1. Original Source: WikihowWikihow

2. Having roommates can be good if you choose wisely Split the cost of living Help around the house Provide useful items for moving Live in a safer environment Having roommates can also end poorly Roommate could stop paying their share of rent, whether by choice or because of financial instability. Unwilling to assist in purchasing necessities, such as necessary appliances or unforeseen repaid costs. Different living habits, messy vs clean or hard worker vs party animal

3. Make appointments to view the apartments and before your appointment, drive around to see what the area is like Look for places you're going to need to go and try to choose a place central to all these locations Do not pick a place to live because it's convenient to your "friends" and their needs; this will be your home and must have everything you will need for a long time to come.

4. Avoid paying for damages that you didn’t produce Make clear who is responsible for what kind of damages, normal wear and tear vs negligent damage Have a signed legal agreement to bind landlord’s promises by law

5. Take into account costs such as utilities, insurance, groceries, clothing, and the occasional night out or movie rental Will your wage/salary support this? If you are living with other people, figure out the total expected expenses per month and discuss how the costs will be divided

6. Parents are excellent sources of unwanted (for them) linens, crockery, pots and pans, bookshelves, etc. Utilize thrift stores and discount retail stores. These places may not appeal to some, but you can purchase some cheaper stuff for the time being and replace it later Try to buy as much as possible before you move in; that way you are not stuck without it

7. Anything that you don't need could be used by a roommate, so ask Try selling the stuff you don't want online or at a garage sale to make some extra money It isn't nice to leave all your old junk with your parents, so if you're not going to use or sell it, do them a favor and take it to the junkyard

8. Can often pick up the previous tenants' accounts in a new name - ask the landlord Deposits are generally required to set up the account Decide who is going to pay each of the utilities

9. Living paycheck to paycheck is neither easy nor fun. Your monthly salary should be at least $1000.00 OR more than all your bills combined so you can be secure financially Your parents may have made it look easy to provide for you...but it isn't. 65% of kids that move out end up back home or homeless in 3 months or less Make sure you are ready to make the move, in case your parents don't let you move back in Do not leave your home on a bad note if possible; talk to your parents and work out any problems before you leave.

10. Landlord can ask for the 1 st and last month’s rent, as well as a security deposit Utility company can ask for a deposit for their services Installation fees, installing cable or turning on the water.

11. General cost of items vary based on where you live Compare where you live now vs where you plan to move - Calculator Calculator Something to consider when choosing different job opportunities

12.  If you're moving in with friends, remember you won't be living with them forever. So if you're buying things for the apartment make sure you hold onto the receipts so when it's time to move out you know exactly what you bought, and you'll have proof.  If at all possible, try to have enough money saved to pay three months' worth of rent, bills, insurance, and groceries at all times. If you or a roommate loses a job, this security fund can save you from bad credit and/or homelessness!  Make sure you have a budget that keeps you from losing all of your money or running out of money.  Try to avoid splashing your cash on luxuries. Instead, save a bit of money to spend on them, but not all of it.  Best friends don't always make the best roommates. Be open to meeting new people and rooming with someone you don't know because seeing the same person all the time can be hard on a friendship. Also, it is sometimes nice to live with someone with an opposite schedule from yours (they work/have class in the afternoon/evening and you have class in the morning) so that you aren't in each other's way.  Discussing and planning house things together will make you and your housemates value the house more. If you have a sense of 'house community,' people are happier to contribute and keep the place in order. Dinner together is a good idea on occasion.  When the actual moving out process starts, i.e transporting stuff to and from house to house get as many friends and family involved as possible. It will be fun, and you could thank them with some homemade sandwiches and a drink.