Checklist: How to Move Out for the First Time:

Moving out for the first time is a big step; it has an associated fear factor that can range from "mild" to "severe." In other words, don't go thinking you're the first person who's ever quaked in their boots at the prospect of moving out on your own. Whether you're 18 or 58, refer to these five essential tips for moving out for the first time as a way to cover all your bases.

RELATED: Checklist for Moving into an Apartment

Moving Out for the First Time Checklist: Top 5 Tips


1. Save up enough money.
You should be able to comfortably pay your first and last month's rent, including any security deposits that most landlords require you to pay. You'll also want to have enough money set aside to handle any emergencies that come up, including the unfortunate possibility that you could lose your job. Which leads to the next item on the moving checklist…

2. Have a job.
If you're moving to a faraway location, finding work is just as important as finding a place to live. Never bet on your ability to live off your savings long enough to find a job that'll pay you enough money to live comfortably. If you're already employed and are planning to move out on your own, it's important that you feel relatively certain that the risk of you losing your job due to downsizing or other economic factors is small.

RELATED: Small Apartment? Get a Storage Unit!

3. Formulate a Plan B.
Just because you're a first-timer in the moving-out game doesn't mean that failure is a guarantee. Still, it's always smart to have a backup plan before moving out for the first time. Ask yourself where you would go if you lost your apartment or your job and weren't able to support yourself. This is crucial, because it teaches you the importance of not burning bridges when you set out on your own. If you're moving out of your parents' house, talk to them about the possibility of moving back in if things go badly. If this isn't an option, talk to friends and family and ask if you'd be able to go to them for support if you fell on hard times. You might be surprised how willing to help some people are, especially if you make it clear that it would only happen as a last resort.