Are you ready to move into your first apartment? Even the search is daunting because, as it is your first time, pricing and amenities and applications can be overwhelming. However, it is important to realize that searching for a new apartment is always a stressful process, and being prepared is half of the effort. Before you move into the apartment of your new dreams, understand a few key tips that will help you budget for a new apartment and navigate the short-term with these new expenses.

To start, there is a general rule for budgeting for an apartment, and it is known as the 50/30/20 rule. This rule indicates that, ideally, each month, you spend 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. Of course, especially in the case that you are moving into a new place, it isn’t always possible. Before you apply this rule monthly, budget for moving expenses and down payment or first months’ rent for your new apartment. Moving expenses include hiring a mover, purchasing a dolly, moving boxes, wrapping, tarps, extra blankets for fragile items, and anything else you anticipate needing to move items from one place to another. As well, most apartments require first months’ rent, on average, so this will need to be paid before moving in.

Once you’ve moved in, you’ll find that you may have other “moving expenses,” such as new furniture and furnishings. Especially if you are moving into your first apartment, you may not have a couch, bed, set of pans and plates for the kitchen, etc. To save money as you search for these household essentials, look to thrift stores and purchase them secondhand or borrow them from family or friends. Garage sales are hardly a thing of the past, but online resources like Craig’s List and Facebook Marketplace are great resources for purchasing essentials secondhand.

Once you’ve moved in with the right furniture and your down payment taken care of, don’t forget to budget in those things that you need and use daily. These aspects include cost of utilities, such as cable and internet, wiFi, streaming services, trash, water, power, your car payment or transportation costs, and your phone bill. Also budget appropriately for groceries, necessary household items, such as dish soap and laundry detergent, and your personal needs and hygiene products.

As you search through local apartments and options for Huntsville student housing for your first place, budget is always looming at the forefront. Rent is already something that many people complain about, and it’s even more stressful for those just starting out on their own. Put extensive thought into your new apartment budget so you don’t have to live on ramen and tap water for the next year.