How to Know when You Are Ready to Move out of Home

Moving out of your parents' house is a major decision. If you do not have college plans right after high school, you may stay at home until you have a steady job, a basic plan and the self-confidence to go out on your own.

In any case, it is essential that you consider the impact of moving out. Your budget, career, maturity and more will all affect your first adventure into the real world. Here are some pointers to help you decide if you are ready.

1. 1
   Do you have a job? If the answer is no, then staying at home might be necessary. Failure to pay your bills can ruin your credit. Part-time workers should be honest with themselves about the need for roommates, student loans, parental support or other ways to cover monthly expenses after a part-time paycheck.
2. 2
   Think ahead before committing to a move. Professional moving companies often remind potential customers of studies where respondents list relocation as No. 3 on the list of most stressful life events (behind a death in the family and divorce). Make sure you are ready to commit to a new residence, rather than moving on a whim. Constant relocation might raise red flags with new landlords. Think ahead to ensure you will be comfortable with the rent, utility and transportation costs for the length of your lease.
3. 3
   Research your moving costs. You might discover additional fees when you relocate, such as:
   • Pet deposits
   • Utility transfer for power, heat, cable/internet
   • Hiring a moving team
   • Buying a parking pass
   • Relocation to a new city or county with a unique local tax
4. 4
   Consider your cost trade-offs. If you live as close to school or work as you can, the cost of parking, gas and insurance will also change. It is smart to research these trade-offs early, as they may help you find extra room in your budget.
5. 5
   Create and stick to a budget. Life on your own means freedom. However, as the saying goes, freedom ain't free. You will have to manage your own finances, and careful planning is the way to avoid financial disaster. Make certain that you set aside money each month for your expenses:
   • Monthly rent
   • Utilities (may include power, water, sewer, garbage, phone, internet, cable, housing association dues and more)
   • Transportation
   • Food

It is also smart to save some money for emergencies. You never know when medical bills, theft, vandalism, natural disasters and other expensive situations might arise.

Method 2 of 3: Consider your Family

1. 1
   See how your parents feel about you moving out. Most of the time, parents want their kids gone by the age of 18. However, there are times when it might be in your best interest, and theirs, to stay at home longer. Living at home a few extra years is a great way to save money, go to college and build up work experience. However, keep in mind that moving out should be the goal before too long -- being in your late 20's and still living with the folks is no fun.
2. 2
   Consider living with a sibling. Sharing a room with a brother or a sister is great training for life with a roommate. If you are close with one of your siblings, you may want to move out together. Make sure you trust one another to pay the bills on time.
3. 3
   Ask your extended family for help. Some families have a rich uncle. Other families have vacation homes. It never hurts to ask for support at a family gathering. This could lead to a seamless transition away from relying on your parents to relying on yourself. If you live with extended family in their homes, remember to be gracious and honor whatever rent/bill-paying responsibilities are agreed upon.
4. 4
   Share your feelings and worries. If you are nervous about moving out, say so. Honesty about your concerns is important. Your family can offer encouragement and advice that mentally and emotionally prepares your for life outside the nest.

1. 1
   Living at home may hurt your résumé. A potential employer is not likely to care if you still live at home, as long as you are motivated, able to show up on time and show initiative on the job. However, if you still live at home for several years after high school, your motivation, punctuality and initiative may not be very keen. Moving out can help you develop a strong work ethic and show employers that you mean business (pun intended).
2. 2
   Living at home may hurt your romances. High school dating is exciting because you learn how to swim in romantic waters. The lifeguards -- parents, teachers and such -- are important at that age. Once you are ready for the adult swim, however, you will not want watchful eyes all over the place. Moving out vastly improves your chances of attracting a partner. It also reduces the risk of mom or dad crimping your style.
3. 3
   Living at home may hurt your friendships. Sure, they say they are just joking when they tease you about living at home, but it still hurts. Furthermore, ambitious friends will probably disappear as they pursue careers and families of their own. Even your closest friends will fade away in your 30s if you still live at home, still talk about your promising recent job interview or still seem unwilling to shoulder responsibility.
4. 4
   Finally, living at home may hurt your self-esteem. The primary motivation to move out should be a desire to begin your own life. When you stay at home, you will always be stuck in a child role. Mom and dad may love you, but they ultimately want you to flourish -- and that is not likely to happen until you put on your big-boy pants or your big-girl dress and your grown-up shoes. Learn to master the fear of failure by taking a chance, making an effort and build your self-esteem by living on your own terms!