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Ready to move out of your parents’ house? From budgeting and packing to finding your first apartment or room to rent, read about our checklist for leaving the nest.
Moving out of your parent’s house is a significant milestone in life. Whether you’re doing it for college, starting a new job, or simply craving independence, this step is exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s not just about packing up your belongings—it’s about preparing emotionally, financially, and practically for the next chapter of your life. To help you navigate this transition smoothly, Roommates.com has created a checklist covering everything you need to know before you fly the nest. In this guide, we'll cover:
Before making any hasty moving plans, it’s crucial to determine whether you’re ready for the commitment that comes with homeownership.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) explains, “Prospective home buyers often do not know or understand their financing options, and homeowners can encounter unexpected costs, struggle to maintain their initial payment plans and encounter foreclosure rescue scams.”
Avoid potential pitfalls as a first-time home buyer. It’s ideal to have:
A stable source of income and employment: Since the average mortgage loan term is 15 – 30 years, a lender will want to see evidence of stable income, such as pay stubs and W-2s, and a solid work history.
A qualifying credit score: Your credit score assesses the risk involved with giving you a loan. Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 580 to obtain a home loan. However, a score above 720 is likely to give you the best loan terms.
Minimal or no debt: If you have a lot of debt, it can be difficult to get a loan, making your loan more expensive. You may want to pay off your debt or pay it down before adding on the cost of homeownership.
Location is everything. Whether you’re moving to a new city or just a few miles away, choosing a place that fits your lifestyle and budget is crucial. Consider factors like proximity to work, access to public transportation, and the neighborhood's vibe. For instance, if you’re a foodie, you might enjoy living in a city like Chicago, whereas Atlanta is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
Financial stability is critical when moving out. Start by creating a detailed budget that includes rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, and transportation. Ensure you understand your credit score's ins and outs, and consider getting a credit card to help build credit. A solid financial plan will give you the confidence to move forward.
Before moving out, gather and secure all your important documents. This includes your birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, medical records, and any financial documents like bank statements or tax records. Organizing these essential papers will make setting up your new life smoother, especially when dealing with leases, job applications, or healthcare needs. Consider storing a safe or secure folder in your new place.
Moving out means taking on new responsibilities, including legal obligations. Review any rental agreements thoroughly, understand your rights as a tenant, and be aware of the terms surrounding security deposits, leases, and renter’s insurance. Knowing local laws about utilities, subleasing, and even noise ordinances is also helpful. Understanding this “legal stuff” ensures you’ll avoid any potential headaches as you settle into your new independent life.
Find a Roommate to Share Rent CostsSharing a space with a roommate can significantly reduce your living expenses. This is especially beneficial in cities with high rent, such as New York. While adjusting to living with someone else might take some time, it’s also an excellent opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Use platforms like Roommates.com to find a compatible roommate!
Living on your means, you’ll need to handle various tasks that you might not have had to worry about before. Learn how to cook simple meals, do basic repairs, and manage your time effectively. These skills will help you save money and make your independent life much easier. In this paragraph, mention how helpful it can be learning some basic life skills such as fixing a leaky faucet, do some basic repairs and cooking easy meals to save money.
So, you’ve determined you’re ready for the financial responsibility of leaving the nest alone or with a roommate. What should you do next? It may be helpful to tell your parents and other loved ones about your decision. Your loved ones may express concerns about how moving out could affect your safety and overall well-being. They may also worry you’re not ready to take such a big step.
If this happens, share your plans for living safely and responsibly. By keeping your loved ones informed, they may be more willing to provide any needed help, and you can also lean on their experience.
Moving out of your parent’s house can also impact your relationships. Your parents and other important people may miss you or fear negative relationship changes. For this reason, consider how you’ll stay connected with your loved ones after moving. Perhaps set aside time each week to call or visit them!
Once you’ve told your family and friends of your decision, it’s time to start thinking beyond the hypothetical. Setting a deadline for moving out is an effective way to advance the moving process.
That will depend on your unique situation. If you’re renting a new space, you’ll want to consider factors such as the time of year, current housing market conditions, availability of inventory, and events in your personal life. Consider the time it takes to set up essential household services in your name that may not be included in your rent, such as trash removal, Internet, gas, electricity, and more.
Renting in a new city can be expensive, especially in places like New York where prices can skyrocket. Sharing a place with a roommate can help cut down the cost, making rent much more affordable when divided between two or more people. While adjusting to living with someone new can take time, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and build connections in your new city. If you're looking to find the perfect roommate, check out our roommate finder page to get started!
When it’s finally time to pack up, start by decluttering your belongings. Decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Pack boxes by labeling them by the room they will be used in to make unpacking easier. For example, label kitchen items “kitchen” on the outside of the box, ideally on multiple sides of the box. If needed, hire a moving service! Moving can be stressful, but being organized will make the process much smoother.
Moving out is a significant emotional and financial change, which can be daunting.
Financial Independence: One of the biggest hurdles is financial. Living independently means paying for rent, utilities, groceries, and all the other costs your parents may have helped cover. It can be daunting to manage a budget and cover all these expenses on your own.
Emotional Attachment: Leaving the comfort of home can be an emotional adjustment. You’re leaving behind the familiar routines, support system, and security you’ve grown up with. The thought of being on your own can trigger feelings of anxiety or homesickness.
Fear of the Unknown: Starting fresh in a new place often comes with uncertainty—figuring out how to manage a household, handle unexpected responsibilities, and navigate new social situations can be overwhelming.
Convenience: Living at home typically offers convenience—meals are made, utilities are paid, and there’s often a sense of shared responsibility. Moving out means taking on all those tasks, which can feel like a big step.
Comfort Zone: Home is a comfortable and safe space. Venturing out on your own requires leaving that comfort zone, which can feel risky or uncomfortable at first. These challenges make moving out a big transition, but they’re also an opportunity for personal growth and independence!
Consider location, budget, safety, and amenities, space and layout, and other plans when choosing a place to live. Let's examine the importance of each of these factors and why it is important to look for them when choosing a place to live.
Location: Proximity to work, schools, or public transportation is key. Think about access to essentials like grocery stores, healthcare, and entertainment. The neighborhood's vibe is also important—does it fit your lifestyle?
Budget: Ensure the rent or mortgage fits your financial situation. Don’t forget to account for additional costs like utilities, maintenance, and insurance.
Safety: Research the crime rate in the area. Look for well-lit streets, secure building access, and a safe community. Is there covered parking or is there street parking?
Amenities: What does the property offer? Consider amenities like parking, laundry facilities, gyms, or pet-friendliness. The extras can enhance your quality of life.
Space, Layout, and Amenities: Ensure the home fits your needs in terms of bedrooms, bathrooms, and general layout. Think about storage, natural light, and room for any pets or hobbies. Will you be sharing a bathroom with a roommate, or do you require your own en suite? Do you prefer to share living spaces, or do you require a quiet space to work from home?
Future Plans: Consider your long-term goals. Will this place support your lifestyle for a few years, or will you outgrow it soon?
Taking these factors into account will help you make a well-informed decision and choose a place to live that fits your needs and lifestyle!
There’s no perfect age—it depends on your readiness and circumstances.
Moving out for the first time is a huge step towards independence. It can be challenging, but with the right preparation and support from family and friends, you’ll be ready to take on the world. If you’re nervous, remember that asking for advice is okay. And when it comes to finding a great place to live, a site like Roommates.com can be an excellent resource for finding the perfect roommate and home.
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