Whether you're in college or just moving out, there is a lot to learn when living on your own. From cooking and grocery shopping to laundry and other cleaning, sometimes it's easier to call mom (or dad) and find out those secrets. Here's 16 things we all learn when living out on our own.

1. The correct way to do laundry.

Throwing towels, clothes, and bedding into a washing machine and hoping for the best isn't quite the way to do it. Once you get separating whites and colors down, you're pretty much good to go.

2. How long leftovers are edible.

Saving that chicken might have sounded better than eating at the dining hall again, but when you find it shoved in the back of your fridge 5 days later, it's best to just throw it out.

3. Who your real friends are.

As cheesy as it sounds, you definitely learn who was really willing to stand by you when you move a few hours away from school.

4. Making a schedule is harder than it seems.

If you're anything like me, you learn that making doctor appointments is hard. It's basically impossible to not schedule 3 in one day.

5. Money is hard to come by (and to save).

If you work in high school like I did, you're used to getting paychecks every 2 weeks. Now that I'm in college and only get to work certain times of the year, saving money can be a struggle between groceries, gas, textbooks, and any holidays. Your savings account is basically taunting you because you can't touch it.

6. Your parents can actually help you.

A lot of kids try to steer away from their parents, until they eat those week old leftovers and need a cure. Remember to call your parents; they actually know a thing or two that could help.

7. Free time is hard to come by.

Trying to get past all the papers, studying, reading, etc. that college comes with, finding free time can be hard. Embrace those 5 minutes spent in the bathroom.

8. Coupons are important.

Extreme couponers got NOTHING on you.

9. Your family is super important.

Any time you get to spend with your fam is good time, especially when you don't get to see them very often.

10. How to live with a roommate.

Living with a stranger can be tough. It can take some trial and error, but you might make a friend for life.

11. Coming home to visit is really special.

You might not realize it, but you'll miss your family and friends. A lot.

12. Calling is better than texting.

Sometimes hearing someone's voice is much better than reading something they typed out in .05 seconds.

13. You realize how fun decorating is.

Decorating my dorm room was (and still is) super fun. Hobby Lobby and Target are the go to places for cute little decoration pieces.

14. Grocery shopping isn't fun, unless you're with the right person.

No one likes spending $100 just to see you bought nothing, but bring someone to dampen the blow.

15. Paying back student loans isn't fun.

Need I say more?

16. Who you really are.

Another super cheesy one, but it's true. You really get to know yourself when you're out on your own.