How do you know when the time has come to move out of your parents’ house? It is the house you grew up in with so many memories, a place you call home. It can be hard to even entertain the idea of moving out.
But as you become an adult, there is an increasing feeling that you no longer like the idea of going home. Instead, you prefer spending time outside your home, working late, and going out with friends. As a result, home starts to feel a little strange.
So how do you know when it is the right time to move out of your parents’ house? It can be a difficult decision. So, we have listed a few signs that may be able to help you figure out whether you should have your own place or not.
Ten Signs It’s Time to Get Your Own Place
If you’re unsure about the decision to move out of your family home, then you need to consider some signs. Living on your own is a significant decision. But unfortunately, nobody can figure out what is the perfect time to leave your parents’ house.
Here are a few signs that might help you determine if you’re ready to start this next chapter of your life.
Having Regular Arguments with Your Parents
Most kid loves their parents, but as you grow up and enter graduate school, you will begin to experience new ideas and thoughts. Your brain will begin to understand more abstract concepts, and your thought process will begin to change.
Be honest-you are not the person you were five or six years ago. Keeping that in perspective, what you do and how you act may not be received well by your parents. You may even begin to think that the ideas and thoughts your parents have lived by are crazy, and you don’t agree with them anymore.
This is a generational difference, and it may become more evident as you begin to argue over simple things at home. This is one of the first signs you should consider moving out.
Curfew Still Exists
Many children have a curfew while living with their parents. As a teen, you probably agreed with this principle. Not going out on school nights and getting home by 9:00 pm on weekends was the right thing to do. It made sense back then.
But now, as an adult, not being allowed to go out on weekdays and having to return home by a specific time may seem a bit ridiculous.
Being restricted in your movements as an adult, when you are working or studying full-time, can make living with your parents much more complicated. You may begin to feel suffocated when you aren’t allowed to act your age and do things you would be able to do if you lived alone.
If you’re being made to follow strict rules while at your parents’ house, it may be another sign that you should start saving enough money to have your own place.
Understandably, you want to stay on your parents’ good side, but if you long to be independent and want to feel free to do whatever you want, then it is time to move away.
Lack of Ownership
Living at home can also be very complicated as an adult in the ownership department.
Your parents have shared everything with you their whole lives and you have always shared with your siblings. Now as an adult, you may feel more possessive of certain things that you have purchased on your own.
In some cases, siblings may start using your personal belongings, such as your car or TV. If that is an issue you’re currently facing and you don’t feel you own anything even when it is rightfully yours, then perhaps it’s time to start the moving-out process.
There’s No Concept of Privacy
As a young adult, there may be some parts of your life that you want to keep private from your siblings and parents. But there is generally a distinct lack of privacy if you live at your family’s home.
If you don’t have a lock on your door, it acts as an invitation for anyone to barge in and snoop around your room. They can take your belongings whenever they need them, even though you may need them.
On top of this your family will also be very aware of your social and love life if you bring people home. So, they may interfere in these matters, and for someone who likes to keep their private life private, this is probably a primary reason to move out.
You Can’t Watch TV or Listen to the Music you Prefer
As you grow older, your preference is bound to change regarding the content you consume. For example, you may be done with pop music and now enjoy rap with explicit lyrics that you can’t listen to around younger siblings.
Or you cannot watch what you like on the streaming services you paid for because your parents or siblings won’t enjoy it. This is why it may seem like the only option is to leave your parents’ house and find your own living space.
At least that way, you can consume all sorts of content you like and enjoy.
You Can Manage Your Living Expenses
Living by yourself isn’t a walk in the park. You have to pay rent, manage monthly expenses, and take care of personal finances, all while probably trying to clear your student debt. In addition, the moving process will probably seem impossible if you don’t have an emergency fund.
But, if you have been careful with your money throughout your high-school years, and got a job, then there is an excellent chance that your savings account has accumulated enough to put money towards a security deposit on an apartment. This will help you rent your own apartment and even pay the first month’s rent.
If you have a savings account or emergency savings, you really shouldn’t wait any longer-you need to start apartment hunting ASAP!
