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HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 11:50 pm
by 01010111
So, I just got a new job on a six month contract, and I need to find a new place to live. Right now I'm paying a ridiculous amount for rent. All of my room mates are moving out in September. I paid first and last month rent when I moved in too.
So, how do I politely tell my room mates that I'm moving out, and how do I set up utilities (internet/power/water/etc.). What do you wish people would have told you on moving into your first place on your own? I've never done anything like this, and I am the most awkward human there is. halp.

Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 12:02 am
by popvulture
It's easy, man—re: your roommates, just give them 30 days notice. If you can't, maybe offer them a little money. Basically you just don't want to leave them screwed and not having enough time to find a new roommate.
Re: setting up utilities, it's super easy. Just call them. You might have to put down a deposit if you've never established service before, so be aware that that could happen. The good thing is that if you pay your bill on time, usually your deposit is credited back to your account in a reasonable amount of time.
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 12:08 am
by resincum
the best advice I got was get all the gear you want now cause it's gonna be a bitch otherwise
besides that, pop nailed it. setting up utilities is hella easy just keep up with the pay and don;t blow all your rent money on drugs or pedals
did you already find a place?
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 1:14 am
by snipelfritz
Welp, it looks like you'll have to resort to prostitution.
(congrats on new job)
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 2:48 am
by zeravla
If your roommates are cool they should be happy for you and realize that life happens. Try to give them enough notice to maybe get a short term roommate to fill your spot and if they can't do that maybe they can airbnb your room? Either way if you paid last month's rent at move in they really can't get too mad.
As for the utilities you should be able to do just about everything online. If you have any problems most are really helpful on the phone with setting up service. That was one of the hardest parts for me with adulting was getting used to handling business on the phone (or in person). Just be polite but firm about what you need. Don't be entitled and remember that you're talking to another human being and that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. It's funny the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you get everything handled the first time.
And like resincum said keep up with your bills. I've been behind on some bills but my rent is always paid. You won't have roommates to lean on anymore. And if you do have to be late use those new phone skills to beg for an extension, don't just let the due date pass by. Most utilities will give you an extension if you call.
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 4:01 am
by 01010111
Thanks for all the advice! One detail I forgot to mention is that this is a four bedroom unit and there are already only three of us. So, if I move out. They definitely can't afford to stay here.... But I am seriously overpaying. I just kinda got fucked because it was a long-distance move for work (I had to live in a hotel for a while before moving into this place).
That's good to know about utilities! I guess I just have to give them my address and payment information? I'm generally pretty good on the phone (I've worked a couple of phone places...). And I make lots of little monthly alarms on my phone to remind me to pay various bills/debts. But it's good to know they're willing to work with you a little if you talk to them about it!
Can't give too many details about my work (it's not something that's cool enough to warrant that kind of secrecy, though), but I don't want to get shafted again on rent come September and I have to find rent for three months while my contract with this client company runs out. And more importantly, I NEED MONEY FOR PEDALS/SYNTHS

Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 4:02 am
by Iommic Pope
All solid advice.
Don't know what the US situation is like but down here, you can let your utility company know you are struggling and provided you can make some of the bill, they're usually pretty forgiving about putting you on a payment plan to sort the rest out.
They hammer you if you can't do that, though.
Adult in is prioritising. Keep a roof over your head and enough caffeine in your blood and youll figure out a way to get the rest done.
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 4:59 am
by Eivind August
Just button mash that motherfucker.
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 6:16 am
by fcknoise
Came to give advice
Realized I'm eating microwave pizza for breakfast at 12:15
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 9:27 am
by D.o.S.
popvulture wrote:It's easy, man—re: your roommates, just give them 30 days notice. If you can't, maybe offer them a little money. Basically you just don't want to leave them screwed and not having enough time to find a new roommate.
Re: setting up utilities, it's super easy. Just call them. You might have to put down a deposit if you've never established service before, so be aware that that could happen. The good thing is that if you pay your bill on time, usually your deposit is credited back to your account in a reasonable amount of time.
^^
Another thing you can do is try to line up a subletter for the duration of the lease while you move out. You can also just square it with your landlord, if possible, and tell them you have someone ready to take over your rent (ideal if you're moving out early but you find someone who will want to stay for another year, etc.)
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 10:33 am
by Jwar
Re-telling roommates. Tell them they are cramping your style and your out. Maybe slap a few of them for good measure and make it rain with dollar bills to hopefully make them feel like dirty whores.
Or I guess you could take the non fun route and do what others are suggestion.

LOL
The other stuff is stupid simple. All phone calls or getting on the net to set up. You just have to look it up. Water, internet, trash...etc. You can do it. It's easy. I've lived in 5 homes, been on my own since 17 and I'm fine and always have been. Now I have a family but I initially moved out on my own and had no problems. You may forget something, but you'll figure it out. It's no biggie.
I love freedom. The only roommates I could EVER deal with are my family. Fuck all that shit. I've had roommates before and I learned that I won't like you after we live together. That's just what seems to happen.
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 10:59 am
by D.o.S.
counterpoint: I bet you play Collective Soul albums out loud in your home.
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 12:59 pm
by SPACERITUAL
I dont want to shit on your good times or anything man but the best advice i can give you is if you dont have a long-term plan from your employer, dont plan long term around it. Ive been bitten in the ass by this alot and its always a shitty situation. Until you are a full time employee with benefits and a 401k, dont burn any bridges.
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 12:59 pm
by SPACERITUAL
I dont want to shit on your good times or anything man but the best advice i can give you is if you dont have a long-term plan from your employer, dont plan long term around it. Ive been bitten in the ass by this alot and its always a shitty situation. Until you are a full time employee with benefits and a 401k, dont burn any bridges.
Re: HOW DO YOU ADULT?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 1:24 pm
by 01010111
I work for a company that hires me out to their client companies. The contract with the current client company's for six months. So, I don't want to be stuck in the middle of a lease on an apartment if they want me to move, and I'd like to pay about $400-$500 less on rent per month. So, I'm not too worried about making long term plans, but I do have backup plans just in case
