Editor’s Note: The following is a guest blog post by Sara B., a content creator based in the San Francisco area.
When it comes to moving out of your parents’ house after college, young adults can have a difficult time, both financially and emotionally. Living with a parent or guardian provides a sense of comfort, financial stability and limited responsibilities.
Step 1: Analyze Your Finances
Do you have enough money to move out? Renting an apartment is a big step towards becoming financially independent. Before fleeing your parents’ house, it is important to educate yourself on living expenses. Depending on where you find a place, certain aspects of the rent may or may not be included. Look into these details and figure out if your budget can handle everything (including utilities, water, cable, etc.)
When moving, it is important to find as many ways to save as possible. Whether it’s signing up for reward programs, limiting your cell phone data usage, refinancing a college loan or canceling an unused membership. There are some easy ways to limit your spending to make a rent payment and still have extra cash in your pocket.
Step 2: Find a Roommate
When searching for your own residence, you’ll learn that studio or one-bedroom apartments are significantly higher in price. To save money and have company, look for a roommate to split the rent with. Most likely, there are individuals who are also in your shoes as well. Whether it’s someone from work or an old friend, let them know that you are searching for an apartment and ask them if they’re interested in living with you. You can also utilize social media to connect with others who may be interested.
Step 3: Organize and Declutter Your Space
Before moving out of your parents’ house, take the time to go through your belongings. Many times, you can find clothing, decorations or books to donate. If something doesn’t give you happiness or lacks sentimental value, get rid of it to avoid overpacking. See where you can donate unwanted items here. The feeling of moving into a new place only with items you know you’ll need and use will make your new space less cluttered and more organized than ever.
Step 4: Look into a Moving Service
Whether you’re preparing for a small or large move, a moving service can help ease the process. Packing and moving your things from one place to another can take a lot of time and effort, resulting in over exhausting yourself. Invest in a reliable moving service to take a lot of the effort off your shoulders. As you arrive at your new home, a moving company can place moving boxes inside your new abode, so all you have to worry about is setting up your space.
Step 5: Learn Domestic Skills
Living on your own signifies cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and making appointments all on your own, without a reminder from your parents to do so. Before living independently, learn as much as you can from your parents regarding how to cook the meals you love, what cleaning products to purchase for your crib, and how to budget your trips to the grocery store. The more you know, the more success you’ll have when it comes down to your domestic abilities.
Remember, moving out of your parents’ house can be a major life change, but with the right mindset and preparation, you’ll tackle it with ease. Good luck and bring on the adult life!