by Cyndi Li

Created on: September 28, 2007   Last Updated: February 09, 2008

Having a place to call your own, where you make the rules, is nothing short of "The Ultimate" for anyone. Lots of young girls count the days until they're old enough to move out on their own. This is a big milestone, but there are some responsibilities and things to consider before making the move.

When you start searching for a place, be certain you can meet the monthly financial obligation. Obviously, this means being able to pay your rent each month, but make sure you can also afford to pay the utilities, buy food and put gas in your car. You should also figure in a little cash for entertainment and incidentals.

Take into consideration the neighborhood, and it's proximity to your place of employment. If possible choose an area that demographically has a low crime rate, and doesn't require a long commute to work. Keeping your expenses relatively low will help you meet your monthly obligations.

Keep in touch with your family. This doesn't mean stopping in every other night for a free meal, but make a conscious effort to stay in contact. They're no doubt proud of your move to independence, but will worry about you just the same.

Be a good tenant. To often when someone gets their own place they are tempted to throw loud parties and have all sorts of traffic coming and going at all hours of the night. Not only will you annoy the daylights out of your neighbors, but you'll probably draw some unwanted attention from your landlord. This isn't to say you should never have guests over, just be sure to be respectable and responsible. And remember, it's your landlord's property. You may pay rent, but the cost of any needed repairs that are a direct result of you or your friend's actions will be coming out of your pocket.

If you're going to have a roommate, consider whether the two of you are compatible. Do you have like interests? Are they responsible? Do they party a lot? Are they motivated? Too many time people hastily become roommates only to discover that living together just doesn't work for one reason or another. There's no joy in having to move back home because you can't afford all the bills on your own.

Keep your weekly and monthly expenses to a minimum. Eating out every night will drain your pocket book real quick. Cook at home and take a lunch to work. Car pool whenever possible. Shop at thrift shops and yard sales. Rent movies instead of going to the theater. Hang your laundry at home instead of drying it. There are many ways to pinch a penny if you just put your mind to it.

Being independent is a great feeling. Having your own place only adds to that feeling. Taking these suggestions into consideration will help you to find the right place, and will give you a better chance of being successful at surviving the single life.

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