Moving out of home is a huge milestone, especially for foster teens stepping into independence for the first time. To make the process smoother (and a little more fun), we’ve put together a trivia game that will help you understand everything from budgeting to apartment essentials. So, grab a pen and paper, test your knowledge, and let’s see how prepared you are for this exciting new chapter in your life!
Budgeting Basics: How much should you ideally budget for rent as a percentage of your monthly income?
a) 10-20%
b) 20-30%
c) 30-40%
d) Over 40%
Lease Agreement Knowledge: What is a common term for the period of time you agree to rent an apartment?
a) Month-to-month
b) Lease term
c) Rental period
d) Occupancy time
Utility Understanding: Which of the following is typically NOT included in your rent?
a) Water
b) Electricity
c) Internet
d) All of the above
Moving Essentials: When moving into a new apartment, what is an essential item you should buy first?
a) Television
b) Bed
c) Decorations
d) Kitchen utensils
Emergency Preparedness: What should you always have in your apartment for emergencies?
a) A first aid kit
b) A party snack
c) Extra light bulbs
d) A guestbook
Credit Score Significance: Why is your credit score important when renting an apartment?
a) It determines your rent amount
b) Landlords use it to assess your reliability as a tenant
c) It’s required for setting up utilities
d) It affects the color of the walls
Grocery Shopping Skills: What is a staple food item that is versatile and important to have in your pantry?
a) Ice cream
b) Rice or pasta
c) Candy
d) Soda
Cleaning Know-How: Which cleaning supply is essential for keeping your living space sanitary?
a) Fragrance candles
b) Multi-surface cleaner
c) Decorative soap
d) Colorful sponges
Transportation Considerations: If you don’t own a car, what should you consider when choosing an apartment?
a) Proximity to nightlife
b) Access to public transportation
c) Number of nearby coffee shops
d) Availability of a pool
Job Stability: Why is it important to have a stable job before moving out?
a) To ensure you can meet new people
b) To pay your rent and bills consistently
c) To decorate your apartment
d) To have a place to go during the day
How Did You Do? Let’s Review the Answers!
Budgeting Basics: Answer: b) 20-30%
Explanation: Ideally, about 20-30% of your monthly income should go towards rent. This keeps your budget balanced and ensures you have enough left for other living expenses like utilities, groceries, and savings.
Lease Agreement Knowledge: Answer: b) Lease term
Explanation: The lease term is the agreed period (usually 12 months) you commit to renting the apartment. Some leases may offer month-to-month terms, but the lease term is a standard option.
Utility Understanding: Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Utilities like water, electricity, and internet are often not included in rent and must be paid separately. Always clarify with your landlord which utilities are included.
Moving Essentials: Answer: b) Bed
Explanation: Your bed should be one of the first things you get for your new apartment. A comfortable place to sleep is essential before you start thinking about decor and entertainment.
Emergency Preparedness: Answer: a) A first aid kit
Explanation: Having a first aid kit ready in your apartment is important for handling any minor injuries or emergencies. Be sure to have one easily accessible.
Credit Score Significance: Answer: b) Landlords use it to assess your reliability as a tenant
Explanation: A credit score helps landlords decide if you’re financially responsible. A higher score can make it easier to get approved for an apartment, while a lower score might require a co-signer.
Grocery Shopping Skills: Answer: b) Rice or pasta
Explanation: Rice or pasta are versatile, inexpensive, and essential staples that can be used in many meals, making them a smart pantry addition for any apartment dweller.
Cleaning Know-How: Answer: b) Multi-surface cleaner
Explanation: A multi-surface cleaner is an essential product for keeping your apartment clean. It’s versatile and works on most surfaces, from kitchen counters to bathroom tiles.
Transportation Considerations: Answer: b) Access to public transportation
Explanation: If you don’t have a car, being close to public transportation is crucial for getting to work, school, and other important places without relying on rides.
Job Stability: Answer: b) To pay your rent and bills consistently
Explanation: A stable job ensures you can consistently cover your living expenses, including rent, utilities, and groceries. It’s the foundation of independent living.
Understanding the Basics: What You Need to Move Out
Now that you’ve tested your knowledge, it’s time to take a deeper dive into some of the most important aspects of moving out for foster teens. Moving out means more than finding a place to live—it’s about learning life skills, financial management, and creating a home that reflects who you are.
Financial Planning: Your First Step to Independence
Financial stability is your first priority when moving out. Start by creating a budget that covers rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and savings. Don’t forget to set aside an emergency fund! Knowing how to manage your money will set you up for long-term success.
Finding the Right Place: Location, Budget, and Safety
Choosing an apartment isn’t just about finding the coolest spot in town. Think about practical things like safety, affordability, and convenience. Living close to work or school, access to public transportation, and a neighborhood with essential services like grocery stores are all key factors.
The Essentials: Furnishing Your New Home
Don’t worry—you don’t have to furnish your entire apartment on day one. Start with the essentials, like a bed, some kitchen basics, and storage. Shop smart—thrift stores and online marketplaces often have great deals!
Building a Support System: Friends, Mentors, and Community
You’re not in this alone! Building a network of friends, mentors, and community resources will help you navigate the challenges of living independently. Whether it’s advice on finding the best deals or emotional support, your community is there for you.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Independence Starts Here
Moving out for the first time is an exciting step, but it comes with responsibilities. By learning the basics of budgeting, securing a stable job, and preparing your apartment with essential items, you’ll be ready to tackle independent living with confidence. How did you do on the trivia? Whether you aced it or learned something new, you’re now better prepared for this exciting journey
Resources
How to Help Teens Aging Out of Foster Care – UMFS
Housing Initiatives for Youths Aging Out of Foster Care – Bipartisan Policy Center
