Oh..and if you get a roommate..make sure you have the same cleaning philosophy! I couldn't stand dirty dishes in the sink for weeks on end!

That is very true!!

I've had both ends of the spectrum. I had one roommate who was obsessively clean and other roommates who were NASTY.

Mine have all been dirty! I felt like I was living in a FRAT house! (no offense to anyone..)

One refused to clean the kitty litter box that was IN THE DINING ROOM but once a month! :eek: :eek:

You can do it! I moved out when I went to college and never moved back in with my folks. I love them, but I'm an adult and I don't expect them to help me out, even if they would.

My first place was an old house for rent, and I split it with two other girls. It was great having roommates and it helped immensely with the bills. Just remember, anything in your name is ultimately your responsibility, so I wouldn't suggest getting into too much. I never had cable, internet, anything I didn't need at my first few places. I fell on hard times once or twice, but there are always people looking to fill rooms in houses and things like that. I lived with a few people I worked with for about 6 months, then someone else for another 2 while her BF was overseas, and then eventually moved in with my BF. Just plan ahead and be responsible, it isn't as hard as it seems!

I moved out and when I was 18 and got an apartment with my best friend and I waited tables and went to college. It really helps to have a roomate, thats my biggest advice to give someone. I got married at 20 and that makes it even easier, lol :p

I moved out of my mom's house in Omaha, NE July 31, 2007. I was 18 then, I'm 19 now. I live in Anchorage, AK with my fiance who is 20. There are ups and downs. Figuring out budgets and such, but we've been lucky with him being in the military...they really take care of you. But anyways, still, it's a change that's for sure, but I love it and wouldn't have it any other way. You learn new things almost everyday, for instance...the other day I learned that oil doesn't really evaporate like water. So if you spill cooking oil on/into a burner on your stove...DO NOT use that burner until it has been cleaned completely. :)

I moved out of my parents' house when I was 18 and moved away from college. I lived in a dorm for the first year of school. Then my parents bought a townhouse and I've lived there for 4 years now. I've had a roommate for most of that time but currently do not as she graduated in December. So I do live alone, but my parents own my house, pay for my bills, and pay for my school. So I guess I'm not really "on my own" just yet.

I moved out when I was 18, but I also got married at 18 hehe. I had my son at 20, I'm now 21. :) It's a lot of responsibilty but I wouldn't have it any other way. As long as you are responsible with your finances I think you will be fine.

I didn't move very far from my family so that may of helped. ;)

I'm 26 and live in apartment on my own. just me and Cody James! My mom stays with me on the weekend and since it's been cold cause she only has a space heater. (hurricane damage) and long story.

It's ok at times but other times it gets boring. And I live in apartment with OLD people. and their sooooo nosey. I can't go to the store and come home without 20 questions. lol

Good Luck!!!

I moved out of my parents house and to a whole different state when I was 18. I lived with my uncle until I got a job. My fiance moved down here and we moved in together about 6 months after that. We bought our house when we were 20. It is an amazing thing coming home and not having to deal with people. You just have to make sure you keep a budget which I have been very good about and you shouldn't have a problem. Make sure you can afford it before you move out though. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I will be 22 in April and when I was 20, I decided to up and move to Chicago for art school. I've always been a city girl, but I was raised in a small town in Alabama and I hated it. My parents were completely against me moving. They hated it so much that they refused to even help me get into college. My parents refused to help sign my loan or anything. Well i had to deal with every single thing that could possibly go wrong. In January 07' I packed my stuff and my friend helped move me to Chicago. My mother decided to come with me, but my father didnt. The first day I moved to Chicago, was the VERY FIRST time I had ever been to Chicago. I've been here for over a year and I love every minute of it. It was the best decision I ever made. Yes! I was scared to death and very nervous, but even when you have the worst things happen to you, everything turns out great eventually. Don't be nervous or scared. You can do it!!!:D

I moved out on my own at 22 and now Im 31 and still on my own... I did own a house with my ex for 2 years and lived with him for 3 years during that time... but otherwise Ive been on my own for the last 3 years. Can I help with something? Im not so far removed from 24 that I dont remember :)

Thanks, i guess i'm just scared that one month i won't have enough to pay rent or buy food, just live something like that. I guess i would live with my bf if i move out, but right now that's pretty much what i do except we don't pay rent, but we are thinking about getting a place. I could not live alone, i would be too scared lol I'm chicken:rolleyes:

No matter how old you are, you always worry about that ONE month where you might not make rent or mortgage or dont know how you are going to eat. Here is my motto. Pay the bills that rack up interest fast or will accrue late fees first. ie... mortgage, car payment and credit card/loan payments. There are companies that if you call them and explain the situation you can get some help from them. I got laid off once and I could make my rent, cc and my bf (at the time) paid my car payment for 2 months. I called my utility companies and told them that I was going to be behind bc I got laid off and was looking for a new job immediately... one paid the bill for me for 2 months and sent me only the taxes (they are not allowed to pay the taxes) and another put me on balanced billing so my payments were smaller. If that does not work you methodically cut costs where you need to, skimp on food, only get the basics, no extras like soda or ice cream :( cut out cable, cell phone (or house phone if you have both) high speed internet (use the library or school or a friends computer for awhile). Call the credit card company and get your bill reduced or skip a months payment. Even most landlords will let you skip a month if you agree to pay more every month til you catch up.... car loans too. There are ways to make money stretch for a long time if needed. Sell unneeded items on craigs list (free to advertise them) pick up a 2nd job if needed.

These are all extreme, but there are so many things you can do... and once you get on your own... well you'll do ANYTHING to keep it that way! It will all work out! :)

I am 25 now and I have lived with my now husband since I was 19. We just bought a house and I was 24 when we did that. I is so much work owning a home.