Moving out of your parents’ house
Moving out of the family home for the first time is an exciting new adventure. Whether you’re moving out with roommates, with a significant other or on your own, it’s a big change from being under your parents’ roof. It’s also a lot different from moving from one apartment to the next, or even from an apartment to a house.
Find apartments for rent
You cannot move out of your parents’ home unless you have someplace to move to. So, before you start packing, you need to find a place in the right location that’s within your budget. Use apartment rental websites to narrow down your search, eliminating places that don’t meet your requirements or are overbudget.
Once you’ve found a few places, you can reach out to the landlords or property managers to schedule walk-throughs. If you find an affordable apartment that checks all your boxes, you can then apply and hope you get it!
Take inventory
When you live in your parents’ home, most of your stuff is in your bedroom. Aside from a few things stored in the basement, maybe, the bulk of your possessions are in your confined space.
Apartments typically require more furnishings than you might currently own, and buying them all can be expensive. If you’re moving in with other people, get together to see who can provide what in the way of furniture and kitchen utensils.
See what you can get second-hand. Maybe some family members are getting new couches and are willing to give you their old set for free or for cheap. Look at second-hand stores for tables and chairs — even if they’re mismatched, they can work for your first apartment.
Make sure you have all the essentials. Don’t stress, as you can acquire more stuff once you move in. You’ll have a better idea of what you need once you’re living there, anyway.
Purge
As you pack, this is a great opportunity to get rid of unimportant stuff you’ve been hoarding since childhood. It’s amazing what you can get rid of when you know you need to pack and move.
Recycle old papers and notebooks; donate clothes you don’t wear and items you’ve outgrown. It’s okay to save a few keepsakes to take to your new apartment, but take this opportunity to start fresh with a renewed sense of self.
Learn some last-minute life skills
As embarrassing as it might be, it’s time to admit you’re not the best at cooking or cleaning. Ask your parents to show you how to make a few simple recipes. You might take it for granted that your parents do a lot for you — even grocery shopping! Do you know how to set a weekly/monthly budget? Start learning these skills now, because when you move you’ll have to fake it till you make it! Cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, paying bills and taking on other tasks that count as “adulting” are necessary when you move out on your own.
Pack belongings and arrange movers
As you get closer to your move-in date, you need to start packing up that childhood bedroom — so that your parents can turn it into a home gym or an office or something. You need to either rent a moving van and pay your friends with pizza and drinks to help you or, if it’s within your budget, hire movers.
If you’re moving into a high-rise, arrange with the property manager to have the service elevator reserved for you and then pick up your keys in advance.
If you are moving in with others who also now live with their parents, you will need to sort out the logistics of picking up everyone’s stuff using the same van before arriving at the apartment. Many apartments will give you a move-in window, meaning you must move in between specific hours of the day. This basically means you have the elevator reserved and the doors open during that time frame. Make sure you time everything right to make it.
Celebrate this new chapter in your life
Once you’re moved in and unpacked, host a housewarming party to celebrate your first real apartment away from your parents. Enjoy the freedom, but don’t shirk your responsibilities!
Find your first apartment using Gottarent.com — where you can find listings for available rental apartments in your area.