“The flat”, “The apartment”, “My place” versus “Mum ‘n' Dads” - just doesn’t have the same ring to it does it?
If you think it’s about time you broadened your horizons and found a place of your own you are in the right place. We address all your concerns.
Concern #1: Living with Strangers
Does living with strangers worry you? If so, try discussing your plans with friends and family – maybe they will know of someone looking for a flatmate or in a similar situation to you.
Do be sure to talk things over with your parents as well. A wise person told me: “Don’t burn your bridges. Leave home on a pleasant note and keep in contact with Mum and Dad so they don’t worry.”
Others were quick to point out that if you run out of money or if things go wrong – there is a good chance you will be heading straight back to your parents’ house, so stay in their good books.
Concern #2: Damage to Property Bothered by the thought of your expensive or priceless possessions being at risk in a flatting situation?
Ask your parents if you could keep them at the family home or pay to have them kept in storage. Also, be sure to get contents insurance in any case – this way you will be covered if anything sinister does occur.
Concern #3: Responsibility
If you are anxious about having the responsibility of paying all the bills and dealing with landlords or real estate agents then you could move into an established flat. But, be sure to find out what you expenses you will be expected to pay by asking plenty of questions.
The main downside to this arrangement is that you will be the new person and routines will be in place and people may be fixed in their ways – so keep that in mind when you meet the potential flatmates.
On the flipside, if you would like to find a place that you can get some of your own flatmates into – be sure to sign up on a periodic tenancy agreement. This means there is no fixed term and it just runs from week to week.
This way if it all turns pear shaped you only have to give 21 days notice to the landlord to quit the property. If you sign up for a lease you are liable for the whole rent until the time is up. Most are 6 to 12 months so it is a long time.
This website is a great source of tenancy information.
Concern #4: Paying the Bills
Now we have those concerns covered - the first thing you need to do before you pack up your belongings is make sure you have a stable income. Find a job that suits you and start saving so you can cover any bond and initial costs.
Then it is vital that you keep up the good work – remember that you will have bills to pay and a stomach to feed!
Take a look at what furniture, bedding and general items you own. Work out if there is anything else you need prior to moving out. Discovering that you don’t have a bed or anywhere to put your clothes on the day you move in could pose a major problem. If you are willing to take the time to look factory shops, second hand dealers and auctions could be a big help to you on your quest for treasures.
Concern #5: Budget
The next step is crucial - creating a financial plan. I would call it a “budget” but that just sounds painfully stingy. Once you have written out a list detailing all your essential spending check through it. Cross off anything with references to Gucci, Manolo Blahnik or Prada – unless of course you work there or you too are a Hilton Heiress!
Concern #6: Location
Now that you know how much money you have and what size room you will need it is time to work out where you want to live.
Match your flat with your lifestyle and your flatmates with your personality. Do you want somewhere rural, suburban or central? Do you need a car park or somewhere close to transport? Near to beaches, parks or a gym? Close to friends, family, work or school? Also, what sort of atmosphere are you after?
This may sound a little odd but think about it for a moment - would you like a “party flat” or a place where you can relax and study? Write out a list of questions you can ask potential flatmates so that you can find a place that suits you and your needs.
This is the point where you are ready to get out there and find that perfect place for you – “the flat”, “the apartment” or simply “my place”.
“Mum ‘n’ Dads” will become a place to visit rather than a place to live and you will feel your confidence growing day by day. So get out there and start searching…
“The flat”, “The apartment”, “My place” versus “Mum ‘n' Dads” - just doesn’t have the same ring to it does it?
Bothered by the thought of your expensive or priceless possessions being at risk in a flatting situation? 
Concern #4: Paying the Bills
Match your flat with your lifestyle and your flatmates with your personality. Do you want somewhere rural, suburban or central? Do you need a car park or somewhere close to transport? Near to beaches, parks or a gym? Close to friends, family, work or school? Also, what sort of atmosphere are you after?