How to move out of your parents’ house

9 steps to moving out of your parents’ house

If you’re leaving the nest, first you’ll need to assess your financial readiness, explore your housing options and set realistic goals. Then, once you’ve found and secured your own place, it’s time to make it feel like home.

1. Assess your financial situation

Create a budget if you don’t already have one, and stick to it.

Determine your current budget and calculate your expenses

Start by gathering information about your current monthly income and expenses over the past six months. You can use budgeting software or your bank and credit card statements to give you an accurate picture of your financials. Then, categorize those expenses (e.g., food, gas, car payment) and assess the monthly spending for each.

Consider which categories are non-discretionary (like student loan payments) and discretionary (like going out to eat). Once you have an idea of your current spending, you can assess how your budget will change when you move out.

Consider additional costs like rent, utilities and groceries

A useful tool to help estimate how much you can afford to spend is the 50/30/20 method. This means 50% of your take-home pay can be spent on necessities like rent and utilities. Another 30% of your pay can go toward what you want — discretionary expenses (like entertainment). The remaining 20% should be put away for savings and/or investing.

Start saving money for upfront costs and emergencies

Before you move out on your own, make sure you have adequate cash in savings for fees you’ll incur by leasing an apartment. For instance, you’ll need to pay a security deposit (sometimes equal to one month’s rent). You may also have to pay the first month’s rent upfront — so, if rent is $1,600 a month, that could be up to $3,200 you’ll need available in cash. Keep in mind that property management companies may charge other fees, like application, pet or parking fees.

2. Set clear goals and timelines

Once you’ve got your financial plans in place, think about what you want from a new living space. How picky can you be?

Define your reasons for moving out

Are you moving out to be more independent? Do you need to relocate for a new job? Will moving out help you achieve a certain goal? Being specific about your reason helps set the course of your move.

Establish a timeline

It’s best to move out once you’ve had time to research and prepare. Give yourself at least a few months to look at housing options and save up money. Also, if your credit isn’t ideal, make a plan to pay off debt and improve your credit score so that you may be eligible to rent a place. You might aim for a score of 600 or higher.

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Set achievable goals to keep yourself motivated

If you don’t need to move out immediately, give yourself time to really think about your ideals for your big move. You could set a goal of having a place in six months and achieving a certain balance in your savings account in that time, or you might decide not to put a deadline on it and only move once you’ve reached your established savings goal.

3. Research and explore housing options

Think about where you want to live and who you want to live with.

Determine your preferred location and type of housing

Do you want to move downtown to be closer to work, or would you prefer to live in the suburbs with a small yard? Focusing on your desired location can help you determine what type of housing is available in that area within your budget.

Research rental prices and availability

A variety of rental options are available at different prices. Narrow your choices by focusing on what you can comfortably spend each month on rent. You don’t want to overextend yourself for a bigger place than you need.

Explore options for roommates or shared housing

If you find rent expensive in your desired area, consider getting a roommate to help split the monthly bills. Living alone for the first time may be more costly than anticipated, so having a friend to help you pay for those expenses can make a huge difference. Also, remember that your living situation doesn’t have to be long-term; you may find a roommate who needs a place for only a year or so.

4. Make a moving budget

Once you’ve established what kind of money you have and what kind of place you want, you can think about your moving budget.

Research housing expenses

Start crunching the numbers to see if you can afford a place, including all the monthly costs. You’ll need to account for rent, utilities (e.g., power, water, gas, cable/internet) and any other costs associated with the rental.

Allocate funds for other budget categories

In addition to housing costs, you’ll need to plan your spending for other categories, like groceries, debt repayment and gas. You can look at your current expenses to help create a realistic budget.

Consider additional costs like security deposits and moving expenses

Don’t forget to factor in the basic cost of moving into your financial plan. Even a do-it-yourself move could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the distance of the move and how many things you own.

» MORE: How to make a moving budget

5. Start decluttering and organizing your belongings

Have too much stuff at your parents’ house? It might be time to reassess what you want to keep. If nothing else, it at least helps to get organized.

Decide what to keep, sell or donate

Before the big move, condense your belongings to only the items you need and use. You don’t want to haul a bunch of useless items to your new place; this costs you both time and money during the moving process.

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Organize your belongings to make packing and moving easier

Start organizing your belongings into categories (e.g., clothes, paperwork, photos, electronics). You might go ahead and estimate how many moving boxes you’ll need based on your items in each category.

Consider hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck

If your budget allows, you may consider hiring professionals to help with the move. Movers offer a menu of services to choose from, like packing and unpacking services, which can help ease the stress of moving. You may need to rent a moving truck and ask friends or family to help load and unload it on moving day.

» COMPARE: Moving yourself vs. hiring movers

6. Begin the search for your new home

There are plenty of tools out there to help you find a great new place. Take advantage of our online listings, but make sure you get a chance to see a place in person before signing a lease.

Use online listings, rental agencies and local resources

Use a variety of search options to find your new place so you can gather a list of rentals to compare. Real estate agents can also help you discover local rentals. Do exercise caution when inquiring about rentals you find online; scammers are using fake rental posts to steal money from potential renters.

Make sure you have a chance to see a rental in person before committing to it. You don’t want to be scammed by someone who doesn’t actually own the property.

