Moving Away from Home Chapter 25-1

Independence Are you ready to meet the challenges of adulthood? Do you have a steady income sufficient to meet your housing, food, and clothing needs? Can you manage that money effectively to meet present and future needs? Do you have the knowledge and skills to eat nutritiously on your own? Can you clean and maintain a place of your own? Do you take responsibility for your decisions and actions? Can you be happy spending time alone?

Self-Reliance How do teens define self-reliance? Buying clothes with money from a part-time job Wearing a seatbelt and following safety rules when in a car Using a personal checking account or credit card responsibly Starting dinner for the family after getting home from school Going to bed early in order to be alert/awake in the morning Arranging for transportation to school and other activities Can a person be too self-reliant? Does self-reliance strengthen or weaken family ties?

Choosing Housing Where you live is determined by your situation: Boomerang generation – moving back in with parents Colleges and universities have dormitories Military = barracks or family housing Apartments -rental Condos – rent or own Townhouses – rent or own Single-Family Homes rent or own

Apartment Living Most popular housing option Offers privacy and freedom with little maintenance Places to locate an apartment: Online (rent.com, apartments.com, roommates.com, craigslist.org) Newspaper classified ads Word of mouth Real estate Rental agencies (apartmentpeople, domu, apartmentfinders)

When Checking Out Apartments Can I afford it? Is it in my price-range? Security Deposit – a one-time payment usually equal to one month’s rent. This is returned to you when you move out IF you haven’t damaged the place. Some places ask for a pet deposit if you bring cats/dogs Having roommates = cheaper rent For example: a 1 bedroom = $850/month, 2 bedroom = 1100/month Make a checklist of the features you consider most important.

When checking out apartments cont… Does the rent include utilities? Utilities include: gas, electric, trash, water. If not, find out the average cost of utilities. What are the terms of the lease? Always get this in writing!! Lease – written agreement between the landlord (property owner) and the tenant (the renter), spelling out the rights and responsibilities of each Does the apartment look and smell clean? Don’t rent sight unseen. Always check it out beforehand

When checking out apartments cont… Is everything in good repair? DON’T sign a lease until promised repairs have been made, or the promise is in writing with a completion date. What furnishings (if any) are provided? Most apartments have refrigerators and ranges (ovens and range tops). Fully furnished apartments will be more expensive. Some places offer washer/dryer in unit, most do NOT. Some do offer in the building or basement. Is the apartment safe? How are the locks on the doors and windows? Any additional security provided? How safe is the neighborhood? Is the location convenient to places you go frequently? Can you walk to some places? Take public transportation?

Apartments Cont. How will you furnish your apartment? When furnishing your apartment, choose according to your needs Lamp takes priority over plant stand Crates make good storage containers Friends/family may offer unused furnishings Try thrift stores or discount stores Garage sales Auctions Freecycle or other free giveaway websites/events

Other Housing Options Rent a room in a private home (sometimes discounts for performing certain jobs like cooking, cleaning, shoveling snow in the winter) This can be beneficial to both parties, especially if the homeowner is an older person. Renting a sleeping room is a variation of home sharing (share bathroom privileges and may have bathroom rights) Housesitting is watching and maintaining a property while the homeowner is away for an extended period of time. This is a rent-free way of tasting independence.

Living with a Roommate Decide beforehand how to divide expenses and household tasks Who brings what furniture? Agree on a code of conduct – define expected behaviors Respect each other’s privacy. Ask before borrowing items. Sharing space doesn’t mean giving up all personal possessions. Show consideration. Respect each other’s wishes. Think of each other’s needs, wants, and responsibilities before acting. Keep a sense of humor. Problems will pop up, but a good attitude will defuse potential conflict and turn it into a growth opportunity.

Boomerang Back Home: Why move home? Economics: they can’t meet expenses on their own More guidance to better handle the challenges of independence Recover from a divorce Lengthy illness or disabling injury When adult children move home, all family members need to recognize that their roles and relationships have changed. Clear communication about responsibilities and expectations is essential Adjustments and compromises may be needed. Typically this is temporary until you are ready to move out again.