Ready to fly the nest, huh? Moving out of your parents’ house is a masssssive milestone. You’ve decided to pack up your childhood room, say goodbye to Mom’s home-cooked dinners and step out into the world as a full-fledged adult. But before you start daydreaming about that perfectly Instagrammable apartment, let’s get real for a second.
The whole process isn’t just picking out cute throw pillows and figuring out which plants won’t die on you. It’s budgeting, planning, and setting yourself up to thrive, not just survive.
1. Setting Up a Moving-Out Fund
Let’s get one thing straight—freedom isn’t free when moving out of your parents’ house. You can’t just walk out the door with a suitcase and good vibes. You need cash—cold, hard, reality-checking cash for your new independent life.
Living on your own isn’t just about paying rent—it’s also about covering groceries, utilities, internet, and those surprise expenses that pop up when you least expect them. Moving out of your parents’ house means you need to be prepared for all of this.
The sooner you start saving, the better. While you’re stacking those bills, don’t sleep on your credit score. A low or non-existent credit score can seriously mess up your moving-out plans—think higher deposits, denied leases, and pricier loans. Start building or improving it now, even if it’s as simple as paying off a small credit card balance each month.
Create a moving-out fund, and treat it like it’s sacred. This is the stash you’ll dip into for all your initial expenses when moving out of your parents’ house, from deposits to down payments to that IKEA couch you’ve been eyeing.
What you’ll need to cover:
Security Deposit: Most landlords will ask for a security deposit upfront. This is usually equivalent to one month’s rent.
First and Last Month’s Rent: Yep, you’re paying two months’ rent before you even unpack a box.
Moving Costs: Whether you’re renting a U-Haul, bribing friends with pizza, or hiring professionals, moving isn’t free.
Essentials: Think of basics like a bed, kitchen supplies, and maybe even Wi-Fi (because who can live without it?).
And, oh, before you get all hyped about assembling that IKEA furniture like a pro after moving out of your parents’ house, remember: overestimating your DIY skills can cost you. Unless you’re secretly a carpenter, some of that “easy-to-assemble” stuff will have you sweating, swearing, and possibly breaking things. Set aside a bit of your fund for help if needed, because nothing kills that new-apartment vibe faster than a half-built bedframe.
How Much Should You Save?
The golden rule is to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses before you make the leap. That means if your estimated monthly costs are $1,500, you’ll want to have between $4,500 and $9,000 saved up. Sound like a lot? It is, but you’ll be glad you did it later when you’re not scrambling to make ends meet.
Tip: Start putting aside a portion of your income each month specifically for your move. Open a separate savings account if you have to. Make it untouchable, except for emergencies—or you know, when you finally make the big leap into moving out of your parents’ house.
2. Estimating the Costs of Independence
Once you’ve got your initial funds set, it’s time to dive into the ongoing costs of living on your own. The excitement of picking out your own place can quickly fade when you realize just how much it costs.
This isn’t just a one-time deal; you’ll have to manage your budget month after month.
Living on your own isn’t just about rent—it’s a whole new financial ecosystem. Let’s break it down.
Here’s what you’re looking at when moving out of your parents’ house:
Rent
This is the big one. Typically, rent should be no more than 30% of your income. So, if you’re earning $3,000 a month, aim for rent around $900. But remember, location matters. Renting a place in a bustling city will cost more than in a quieter town. Do the math, and be honest with yourself about what you can afford after moving out of your parents’ house.
Utilities
Electric, gas, water, internet—yep, you’ve got to pay for all that. Utilities can sneak up on you. These can add up, so don’t underestimate them. Depending on where you live, this could add another $100 to $300 to your monthly budget. Ask your potential landlord for an estimate if you’re unsure.
Groceries
Say goodbye to Mom’s homemade lasagna on a whim. Now that you’ve moved out of your parents’ house, you’re in charge of feeding yourself. This might be a learning curve, but hey, frozen pizzas are a solid backup.
Furniture & Household Essentials
You might have dreams of a Pinterest-worthy apartment, but the reality is, furniture costs money—lots of it. But it’s not just about buying stuff—it’s also about maintaining it.
Home maintenance costs are sneaky, from light bulbs to leaky faucets, and let’s not even start on the cost of decent cleaning supplies. If you’re not planning for those little things, they’ll eat away at your budget faster than you can say “dust bunnies.”
Start with the basics: a bed, a sofa, a table, and some chairs.
Don’t forget the kitchen essentials, too. You’ll need pots, pans, dishes, and a few utensils, unless you plan on eating takeout forever. Budget around $2,000 to $5,000 for furnishing your new place, depending on your taste and whether you’re shopping new or second-hand.
That “great deal” on rent might come with strings attached—like extra fees for trash pickup, parking, or even using the building’s gym. Always ask about these extras before signing on the dotted line.
Transportation
Whether it’s gas for your car, a monthly subway pass, or that Uber habit you can’t quit, make sure you factor this in.
Also, the cost of commuting isn’t just about money—you have to math in time.
That dreamy apartment in a hip neighborhood could quickly become a nightmare if it means a 90-minute commute. Factor in both the literal and figurative costs of getting from A to B every day.
Insurance: Renter’s insurance isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. Plus, it’s usually pretty cheap. It can protect you from liability if someone gets hurt in your apartment or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. Skip it, and you’re playing with fire—literally and figuratively.
You’ll need to prioritize. You can live without a juicer, but a bed? Non-negotiable.
Tip: Track your spending for a couple of months while you’re still at home. It’ll give you a clearer picture of what you’re in for and where you might need to cut back once you’re on your own.
