How to Move Out Of Your Parent’s House
Excited? Nervous? Who’s making dinner – oh, it’s you! Who’s ironing your clothes – you! Having your own place is a gamechanger, okay you have the responsibility of paying bills, food shopping and cleaning BUT you have such freedom with it and you can come and go as you please – amazing!
While these are exciting times, don’t forget mum and dad – it’s a really sad time for them, they may not say it, but they will miss you like crazy. Try to let them be a part of your move as much as you can manage. Get them to help you with the boring bits – getting a utility provider, meter reads, they may even pay for the first food shop!
What’s the best age to move out?
Legally you can move out of your parent’s home when you are 16 years old, this would more than likely be if you were to move in with an older friend or partner, as you are not legally entitled to a tenancy agreement in your name until the age of 18. If you are under 18 living alone under the age of 18, then you would need to have a guarantor who is legally responsible to pay your rent if you don’t.
Things to consider before you move out
Can you afford the rent, bills, food? And then have some leftover for clothes, social life, a car even? Take your finances into account; a part-time job is unlikely to cover these costs, so you would need to be in a full-time job if you want to have your own place. Can you actually afford to move out?
Don’t forget the advance rent payment and deposit you’ll also need to pay, alongside any agency fees that may occur. We advise that you start saving as soon as possible if you haven’t already.
You will have the furniture from your bedroom that mum and dad may let you take, but we’re sure they won’t be letting go of their sofa any time soon. If the places you’re looking to rent are unfurnished, you’ll need to think about these items that you will need as well. Then there are the other items you will need even if the place IS furnished – kettle, bath towels, pots, and pans, etc. Moving out is an expensive task and not one to be taken lightly, so it’s definitely worth having your parents involved to help guide you through it.
If you are fortunate enough to have a deposit saved to buy your first home, then also take not account the solicitor’s fees as well.
Start planning for the move
Have a clear out – we’re sure you don’t need to take your collection of stuffed animals that have been collecting dust on the top shelf in your bedroom; if they are still important to you, see if you can box them up for the loft – at your new place or mum and dads.
Start packing – the items you won’t need between now and moving day; things like books, seasonal clothing, etc
Book our removals van – you will be surprised how much stuff you DO have – it won’t all fit into the boot of your car we can assure you!
What else?
Set up your utilities – this is your gas, electricity and water. Again, maybe get mum and dad to help you with these. Find out from the agency or previous occupant who the provider already is and contact them before you move in, so you have it all set up before you move in and they will know from what date to charge you from. If you’re moving in with other people, also sort out how the bills will be split and make sure it’s fair for everyone.
Change your address – places like your bank, DVLA, doctors, and place of work should all be notified of a change of address.
So, now you’ve read through our guide – is it a good time to move, or will you stay at mum and dads a few more years? Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s the right time for you and you are 100% happy with your choices. Good luck!