11/09/2025
A good list of skills to have before you move out of the house.
🧠 Personal Responsibility & Mindset
- Wakes up on time without being told
- Takes responsibility for mistakes (no blaming)
- Manages time and priorities
- Understands how to set and reach goals
- Knows how to handle stress and frustration
- Can advocate for themselves (with teachers, bosses, landlords, etc.)
- Understands consent and personal boundaries
- Practices self-control around money, food, screens, and emotions
💰 Financial Skills
- Knows how to create and follow a budget
- Understands the difference between needs and wants
- Can pay bills on time (rent, utilities, phone, etc.)
- Balances a bank account or uses an app responsibly
- Understands credit, interest, and debt
- Can file taxes or knows where to get help
- Saves money consistently
- Knows how to read a paycheck and understand deductions
🏠 Home & Life Skills
- Does laundry properly
- Cleans a bathroom and kitchen
- Keeps their living space organized and sanitary
- Basic home maintenance (changing a lightbulb, plunging a toilet, etc.)
- Understands how to shop for and cook balanced meals
- Can plan meals and grocery shop on a budget
- Understands how to manage trash and recycling
- Can safely use household cleaning products and appliances
👥 Social & Relationship Skills
- Communicates respectfully (in person and online)
- Can resolve conflicts calmly
- Maintains healthy boundaries in friendships and dating
- Understands roommate etiquette
- Shows gratitude and appreciation
- Understands when and how to ask for help
- Manages online reputation and privacy
🚗 Practical & Safety Skills
- Knows basic car maintenance (check oil, tire pressure, etc.)
- Understands basic first aid and emergency procedures
- Can navigate public transportation
- Understands personal safety (locks, situational awareness, etc.)
- Can handle medical appointments, prescriptions, and insurance forms
- Knows how to protect personal information and avoid scams
💼 Work & Education Skills
- Can complete a job application or résumé
- Shows up on time and dresses appropriately for work
- Communicates professionally with supervisors
- Understands taxes, pay periods, and benefits
- Balances work, school, and personal life responsibly
- Takes initiative and solves small problems independently
