Did you know that over 20% of the American population is under 18 years of age?
If you’re turning 18 within a few years or so, then you might be counting down the days when you can move out and lead an independent life. It’s one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments for a young adult. This is why you should be as prepared as you can when the big day comes.
Are you trying to make a reliable game plan? Keep reading to learn all about how to move out at 18 in the most effective way possible.
Save, Save, Save
The single most important factor when moving out is money. The more you have it, the easier the entire process will be. This is why you should start saving as soon as you can.
You might receive money from your grandparents and others during special occasions, such as on your birthday and during the holidays. Instead of being tempted into buying a nice outfit or the latest video game, you should put that money away and forget about it for the time being.
Rather than buying more stuff, you should consider what you already have and sell as much of it as you can. Social media makes it easy to find buyers who would be interested in your used items, including clothing, DVDs, and even collectible toys.
Before you know it, you’ll have enough money to move out of your parent’s house.
Start Working as Soon as You Can
Since it’s legal for teenagers to start working at the age of 14, you should find a job that can give you even more of a financial safety net to fall back on after moving out at 18 with your partner. Since you’re still quite young and don’t have the necessary experience to work at a high-level job, you shouldn’t be too picky about what job you get.
Whether it’s delivering newspapers or re-filling vending machines, the fact that you’re getting paid is what matters most. Another way you can put more money in your pocket is by taking public transport instead of driving a car at age 16. From gas to car maintenance, owning a set of wheels can eat into your savings by a significant amount.
If you’re in a position where you have to move out at 18 with no money, then you’ll have to ask for help from people in your circle. This could include friends, your parents, or other family members. Money can easily strain relationships, so it’s best to save up as much as you can on your own rather than putting that burden on the people you care about.
Find the Perfect Living Space
Whether you want to put a down payment on a home or rent an apartment, you’ll need to start doing research leading up to your eighteenth birthday party. Buying a home is a huge financial decision and can end up backfiring. However, finding the perfect home could give you the most bang for your buck and give you a sizeable return on your investment later in life.
The benefit of renting is that the commitment is nowhere near as long. It’s a good idea to seek advice from people you trust. Depending on what kind of relationship you have with your parents, they may be willing to see potential homes with you and offer their informed opinions.
This can give you peace of mind when making the next step. Keep in mind that the location of the home or apartment can affect the prices by a significant amount. The closer you are to a city center or downtown area, the more it’ll be for the home or for the month-to-month rent.
If you want to move out for college, then it’s a good idea to compare the costs and amenities of the dormitories versus nearby apartment complexes.
Hire a Reliable Moving Company
Once you’re 18, it’ll finally be time for you to make your dream a reality. The best way to move out at 18 is by working with a moving company that’s reliable and experienced. The last thing you’d want is for your belongings to get damaged or lost altogether.
This is why you should spend some time reading over reviews online. Previous customers of moving companies can fill you in on all the details, including the fairness of the prices, the quality of customer service, and so much more.
Another way to get the greatest deal is by getting quotes from various moving companies. Since money may be tight, you could be thinking of going with the lowest quote. However, this increases your risk of choosing a company that’s unreliable and ill-equipped.
This is why you shouldn’t choose a company based solely on the price quote. It’s always wiser to take a look at the bigger picture and do as much in-depth research as you can. If you’re still on the fence, then it could be helpful to ask for recommendations from others, such as your family members and close friends.
At the very least, they could tell you which companies to avoid. They may even have a favorite company. For instance, people love working with the experts at longdistanceoutofstatemoving.com.
Now You Know How to Move Out at 18
Now that you’ve learned all about how to move out at 18, you can make sure that you’re independent as soon as possible. Your friends and family members will certainly be proud of you.
Once you’ve moved out, there are still plenty of things you can do to grow your savings and accomplish even more ambitious goals. Our site covers a wide range of topics that you’re sure to find helpful during your life journey.
Are you worried you’ll miss out on a life-changing hack? Bookmarking our site is a great way of staying in the loop.