Moving....

[Doobie]

Well guys, I'm proud to say that I'm moving into an apartment with two of my friends, but I wanted advice on what we will probably need. Its a small 1 bedroom apartment, and my reason for doing this is because my constant arguing with my mother, and well I want more independence. I know it's gonna be tough, but we are splitting the rent 300$ each, and I make roughly 600$ a month, everything is included, the only thing we gotta worry bout is cell phone, internet, cable bills. Food and all of that, and when I get to become a manager at my job which should start June 1st when I move in, I will probably make 700-800$ a check.

Anyways, I wanted some advice before I actually live without my parents. All three of us have to share a huge room, and well the rest of the house is entertainment, so do you guys have any advice?

[JaoSming]

make sure you have your own little place to get away from everyone, that is my only real advice.

[Riot]

Doobie, talk me on AIM sometime. Okay?

[Ty-Land]

Organise carefully in regards to payment of rent and bills. Money will be the area that causes issues if any are to arise. Have one person, obviously the most responsible, to be in charge of getting the money together and actually payment.

Personal space like Jao said is important, as is consideration to others (and by them to you). If you have to work early, the other guys can't be loud all night.

Check out insurance. If the cost isn't too high and you can budget for it, get it.

Try to be conservative with money. It will be much cheaper if the 3 of you cook together, cause buying in bulk saves you a bit. Try to shop only once or twice a week, as if you shop every night you'll spend a lot on things that aren't necessary.

Come to an agreement with your housemates on cleaning, otherwise it will never got done or somebody will do the majority of it. Simple things like dishes, vacuuming, and wiping down benches needs to be done on a regular basis before things get out of hand.

That is stuff I've learnt from personal experience. The rest you'll learn over time. Just make sure you enjoy the place, pay your rent/bills on time and don't let things get too wild.

[[Q]]

i say communication with roommates is key. this is your first time away from home so you need to work it out and not piss anybody off without knowing it.

[Ty-Land]

i say communication with roommates is key. this is your first time away from home so you need to work it out and not piss anybody off without knowing it.

Very true. Living with friends can be hard. Friendships can be damaged if you're not careful. Like Q said, if you can communicate before things become a bigger problem you're looking at smoother sailing.

[[Q]]

seriously. you find out a lot about people by living with them.

In my first year in an apartment, I roomed with my roommate from the dorms (which was the year before) and he didn't seem that bad of a guy. of course he wasn't there most of the time becuase he went home every weekend, so i guess in hindsight i didn't know him too well. turns out, it was a mistake to room with him in an apartment, because sharing an apartment and sharing a dorm room are completely different experiences.

with only one room, i can only imagine the problems you guys might run into when you want girls over and all that

[Jackal]

In Doobies case you don't have to worry about girls and stuff, your right hand won't mind not having any privacy.

[Doobie]

I forgot to mention the friends I'm moving in with I've known since fifth grade, but you're right its a new experience moving in with them.

[bigh0rt]

A potential issue may arise with regard to your three various definitions of 'clean' regarding the apartment.

[Indy]

You'll have a great time. Where is the apartment, is it in New Jersey or did you go all out and get one in Manhattan?