It’s natural for all of us to want to forge our own path. So if it’s time for you to move out of your parents’ house, we’re here to help you.
Key Takeaways
- Review your finances and find out what’s required to live on your own
- Make an emergency fund
- Make a reasonable budget to prepare for upcoming expenses
- Don’t move for the wrong reasons
- Find a new home to call your own
- Hire professional movers to make the process easy and seamless
- Use a moving checklist to make sure you have the items you need
Going out on your own can be daunting and maybe a little intimidating. After all, it’s normal for us to be drawn to comfortability. But it can be easy if you know how to prepare!
Here are seven of our top tips if you’ve decided to move out of the family nest.
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#1. Make Sure You Have A Handle On Your Finances
There are many different reasons to move out of your parents’ home. But a journey this impressive doesn’t come without extensive considerations you’ll need to keep in mind.
When it comes down to it, your parents’ house isn’t ideal for exploring an independent life. But if you’re dependent on others for living expenses, you must first ensure you can support yourself.
Many young adults may rush into independent living before they are ready. So don’t make the same mistake! Money is one of the most important factors when deciding to move.
After all, moving isn’t free. And your future living space won’t be free either!
You’ll need to budget to ensure you have enough money to cover moving expenses and other independent expenses.
Know What Your Apartment Requires
If you’re moving out of your parents’ house, you’re likely moving into an apartment. The process will be slightly different if you buy a home.
So if you’re moving into an apartment, you need to know what’s required of you.
Many apartments have upfront expenses like application fees and security deposits. Property managers may also review your credit history and ensure you have an adequate, steady income to pay rent on time.
It might be hard to qualify for an apartment if your finances are nonexistent. Each property will have varying requirements, so ensure you know what you need to get your dream apartment.
#2. Save Enough Money For Emergencies
Part of your finances should include emergency savings.
If you’re moving out on your own for the first time, you may not know just how expensive independent life is. But you never know what might happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!
You’ll need to ensure you have money for initial expenses like deposits and moving costs. But you’ll also need to have enough money saved for unexpected situations.
If you don’t have emergency savings the first time your independent living goes south, you’ll be right back where you came from. With your parents. And if you’re taking the leap to move out on your own, you probably don’t want to end up back there again.
Don’t underestimate the importance of money saved.
Wondering how much you should put away?
Ensure you have enough money to cover four months’ worth of expenses. Add up rent, utilities, phone bills, car insurance, and food costs, and multiply it by four.
#3. Create A Personal Budget To Help Cover Living Expenses
As we said, living on your own isn’t free. And it would be best if you were financially ready to move. That’s where a personal budget comes in!
You need to ensure you can cover your upcoming monthly expenses. After preparing for moving costs and initial fees to get an apartment or home, it’s time to prepare for the rest.
Make a budget covering your monthly expenses. This should take into account both fixed and variable costs.
Fixed expenses stay the same each month and don’t change. This can include things like your rent and cell phone bill.
Variable expenses fluctuate from month to month. Examples of variable expenses can include things like food and entertainment costs.
You’ll need to determine how much money you want to budget for all your monthly expenses, including fixed and variable costs. Determine how much it will cost each month for:
- Housing (rent or mortgage)
- Utilities (electricity, water, trash services, etc.)
- Transportation (gas, public transport fees, or vehicle expenses)
- Food (groceries or restaurants)
- Insurance (health insurance, car insurance, renter’s insurance, or life insurance)
- Childcare (daycare)
- Essentials (toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste, paper towels, dishwasher detergent, etc.)
- Pet care (annual exams and shots, food, toys, or treats)
- Health and fitness (gym memberships, vitamins, medicine, or therapy)
- Debt (car payments, student loans, or credit cards)
- Entertainment (subscription services like Netflix or Hulu, movie theaters, or video games)
- Personal money (for things like vacations)
It seems like there’s a lot that goes into making a budget. And that’s true to a certain extent. However, proper planning can help ensure you are fully prepared to live on your own.
So don’t ignore the importance of budgeting your expenses!
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#4. Move Out For The Right Reasons
Moving is a stressful process. However, this journey is one that most of us will take at one point or another.
Though moving is already a huge step, moving out of the family nest is much more significant.
It’s natural to feel a very substantial attachment to a place of family. But, on the other hand, many of us can feel a strong urge to leave as soon as possible. After all, independent life calls to us all!
So when you’re looking to move out of your parents’ house, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.
Moving is a life-changing decision. It’s best to ensure you’re not rushing into it or doing it for the wrong reasons. Instead, analyze the true reasons why you want to venture out on your own.
You should reconsider your options if you feel obligated to move due to peer pressure or temporary annoyance. But, especially if you can’t afford to move, don’t jump into something you’re not ready for.
