Moving out of your parents’ home

It's the first time I have moved out of my parents' home. As a young engaged man, I should have long considered the idea of saving money to have a place for my future wife and I in addition to the building that we would be occupying whether house, condo, apartment, whatever.

Here are some things that would have made it easier for me to move into my new apartment.

• Save intentionally ahead. I've been given the advice to save, however I never realized what to save for specifically. It cost me $2987.50 ($1,792.50 Security Deposit + $1195.00 First Month's Rent) just to sign a one year lease on my first apartment. Thankfully I saved a decent amount of my tax returns and some other money stashed away while living with my parents, but this is only the beginning. I haven't even factored the expense of other furniture and appliances. I didn't consider these costs before renting.

• I've probably spent nearly $400+ just filling my pantries with food (junkfood, rice, bread, etc.) just to stockpile some food for myself and save a trip at the grocery store. As I'm trying to focus on creating videos, I need to treasure my time and batch my trips.

I have before you the steps that I went through to get my first apartment and even a checklist of materials (furniture mostly) that I needed before I left. If you have Notion, I have shared links for you to duplicate!

August - Looked for a place where the move in date was September 15 or Oct 1. I gave myself time to save and also time to pack ahead by choosing Oct 1. Fortunately I was able to get an upstairs unit with a higher ceiling as I didn't want an upstairs neighbor whose floors creaked as I made Youtube videos. I picked up the application and submitted it within two days and was approved the day after submission.

September - Started packing stuff that I haven't been using lately such as books, some gadgets, and picture albums and other mementos. I also started making lists of stuff that I would like to have just as I move in like hand soap, toilet paper, and paper towel so that when I move in, that's one less trip to the grocery store. I was still missing stuff but at least I got a head start. A week or two before moving in I made an account with the electricity company, natural gas company, signed up for renter's insurance, subscribed to a new phone plan and subscribed to my own internet plan.

October - I moved in with my bed, dresser and all my personal belongings which was mostly studio gear. Little bit by little I started "shopping" at my parent's home for spare furniture lying around that they didn't need. I spent much of my money on groceries and organizers from the Dollar Store and kitchenware from Target and Amazon.

Here's a notion template for it:

Mike's Apartment Shopping List

• Checklist on post

  • Laundry Room

    • Detergent

    • Fabric Softener

    • Shelving

    • Shower Curtain Pole to hang spare hangers

  • Kitchen

    • Broom and Dustpan (Walis if you're Filipino)

    • Dining Table and Chairs

    • Wire shelving

    • Bowls

    • Clips for bag of chips

    • Pots

    • Pans

    • Glassware

    • Plates

    • Knives

    • Knife Holder

    • Chopping Board

    • Bowls

    • Dish Drying Rack

    • Hand Soap

    • Dish Soap

    • Drying Mat

    • Garbage Can

    • Garbage Bags

    • Recycling Can

    • Mats (Anti-Fatigue)

    • Shelving

    • Appliances

      • Microwave

      • Blender

      • Water Dispenser

      • Air Fryer / Toaster Oven

      • Rice Cooker

  • Bedroom

    • Bed

    • Dresser

    • Night Stand

    • Floor Lamp

    • Hamper

    • Vanity

    • Shelves

  • Bathroom

    • Shower Curtain (With Rings)

    • Drying Mat

    • Toilet Paper

    • Tooth Paste

    • Door Hanger

    • Garbage Can

  • Living Room

    • Wireless Vaccuum

    • Couch

    • TV

    • TV Stand

    • Soundbar

    • Coffee Table

    • Smart Devices (Chromecast, Google Home or Nest Mini, Smart plugs or switches)

  • Foyer

    • Shoe Rack

    • Bench / Chair

    • Vanity

• Grocery Shopping

  • Rice

  • Water Bottles

  • Snacks

  • Fruits

  • Bread

  • Vegetables

  • Drinks

• Dollar Store

  • Utensil Shelving

  • Shelf Liners

  • Magnetic Clips for Refrigerator

  • Measuring Cups

  • Shower Rings

  • Oven Mitts

  • Tupperware

  • Door Hooks

  • Soap Dispensers

  • Napkin Holders

  • Table Mats

• Other Buys

  • Dehumidifier

  • Air purifier

  • Shoulder Dolly (for moving things)

It's practically the end of the money and I dipped into my savings a lot more than I had intended. I'm glad that I didn't buy new furniture. I repurposed an old mahjong table as a dining table, received 1 futon couch and projector from my friend and got two couches, a sofa chair, dining table and 6 dining table chairs from my parents. I thought that I wanted to buy all new stuff or at least newer materials that were excellent condition, but I've quickly learned how much money I don't have, especially in my savings.

This is only the first month, may the others go well.