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So, you’ve made up your mind to move out, you’ve talked with your family, settled all concerns they have, and are ready to leave. So you start packing? Not quite.

First, you have to make sure of a couple things: You need to make sure you have a place to go, and you need to make sure you have the moolah.

Most apartments will charge your first and last months rent as well as a “cleaning” deposit. The rules can vary depending on where you live, but a good rule of thumb is 150% of your monthly rent. Let’s say we’re talking about a studio that rents for $450.00 a month. This means you need to have $675.00 up front before you can move in. But that’s not all: You also need to have $450.00 by the time rent is due, and you need to have some basic living supplies such as food, a place to keep it cold, and somewhere to sleep. Depending on how frugal you can be, this might not hurt too much, or it may mean the difference between moving out this month and waiting an additional six months.

Also when thinking about money, we come back to income. Be sensible when you are considering moving out. I’ve mentioned how I have been fired a lot. Moving out is a little scarier for me, because I need to make sure I can always get that rent payment on time. I’ve been learning how to be better, and I’m going into a career field where being fired is less likely, but the thought still crosses my mind. If you are not really stable in your job (at least a year, but two or three would be better), DO NOT MOVE. First, you can screw yourself in the long run by not being able to afford living out of home. Second, and more importantly, moving sucks! Stuff is heavy, you are wasting a whole day, and then you have to start unpacking! You can never find everything. Now imagine having to do this twice, because you have to come back home. Even worse, imagine not being able to come back because your parents aren’t willing to let you (it’s not as heartless as it sounds or feels right now. Later, you will thank them).

Other expenses that may come up are utilities (some apartments pay these, but others won’t), transportation expenses (now that Mom and Dad aren’t chauffeuring you around anymore), clothing, maintenance and repair (sure most of this is done by your landlord, but if YOU break something or screw it up royally, you don’t want them doing it), and probably a host of others that might apply only to your situation.

As you can see, the price for moving out may become prohibitive rather quickly. With careful planning and budgeting, you can do it, but it will always sting in the wallet.

Anybody else have any other expenses that I didn’t include? Send a comment and let me know.