New Years Resolution: Move Out of Home

My New Years Resolution is to move out of my Parent's house by then end of 2009.

I turned 18 this May (On the 18^th), and with my Dad controlling me with threats of having to pay rent, I feel that it will be necessary for me to move out by the end of next year to help me grow as an adult. Plus, it would be great to prove that I actually can survive in the world with out parental help.

Find someone to be a roommate. I know that a lot of people say be careful when rooming with someone because your friendship may end, or unpleasant living issues may come up. I realize this, but I also realize that as a full time college student I can't work full time as well and still have time to breathe. I'm also already experienced in the concept of roommates as I went to a dorm school for two years during high school, and it is one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Become a Server. I currently work at Red Lobster; however, I am just a busser at the moment. I have been told that I may be able to transfer during my six month review which will take place in early April. My coworkers that are servers make $300-$600 dollars a week, depending on the amount of days they worked and tips. With this amount of money I will be able to easily afford the monthly bills split with a roommate. College costs are not an issue because I have a full ride, minus the books. However, I simply rent my books and it only costs me $100-$200 a semester for books.

Budget my money and keep track of income. This is so I will be able to accurately estimate how much money I will need, and how much I will have left over. It will also help me gauge how good of an apartment I will need/want.

Collect 'New Place' Items. What I mean by this is I should gather up items that I will need once I move in, so that I am not hit by many items that I previously took for granted. I will need dishes, towels, some food, cleaning supplies, etc. Hopefully I will be able to take the bedroom furniture and any extra furniture throughout the house.

Locate Potential Apartment Complexes. This way, I will know exactly what I want and where I want to be ahead of time. Also, I will be able to move in at a moments notice once the previous plans have been completed. I want an apartment closer to where I work (I work 15 miles away) and an apartment closer to the main campus. This would cut down on gas costs, ($1.60 now, $5 later) and give me more time, rather than spend it all driving.

Moving out is one thing, but remaining that way is another. That is why I already know what my 2010 resolution will be and that is to be firmly planted on my own two feet without needing my parents except to say hello.

Happy New Year