Little Rock Moving Blog - Tips, Tricks, and Insider Info
February 10, 2020

Moving Out--a Handy Guide to Leaving the Nest

Moving to a new homeBy Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

In the past, young adults could not wait to get away from the "nest". As recently as 2005, 75% of the 18-34 group had moved out. Skip ahead to 2015, and entirely one third of that group was still dwelling at home--and the trend is growing.

What makes so many aging millennials and Gen Xers unwilling to depart the nest? There are many variables, however mainly, moving out to Little Rock is costly--it is lots of up-front cash cost which demands a few months of saving to get the money together. Sometimes, moms and dads can aid in costs, but if you are pondering how much cash you need to move out, and how to do it, here is how to get started.

What's Your Budget?

First, what amount can you afford to spend in expenses every month? The general rule is that a maximum of 30% of your gross (prior to taxes) monthly income should go to rent payments. You then must look at the price of utilities--electricity, internet, water, gas--and food, also remember your other typical monthly costs--gas, clothes, entertainment, gym--when you happen to be budgeting.

Will You Have A Roommate?

Roommates are great for several aspects. At the least, they're somebody to share bills. In fact, two- or three-bedroom flats are often significantly less expensive than a one bedroom, if you have roommates. A number of areas have apartments where every roommate has a standalone lease (these are popular in college communities) consequently you are not accountable for the total rent in the event a roomie loses their job.

Roommates are also good to have in case you are moving to a new place and do not know anybody, and when you get sick it is nice to have somebody bring you chicken soup, or maybe call your mom.

Just what are the Costs in Getting an Apartment?

Getting an apartment is expensive. There are application costs, administration costs, and deposits to pay--all at once.

· Application fees cover the expenses of running a credit report and background records searches on potential tenants

· Admin fees pay the office costs to perform those checks while keeping the office humming--that 24/7 repair hotline, for instance

· Deposits are needed when you sign the lease. The total amount differs according to which part of the country you live in, plan to put in a minimum of one month’s rent, sometimes two.

· Utility companies may require a deposit in case you have never had service in your name. In the event your parents have service with the same businesses, they might be qualified to co-sign so that you can avoid paying a deposit.

· Furniture is a hidden expense--you will need a minimum of a bed and dresser and a chair, but most people want to live like adults--sofas, coffee tables, barstools, plus a large screen TV. This is the time Great-Aunt Mabel's couch does not seem too lousy, after all. You can begin with the fundamentals and supplement your furnishings and accessories as finances permit. Roommates may also be helpful for adding their own things to the apartment--with the right roommates (the ones with hoarder moms) you could have that abode looking ready for an Architectural Digest shoot within the week.

· Moving is another expense that may be nominal or costly. Local moves can be cheap, if you've got usage of a big SUV and perhaps rent a moving van; if you are downtown and without a car, you should price out a moving company in Little Rock.

It's a new year--start looking at apartments, chat up pals about living together, and open a savings account and put moving to Little Rock money away on a monthly basis. It is time to do your own adulting--moving out is an excellent starting point.

Parents, you can send this hyperlink to your grownup children. Or do it old-school and print it, and then put it on the refrigerator. In either case, it's a can't miss.

 

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