Contributed by Info Guru Missy Nolan

You’ve been waiting for this moment forever – and even if you haven’t, your parents have probably been counting down the days.

Whether you’re 18 or 28, it is finally time to move out of Mom and/or Dad’s house and into your very own place.

Living on your own is fun, but it can be difficult at times. Read the helpful tips on moving into your first place below for hints on everything from utilities to household chores. You can thank us later.

10. Clean as You Go

Remember that one boss who used to always follow you around and remind you to “clean as you go”? She knew what she was talking about.

If you were privileged enough to grow up without a never-ending household chore list, you might be blissfully unaware of just how much work is required to keep a home clean. After a week of living on your own, it will be fairly obvious that tiny fairies aren’t fluttering around to wipe up spills or wash dishes. Keep your house stocked with general cleaning supplies so that you can scrub counters, floors, and furniture immediately after you make a mess.

9. Call Your Utility Companies at Least Two Weeks in Advance

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new place on moving day and discovering that you have no electricity, hot water or cable. Never assume that utilities are included when you move into a new place. If you are renting, ask your landlord which utilities tenants are responsible for and contact them at least two weeks in advance, earlier if possible.

8. Get Renter’s or Homeowner’s Insurance

When you’re living on your own, the last thing you want is another monthly expense. Don’t let that deter you from getting insurance, though. If something goes wrong, replacing your stolen items or repairing your broken home will cost significantly more than the small monthly premium you could have paid for insurance.

7. Stock up on Paper Plates and Plastic Cups

Even though one of our tips is to clean as you go, there will be days when it just won’t happen. If you get stuck working late for the 5th day in a row, you might come home to a sink filled with dirty dishes. Make sure you have plenty of disposable plates and plastic silverware for days like this.

Sometimes work isn’t the culprit. If your friends and family members love to stop by unannounced and eat all your food, hand them a bag of chips and some fun plastic party cups filled with juice.

6. Rugs are Your Friend

You might have the best vacuum cleaner in the world, but it’s still nice to have a decorative throw rug over your carpet or hardwood floor. A rug protects your floor from spills, muddy footprints, and other unwanted messes.

5. Buy Plenty of Premade Food

Unless you’re in culinary school, there will be days when your meals look – and taste -like they were prepared by a toddler. Make sure your pantry is filled with ready-to-eat foods, like delicious soup, microwavable macaroni and cheese, and packaged crackers with cheese or peanut butter.

4. Get to Know Your Neighbors

It’s important to get to know your neighbors, and not just because they throw cool parties or bake yummy muffins. Research shows that Neighborhood Watch Programs reduce crime at an average rate of 16 percent. Don’t use that as an excuse not to get insurance, though.

3. Be Nice to Your Landlord

If you’re renting, there might come a day when you’re short on your monthly payment or need something repaired in the home. Say “hi” to your landlord when you see her, follow the rules in your lease, and let her know about any potential problems (like the fact that your rent might be a few days late) well in advance. There are no formal studies that prove this, but landlords are usually more flexible with the tenants that aren’t a major pain in the you-know-what.

2. Prepare for an Emergency

You never know what might happen, so prepare yourself for the worst. Have an emergency kit ready in case of flood, fire or other natural disasters. It’s also good to know where to go in case of a tornado or earthquake.

1. Hold a Housewarming Party

Parties aren’t just for people who are pregnant or engaged. Host a fun housewarming party and register for all the things that you need – and want –for your new place. Yeah, you probably won’t get that fancy mixer or pasta machine, but you might score some new silverware or towels.