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What are some basic funds I need to know about when moving out for the first time?

I know that I'm going to need a lot. I'm just wanting to get everyone's feedback so that I can compare to my list...and any advice you want to throw out...please do! I'm eager to know all I can before trucking it alone....I can definitely tell you this- I am super excited. A smooth transition will really help! Thanks everyone in advance for your help!

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  1. You will need a monthly budget - food, rent, utilities, car, gas, phone, insurance, spending allowance (credit cards). Move in expense...security deposits on apartment, utilities. Special funds for clothing, furniture, household goods....are just some ideas - Best of luck to you!
  2. Typical rent is around $1,000 per month. To move in you generally need to hand over 3 times that amount to the apartment management = 1st month's rent, last month's rent and security deposit. You are going to need a phone and utilities such as gas and electric. They usually require a deposit and the first months expense. They will estimate. Figure an additional $500 to cover all three of these just to open the accounts. You may also want cable. Find out from your cable supplier how much they charge to establish the account and install the service and the first month's service and any equipment. It will need to be paid before they install. You will need furniture such as living room furniture, television, bedroom furniture. Unless your rich, I suggest you ask your circle of friends and family if anyone has furniture they want to dispose of that is still in good condition. Furniture ranges in price according to the manufacturer and if it's new or used. Shop around. Thrift stores are our friend! New living room furniture can cost up to $2,000. New bedroom furniture can cost around $1,000 or more. Shop around for the least expensive. You will need transportation. Do you have a car? If you do, make sure you set funds aside to cover your expenses for the first few months. If you have a car, then you should know what you usually spend. If you don't have a car, set aside maybe $50 a month for bus fare, if there are buses that serve the area where you plan to live. If there are no buses, you need to find a friend you can give you rides. It also would not be fair to use them without paying them. You will need curtains for all your windows. This also can become expensive. If you have a friend that can sew, or if you can sew, maybe you can buy some fabric from the bargain table at your local department store and sew something to cover your windows. Most apartment complexes have rules limiting how long your windows can be covered with sheets. Maybe you have a friend or family member who has old curtains that can be altered to fit your new windows. Fabric prices range from $1 per yard to $15 per yard, depending on the popularity of the fabric. Nicer and/or prettier fabric costs more. You are going to need blankets, sheets, pillows and pillow cases. Expect to spend $50 to $75 for a set. Make sure you buy a size that fits your mattress. By the way, you're going to need a mattress. Expect to pay $200 to $1,000. Price depends on the quality and comfort and durability of the mattress. Make sure you set aside money for food. We don't want you starving. Expect to pay about $200 per month for food. You will need towels. They are typically about $10 per towel. You will need to buy your own clothes. You're going to need to decide what your budget is each month for clothing and shoes, coats, etc. You're going to need household supplies for cleaning such as cleaning yourself, cleaning the house. You'll need soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, glass cleaner, drain pipe cleaner, floor cleaner, mop, broom, dustpan, garbage pails, trashbags that fit the pails, and perhaps large trashbags, dishsoap, lightbulbs, etc. As you can see, living on your own is not cheap. Save money for it. Don't put yourself into debt. That can only lead to bankruptcy. And again, shop around for the cheapest.
  3. Go to stores and ask for unused cardboard boxes to you wont have to buy them! :) Answer my newest? ;) Elly
  4. Making phone calls will tell you how much rent and the deposit are in your area. And the deposit on the electricity May have to pay for water. You are looking at. Electricity and a deposit. Rent and a deposit. Maybe water. Transpotation. Bus. If you have a car that means gas, repairs and insurance and parking, and tires and battery etc. Food. Need to find out from your mom about buying groceries. Looking in the kitchen where you are will show you what you need. Will the apartment be furnished? Clothes. Medical insurance. Might come with job. Personals like bath soap.
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