First Time Adulting
Adult life comes with responsibilities nobody really teaches you. Your first apartment, your first bills, your first forms, and your first legal milestones all require knowledge you are expected to just know.
This guide breaks everything down in clear, simple steps so you can move through adulthood with confidence and stability.
1. First Apartment Checklist
Moving into your first apartment can feel overwhelming, but a clear checklist keeps everything organized and helps you settle in smoothly. These are the essentials you need from day one.
Essentials for Living
Bed or mattress
Pillows and blankets
Sheets and mattress protector
Toilet paper
Shower curtain and liner
Bath towels and hand towels
Trash can for bathroom and kitchen
Basic cleaning supplies
broom
mop
all purpose cleaner
laundry detergent
sponges
Kitchen Basics
Plates and bowls
Cups and mugs
Forks, spoons, knives
Sharp kitchen knife
Pots and pans
Cutting board
Dish soap and sponges
Trash bags
Food storage containers
Paper towels
These items help you cook simple meals and keep your kitchen clean.
Safety Items
First aid kit
Flashlight
Batteries
Carbon monoxide detector if not provided
Smoke detectors checked and working
Safety items are often forgotten but extremely important.
Important Documents
ID
Lease agreement
Renters insurance policy
Emergency contacts
Banking information
Utility account numbers
Keep these documents in a safe, easy to access place.
Small Extras That Make Life Easier
Shower hooks
Plunger
Extension cords
Power strips
Laundry basket
Hangers
Basic tool kit
These make your space functional and comfortable.
A prepared apartment makes moving in smoother and helps you settle into your new space with confidence and comfort.
2. Emergency Kit Essentials
Emergencies can happen without warning. A simple, well prepared kit keeps you safe, calm, and ready for unexpected situations. You do not need anything complicated, just the basics that help you stay stable until help arrives.
What to Keep in an Emergency Kit
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Portable phone charger or power bank
First aid kit
Bandages
antiseptic
pain relievers
basic medical supplies
Medications
A few days of any essential prescriptions
Bottled water
At least a few bottles, more if possible
Non perishable snacks
granola bars
nuts
crackers
Copies of important documents
ID
insurance
emergency contacts
Emergency cash
Small bills in case cards do not work
Small tool kit
screwdriver
tape
multi tool
Blanket
Emergency mylar blanket or a small fleece
Whistle or noise signal
Useful for getting attention in an emergency
Tips
Keep your kit in one easy to reach place
Check items once a year
Replace expired products
Make a smaller version for your car or backpack
Preparation reduces panic and gives you control during unexpected moments. A simple emergency kit can make all the difference.
3. Utility Bill Basics
Utilities are part of adult life and include the services that keep your home comfortable and functional. Understanding how they work makes budgeting easier and prevents surprises.
Common Utilities
Electric
Water
Gas or heating
Internet
Trash collection
Sewer services in some areas
These may come from different companies, or they may be bundled depending on your building.
How Utility Billing Works
Bills are usually monthly
Some companies require a deposit when you move in
Rates may change during high usage seasons
Late fees apply when you miss deadlines
Some bills estimate usage, then adjust after meter readings
Tips for Managing Utilities
Put bills on autopay if possible
Track due dates in one place
Compare internet providers to find the best rate
Use energy saving habits to lower your electric bill
unplug unused devices
turn off lights when not in use
adjust thermostat moderately
Ask your landlord what is included in rent
Some apartments include water or heat, others do not
Understanding your utilities helps you manage your monthly expenses smoothly and avoid unnecessary fees.
4. Filling Out Forms
Forms are a routine part of adult life, from job applications to medical paperwork to government documents. Knowing what information you need and how to stay organized makes the process quick and stress free.
Common Details You Need
Full legal name
Current address
Social security number
Phone number
Email address
Employment history
Previous addresses
Emergency contact information
Date of birth
Having these details ready saves time and prevents mistakes.
Tips for Filling Out Forms
Read instructions carefully before writing anything
Double check spelling and dates
Use black or blue ink for paper forms
Keep handwriting clear and neat
Save digital copies of important information
Keep a note in your phone with your basic details
Make sure your email looks professional
Review everything before submitting
If you are unsure about a question, look it up rather than guessing. Correct information prevents delays and complications.
Being organized and prepared makes filling out forms simple, fast, and stress free.
5. What to Do at Eighteen
Turning eighteen gives you new responsibilities and new legal rights. It is the beginning of your financial and personal independence, and taking a few simple steps sets you up for a stronger future.
Things to Do
Register to vote
This gives you a voice in local and national decisions.
