moving anxiety

[Unregistered]

I'm not the typical quarter-lifer. I haven't yet gone to college yet, but I am still at home and trying to move out. I hope to live on my own (about 1/2 hour away from home) and go to school in the fall but I am really anxious about finding a safe and happy environment to move to. I wondered if anyone had any tips on overcoming this anxiety and how to find a place appropriate for me. Thanks so much!

[crazy-girl]

It's hard to move away from home. I left right after college and moved to a different city two hours away from my family. The fact that you're only moving about a 1/2 hour away will help you out.

First of all---find a place that makes you feel safe. Go there during the day and at night and see the environment at both times. Some places look great during the day but at night have a different mood about them. Take a look at the maintenance of the place. Does it look clean? Well cared for? If the grass isn't cut or the paint is peeling---don't move.

If it's possible, bring your mom or dad or an older brother along. I hate to say this but some places are sexist and age-ist and if you have someone older with you---they'll feel a lot better about renting.

You're going to be moving out but that doesn't mean you can't have dinner at home occasionally or do your laundry there but you should seriously try to develop your own habits and ways of getting things done. If you spend too much time at your parent's house---it won't feel like you left.

Good luck. Moving out to a place of my own was the most fun I had. You'll enjoy having a space all to yourself.