I moved out of my parents house when I was 19. I worked full - time and figured I could afford it, so I rounded up a couple of long-time friends and we moved into our own apartment.

1) Girls have a lot of clothes.

If you are going to share a room with someone (which usually means sharing a closet), you need to figure out the closet space situation BEFORE moving in. Whether it means purchasing a wardrobe for the inevitable overflow, or maybe doing some spring cleaning and getting rid of a few pieces. It is wise to utilize the hall closet for shoe and jacket storage.

2) Get to Know the Surrounding Area.
Moving to a new place (depending on how far it is from where you came from) can mean a new grocery store, a new bank location, new restaurants to try, and new nightlife. Doing some exploring and becoming comfortable with your new neighborhood can help you feel more at home faster.

3) You are Going to Date One of Your Roommates Friends.
It's just going to happen. It's pretty much a fact. Your roommate will date someone and that someone will have friends, and so on. Just make sure you do not burn any bridges so as to not create awkward situations in the future.

4) Buy Groceries.
Eating out all the time can get really expensive, especially when you are first taking on the load of bills. Make going out to eat a weekend social event rather than an everyday happening.

You won't always agree with them and sometimes you will want your space. But for those moving out for the first time, your roommates are on this crazy ride with you. You will probably never forget your first place of your own, which means those roommates will always hold a place in your life.

6) Clean.
Just… clean.

7) You will miss home.
While becoming free and independent is an exciting and pivotal step, you will start to miss the comfort of living at home. Enjoying Saturday morning pancakes, cuddling with your dog, arguing with your sibling… these things probably went unappreciated for the past two decades. Home visits are a quick remedy.

8) You will have the time of your life.
Whether your throwing a party, drinking wine with your roommates at 4am, or decorating your apartment for the holidays, this experience will bring you so many emotions.