Budgeting for your first apartment can be difficult, especially if you’re also new to managing your money. You’re possibly moving in with some friends who you just graduated from college or got your first full-time job. Even deciding what type of residential you’ll need is difficult. This can be overwhelming, but by following a few simple steps, you can learn how to budget your first apartment in Texas. This will help you keep your budget from going over and over again.
Don’t overlook the importance of apartment budgeting
If you live in a popular area, renting might end up being more expensive than you expected. Perhaps you find out that your salary isn’t enough. First, it’s important to know how to budget. Second, you may have a specific budget in mind. A budget will help you avoid spending too much money, and this will leave you with extra money to spend on events like weekends. Knowing how to budget is crucial for first-time renters. To help you stay on top of your finances, following our first apartment budgeting checklist below will do the trick.
How to budget your first apartment: Texas edition
Ever wonder how to budget your first apartment in Texas? You might be surprised at how simple it is. The good thing is that it is quite affordable to rent in Texas. You may even be able to create a budget with a few essential tips. Learn about how to budget your first apartment in TX using this checklist. You will also learn how to track your budget and what to do when your budget goes over what you were hoping for. This will help you keep your budget from going out of control. You’ll find out how.
1. Rent
You’ll likely spend most of your take-home pay on rent, so you’ll want to make sure you plan accordingly to avoid financial hardship. In addition to paying the first month’s rent, you will likely need to pay a minimum of one month’s rent as well as a security deposit. It will be held in case of damage to the property, or for any other reason you cannot pay your rent, and is known as a ‘default event’.
EXTRA TIP: One of the best ways to save some more money through the rent is to find a roommate. A two-bedroom apartment where you find a roommate is more cost-efficient than a flat that you pay rent to by yourself. No matter what you choose, plan out your desired future budget before you move in. That way, you won’t be shocked by your costs as a new renter. Work smarter, not harder.
2. Moving expenses
This is the thing that has the biggest impact on your budget. It will depend on how far you are moving from your previous home and how much stuff you are bringing with you. You may have to pay for moving costs, including gas and possibly a damage deposit. The total cost of the trip may include unpacking, packing, and then potentially unpacking and re-packing the rental. You will need to budget for some unavoidable expenses in the first year. So try to find a moving company that will give you the best quote. That’s where experts from Evolution Moving step in. They’ll make your move a simple and stress-free experience. And you’ll spare a few bucks. Isn’t that what all of us want?
3. Utilities
This may be the first time in a long time that you have to pay for things like electricity, heat, gas, internet, and cable. To get an idea of your monthly utility expenses, ask friends and family how much they pay each month. If utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are not included in the rent, you should take these into account, along with other common living expenses. But! When you budget your first apartment in Texas, make sure to pay your utility bills on time. Utility companies can turn off your utilities if money is owed. Consider setting up automatic bill payments to ensure a smooth transition between invoices. However, always ensure you have money in your account to cover the costs.
4. Health insurance
It may not sound like a thing to consider when you budget your first apartment. But, if you have not purchased health insurance previously, you will need to budget for this expense. Some people have health insurance that is provided through their work, and others must figure it out on their own. The amount you pay for health insurance will be based on your job. That is, the percentage of your income that you pay for health insurance will depend on the amount you make. In addition to spending this amount on your insurance coverage, you should make sure to budget for any other health-related expenses like doctor visits and prescription medications.
5. Food and groceries
Groceries can take a big bite out of your budget. Get it? Bite? Cause it’s… Never mind. If you are living on your own, you will also have to feed yourself. That reckless period when you were living with your parents and didn’t have to think about food is pretty much over. Think about how often you plan to grocery shop versus eat out, and factor in your monthly food costs. Evaluate if the time it takes to prepare a meal is worth the cost. Again, as with your furniture and household items, determine your necessities and look for deals on food.
Enjoy your new home!
Now that you have an idea of what it will cost to live in your new apartment, it’s time to get creative with your expenses. You can budget your first apartment in Texas and make your new place feel like home, without impacting a budget for your first apartment, by adding a few personal touches. This will also allow you to save money in the long run, by creating a home that you can enjoy instead of a space that you are just paying for to live in. Whether it’s painting a wall a bright color, hanging bright curtains, or adding a few plants to your living space, creating a cozy environment will make your apartment feel like a home.
Lisa Roberts has been engaged in writing blog articles for the last 7 years. Although she started off her career in the moving industry, her experience brought diversification to the content topics she covers. Today, her range of topics spans from moving across the globe to everyday lifestyle tips, marketing, real-estate news, etc. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys running, reading books and spending time with her dogs Lue and Sill. As a great lover of life, she finds something practical and useful in every experience, which contributes to her portfolio as well.
