Hello everyone! Since the last time I wrote on this blog, I’ve moved into an apartment with a friend :-). What I didn’t mention in my last post was that we had submitted an application for a place we saw over the weekend and really liked–and now we’re moved in! This past Saturday was the big day and it went very smoothly, despite the sweltering heat. I’m pretty sure everyone that helped that day is going to be busy whenever we move out again (haha), but they were such a big help–we could not have done it without them. So far it’s been great–we’re just getting settled in, buying things we need, slowly decorating, cooking meals, etc. It’s a big step and I feel that I made the right choice.

Even though I’ve only been in the apartment for a few days, here are just a few observations for anyone who is considering moving out:

1. It’s expensive–do you have hand-me-down furniture or do you have to buy everything? What about pots and pans and cleaning supplies? Decorations? Cable and internet? We couldn’t have moved in right now if we didn’t already have furniture and other things from both of our families; we would have had to save for awhile. We also bought a lot of small things that we needed for the kitchen and bathroom from the dollar store to get us by (utensils, broom, cutting board, etc.) until we need better quality stuff.

2. Can you live alone or do you need a roommate? I know I couldn’t have lived alone and neither could my friend. Especially in the areas we were looking, it just wouldn’t be possible. Also, I like to be alone but I realized how lonely I would be without someone around. Luckily my roommate and I have been friends since 5th grade and we know each other’s quirks, which brings me to my next point…

3. Respect your roommate’s space. We can sit in our living room and not speak for three hours if we both just need quiet, and it’s not weird. We can also talk seriously, joke, or spend time alone in our respective bedrooms. I know plenty of people who could not live with their best friend, so I guess I lucked out–we both have a good sense of the other’s space. Setting up boundaries is important in the beginning (especially if you and your roommate aren’t close to begin with and don’t know each other’s idiosyncrasies).

We’ve only been in our place for three days so this is all that I can report on right now, but I think you learn a lot moving out for the first time. It’s a big decision, so there’s no rush! Don’t take it lightly but if you feel ready, then go for it 🙂

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