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Inaru · Jul 9, 2011, 04:48 AM

My boyfriend and I really want to move out. Like, ASAP. And since I don't know a whole lot about the moving-out process, I'd appreciate it if someone here would tell me all about it. Thanks!

joypulv · Jul 9, 2011, 05:06 AM

Moving out... of what? An apartment? You read your lease, and if necessary find out the laws of your state regarding notifying landlords, and do the steps in writing. If you don't, you can lose any deposit and even be sued for the remaining months. You have a new place signed for of course. You want a good reference from your current landlord. You start collecting used boxes from stores because new ones will cost 2.50 - 3.00 each, and you buy 3" wide tape. You pack what you don't absolutely need for the next few months and label the boxes with marker pen. You put clothes and linens in large garbage bags. You get quotes for rental trucks or movers, and if you are in a college town, you figure you won't be able to move around Labor Day at all, because all the students are. You enlist some friends if you are renting just a truck, assume half won't show up, and promise pizza and drinks at the end. You take pictures of the apartment as you leave in case of problems getting your deposit back.

PHEW! Have I missed anything?

Inaru · Jul 11, 2011, 10:20 PM

Wow, thanks a lot. This was helpful, thanks! Umm, we both still live with our parents... I'm 20, he's 21. I'll be 21 in a couple months (don't think that has anything to do with it... ) His parents are total leeches, they always take his money to help with food and stuff, so that's a major issue... that's why we just want to get out.

Aurora_Bell · Jul 14, 2011, 11:19 AM

Why wouldn't he help with food and other bills if he is living there? Anyway, A good rule of thumb is to have first and last months rent, most 1 bedrooms vary from $400-$700, a good amount here would be $1000 saved up for initial move in cost. Then you are going to need your own cleaning supplies, dishes, cutlery, linen and towels and other bedding, think about couches and beds as well as other furniture. I would say with out furniture a good chunk of change would be $400-$500 for the cheapest of necessities. Plus you are going to need to get all your condiments and other foods, which can be the most expensive part of moving out! I would say close to $300 for your initial grocery bill. So far you are up to $1,750 give or take a few bucks here or there. I am sure I have missed some essentials, some places require a damage deposit along with 1st and last months rent. You will need references and a full time job! That's a good starting point, others will come and add their opinions too.

southamerica · Jul 14, 2011, 11:41 AM

Also, your incomes generally need to equal 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent. Do either of you have credit built up? If not you may need a parent to cosign on the lease.

Living on your own is really nice, but it is expensive. Even if parents expect some help with the costs, you and your boyfriend are saving money living at home. Rent, utilities, food, and maintenance (if parents own the home) all come into play. Add that to clothing, gas, car maintenance, spending money, emergency money.

Make sure you both really think about what you're getting into. Joypulv really lays it out well as far as the moving process.

joypulv · Jul 15, 2011, 04:27 AM

I'm very curious about the leeching parents - how much money do they take from him? How much do you give yours? Do you really know how much it costs to rent or own, eat, pay utilities and shop at Goodwill for minimal clothes? Maybe own and insure an old car?
In our house, heat, electric, internet, phone and TV run around 550/mo ALONE. I eat out about once a year, and that includes fast food. Nada.
Aurora spelled out the reality pretty well, and all I would add is that the costs for you could be much higher in some places.
It's amazing how little you can live on if you have to, but it's also amazing what people spend when they have it, and how many people don't budget.

Aurora_Bell · Jul 15, 2011, 05:08 AM

Yup $550 sounds about the norm out side of rent. I pay (approx) $200 for electric, $150 for phone and internet and about $100 for cable (satellite). If you're lucky some apartments include heat and water and some have all utilities included. Just depends on the resources needed (oil, electric, or hot water). I too am curious about the parents situation. When I was in my 20's and working full time and living at home I WANTED to pay my parents money. I didn't live long at home, I bought my first house when I was 23 but for the year I waited until it was built I paid $650 in rent per month to my parents. And I thought that was cheap!

Inaru · Jul 22, 2011, 10:03 PM

His mom asks for him to pay $150 to live with them. I also found out recently his sister doesn't pay the $150, so he was paying for her as well, making it $300 a month. They also "don't have money for food" so he buys that, too. It makes me very upset, that's why I want him out of there. I was planning to go to goodwill for the furniture and stuff, I don't care about getting brand new things. I was also planning to plan out what to make to eat and buy what we need for food.

Inaru · Jul 22, 2011, 10:05 PM

Oh, forgot to mention, they went bankrupt at some point and he had to help them so he had to drop out of college cause he couldn't afford it anymore.

joypulv · Jul 23, 2011, 03:33 AM

$150 + food? It seems pretty clear that you don't yet have an idea of what it costs to live.
I'm sorry his parents had to declare bankruptcy. Perhaps he feels a certain need to help his family first, not just out of obligation but of love. Did he pay for college, or did they? Who exactly 'couldn't afford it anymore?'
You haven't said what you give your parents, so I'll assume nothing or next to it.
I'm not blaming you. I didn't have a clue what my parents spent on mortgage, utilities, cars, insurance, and raising kids when I was young, but I took off on my own. Maybe more parents should sit their kids down with them once a month and go over expenses as a learning experience.

Aurora_Bell · Jul 23, 2011, 06:57 AM

While I feel if you are old enough to live on your own, and you are living at home, you should pay or help to pay. But I do not think it is fair that he paying for his sister as well. Either way you guys will be paying much more when you are out on your own. Just remember that it's not as easy at seems. I wish you guys all the best of luck, and if you need anything else, please ask!