The art of adulthood is not always the easiest of transitions. The road from teenager to self-sufficient grownup can be long and hard fought. One of the most important milestones in this journey is leaving a parental home. Moving out of a parent's home can be both frightening and exhilarating. The opportunity to have a space of your own, however, is an amazing feeling. Here are some tips to make that process go more smoothly.
Have Enough Funds
- Make sure you have at least three months of living expenses saved up first. Living expenses include a rental deposit, three months of rental payments, any outstanding student loans, funds for meals and money for transportation to work. If you are planning to share living expenses with a roommate make sure you have enough money to cover any additional rent expenses in case your roommate is unable to make payments. Funds should also include payment for utilities such as a landline phone use, fuel costs, electricity and Internet access. Sometimes utilities are included with rent payment, but sometimes they are not. Check carefully with your landlord.
Take Inventory of Your Personal Items
- Go through the items in your house and your room carefully. In many cases you can safely include all the things in your room as part of your own personal possessions. Take note of what you have. This usually includes items such as a bed, bed linens, shelving, books and perhaps a desk and chair. This usually does not include kitchen items, living room furniture and bathroom linens. Your mom and dad may offer you unused items to help furnish your new apartment. Your grandmother may have a rocking chair or end table she would like to give you. Talk to your parents and decide what you will keep and what you will throw out. Even items in poor condition such as a desk that tilts slightly or a chair missing one arm can be of temporary use. Pack up your things yourself in advance if possible. Moving companies charge for moving supplies such as boxes and tape. Stores will often given you boxes they aren't using if you simply ask. Additional affordable supplies can be purchased online.
Set Boundaries
- Set boundaries with parents and other relatives. Before you leave have a talk with your parents. Make it clear to them when they can visit you in your new home as well as when you would prefer they did not. Talk to any siblings as well about your new arrangements. Set aside a specific time for visitors to call you during your first three months on your own. Sunday afternoons work well. Offer to call or email at least twice in order to keep in touch.
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