Moving out of home

It's natural when you finish school to want to stretch your wings.  Most make the choice to travel or move out of home while they work or study.  Some people want to leave home because they aren't getting on with their family, some want their independance, some want to explore the world.  What nearly everyone underestimates, is the cost.

If you are planning to live away from your parents, you need to plan early. 
You need
 - An income so you can pay the rent each month
 - At least a months rent for a desposit
 - References from an employer/family friend/school for the real estate agent
 - Connection fee payments for
    - Water
    - Gas
    - Electicity
    - Phone/Internet (although these days you can use a mobile  phone)
 - Money to pay the bills for the Water/Gas/Electricity etc each month
 - Contents Insurance/Renters Insurance
 - Furniture
    - Bed
    - Fridge
    - Microwave
    - Chair/Couch/Bean Bag
 - Laptop/Tv
 - Money for food
 - Ambulance Membership (you are no longer covered by your parent's coverage and trust me, you don't want that bill if you use an ambulance in an emergancy.  Often, if it is really bad, you won't have a choice.  This will be the best use of your money in the long term)

If you have a car you will also need
 - Auto Insurance
 - Car Registration
 - Money for car maintenance
 - Money for petrol

If you don't have a car you will still ned money for travel ie public transport or alternative transport such as a bike.

This is just the basics and a starting off point.  My mistake when I moved out was I didn't budget for the connection fees and underestimated the bills each month.

If you have any suggestions to add to the list, please add via the comments section.