And if you’re financially stable and have been paying your bills, then renting an apartment won’t be such a big deal. This will also help you build a good credit score, and you can move on.
Your Relationship with your Parents is Toxic
Having a toxic relationship with your parents is one of the reasons why you should start thinking about living on your own.
Several children have traumatic relationships with their parents. As a result, they don’t feel valued and are consistently criticized for whatever choices they make for themselves.
There can be several reasons why your family acts this way toward you but the bottom line is, cutting ties with them and learning how to be an adult can do wonders for your personal growth. Living an independent life isn’t easy, but it teaches you a lot.
So, instead of damaging your mental health and draining yourself emotionally, it would perhaps be better to cut ties and move out.
You are Financially Secure
If you want to move out of your parents’ house, having an emergency fund is one step, but you also need maximum financial security to manage your monthly rent and pay bills on time.
You need to understand that when you move to a new apartment, there will be fixed expenses that your monthly income should be able to cover.
Your emergency funds should be able to cover the security deposit and some of the moving costs. Still, your financial situation will determine whether you’ll be able to manage your monthly expenditure or not.
You may get financial assistance through credit card payments if you have a stable job. In addition, you can manage living expenses via monthly payments on your credit card. But keep in mind that credit card companies are very tricky.
Make timely payments and keep a thorough check on your spending habits. You can only survive living alone if you’re careful and save money for a better future.
You’re Not Fond of Your Commute
One of the worst things to deal with as an adult is the hassle of a commute. Of course, it is fine if you’re 10 or 20 minutes away from work or school. But it can be very troubling if you have to drive for 30 minutes or more every day, especially during peak hours.
If you have to deal with the hassle of going to work every day because it is too far, this is another sign that you should consider moving out of your parents’ house.
Take a look at apartment listings near your office and make that leap if you know all the financial basics and can manage the moving expenses. This way, you can cut fuel costs and use the same money to pay monthly rent.
You Think You’re Ready
Adult living seems fun, but there are a lot of uncertainties involved when you’re moving away from home. You’re probably already questioning your decision to move out and might even be contemplating whether you’re ready or not.
Moving out may seem scary, but once you have taken the plunge you will be more confident. Renting a new apartment of your own, paying your bills, and living independently is invigorating. Maybe it is about time that you should take this bold step?
Here are a few things that can help you determine whether you’re ready or not:
- You pay most, if not all, of your bills
- You have emergency funds to make a security deposit or manage three months’ worth of expenses
- You have a solid credit history
- You are capable of managing variable expenses and moving costs
If you can already manage all these things, then there is nothing for you to worry about. You’re halfway there.
And if there is a part of you that feels you cannot pay the rent of an entire apartment on your own, then you don’t have to. Instead, you can post an advertisement and let others know you need a roommate. Once you find a potential candidate, draw up a rental application dividing the rent between you.
It’s simple and easy, and you can maintain your independence while ensuring you never run out of money.
Tips to Move Out of Your Parents’ House
By now, you should know whether it is time to leave your parents’ home. Here are a few tips that you can use if you are ready to sign out:
- You should be good at saving money. Draw up a monthly budget every month before your salary comes in. This will ensure you can manage your monthly expenses efficiently.
- Before you finalize the move-in date, ensure you have gotten in touch with a moving company. Check your apartment for minor repairs and let the company know when to send in the moving truck for a hassle-free move.
- Always have a backup for late payments. There is no guarantee that your salary will always be on time. So having extra money to pay your rent or buy groceries in a crisis will help you manage most situations.
- Having a credit card will also work in your favor if you have a bulletproof credit history. Don’t forget to analyze your credit report at the end of every month to stay on top of your spending situation.
- Living independently is excellent, but you also need to manage a balance between your professional and personal life. Sometimes when you’re focused on career growth, you tend to ignore other important aspects of your life. Instead, maintain a balance for healthy living.
Final Verdict
Moving out of their parents’ house can be difficult yet exciting for adult children. It is a massive step towards adulting, and you need to be sure you’re financially, physically, and emotionally ready for it.
Living at home may seem complicated but living alone isn’t that easy either. You will need more money to meet all your expenses so be certain of your decision.
Ensure you have considered all these things and, if ready, move out.