Moving out for the first time can be an exciting time. If you’re moving out of your parents’ house and into your first place of your own after college, or even moving from the dorms into an apartment with friends, you may be looking forward to all that freedom you’ll be able to experience once you’re truly on your own. But this can come with no small amount of anxiety. After all, a new world means leaving the familiar behind, which can be a struggle for many. How do you get through the stress to move on to the adventure?

Create a Budget

Most people, when still living at home, don’t have much to worry about in the way of finances. They might have their phone bill or student loans to pay, but parents rarely charge rent and utilities. Suddenly, when you’re on your own for the first time, you’ll find yourself straddled with mortgage or rent, groceries, internet, and of course, everyone wants to have money left over to spend and a bit in savings for protection. To pull this off, you’ll have to draft a budget — and do it before you move. Consider what your income will be, and divide it up into all the things you need to get by. While it may be impossible to stay on budget flawlessly every month, try to stay as close as you can.

Find a Roommate

Maybe you like living by yourself, not being bound to anyone else’s schedule. For many people, especially young adults moving out for the first time, this can be freeing. On the other hand, some like the cost benefits of having a roommate — or they simply find it comforting to live with other people after moving away from their family for the first time. In 2017, the Pew Research Center found that one in three adults lives with a roommate or in a shared household of some kind. You don’t want to overcrowd your space, but sometimes even two roommates can make the cost of living considerably more manageable — and you may be able to afford to buy a house, instead of simply renting right off the bat.

Figure Out Insurance

Under the current law, you’re able to stay on your parents’ health insurance until you’re 26 years old. However, for many young adults, moving out means becoming fully independent, and that can include various forms of insurance. You may get health and life insurance from your work, or you may need to start looking at options within your budget. You should also consider renter’s insurance or home insurance if you choose to buy a home. The sooner you do this, the better. You don’t want to be caught off-guard by an unexpected accident.

One final tip? Don’t search for your new home without the help of an expert Santa Rosa Beach realtor. They can help you find a place that has all your needs within your budget so you can begin this next chapter of your life on an exciting note.