Tips On How To Move Out Of Your Parents’ Home

Since the month of April’s theme is independence I thought I’d share tips on how to  move out of your parents house as a young adult. There comes a time in your life when you can just feel it in your bones that it’s time to leave the nest. Some people are fortunate enough to leave the home as a personal choice but others are driven out by a toxic environment and a clash in beliefs with their parents. It is imperative that you adequately plan for your moving out if you don’t want to come back home with your tail between your legs.

The world is a scary place no lie but these are the tips and tricks I both discovered on my own as I was navigating through life and learned from those who’ve gone before me, being my older sister. I hope these help.

First of all Financial Planning:

Budgeting is Key: 

This is the foundation of your financial independence. Track your income and expenses to understand where your money goes. Many budgeting apps and online tools can help. I recommend using Wallet to manage your finances. Money answereth all things, if you have money, you boost your chances of coping well in your own space by yourself.

Be Realistic About Costs: 

You’re about to move out of your parents’ home, they will no longer be subsidising your lifestyle. You’ll have to buy everything from your own curtains to toothpicks. You’re about to realise how expensive life truly is. There are some things in your parents’ home that you took for granted and you didn’t realise how much they actually cost to be there. For me, the price of good quality pillows was a reality check. So, before you move out, factor in all expenses beyond just rent, like utilities, groceries, transportation, internet, and potential hidden fees like levy, council and maybe garden assistance.

Save Up: 

Moving out and starting out a new life costs money. You need financial freedom to obtain freedom. Aim to have an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs. Trust me it’s better to stay ahead of the game because life is so unpredictable. Ideally, save 3-6 months worth of living expenses before you make the move. The money will not only cushion you but there’s less stress and anxiety about funds.

Buy your things in advance:

If your parents are supportive, you can start buying your appliances before you move out and store them in your parents’ house. If you have relatives that are the enemies of progress, you’ll find them using your appliances before you move out. It becomes difficult to reclaim those items when you are moving out. On the day of your moving out, you can go to your nearest supermarket and ask for their empty boxes for packing. You’ll have to go early in the morning because those boxes go fast. So, if you arrive just after they have just finished deliveries and unpacking, you stand a good chance of scoring big boxes.

Consider a Room-mate: 

Sharing a living space can significantly lower your housing costs. Choose wisely and establish clear communication about bills and chores. A colleague of mine used to stay with her friend from university they used to have a cleaning roster and each bought their own groceries and since boundaries had been set from the start they managed to live in perfect harmony. Another advantage of having a room-mate, is that there is security in numbers. Sharing a living space is not a must, it’s more of a suggestion.

Location is everything:

Consider your commute, access to amenities, and safety of the neighbourhood when choosing where to move to. I don’t own a car so I make sure everything is easily accessible by foot or at least a reasonable commute. I am not for sitting in a car for 30 minutes plus just to get around for amenities. There’s no way! Be financially prepared because the nicer the place, the more convenient it is, the higher the rent.

Research Rent Prices:

Get a realistic idea of rental costs in your desired area before hunting for your new abode. Some places are extremely expensive. Ideally, you want something affordable and that gives you value for your money. The rent prices in Harare are astronomical and this is before the dreadful agent fees.

Read the Lease Carefully:

Understand your responsibilities as a tenant and what’s included in the rent (e.g., utilities, parking, levy). Make sure that the lease isn’t ripping you off and that it’s a good deal for you. Don’t jump to the first opportunity you see due to desperation.

Cooking on a Budget: 

Learn basic cooking skills to save money on eating out. If you plan your budget well you could choose at least one day a week where you can treat yourself. I learned this from my mom, Friday’s were take out days. She’d fetch us from school and then take us to get food and it’d be our treat. Like a congratulations for surviving the week.

Adulting Chores: 

From laundry to cleaning, you’ll be responsible for maintaining your living space. If you get overwhelmed I suggest you come up with a roster you can follow. For things you can do daily and then have the weekend to do a deep clean since you’ll have more time.

Time Management: 

Juggling work, chores, and social life requires good time management skills. I struggled with this when I started working for an American client. I didn’t quite get the hang of it. I was always too tired from the work week that I’d just spend my weekends in and asleep trying to recuperate. My advice find your groove and don’t let go once you do.

Communication is Key:

Open and honest communication with your landlord and roommates is essential for a smooth living experience. An example; my landlady expected rent on the 30th or 31st of the month but my salary would only come in on the 10th of the month. I let her know as soon as I met her so that there wouldn’t be issues and she’d understood where I was coming from. Not only is communication key with your landlord but also reach out to family when you’re struggling or just homesick don’t suffer in silence.

Embrace the Learning Curve: 

There will be hiccups and learning experiences along the way. Embrace them as opportunities to grow and become self-sufficient. Don’t beat yourself up about it. I used to think adults had this life 100% figured out and as an adult now I can safely say no one does. We’re all just learning as we go if I’m being honest.

Enjoy the Independence! 

Moving out is a chance to explore your own style, interests, and build a life you love. Decorate the place to your liking, I believe that with all the chaos happening all over the world home should be your safe haven. An environment you can come home and feel safe and relaxed in. Where you can truly let your hair down and exhale.

Moving out is a journey. By planning, budgeting, and being resourceful, you can approach this exciting new chapter with confidence.

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