As I walked across the stage on graduation day to receive my high school diploma, I couldn't help but think, "This is it... I'm going to college!" Going to college meant one thing: moving out. Since I was going to the university in my hometown, I had a choice to make, and nothing made me quite as happy as the thought of getting a place for myself. I had everything lined up, I budgeted and re-budgeted until finally, I crunched all the numbers, and my name on the waiting list for my one bedroom apartment. A few weeks went by, and I was hit with one problem after the other, making it seem like my dream of decorating my own living room was a just that: a dream. As time went on, I finally came to the conclusion that with everything I had going on, I wasn't going to be able to move out. After accepting reality, I began to realize that maybe living at home isn't so bad after all. And I haven't even started college yet! If you're stuck trying to decide between moving out and staying at home, here are a few ways to figure out if you're ready and have what it takes to be on your own.
The Party Type: Move out.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you plan on coming home at all hours of the night, then I would say you try to move on out. No parent is going to be cool with you barging in at 3 a.m. with your loud footsteps. And seeing how they are still your parents, they have every right to get angry with you. So why even bother with all that? Though this lifestyle is not my cup of tea, to each their own. In order to maintain your habits, I suggest you save up a rent check and get to apartment searching.
The Shopper: Stay home.
The average rent payment for apartments nowadays is around $300 to $600 a month. If you want all your money to yourself with no obligations, your best bet is to just stay home. With no rent payment, no grocery list and no utility bill, you will have plenty of money to feed your shopping addiction. In the war of those adorable shoes vs. the adult responsibility of bills, I would pick shoes anytime.
The Independent Type: Move out.
OK girl, you go! If you are a strong, financially stable power-woman, then you should definitely move out. You already do everything on your own anyways, so why not do them in the comfort of your own place? You'll learn what it really takes to be responsible — for yourself and for your own place — without your parents to do the dirty work for you. Since you set out to get things done, you have everything it takes to take on adulthood and more.
The Modern Day Busy Bee: Stay home.
So you have 16 hours of classes this semester, three different extracurricular activities, church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, work from 12 to 5 every day and you still need time to study so you can keep your scholarships? Honey, stay home. Without the worry of cleaning up an entire apartment or remembering to take out the trash every Thursday so your place doesn't reek, you will have plenty of extra time to get all of your many tasks accomplished. You have your parents there to back you up when you need a break from the real world. And with all you got going on, trust me, you're going to need one!
The Lazy Type: Stay home.
Who's going to wash your clothes? What about the dishes? Are you going to be able to remember to go to the grocery store? Do you even know how to cook or how a vacuum works? Seeing how you've let your mom or dad do all of this for you, I would just keep the system going for you, that is if your parents are gracious enough to keep helping you out. All in all, take this time to start learning all these skills so that you'll be prepared next time you decide to move out. And never forget to be thankful for everything your parents do for you.
The Rich Kid: Move out.
Okay, we get it, you have the financial means to get your own place and live comfortably. Good for you! Since you can do it, why wouldn't you? You can fill your place up with the cutest furniture and artwork and stock your fridge with your favorite food. Although you have everything you need, make sure you still have the skills you need to take care of yourself. And wherever your funds come from, whether it be your parents or if you work at a really nice paying job, always be grateful and humble!