3. Finding the Right Place
Now comes the fun part—finding your new home after moving out of your parents’ house. But before you get too excited about that trendy loft downtown, consider a few things:
Budget
Stick to it. If the rent’s too high, it doesn’t matter how cute the apartment is. Moving out of your parents’ house comes with new financial responsibilities, so don’t stretch your budget too thin.
Neighborhood
Safety first. Plus, think about the vibe—do you want somewhere bustling with nightlife, or are you a quiet, tree-lined street kind of person? Moving out of your parents’ house to a new place means finding a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle, not just a place that looks good on Instagram.
Proximity to Work/School
Long commutes suck. Maybe make sure your new place is reasonably close to where you need to be most days. After moving out of your parents’ house, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a shorter commute.
Amenities for moving out of your parent’s house
Check for things like laundry facilities, parking, or a decent grocery store nearby. These little things will make your life easier.
The location you choose will dictate your lifestyle. Want to be close to work? Or maybe you’re looking for a spot that’s within walking distance of your favorite coffee shop. Consider proximity of your new place to public transportation, grocery stores, and social spots. Your future self will thank you for the shorter commute and easy access to necessities.
Roommates or Solo Living?
Living with roommates in your new place can save you money and offer built-in companionship, but it also means less privacy and potential conflicts over dishes or noise levels.
Going solo at your new place gives you complete control over your space, but it’s definitely more expensive. Think about what’s more important to you—your budget or your sanity.
Lease Details
Read the fine print. No, seriously—read it.
And beyond just reading, you need to know your rights. Landlords aren’t always saints, and you’ll want to be ready if they try to pull a fast one. Research local tenant laws so you’re not caught off guard if something shady goes down at the new place. Trust me, it’s better to be prepared than scrambling to Google when things get dicey.
Make sure you understand the lease terms, the duration, and any clauses about breaking the lease or subletting.
Pay attention to what’s included in the rent, like utilities or parking, so there are no surprises.
Tip: Take your time with this step—it’s where you’ll spend most of your days (and nights), so make sure it feels right. Visit potential places at different times of day to get a feel for the neighborhood. Talk to potential neighbors, and don’t rush into signing a lease. Is it lively or too lively? Safe or sketchy? You’ll want a place where you can see yourself thriving.
4. Moving In
You’ve found your new place, you’ve signed the lease, and now it’s time to actually move. Deep breath. Moving day is chaotic, but it’s also the first day of your new life, away from your parents’ house. Here’s how to make it smoother when moving out of your parents’ house:
Pack Smart to Move Out of Your Parents’ House
Start early. Packing always takes longer than you think, and the last thing you want is to be throwing random stuff into boxes at midnight before your move.
Label boxes by room, and keep a box of essentials that you’ll need right away (think toilet paper, a change of clothes, and phone chargers) for when you’re settling into your new place.
Moving Day Logistics
Are you renting a truck or hiring movers? The choice depends on your budget and how much stuff you have. If you’re doing it yourself, enlist friends or family to help. Moving out of your parents’ house can be stressful no matter what age you are, but with good company (and maybe a pizza or two), it can be surprisingly fun.
Unpack Strategically
Start with the essentials—like your bed and kitchen stuff. The decorative items can wait.
Resist the urge to rush into fully furnishing and decorating your new place the second you move in. Take your time—live in the space for a bit to understand what you really need and want. Buying everything at once can lead to regret purchases and a maxed-out credit card, which you definitely don’t need when you’re just starting to make your new home feel like yours after moving out of your parents’ house.
5. The First Few Months
You’ve done it! You’re in your new place, boxes are unpacked (mostly), and now it’s time to settle in and start this new chapter of your life.
The first few months on your own at your new place will be an adjustment, no doubt about it. Here’s how to make sure you’re not just scraping by:
Stick to Your Budget When You Move Out of Your Parents’ House
Keep an eye on your spending. It’s easy to go overboard when you first get your freedom, but remember, you’ve got bills to pay. Thriving on your own is staying on top of your finances. Create a monthly budget that accounts for all your expenses—rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and a little fun money, too. Track your spending to make sure you’re not going overboard.
Learn to Cook Even Before You Move Out of Your Parents’ House
Eating out every night is tempting, but it’s also expensive. Start with simple meals and work your way up. Start with the basics. Not only will cooking save you money, but it’s also a life skill that’ll impress your friends (and maybe even that cute neighbor).
Make Friends with Your New Neighbors Once You Move Out of Your Parents’ House
And here’s a bitter pill—assuming your friends will always be around. As people move for jobs, relationships, or just life, your social circle might shrink.
That’s why building new connections in your neighborhood is crucial.
Don’t rely solely on your old crew to keep you company, or you might find yourself feeling lonelier than expected.
Living alone after moving out of your parents’ house doesn’t mean you have to be lonely.
Make an effort to stay connected with friends and family, and don’t be afraid to explore your new neighborhood and meet new people.
At the same time, take care of yourself. Treat yourself to some downtime, whether that’s a Netflix binge, a long bath, or a weekend getaway. Building a sense of community is key to feeling at home in a new place.
Doesn’t matter if it’s morning coffee on the balcony or a weekly clean-up day, routines help you feel grounded. Living on your own in a new place means you’re in charge of everything—cooking, cleaning, laundry. It can be overwhelming, but establishing a routine can help. Set aside time each week for grocery shopping, meal prep, and tidying up your space. A clean, organized home is a happy home.
Tip: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything perfect right away. It’s a process, and it’s okay to take your time settling in.
You’ve Got This
Moving out is a big deal. Living on your own is a learning curve, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every small win—like figuring out how to fix a leaky faucet or nailing that perfect pasta recipe—will boost your confidence. It’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety—that’s all part of the process. But with the right planning, budgeting, and mindset, you’re not just moving out of your parent’s house—you’re moving up.
Welcome to the adventure of living on your own. Trust me, you’re going to crush it.
