Move Out Of Your Parents’ House in 5 Steps

Published on 7/22/2020
RSS

Many young adults experience a variety of emotions when it’s time to move out of their parents’ home. They might even feel uncertain about how to do so gracefully and appropriately. If you’re a high school or college grad and you’re about to transition into an apartment of your own, congratulations! That’s a huge step. Keep reading for five helpful tips that help you maintain a positive relationship with your parents as you progress into adulthood and independence. 


1. Take time to mentally prepare.
Fear of the unknown, uncertainty and stress about what the rest of your life is going to look like, and anxiety about breaking free from your parents are all completely NORMAL emotions! Don’t ignore or bury these feelings. Feel them, process them, and accept them. Moving out is a hard but necessary step, and the more open you are to your emotions, the better you’ll start to feel over time.


2. Talk to your parents.
Communication isn’t always easy, but it’s an extremely important skill to develop. If you feel comfortable discussing your emotions, open up as much or as little as you want. If you’re not sure what you can bring to your own apartment and what you should leave behind, ask. If you need help with money, moving, or anything else, be honest. Try not to have any expectations, but show your appreciation if they’re able to assist you. 


3. Figure out what to do with your stuff.

In order to avoid conflict down the road, talk to your parents about what to do with trophies, yearbooks, photo albums, scrapbooks, childhood toys, artwork, awards, baby books and items, and more. Save some memorable treasures, but don’t be afraid to throw out the majority of your stuff. There are a lot of great memories to come, and you’ll need the extra space.


4. Create a moving plan.
If you rent a truck, buy some boxes, and wait until the last minute to throw everything in boxes, you’ll end up stressed, frazzled, and overwhelmed. Create a plan in advance. Are you moving locally or out of the area? What supplies will you need? When is your packing deadline? When does your lease begin? When do you need to pay your security deposit and first months’ rent? Don’t miss any small details. They’re important, too.


5. Stick to your budget.
This is one of your first challenges as an independent adult: Set a budget, and stick to it. We know the couch at West Elm is gorgeous, but you can get one from Wayfair for a quarter of the price. Living above your means might feel exciting initially, but it can quickly turn into an insurmountable pile of debt. Live below your means until you have a decent savings, and even though, always stick to your budget.