Finally moving out

[megrocks]

After 24 painful yet tolerable months, I finally feel financialy and emotionally ready to move out of the parents house. I am going to start apartment hunting this weekend. I have questions.

Because I'm super lazy and loathe moving I'm looking into using a free move apartment locator. Has anyone ever used one before? Any horror stories/postive experiences?

Should I pay more to live closer to my job or is it worth it to move out more in the suburbs? I know this is more of a personal thing, but I'm just torn and need input from inpartial sources. My sister thinks I should move out to the suburbs so I can live closer to her and spend less in rent. But I don't know if the commute, gas $$ and suburb lifestyle is worth it. Another factor in this is my odd work schedule. I'll be working 12-8pm this next quarter, and it is very likely I may be put on the overnight shift in the future. This means that traffic wouldn't be as bad, but do I want to have to drive far at midnight?

Is it wrong to have 30% of my net income going to rent not including any bills? Are living expenses supposed to include stuff like that or is that seperate? Should I buy furniture now and store it for a few weeks, or should I wait until I move and live without it for awhile?

You think that in all the time I was living at home I would have been able to think about these things, have places picked out and furniture bought. But I haven't. :eek:

[bridgetjones]

Congratulations!

30% or more is normal where I live to rent a decent enough place. In the suburbs, I'd not need a roommate. In downtown/near downtown, I'd need a roommate. I worked out the costs for myself and the extra rent can save me money that I will not need to spend on a car. Which is fine since I personally hate the suburban lifestyle and commuting. Cannot put a price on having time to myself vs more commuting time.

What furniture can you take with you? An apartment may come with some furniture so buying now may be premature. You need to know the space and the decor that you are furnishing before buying. Although basic nic naks for your kitchen and bathroom need to be bought. You know dishes, shower caddies, cups, utensils, utensil racks, pots, pans, etc. That can add up. Try garage sales, Walmart and Ikea.