How to Move Out of Your Parents’ House

Are You a College Student, an Explorer, or an Independence Seeker? Here Are the Most Common Reasons for Moving Out From the Parents’ Nest

According to the Pew Research Center, more than 50% of all young adults in the USA currently live with their folks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Relocation statistics show that low wages, high living expenses, job loss (or unsuccessful job search), and campus closures are reasons people move back or stay with their folks. However, even though relocation during coronavirus is tough, plenty of people still decide to go in the opposite direction and leave the safety of their parents’ home.

Since most universities and colleges decided to open campuses in the fall of 2021, making a college packing list and relocating for education has become one of the most common reasons to move. For some (lucky) young adults, the move is the result of advancement in the love or work department. And, of course, many opt to move to another state alone to start fresh, discover the world and themselves, and learn how to become self-reliant. Are some of these reasons yours, too? If so, you’ll be happy to know that thousands have made the same decision – and haven’t regretted it.

Before Packing Begins, Prepare Your Folks for the Change

Naturally, once the decision to move has been made, expect anxiety about relocation to appear (to what extent depends on you and the emotions you’re dealing with). However, you’re not the only one who will be experiencing it. Your folks will also have to deal with your departure, which will be hard, whether they encourage or fear it. So before starting with all move-related preparations, ensure to tell parents you’re relocating out of state and discuss it. They will probably have a million questions, from the living situation to the finances. Do your best to provide satisfying answers, show how mature you are, and present a doable plan of living on your own. Let them express their thoughts and feelings on the matter, too, and maybe even include them in the preparation process.

Of course, if you are planning to move to college, some things may be predetermined, but communication is still necessary. They will want some kind of reassurance that you’re going to be alright – so provide them with it.

How to Move Out of Your Parents’ House Without Going Broke?

The biggest part of your concerns about the move will be related to money issues. So figuring out a relocation budget is of significant importance when dealing with relocation stress. It can impact various choices, from the future city and neighborhood to the cross-country moving services you decide to get.

One of the most significant relocation mistakes you can make is choosing a place you can’t afford. So, before all the bags and boxes have been packed, do some research on the city’s cost of living. Consider:

• Average rent/housing expenses (keep in mind that housing expenses shouldn’t go over 30% of your income),
• Utilities,
• Groceries,
• Transportation,
• Taxes,
• Cost of health (and renter’s) insurance.

Save as Much as Possible Before Relocating Cross-Country

What if you calculate the relocation expenses and see that you’re a few dollars short? There’s only one thing to do – begin saving. And the earlier you begin, the better. Prepare for weeks of home-cooked meals instead of eating out, don’t allow yourself shopping sprees, buy only necessities, and cancel all unnecessary subscriptions. A short period without a gym membership or streaming services like Netflix or Spotify will be worth all the benefits of relocation that await. You just need to be persistent enough.

Try Finding Employment Prior to the Move

Having a stable income is the best way to ensure financial stability. Sadly, no one can guarantee if and when you’ll get a job in the new city, so begin looking as soon as you decide where to live. Use platforms such as LinkedIn or job searching websites like Indeed, browse employment opportunities in the desired area, and apply for wanted positions. Your effort combined with a little bit of luck can get you some interviews (and hopefully a job) before the moving day. Could you use some more advice on finding work long-distance? If so, ensure to watch the video below:

Start Looking for a Future Home

Whether you know which city you’re relocating to, or there are still some decisions to be made, a lot of research is ahead. Study the city’s living costs, job market, climate, crime rates, nearby amenities, and the like. Actual house hunting should come only after this step has been completed. And how to search for a place, you ask? However you find fitting – from the online world to personal recommendations. However, before opting for a spot, visit it first if possible.

Decide Between Renting and Homeowning (and Choose Wisely)

Relocating for the first time means that you have to think about your future living situation carefully. Both renting and owning come with pros and cons. For example, while mortgage loans usually amount to more than monthly rent (although this is not always the case), you’ll still end up with a piece of property tied to your name.

