You've been planning the day you could move out of your parent's home since you were in high school. Back then it was all about freedom. Today as an adult moving out of your parent's home, it is about being grown up, financially responsibility, and independence. Taking time to plan and budget before the move will help it to be a smooth transition. There are probably several things that you are use to your parents being responsible for, that once you move, will become your responsibility. It may take a little research and thought so that you can make informed decisions regarding moving out of your parent's home, but the effort will ensure that when it is time to be on your own you will be ready for the amazing experience.

BUDGET REALISTICALLY
Before moving, evaluate your finances. When you are budgeting your income to include all your expenses, be sure to have extra for unplanned circumstances, such as vehicle repairs or an illness that keeps you from work. Moving in will include moving costs like deposits for the apartment or house, renters insurance, utilities, and more. Find out how much they will be ahead of time. Before moving, put the equivalent of your expenses in a savings account and be sure you can live on the remainder of your income. Consider any extra expenses for transportation if you move farther from work, family or friends.

CHOOSE TO LIVE ALONE OR LIVE WITH A ROOMMATE
Living with a roommate will definitely cut the costs of living on your own because you can share the expenses. If you choose to live with someone irresponsible with a lot of debt, you may be creating some financial problems for yourself. If you are on a lease, and your roommate doesn't pay his or her share and you can't pay it all alone, it will reflect on your credit. Both of you should have a safety net in the event of emergencies or an income change. There is also the issue of compatible living habits, sleeping schedules, and entertaining styles. Living alone will be more expensive, but you'll get to make all the choices yourself from decor to who visits and when.

FURNISHING YOUR OWN HOME
See if your parents have extra furnishings, dishes, towels, and other household items. Before you move, start looking for the items that you will need when you move out of your parent's home. When you plan ahead, you can ask for items for your home at gift giving occasions before your move. Remember, your parents spent many years accumulating belongings, so you should be prepared to start out simply. Your new home may not be as nice as your parents, however, this is a small cost of the independence you will experience on your own.

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