Moving out for the first time.

[Robb F]

So it seems like i've come to a point in my life where i feel like moving out of the family home is the right thing to do. I will be moving in with my girlfriend and possibly a very good friend of ours.

I've been searching the interwebs for information and also looking at the types of places i can afford to rent in the right area. Seems like i can get a nice (if a little bit small) place for around £190-£230 a month.
I take home roughly £300 a week.


I'm really just looking for some advice, where to start, what to look out for, bills included in price, rough bill prices per month, are studio apartments really really bad or something you can live with for a couple of years. What did you guys do, how much did it cost, do you regret moving out when you did etc etc etc

Just gimme some help please!
Thanks in advance to the Pistonheads massive.

Edited by Robb F on Tuesday 4th May 14:06

[Robb F]

^ lol at that post.

both helpful posts though.

Only looking at fully furnished places, will that included everything you need to live in the place, like you say cutlery, will that be there? tv's?
or does furnished just mean things like beds, tables, chairs, white goods etc and leave me having to get electical things?

(i know all the places are different but just getting a general idea)

With the list, any idea in general how much these will be. Looking at very new/modern 2 bed flats in dartford/essex/gravesend area, most have two bathrooms. heating not often on.
I've crossed out the ones that aren't relevant.

1. Council tax
2. Electricity
3. Gas
4. Water (and sewerage)
5. Food
6. Mobile phone
7. Land line
8. Internet
9. Buildings and contents insurance
10. Car tax, Car fuel, Car insurance


thanks again

[Robb F]

everyone starts somewhere.

[Robb F]

oops i made a slight error there. Total rent would be around £190-£230 a week for two of us, or £220-£270 if three of us.

Have been paying rent to live in my parents house, along with my own food. (i know, bum deal rght!) so have am used to having the monthly out goings.

Just can't help but think it should be more difficult than finding the right place, calling them up, then turning up to live there a week later!

Thanks for the help aswel guys, its all useful.

[Robb F]

The guy is like my brother, we are basically the same person! So i don't think there will be any problems there. Breaking up with the g/f shouldn't be an issue either as we've discussed it, and we're moving in as friends, not as partners. So i already have it agreed that if we split up, which we both said could happen, then it will all be good and i can bring copious amounts of clunge back to the place with me :P (also the off chance of ex-sex so win win. I'm only kinda joking....)

Going to start saving for the deposit after i've paid my insurance this month.
Was going to save up a fund for buying random crap that we'll need when we move in, such as tea towels, cleaning stuff, bog roll etc but don't really know hom much is sensible.

And just knowing that people did the same as i'm planning on doing (i.e a bit haphazard and fairly unplanned/impromtu) makes me feel alot better.