How to start saving and planning for first apartment?

Question

I got a new salary based job!!! I’ll be starting on december 1st. I’m 21 so once I get a good bit of money saved up from this job, I want to rent my own apartment. I’ve been at my current job for 5 years so I do have a good bit of money saved but definitely not enough to be able to pay rent on top of the bills I already pay. My current drive to my new job will be about 35 minutes so I do want to move to either that town or town that’s closer by. What are good ways to start saving money strictly for an apartment. I’m really good at saving money in general but just want to see if there’s more ways to help me prepare.

Answer

If you’re already good at saving, keep doing what you’re doing. I think the things that ends up being expensive is when you move and realize ALL of the things you straight up don’t have or didn’t think to have! Start buying those things now while you save so that way when you move, you’re ready to move and LIVE! Towels, rugs, curtains, silverware, plates/bowls. I even enjoy doing a donation & sell purge and the money just goes towards those little new things even if it’s replacing! You wanna go into your new place FRESH if you can! Right?!
You can also start “paying bills” as if you were at a new place to get a feel and save. Even if it’s another half of rent! Say you pay $500 now. New apartment is $1000. If you can pay your normal $500 put away that extra $500, do it! When I go strict budget I have a rule that if I want luxury things, coffee, fast food, unnecessary things, whatever I spend, I have to put into my savings/fund. If I don’t have enough for both, I don’t get the luxury thing! I enjoy that method. It’s a lot of self will but it’s also very very rewarding. I’m also currently doing the 100 envelope challenge! Label envelopes 1-100, throw them in a bin, every paycheck or every time you have cash, you pick an envelope and put the amount of money that the envelope is numbered (#11-$11). Supposedly all of those envelopes added up is $5k! Might be fun to try to! I have to stop thinking of money as punishment vs reward! Trying to be fun and natural with saving but i personally struggle! Challenges are fun and actually help me take accountability without punishing myself or feeling pressure I guess. Good luck!

How to start saving and planning for first apartment?

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