Can I afford to have my own place?
Before you leave home you really need to think carefully about how much money you will need to live on and how you are going to afford this.
Essentials
Rent
Council Tax (not under 18 & students)
Electricity
Gas
Phone/Mobile
Travel (buses etc.)
TV Licence
Food
Clothes/Shoes
Toiletries
Cleaning Products
Other things
Take-aways
DVDs/CDs
Nights Out
Cigarettes/Alcohol
Presents
Emergencies
If you want a little extra help figuring out money matters then click on the Budget Calculator below to be directed to the MoneyMadeClear website.
Location
, Location, Location
Another big question you have to ask yourself is whether or not you are prepared to be moved away from your friends and family?
Transport - if you do end up living somewhere away from your family and/or friends you'll have to think about the cost of transport getting back and forth...
When you are moving out it might seem easier to take a friend up on the offer of a spare room or a sofa bed, or you could move into your boyfriend's or girlfriend's place.
The problem with this, however, is that these are not always secure arrangements and can put a great deal of stress on your relationship. Of course, if you have nowhere else to go, staying at a friend's is sensible while you look for a place to live.
Your best friend is someone you go and see when everything else is going wrong. Once you share, their house is no longer somewhere you can escape to.
