Moving out for the first time
Whether you’re 18, 21, 30 or 50, there’ll come a time in your life when you decide to move out of home and go it alone.
Regardless of when it happens, you’ll probably feel the same excitement and nerves in equal measure. Here are some tips to help you fly the nest.
Consider your decision to move out
Are you ready to live independently? There are many reasons to move out–maybe it’s your decision, maybe it’s someone else’s, or maybe it’s just time. If it’s your decision, are you moving out for the right reasons? Don’t make a rash decision that could see you needing to move back home again soon, and make sure you consider all the avenues available to you.
Find the right place
Whether you’re buying, sharing or renting, you’ll need to work out what kind of property best suits you and your lifestyle. Ask yourself some serious questions. Can you live alone or is a flat share the best option? What can you actually afford? And where? If you’re testing the waters maybe a room in a share house, rather than taking the lease in your own name, is best to start with.
Finances
Leaving home is expensive, and it doesn’t take long for bad budgeting to lead to financial hardship, so you need to plan ahead. Always pay any bills and rent on time to avoid a bad credit rating. If you want to buy a home later on, someone will be looking at how you managed financially. No matter how much, or how little money you have, managing your money well is the best foundation to living independently.
Chores
Moving out gives you independence, freedom and adventure, but it all comes with added responsibilities. Without sounding like mum and dad, try to keep on top of the chores like cleaning, cooking, laundry, changing your bedding sets on a regular basis, and taking the bins out. You don’t want to fall into the cliché of being a typical first time out of home slob.
Communicate
Communication is the key to any relationship and it’s no different for your flatmates or partner. Avoid conflict by setting ground rules, being open and respecting others’ opinions. Living independently for the first time, you’ll face your share of surprises, including the challenges of living with others. It’s common for this to make people a bit nervous or unsettled.
Keep in touch
No matter how old you are, if it’s your first time out of home your parents or guardians will probably miss you. Give them a call from time to time or go home for a meal. Just try not to land on the doorstep with the washing too often.