Take all of this advice with a grain of salt. It's not bad, but it may not be for you. Moving out is a Big Deal, but it's also just a first step. Maybe this is your first in a string of apartments. Maybe you move back in with your parents for a while. Maybe you get into a bigger place the next time you move.

The maybe list is basically infinite. The people here are trying to give advice based on their personal journey. It's all well intentioned and solid advice, but if it doesn't fit you then move to the next piece.

You make the rules now (some of them)