More than that, housing choices are usually connected to your preferred lifestyle. Young adults who want to move to a big city to further their careers, for instance, often want to find a place near the downtown, where renting is more common than owning. On the other hand, homeownership is more likely to interest those relocating with kids and looking for a more peaceful scene and a long-term solution. That is why it’s important to think about what you wish for the next couple of years before deciding.

Why Is a Good Credit Score Suddenly So Important?

Whichever you choose, renting or buying, a good (even excellent) credit score is necessary. Mortgage lenders will determine how much money they can lend according to it, and landlords will use it to determine if you’re a suitable and reliable tenant. But what is a credit score, exactly? It’s a number (between 300 and 850) that implies your creditworthiness – i.e. financial literacy and capability. It’s based on your credit history, so be sure to begin working on a healthy score before the move and:

• Settle all debts from your credit cards and don’t get into more debt,
• Don’t close credit card accounts,
• Pay all bills in your name in a timely manner.

If you have a poor credit score (below 580) and non-existent rental history, renting an apartment can get tricky. However, there are some solutions to be considered. One of them is to ask a parent or any other responsible person with a good score to be your co-signer. Co-signers are individuals legally bound to make all of your payments if you’re not able to do so. One other option is to look for a roommate. Going through roommate websites and searching for a person with a good score to share expenses with can help you get the apartment.

Plan How to Move Away From Parents to the Fullest

After you’re done with choosing the city, researching it, and making a budget, start preparing for the relocation. Remember – organization is everything, so ensure to create a relocation to-do list and a timetable for all the tasks ahead. When leaving the parents’ house, here is a list of tasks that will occupy the weeks leading up to the big day:

• Changing the address – go to the USPS’s website and finish the process within minutes. However, other institutions (banks, insurance providers, and the like) must be informed, too.
• Scheduling the setup of utilities – since you won’t be transferring utilities from your parent’s place, contact future utility providers and schedule dates when they should be turned on.
• Organizing important documents – ensure to bring a birth certificate, medical and tax records, professional licenses, and have all the paperwork needed to rent an apartment or sign up for a mortgage loan.
• Packing – if you don’t want to get packing services and have long-distance movers assist with this task, everything revolving around it will be your responsibility. Ensure to purge items you don’t want to bring, find some packing tips, gather all the packing materials, and leave enough time to pack all of your belongings.
• Update the car and voter registration, as well as the driver’s license – this part of the relocation process can be left for the period after the move.

Choose Between Different Ways to Move Out of Your Parents’ House

When planning to leave the nest, one of the crucial things to consider is whether you’ll hire cross-country movers or try a DIY move. If finances are an issue, you might have to endure more hard and tiring relocation-related work alone. On the other hand, if you want to move efficiently, getting long-distance moving services is by far a better option. Still, ensure first to learn how to choose a relocation company in order to avoid relocation scams.

If you opt for hiring a cross-country moving company, the next decision that should be made is which additional services (if any) you’ll need. For example, storage services can be an excellent short-term solution if the future place is not ready yet. And if you want to find out the benefits of car shipping, you can always opt for a long-distance moving company that can offer it. Consider all the options in front of you before making a final decision.

Create a Checklist of Things You’ll Need for a New Home

How many things in your place do you actually own? Since this will be your first move, we guess not a lot. So, it would be nice to make a list of things you need when moving out of your parents’ house. Discuss with your folk what you can bring from the soon-to-be-old places and carefully plan what to shop for next. Focus on the essentials first (bed, curtains, chairs, and the like), and don’t go on a shopping spree just yet. Keep in mind that the place will be better and better equipped and decorated the more money you earn. Be patient with your wishes, or your budget will dry, and you’ll be relocating back in no time.

Find Ways to Keep in Touch With Loved Ones and Make New Friends

Making friends in another city is necessary, so you don’t end up feeling lonely. Search for people who share the same interest as you, whether they are your neighbors, colleagues, or gym buddies. However, keeping in touch with old friends and family is equally important. Whether by phone, social media, video-chat platforms, it is important that people who love you have a way of reaching out. Knowing that people who care about you are just one click away can do wonders for your mental health and help with the adjustment to an unfamiliar environment. And that is the goal you want to reach.