How to Move Out of Your Parent's House in 9 Simple Steps

Are you considering making the big step of leaving the nest? That’s an exciting moment in life and moving out of your parent’s house is a huge change you should plan carefully. To help you get ready, we’ve created a simple 9-step guide for how to successfully move out of your parent’s house without too much trouble.

1. Talk With Your Parents

You’ve been living with them so it's a great idea to make sure they’re aware of your plans to leave. They can help with planning or offer suggestions that could prove critical. They’ve also most likely been through a lot of moves in their life already and you should leverage that experience as someone who is striking out for the first time. 

2. Create a Plan for Moving Out

Establish a plan that you and your parents can align on so that you know what day you intend to move, what type of property or housing you are looking for, and what you’re bringing with you. When you are considering your next home, think about whether you want roommates, how much space you will need, what you can afford, and the neighborhood you want to live in. There are a lot of variables when moving, but coming up with a structured plan can help give you peace of mind.

3. Start Building Good Credit

If you don’t have any credit history, start now as it’s always better to start establishing credit sooner rather than later. Good credit will allow you to qualify for important loans like mortgages, credit cards, and other financial products that will be key for you as an independent person. Good credit also is necessary to rent as many landlords do use credit checks when considering applicants. 

4. Build Your Savings for Down Payment or Security Deposit

If you want to buy a home, you will need to be able to have enough cash on hand for a down payment, which can be anywhere from 3-20% of the overall purchase price. If you’re aiming to rent, then you’ll need enough money usually for a security deposit that will be equal to one month of rent upfront. Some landlords might even require you to pay the first month’s rest and last month’s rent upfront as well so building your savings before you move so you can afford these initial costs is a great idea. 

5. Create a Budget for the Move

Moving has a lot of hidden costs so planning a budget can help you stay ready. Living in a new place involves a lot of different expenses such as utilities, groceries, insurance, HOA (homeowners association) dues, loan payments, packing supplies, moving company costs, and car-related expenses.

6. Hire Movers or Find Help

Moving day is one of the most stressful days in your life so make it easier by getting friends to help or hiring professionals. You don’t have to do this by yourself and try to save on movers by booking at off-peak times (not weekends). 

7. Donate or Sell Unwanted Items

You don’t have to bring everything you own to your new place! Think about donating items you no longer need or selling them for extra cash. This will help lessen the number of things you need to move to your new place and either give you more spending money or allow someone else to use an unwanted item. 

8. Pack Your Stuff

Get free moving boxes and other supplies from different companies and start packing up all of your items, labeling the boxes, and ensuring that the most fragile ones have enough support to survive the move. Consider renting a moving van if necessary or if you have large items. You can begin packing non-essentials such as extra clothes, seasonal items, and home decor early. Wait until just right before you move for packing essentials such as food, daily clothes, and toiletries. 

9. Set up new utilities and wifi. Also, submit an address change.

Make sure all of your new utilities are set up as soon as you move or before as water and electricity are necessary to have a functioning household. You’ll also need to have your wifi set up and cable potentially. Finally, submit an address change with the postal service so that you’ll get your mail at your new address. 

Ready to Find a New Place?

Check out Alcove’s shared living options with roommates. We help make moving easy and we offer cheaper rates than a normal studio apartment.