Open a bank account
Choose a checking and a savings account.
Learn how to use online banking and track balances.
Start building credit
Get a secured credit card or become an authorized user.
Use it responsibly and pay the balance in full each month.
Apply for your own ID if needed
Update your state ID or driver’s license so it reflects your information.
Understand your legal rights
Know basics about contracts, leases, and consent.
Your signature now carries legal responsibility.
Start saving money
Even small amounts add up.
Use your savings account to build a cushion.
Learn basic budgeting
Track your income and expenses.
Know what you can afford before committing to anything.
Review your documents
Birth certificate
Social security card
Insurance information
Keep them in a safe place.
Taking these steps at eighteen helps you build independence, confidence, and a strong foundation for adult life.
I ALWAYS recommend getting your driver’s license and passport at 18, even if you never intend to use it. It is always good to have in the event of an emergency and they are the best and most widely accepted forms of IDs. Plus if you do need it in the future, you will already have it. Having both is a level of freedom that is very uplifting, especially at a young age. Also, learn as much as you can on financing and investing and whole life insurance.
6. What to Do at Twenty One
Twenty one is when adulthood becomes more independent and long term. This is the stage where you shift from reacting to life to intentionally building your future. Small habits now make your thirties and forties easier.
Things to Do
Check your credit report yearly
You can view all three reports for free once per year.
Look for errors, missed payments, or accounts you do not recognize.
Start an emergency fund
Aim for at least one to three months of expenses.
Even twenty to fifty dollars a week builds real security over time.
Make a simple five year plan
Think about where you want to live, what career you want, and what lifestyle you want.
Break it down into yearly goals to stay focused.
Build a resume
Even if you are not job hunting, keep your resume updated.
Add new skills, certifications, and achievements as they happen.
Get renters insurance if living alone
It protects your belongings and can cost as little as ten to twenty five dollars a month.
Learn basic cooking and maintenance
Cooking saves money.
Basic home skills, like unclogging drains or resetting breakers, save time and prevent emergencies.
Focus on career skills
Practice communication
Learn a software used in your field
Start networking on LinkedIn
Look for internships, certifications, or entry level roles that build experience
Strengthen your financial habits
Track income and spending
Pay bills on time
Use credit responsibly
Avoid unnecessary debt
Twenty one is about creating the foundation you will build on for the next decade. The effort you put in now pays you back for years to come.
At this age, if you do not have any type of investment accounts, I HIGHLY recommend you look into it and open at least one. I also highly recommend you look into whole life insurance and purchase a policy at this age if you do not already have one. This is the most affordable you will ever get it. You can take out the smallest policy for now and always raise your limits at a later date. This is also a wonderful time to start building a small side hustle so it can grow over time.
7. What to Do Before Thirty
Your twenties are for building skills, stability, and confidence. You do not need to have everything figured out before thirty, but building certain foundations makes the next stages of life much smoother. Think of these as milestones, not deadlines.
Things to Complete Before Thirty
Build a good credit score
Pay bills on time, keep balances low, and avoid unnecessary debt.
Save at least a small emergency fund
Aim for one to three months of expenses. Even small consistent deposits matter.
Understand taxes and insurance
Know the basics of filing taxes, choosing health insurance, and reading your pay stub.
Learn to negotiate pay
Negotiate your worth confidently. This one skill can increase your lifetime earnings.
Create a basic investment account
Start simple with a retirement account or a basic index fund. The earlier you invest, the more time your money has to grow.
Improve financial habits
Track spending, budget realistically, automate bills, and review bank statements often.
Learn to cook basic meals
Being able to feed yourself well is a life skill that saves money and keeps you healthier.
Understand how to read contracts
Leases, job offers, loans, subscriptions. Know what you are agreeing to before signing anything.
Practice healthy boundaries
Learn to say no, protect your time, and recognize what drains your energy.
Build emotional awareness
Know your needs, notice your patterns, and learn how to communicate clearly.
Strengthen your career direction
Even if you change paths later, build transferable skills like communication, organization, and problem solving.
A Final Note
You do not have to be perfect by thirty.
You only need to stay intentional.
Keep learning, keep adjusting, and keep building the version of you that feels aligned with the life you want.
These foundations make your thirties easier, more stable, and more abundant.
Your Next Step in Adulting
Adulthood becomes easier when you understand the basics. From your first apartment to emergency planning and long term milestones, these skills help you stay prepared, confident, and in control.
Next, explore
Money and real world finance
Career development
Life organization
Your Resource Hub will guide you through every stage of building a strong, stable adult life.