There’s plenty to consider when moving out of home for the first time or shifting out of your college dorm room. From getting financial advice to guidance on how to land a great job, young people have a lot to figure out.
While those are important topics, it’s also crucial to learn how to do practical things such as taking care of your vehicle, how to stay safe when living or traveling alone, and how to prepare for your future.
Fortunately, there are lots of resources available for young people who need to learn how to handle living on their own. Here are a few checklist items to get you started.
Continue to Educate Yourself for a Great Future
Striking out on your own for the first time can be scary. But preparing for the future can help. While it’s not always easy to land a great job right out of college, a master’s or other recognised qualification can boost your earning potential and ensure some stability.
Take a look at your options, including online programs that will allow you to work at your own pace while you stick with your current job. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) for example can lead to many lucrative careers. Just make sure the school you choose is accredited and offers competitive tuition.
Learn How to Save
Whether you’re close to landing your dream job or are still working on it, it’s essential to learn how to save your money and manage your finances right from the start. It can be challenging to stick to a budget, but you’ll thank yourself later if you can create an emergency fund for things like car repairs or unexpected doctor bills.
Living with a roommate, carpooling, couponing, packing your lunch instead of eating out, and working out at home are all great ways to save money throughout the week so you can put a portion of your paycheck into savings.
You can also use a cash envelope system that allows you to see your money each payday and allocate it to different bills. This is a great way to keep track of your spending, because using a debit or credit card all the time can distance you from the amount of money you go through needlessly.
Stay Safe
Keeping your money–and yourself–safe when living or traveling alone can be a stressful undertaking, but there are some simple things you can do to make the process easier. Whether you live in a house or apartment, you’ll want to consider utilizing a security system or smart doorbell, especially if you don’t have a roommate.
You can also make good use of your landscaping to deter criminals from entering through windows or sliding doors. Make sure you introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them, if possible, as they can be an invaluable resource when it comes to staying safe.
Take Care of Your Vehicle
Safety at home is one important aspect of being on your own, but it’s also crucial to learn how to take care of your vehicle. Not only will the proper care help keep you safe on the road, it will save you quite a bit of money in repairs or maintenance fees.
Take your car in for an oil change about every 3,000 miles, and make sure you ask to have your fluids topped and your tires checked. If your car is relatively new, you may be eligible for free oil changes at the dealership. You might even learn how to take care of some smaller repairs on your own.
Final Thoughts on Moving Out of Home
Moving out of home or moving on from college can be overwhelming at first. But preparing well can help you feel more in control. Set some realistic goals and think about how you can find success not just in the near future, but also down the road.