How much should I save up?

Question

I’m planning on moving into an apartment in January and the rent should be around $530 to $415 (I haven’t picked on yet). I’ll also have my puppy with me who has already had all of his puppy vet visits so he shouldn’t need to go back to the vet. I was thinking maybe $1000 since it will just be me and him but this will be my first apartment so I wouldn’t know. Also I already have plenty of toiletries stocked up and plan on continuing to stock up on stuff and starting to buy kitchen ware and any other things I may need. I’m also thinking about getting a meal plan from my university so that way it can help me save a little bit of money on groceries.

Answer

Here’s what I would do and the best advice I can give looking back wishing I would have done this for my first apartment.
1. Get the cheaper rent. It might be a cheaper apartment but you can make it your own and you will be thankful for the lower rent at some point. When you are more stable and used to living on your own you can upgrade.
2. Save up 3 months rent and 3 months utilities. I’m not sure where you live but I would look it up and estimate how much that would be and Never touch it. Not even for first months rent. Save for emergencies. 
3. Remember there are start up fees for everything. So even if internet is $30/month there will be an $80/start up fee (example). Save that in a different account/place. Electric, internet, water, gas, trash; find out what’s included in your rent, what’s not, and save for it. 
4. Stock up on staple goods that don’t go bad. Things that you can store in the pantry. Pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, all condiments can be stored before opening, etc. The more you stock up on the less you’ll be eating ramen. Eat Portion Sizes! It’ll make everything last longer and you’ll be healthier. Replace as you need it. 
5. Every week before you move, buy a couple items needed for your new home. Examples: trash can, silverware, oven mitts, paper towels, trash bags, Tupperware, tin foil, plastic bags, tape, scissors, towels, 
everything. You can look that up online. 
6. Since you have a puppy, get at least two big bags of food, toys, and treats. If you buy bigger you get more than buying one small bag at a time. 
This all seems like a lot but when you are focused on other things, you will be so grateful you are stocked up on necessities. Especially for unexpected emergencies, like new tires, loss of job, less hours, anything.

How much should I save up?

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