There are some things parents fail to mention to Millennials when they move out
Millennials, have you dreamed about the day you move out of your parents and live on your own? As amazing it is when the day is here, you realize something – moving out means you are on your own! Mom and Dad won’t be there to pay for your bills or remind you to do important tasks like laundry and cleaning. Some millennials down the road might think “Why didn’t my parents tell me?” To avoid the shock and panic attack, here’s a short list of what I tell millennials when they’re moving out.
- Make sure you have the “basics” items on hand – There are some out there that aren’t imperative to live on your own, like a rug or art deco, but there are some items that are a necessity for you every day. First, let’s start with the kitchen. You are going to prepare meals in your place so make sure you have the basic kitchenware on stock for you like pans and utensils to cook and eat. The kitchen isn’t the only room you should think about – what about places to sit or a bed for sleep? Besides furniture, keep in mind of other items like toilet paper, back up supplies like light bulbs, and cleaning agents you will need down the road.
- Budgeting – When you were younger, your parents were your bank and helped you out. Now that you are on your own, you are in TOTAL control of your finances. You’ll have to remember to pay for certain things like your rent, bills like your utilities and loans, and other necessities like groceries and food! Before you have an anxiety attack and picture yourself surviving on ramen noodles alone, try creating a personalized budget. One of the most popular budgeting methods out there is the 50/20/30. With this budget, 50% of your income will go towards your living expenses, 20% will go towards savings, and the remaining 30% is for those things you want but aren’t a necessity. Just remember though, this plan isn’t a one size fits all. Your budgeting could be fine-tuned depending on your bills amount and how much you would like to save. One thing I would emphasize on is to make sure you put a portion of your income in a savings or an emergency fund. The term emergency fund states it all – you have money available to you in case a major financial incident hits you like car repairs or loss of a job.
- Staying safe – Your parents had always ensured that your safety was their number one priority when you were living under their roof. Now that you are on your own, your parents won’t be a room away to help you with security – it’s all up to you now. One of the things I also tell millennials is to ask your landlord and supervisor simple safety questions like is the building well-lit at night or did they replace the locks when the old tenants moved out? Another tip useful tip is to make friends with your local neighbors. When they spot trouble around your area, they will be the first to help you out and dial 911 for you and ensure your safety. It is also important to keep a list of phone numbers handy at all time like your local police office for non-emergency incidence.
Your parents will always be there for you and are just as excited as you are when you’ve reached this moment in your life. Part of growing up is learning how to live on your own and take care of yourself after all. It might seem scary at first, but once you learn the basics and get the hang of it, this will be a piece of cake for you. Moving out on your own is a major step any millennial like you can make, but it doesn’t have to be one of the worst decisions you’re making! So, go out there and be proud of yourself for starting this journey!
