Moving out from the comfort of your parents' house or the easy life of living in an expensive dorm is always a stressful but exciting time. But before you take the leap, there are some things I have learned from recent personal experience to keep in mind before spreading your wings and leaving the nest.

1. Save Up Money

By this, I don’t just mean save up enough for first month’s rent and your deposit. Save up for your first few weeks of food and other expenses you wouldn’t usually think about such as toothpaste, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc. When moving out, it is important to really start budgeting and assigning your money for certain responsibilities. You may want to set up a checking account, or a simple piggy bank could work.

2. Collect Items

Make sure you have the furniture and appliances you need before moving out. Have the necessities first, like a place to sleep, and list your other wants by adding them to your new budget. Getting a good rest is healthy, so don't skip out on getting a bed.

3. Don't Move Into the First Place

The cheapest place most likely isn’t the safest or nicest place. Of course, your first place may not be the nicest, but you want to move into a place that you won’t hate or fear to stay at. Do your research, take the tours of the places, do the extra work to ensure your new place is the place for you. Your first place won't be perfect, but at least make it safe.

4. Don't Move In With Someone Who Haven't Met

I cannot stress this enough. Maybe it’s a sublet and it would be easier to just move right in, but at least meet up with the person first. Your new roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend or even a classmate. Ask them to have lunch with you, or some other public option. It’s a good way to make sure you are safe wherever you’re moving and also a fun way to break the ice and see how well you would get along with your roommate(s). Being on good terms and "vibing" with your roommate(s) will make your first move easier

5. Practice Good Domestic Habits

When you move out, you will no longer have someone who is constantly looking out for you—your parents—and making sure the place does not spiral into chaos. Practice doing your own laundry, dishes, and cleaning up after yourself. There won’t be a mom telling you to do so or doing it for you when you ignore her. If you don’t, it will be too easy to ignore your new domestic duties, living by yourself. Also, talk to your roommate about when each of you will do the chores. You can't afford a maid, so you might as well be your own.

6. Learn How to Cook

Again, when you move out, you’ll have to learn how to take care of yourself. Learning how to cook for yourself, healthily, is an adult skill everyone has to learn eventually. I’m still adding recipes to my repertoire, but at least have a few basic dishes that are easy, self-sufficient, healthy—because the freshman fifteen is real—and you don’t mind eating them more than once a week under your belt. Becoming responsible means taking care of yourself—especially nutrition.

7. Have Adequate Transportation

Now that you’re going to be living by yourself, make sure your transportation is reliable. If you’re a college student, make sure your car is in good shape, or that you know where the shuttle picks up students and make plans for getting there on time accordingly. You are now responsible for getting yourself everywhere if you weren’t already, and it is better to be a reliable, on-time person. Don't have a car? Check out walking or the nearest bus!

8. Forward Your Mail

I still haven’t done this, and honestly, it is getting annoying to have to drive back to my folks’ house to get my important mail. Change your address close to the date you’re officially moving in, so driving back and forth is not necessary. This step may seem tedious, but trust me, it’s important. Plus, it's always fun to get your first piece of mail at your new place.

9. Collect Personal Information

Make sure you know your social security number and your health insurance. If your parents have a passport for you, make sure to get it. Research what clinics and doctor’s offices take your insurance in case there is ever an emergency or you get sick. Moving out means growing up, and you can, of course, call your parents for this information, but it’s more efficient and convenient to have this information yourself. Knowing your information is like knowing yourself—so figure yourself out.

10. Buy A Tool Box

You should always have tools at the ready. Maybe you want to put up a curtain rod, maybe you need to tighten a screw or a hinge somewhere; it is much easier to have tools already. It may seem like money wasted, but it is a good investment to be able to pick up a tool and hang something up without having to borrow something from someone else. Preparing yourself for fixing things yourself only endorses your independence.

11. Learn How to Take Care of Your New Place

Learn how to take care of an apartment. By this, I don’t mean cleaning. Know if your pipes are prone to freezing when it gets cold, how your A.C/Heating unit works, etc. It would be really hard to shower or use the bathroom if these pipes froze.

There are plenty of steps not mentioned, but the most important is to find the right place for you that adheres to your lifestyle and is safe. Good Luck!