Schedule visits to potential properties

Always schedule an in-person property tour before you put down a security deposit. The pictures online may not reveal the home’s true condition or give you a feel for the area the property is located in. If you’re moving to a different city, plan to set aside a few days to visit multiple places during your stay.

» MORE: 8 cheap ways to move across the country

Take note of important factors like safety, amenities and location

Assess the location of each property you see. How far is it from work or from places you like to visit? You may find that some rentals are less expensive because they’re farther from shops and restaurants. Also, take the time to research the crime rates online for a particular area — several websites display this data for potential residents to access.

7. Prepare necessary documents and paperwork

Once you’ve found a place you like and that fits your needs and budget, it’s time to prepare for the fun part: paperwork.

Gather required identification and financial documents

You’ll need to provide a driver’s license (or government-issued ID) and pay stubs (as proof of income) to complete a lease application. You’ll also have to give permission to pull your credit report, so you’ll need to provide your Social Security number too.

Complete rental applications and provide references if necessary

It’s advisable to ask for a copy of the lease application before you visit the property in person — that way, you can be prepared and see what documentation you’ll need to provide along with the application. Some property managers may request a list of references (people they can contact to speak to your character and trustworthiness). That list could include past employers or colleagues but should not include family.

Review and sign lease agreements or contracts

Always read any legal document before you sign, including a lease agreement. This contract should outline items like the monthly rental rate, potential fees (like late payment fees), payment due dates and other important details. Make sure to get a copy of it after you’ve signed and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

8. Coordinate the moving process

If you haven’t relocated before, it can be intimidating — but there are ways to simplify the process.

Create a moving checklist and timeline

Once you’ve set a moving date, you can establish a timeline to complete tasks like packing and renting a moving truck. Give yourself at least two months to prepare for the move, if possible.

Pack your belongings carefully and label boxes

Taking the time to pack your items in an organized manner will help tremendously later when you unpack those boxes. Label boxes based on the contents and the rooms they’ll land in. If you decide to hire movers, proper labeling will be especially helpful. Don’t forget to wrap each fragile item individually so it won’t break during the move.

» SMART PACKING: How to pack for a move

Arrange for utilities, internet and other services at your new place

You’ll need to contact the utility companies ahead of time to establish services. Some power companies may require a security deposit, too, depending on your credit history. If you make consecutive on-time payments, you should receive that deposit back, usually within a year.

» DO IT RIGHT: How to hire movers

9. Settle into your new home

At last, you’re in your own place. It’s time to nest and make the place home.

Unpack and organize your belongings

Visualize how you want each space in your home to look and operate. Start unpacking items in the most used rooms first, like the bedroom and the kitchen. Don’t forget to wash your dishes and pans after you unload them from the box.

Familiarize yourself with your new surroundings

Take a walk or a drive through your new neighborhood. Find your route to work or the nearest grocery store. Meet your neighbors — maybe ask them for their recommendations on restaurants to try.

Establish a routine and make your space feel like home

A routine can help you adjust to your new place sooner. Along with unpacking boxes, try to incorporate activities that make you feel good each day, whether that’s working out, walking the dog or getting coffee from a local cafe.

» MAKE IT HOME: 11 things to do when moving into a new house

What do I need to move out of my parents’ house?

Not sure what you need for a successful move? Consider the following:

• Identification documents: Gather important documents, like your driver's license, passport, Social Security card and birth certificate.
• Financial documents: Have copies of your bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs and any other relevant financial information.
• Rental applications: If you plan on renting a property, you may need to complete rental applications, provide references and demonstrate your ability to pay rent.
• Furniture and household items: Think about what you'll need to furnish your new place. This may include a bed, couch, table, chairs, kitchen appliances and basic utensils.
• Essential utilities: Make arrangements for utilities including electricity, water, gas, internet and cable or satellite TV.
• Moving supplies: Stock up on packing materials like boxes, tape, cushioning material and markers to help with the moving process.
• Transportation: If you're moving a significant distance, decide how you'll transport your belongings. This could involve renting a moving truck, hiring professional movers or using moving containers

How much money should I save before moving out of my parents’ house?

Rental deposits can be $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

It's important to be financially stable if you're moving out on your own. You'll want your finances in order before you find a place to live. It's also smart to establish some credit prior to the move and think about what your moving costs will be.

Moving requires a considerable amount of money. Relocation expenses might include:

• Rental deposit: This is often the first and last month’s rent, although some property companies and landlords set a fixed deposit. You could be looking at $1,000 to $5,000 or more in some cases. You may also have to pay an additional pet deposit if you have a cat or dog.
• Down payment: This replaces the rental deposit if you're purchasing a home, and you can expect it to be thousands of dollars. Read about how much you should put down on a house for more information.
• Utilities deposits: You may have to put down deposits for the utilities not covered in your monthly rent. These deposits are often $100 or more. Some companies allow you to spread your deposit over several months, so it never hurts to ask. Typical utility bills include electricity, water, gas, internet and cable.

Calculating the monthly expenses of your new place before you move out of your parents’ home helps you fine-tune your budget. If you're looking at apartments, ask the property manager about the average utility cost in a unit. This gives you a better idea of what you'll be paying each month.

When you move, you'll also want to have an emergency fund in place. A good rule of thumb is to have enough for at least three months of all your living expenses, including rent, utilities and food. This will give you some cushion if you lose your job, change jobs or have a lapse in income for any reason.