in a week. Shop second-hand stores and yard sales. Shop dollar stores for things like dish soap, etc. And learn how to eat on the cheap! If you don't know how to cook, now is the time to go on YouTube and learn!

Don't buy disposable stuff like cleaning wipes, paper towels and mop heads. Use old towels or old ripped up t-shirts, a sponge mop and a spray bottle with some distilled water for basic cleaning. You can find other resources for cleaning on the cheap online.

Cleaning house isn't optional. Your landlord can tag you hard for being a slob, especially if causes damage, and your guests will ~absolutely~ judge you if they see a dump, so keep it tidy and make sure you don't do any damage to your apartment. If you see something wrong, report it in writing to your landlord immediately.

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Final score:

11points

Susan Stead

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However much you think it's going to cost to live on your own, it's going to be more. Budget accordingly.

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Final score:

8points

AmAndA_Panda

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Buy a bottle opener.

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Final score:

7points

Krockodial Panda

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Budget...Budget...Budget...

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Final score:

7points

Summer and Luna K

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Own less stuff. You're likely to be moving a few times before you settle in to somewhere for a long time, and moving suuuuuucks. The less stuff you own the better. I'm talking everything. A mattress on the floor is just as good as a frame and a box spring if you're relocating ever semester. And as soon as you start paying for storage, you're losing money. The human animal is surprisingly self-sufficient. Don't believe the consumer culture hype that you need more "things." A pocket full of cash is easier to transport than all the worthless stuff it can buy.

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Final score:

7points

Wintermute

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Ask for help. I had to leave an abusive home at seventeen. I worked and lived with a roommate but had no idea how to live on my own. I made so many mistakes that I could have prevented if I knew some basic rules.

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Final score:

7points

Robyn Rob

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Keep copies of everything! Lease agreement, utilities agreement, any correspondence having to do with your apartment, utilities, car, insurance etc. Check bills every month to make sure you aren't being charged wrong amounts. Get everything in writing, from your landlord to your bosses to whatever. If it is in writing you can prove it. Never assume someone won't take advantage

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Final score:

7points

Brenda Spagnola-Wilson

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Pay an extra $10-$20 a week in rent so when it comes to Christmas 🎄 or your go on holidays your rent is covered for a period of time :)

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Final score:

6points

Shelly Hardy

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You can always come home. Any time, for any reason.

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Final score:

6points

Carla Prendergast

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I love you.
I don't remember ever hearing that growing up and that's one reason I moved out at such an early age.

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Final score:

6points

Kowen3415

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Pack a bag with a set of sheets, a towel, soap, toothbrush, shower curtain and your jammies and keep it with you.

We spent hours looking for something to sleep on/in after my now husband and I first moved in together. Plus you'll have everything you need to clean up after what will inevitably be a long and dirty day.

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Final score:

4points

Lyoness

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