Without true financial stability, your brave move into independent living may not go how you intend it to.
Make sure you review your finances. And if you’re ready for new changes and challenges, make that jump!
Especially if it’s your first time living alone, the new experiences and friendships you’ll discover will make it all worth it.
#5. Find A Place To Live!
Don’t forget about the obvious things. After ensuring you have a steady income and your finances are in order, it’s time for the more exciting part of your new journey.
Finding a new place to live can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. But it’s also a lengthy process, and you must ensure you cover all your bases.
If you’re moving out of your parents’ home, you’re likely looking to either buy a house or rent an apartment.
Let’s start with the first one.
Buying A New Home
If moving is a big step, buying a home is a gigantic leap. It’s normal for many people to live with their parents or other family members while saving money to buy a house.
Buying a home can be a complicated and in-depth process. But there are a few key aspects to keep in mind.
If you want to purchase a house, you’ll want to ensure you’re debt-free or as close to debt-free as possible. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) should be 33%. That means your gross monthly income should be three times your monthly debts.
For example, if your debts cost you $1,500 per month, your monthly gross income should be at least $4,500.
Make sure you have money for a down payment and closing costs and that your credit score is satisfactory. Next, you’ll need to find a mortgage that is right for you and get preapproved.
Find a home you are excited to live in long-term, as many mortgages are a 30-year commitment. Ensure you can afford it, and make an offer!
Renting An Apartment
Buying a home isn’t easy. And there is a lot that goes into it. If you’re not ready for that kind of intensive commitment, renting an apartment or condo is a better choice!
Determine your budget beforehand, and decide how much you are willing to spend on monthly rental costs. If you are keen on saving money, you can also find a roommate to split the costs with.
When you’re narrowing down your apartment choices, take into account factors like:
- Location and proximity to places you frequent
- Amenities, such as an on-site gym or pool
- Rental requirements
- Cost and one-time fees
Budget money not only for monthly rent but also for one-time expenses like application fees and security deposits. Renters can also require things like personal references, credit and background checks, and income verification.
You may have fewer options if you have no previous rental history and a lower credit score. Ensure you have as much support as possible, and look over your options.
#6. Find A Reliable Moving Company
We’re not done yet. Moving is a long process, but the most important parts have yet to come!
The moving process itself needs plenty of attention. And one thing you shouldn’t overlook is hiring reliable and professional movers to help with the nitty-gritty part.
Though you may feel obligated to try and muscle the entire move solo, that’s not usually the best idea. Professional movers make it much easier for you to focus on essential things like balancing a budget and deciding upon your new dream apartment.
Take the time to find a moving company you can trust with your valuables. And if you need extra moving services, make sure the company you pick offers what you need.
At The Movers Moving And Storage, we know precisely how to give you a stress-free move. We work with you through the moving process to put your mind at ease, and we don’t let anything slip through the cracks. Literally.
At our family-owned and operated company, we treat your items like our own. We carefully handle and attentively package your belongings so that nothing is damaged during the move.
All glassware is meticulously packaged with bubble wrap, and all your furniture is fully pad-wrapped. In the event of an accident, we pay out any damage in claims.
Professional movers are one of the best investments if you’re moving. Don’t underestimate that!
#7. Make A Checklist, So You Don’t Forget Anything
If you’re moving out of your parents’ home, you likely need to expand your possessions. Young adults who live with family unknowingly borrow more items than they may already have.
So when it’s time to be fully independent, you’ll need to ensure you have the things you need to succeed alone. And at the same time, it’s easy to forget or overlook basic essentials. But we’ve got your back.
Here is a general list of things you might be missing that you’ll need to get before you move.
- A mattress and bedding, such as pillows and sheets
- Kitchen supplies
- Pots and pans
- Spatula and other utensils
- Silverware
- Plates, bowls, and cups
- Coffee mug
- Basic spices
- Kitchen knives
- Towels
- Cleaning supplies, like a broom, vacuum, microfiber cloths, and cleaning solutions
- Shower curtain and rod
- Storage bins to organize your belongings
- First aid kit
- Standing lamps or table lamps
What you want to put in your new home is inevitably up to you. So make sure you set yourself up to have what you need to live comfortably and happily!
If you’re getting ready to make that move into independence, you’re in for the journey of a lifetime. From our family to yours, we wish you good luck!
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The Movers Moving & Storage has been a family-owned and operated moving company for 40 years and across three generations. Serving areas in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Spring Hill, Lakeland, Wesley Chapel, Brandon, and Clearwater in Florida, our simple approach to moving has not changed since the day we opened. We treat our customers like family and their belongings like our own. For more moving facts and information, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
