This image description is for the infographic “Navigating Through Life: Moving Away from Home.” The infographic spreads over two images. Brittany designed the graphic. You can find her at https://www.inkybrittany.com/.

The background color is orange. The text colors are different shades of brown, orange, and yellow. The information is scattered across the page in no particular order. From the top left, the text reads:

Many people have their parents to help them move thru the first part of life.

[A picture shows a boy in a wheelchair eating at a table with his parents.]

Moving out means becoming independent and gaining self-confidence.

[A picture shows a boy moving into his new bedroom. His mom is helping him unpack his clothing.]

Below in text, “Living on you own = taking on the responsibilities of, cooking, cleaning & learning to fix things on your own without always having to pay or depend on someone else.

[Pictures show a girl cooking on a stovetop and vacuuming her bedroom. Two more pictures show a guy using a blender and a girl fixing the toilet.]

It can be scary...But don’t be afraid to take steps you’ve never taken before

[A picture shows a mom helping her son move into his new place. The picture shows that they rented a moving van and are carrying furniture and household items into the new place.]

It can be nerve wracking, but it can also be a really rewarding experience.

[A picture shows a girl thinking about all the things she has to do on her own now that she lives by herself: “rent, power bill, cleaning up, dishes, check the mail, laundry, groceries, and water bill.” Another picture shows a guy stretched out on his couch watching TV with his dog. The guy thinks, “TGIF.” There’s a glass of wine and some snacks on the table.]

The Internet & social media can be great resources for finding roommates and housing.

• Craigslist.com
• Facebook Marketplace

[Two text bubbles give examples of social media posts: “Looking for a roommate to sublet in December with the option to extend” and “Looking for a 1B/1B near Downtown in Early August, DM me”]

If you go to college you may be required to live on campus. Know your schools’ housing requirements.

• Make sure your mini-fridge is the right dimensions [A picture shows a mini fridge with arrows measuring height and width]
• No candles or incense [A picture shows a candle and incense]

Roommates

You may not be able to choose your roommate.

Roommates can be a challenge. They can also be a great source of support. If things don’t work out, remember it’s only temporary.

[A picture shows a sink full of dirty dishes and an angry person. Another shows two roommates sitting on a sofa eating pizza. A third picture shows a girl thinking, “Is it a good idea to live with someone I don’t know?”]

There are several options when it comes to paying rent

• Grants
• Loans [Pictures show a grant or loan application and a check]
• Family support [Picture shows a grandmother giving her grandson a check for rent. He says, “Thank you so much, Nana”]
• Part-time job [Picture shows a boy sitting at a desk working a part time job at his computer. He’s wearing a microphone headset.]
• A roommate [Picture shows two roommates hanging out in their kitchen together. One is sitting at the table and the other is putting dishes in the dishwasher.]

Emergency situations may arise that may make it difficult to pay rent, but it’s part of living away from home just like grocery shopping.

[A picture shows a guy in a wheelchair shopping in the produce section of a grocery store. He thinks, “Did the recipe say 6 oz. or 7?”]