{"id":29934,"date":"2020-01-13T23:01:18","date_gmt":"2020-01-14T07:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dolly.com\/blog\/?p=5691"},"modified":"2026-04-28T07:54:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T14:54:38","slug":"how-to-move-out-at-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taskrabbit.com\/blog\/how-to-move-out-at-18\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Move Out at 18 | The Essential Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You just graduated highschool and your parents are already asking when you\u2019re moving out. Sound familiar? We completely understand that no one could ever be fully prepared mentally to enter the adult world and live on your own without preparation. This guide on how to move out at 18 will make it easier for you to set yourself up for success ahead of time. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating Cash Flow <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Hopefully, at 18 you already have some job experience. On top of having a job, most young adults have a side hustle<\/a> that makes them some extra cash, especially if their job doesn\u2019t pay enough to cover the bills. There are side hustles for all of your favorite hobbies. Having a side hustle at 18 will not only increase your cash flow for when you move, but it is easy work that you can use to cover your electric bill or add some extra coins in your savings. We\u2019ve included a list of side hustles<\/a> that are easy for young adults to do in their spare time, if you\u2019re looking to stay fit, healthy and have a truck, consider getting an extra workout in as a Dolly Helper.<\/a> Only accept the jobs you want so you don\u2019t burnout, and make $15 an hour lifting stuff in and out of pickup trucks (or over $30 per hour if you have your own truck!). Build up your muscles and get paid well to do it on your schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budgeting 101<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

  It is ideal to have at least 6 months worth of rent saved up before you move out at 18. Why? This prevents you from going broke in case you lose your job, crash your car, or other unpredictable life expenses happen. Also be mindful that when seeking your first apartment, usually you have to pay an application fee, first and last month\u2019s rent and a security deposit up front, which can already add up to over $1,000. The best way to forecast<\/a> how much you\u2019ll need to have saved up before you move out would be to create a rough estimate of what your expected monthly expenses will be. This varies depending on what the cost of living is in your area. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A common mistake that can get you in trouble, is creating a budget<\/a> blindly. It\u2019s so easy to underestimate how much we spend on fun things then realizing how little wiggle room we have to spend on those fun things. You need to find out how much money you spend each month so that you can cut out unnecessary expenses before you move out on your own. How do you do this? Go to your mobile banking app and check each of your charges for each of your monthly statements (yes, it\u2019s tedious, but you\u2019ll thank us later). Categorize each expense for one month, such as food, clothes, car etc. and add up the total.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask yourself these questions:
<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

What can you spend less money on? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where do you spend the most money per month?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can you cut back? 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now that you see all of your monthly expenses before you move out, we highly recommend downloading a money tracking app such as Mint<\/a> to get you in the habit of being conscious of how you spend your money and how you can support your lifestyle. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Another quick money-saving tip: download Acorn<\/a>, it is an app that rounds up each of your purchases by a dollar and adds that extra dollar in a piggy bank. Each time you swipe, you get tax back. Depending on how much spending you do, these dollars can add up quickly and can help you pay a bill or two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Build Your Credit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Now that you have your budget in order it\u2019s time to talk credit. Since you\u2019re 18 and need to move out, you are now legally allowed to get a credit card<\/a>. Most apartment complexes won\u2019t give you the time of day if you have zero or poor credit. But beware, a credit card is really good at messing up your financial plan if you don\u2019t know how to use it wisely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The easiest way to build credit<\/a> before you move is to give your credit card a sole purpose. For example, if you have to pay for car insurance and gas each month, you know exactly how much you spend a month on that category. So, give your credit card the sole purpose of paying for your gas and car insurance. Why? It\u2019s consistent money that you already spend each month and you know that you can pay for it without trouble. This way, you know you won\u2019t miss payments and you can guarantee that you can pay off your bills on time each month. It\u2019s as easy as that, as long as you give your card one purpose that you know how much you spend each month, you can even place a limit on your card so that you can\u2019t spend more than you can pay. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Approved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

   There are a lot of great credit card companies that will allow you to start building your credit at 18 without any previous credit history. This is best done when you are still in high school, that way you can get approved for a student card<\/a>. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will benefit you in two ways: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. You will have really low-interest rates and almost zero APR<\/li>
  2. No annual fee – you don\u2019t have to spend any money just to have the card<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

       Now that you\u2019re approved and got your first credit card (yay!) Here are some things you need to know to build perfect credit. A credit card is not free money, let me say it louder, a credit card is not free money. We know it\u2019s tempting to swipe away, but if you spend more than you can afford, you\u2019re in trouble. The point of a credit card is giving you access to spend money now that you will pay back later each month. 
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Apartment Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Now that you feel prepared to move out, you\u2019ve got to find your spot. Depending on the city you live in, there are multiple options. As an 18-year-old, you need something cheap and liveable. Most cities have a low-income tax-exempt program<\/a> where you can find a decent apartment for cheaper on a 1st or second floor and not have to pay utilities. However, if your city doesn\u2019t offer a program like this, another great place to hunt is on Craigslist or Alpaca.com. These platforms offer multiple options where you can find group housing, rooms to rent and roommates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tips & Tricks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Be skeptical in your search and ask a ton of questions when it comes to tour time! Some complexes will offer a low price upfront, but continuously raise your rent due to fluctuating property values. The easiest way to catch this is by viewing their ratings and reviews.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Need help moving fast? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you are looking to move out quickly and affordably, download Dolly<\/a> or book online to get started. From apartment moves<\/a>, Offer Up pick up\/ drop-offs, store deliveries and more. The Dolly app will connect you with a local helper that\u2019ll help move or deliver your things the same-day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Apartment Essentials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Alright, it\u2019s almost move-in day and you need to pack. Here are some things that are often overlooked when you write your list of items<\/a> for your first place. If you’re looking for affordable furniture and essential items, check out the following stores that Dolly will be able to deliver from directly to your new apartment. IKEA<\/a>, Big Lots<\/a>, Costco<\/a>, and more<\/a>!
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Living Room Items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n