First of all, congratulations! Moving out of your parents’ house is a huge step. Whether you’re moving down the block or across the country, you’re on your way to living your best, most independent life. Before you start dreaming about how you’re going to blast music at 2:00 a.m. or stock your pantry with the sugary cereals your mom never buys, there are a few things you should know. Let’s take a look at four tips for moving out of your parents’ home.
Talk About Storage Logistics
More often than not, leaving the nest doesn’t mean taking every single thing you own with you. If you plan to leave your high school yearbooks or your old sports trophies with mom and dad, make sure to talk to them about it first. Otherwise, you better start looking at storage units.
Either way, you don’t want to be unpleasantly surprised when your bedroom has been converted to an at-home gym the next time you visit. Communication is key!
Do an Inventory Check
As you figure out what you need for your new home, don’t forget to think about small, everyday items. You probably won’t forget to buy a couch, but you might forget that your new place needs a dustpan. Before you start packing, take a look at these tips for making sure you have everything you need:
- You’re still going to have chores – You might revel in the fact that there’s no one to remind you to take out the trash, but you’re still going to have to do it. Stock up on trash bags, paper towels, cleaning products, and a vacuum.
- Cooking requires more than a few pans – Cooking for yourself is an exciting part of leaving the nest, but it requires more gadgets than you might realize. Start buying things like measuring cups, an electric hand mixer, and a blender to make whipping up gourmet meals a breeze. Don’t fall into the trap of relying on instant noodles and PB & Js.
- Expect the unexpected – You’re used to calling your parents when something breaks or a spider finds its way into your room. When you’re on your own, you need supplies to deal with these scenarios on your own. Don’t forget items like a fire extinguisher, a mini tool kit, and pest spray.
Budgeting is Part of Adulting
Moving out isn’t all fun and games—you’re going to have to start budgeting. If your parents were covering the bills, you’re going to be in for a wake-up call when you have to handle them yourself.
Don’t worry! Using a budget calculator, mobile app, or even an old-fashioned spreadsheet will help make this process easier. Before the big move, you should budget for moving-related expenses like:
- A security deposit
- Professional movers (or the cost of a thank-you pizza for your really great friends!)
- New furniture
- Minor repair projects
- Stocking your pantry (wow, spices are expensive!)
- Decorations
Show Your Appreciation
Your parents do a lot for you. As you get ready to start the next chapter in your life, it’s a good time to let them know how much you appreciate them.
They’re going to be sad to see you go, so treat them to something special like a framed family photo or a homemade scrapbook to help them remember all your special memories. We’ll let you in on a secret—you’re probably going to miss them, too!
Say Hello to an Exciting New Chapter
You’re not just going to leave the nest, you’re going to soar! As cheesy as it sounds, moving out really is a major milestone. Just be prepared to call your parents a lot with questions about how to set up your TV, unclog the toilet, and get rid of that horrible smell coming from your freezer.
You’re never too old (or independent) for their help.
I’ll have to show this to my son. He will be here soon. I remember doing this!
My son moved out many years ago and I still have a closet full of his crap. He is in the military so has not put any roots down yet. Child number three is overseas with his school so his bedroom is my office/workout room
These are all good points to think about when moving out. When I moved out, I made sure everything was organized into boxes and didn’t leave a bunch of stuff in my room. I know so many parents that dealt with a bunch of stuff being left behind!
My younger sister and brother just both moved out of my parent’s house the beginning of last year. Luckily my brother is in the army and has a lot more structure because he needs it. This is a great helpful post for moving out. And I maybe a little odd but I love budgeting not that I am very good at it.
Looking for storage unit is a nice idea as one may need them and it’s not wise to leave items at parents’ home. Also, appreciating them is a great act so they become assured and know you care them. Thanks for the useful post.
So many helpful tips on this post. It will def help young generation.
indeed, budgeting is part of adulting and the sooner to learn how to budget, the better then that we make ourselves prepared for more challenges of being an adult.