Independent Living Starter Pack

Moving out for the first time is overwhelming. This pack covers everything you actually need to know — in plain language, without assuming you have family to help you figure it out.

31 pages. Fillable throughout. Print it, write in it, keep it.

Whether you're leaving care, moving out for the first time, or just trying to get on top of things — this pack was made for you. It's also used by support workers, caseworkers and youth workers with the young people they work with.

WHAT'S INSIDE

Housing — renting basics, bonds, your rights as a tenant, rooming houses, share houses, what to check before you sign anything, what to do if your landlord does the wrong thing

Money — a weekly budget template with real Sydney cost estimates, setting up utilities, fee-free bank accounts, what to do when you run out before pay day, emergency financial help

Centrelink — every payment you might be eligible for, step-by-step application guide, mutual obligations explained, what to do if Centrelink says you owe money

Documents — birth certificate, Medicare card, TFN, myGov, bank account, concession card — where to get each one and how much it costs (free for care leavers flagged throughout)

Food — minimum kitchen equipment, basic pantry list, 8 easy cheap meals with actual instructions, food storage tips, free food services

Health — Medicare explained, how to find a bulk-billing GP, what to bring to your first appointment, mental health pathways, dental, sexual health, after-hours care

Work & Study — rights at work, minimum wage, superannuation, casual vs part-time vs full-time explained, how to do a tax return, Fee-Free TAFE, apprenticeships

Legal Basics — contracts, fines and how to clear them, rights with police, free legal help

Services — crisis contacts and a full topic-by-topic directory covering housing, legal, mental health, DV, leaving care, LGBTQIA+, First Nations, food, disability

Safety Planning — fillable personal crisis plan including warning signs, safe people, things that help, safe places

Self Care — practical, non-preachy. What genuinely helps and what doesn't

My Goals — 30, 60 and 90 day planning pages across five categories, plus a wins section

Notes — three lined pages for anything else

WHO IT'S FOR

Young people moving out for the first time. People leaving care. Anyone starting fresh. Support workers, caseworkers and youth workers who use it with the young people they work with.

FORMAT

Instant digital download — PDF, A5, 31 pages, 2026 edition. Print at home or at a library. Write directly in the PDF if you prefer digital.

PROFESSIONAL USE

A professional licence is available for workers who use this regularly with clients — one purchase, unlimited use with young people on your caseload. Contact hello@creativespring.com.au

This document is licenced for single personal use. Organisational licences available — see shop or contact hello@creativespring.com.au

© CreativeSpring 2026. All rights reserved.