How to Move Out of Your Parents’ House

9 steps to moving out of your parents’ house

If you’re planning to move out of your parents’ house, start by evaluating your finances and researching your housing options. As you prepare, setting clear goals and staying organized will help ensure a smooth transition. Also think about how you want to tell your parents about your move.

1. Assess your financial situation

Start by looking at how much money you earn and spend each month. Go back over the last six months using bank statements or budgeting tools to see where your money is going. This can help you find areas where you might be overspending, like dining out or online shopping.

Once you know your spending habits, create a budget that includes your future costs, like rent, groceries and utility bills (things like electricity, water and internet). A simple way to budget is the 50/30/20 rule: 50% of your money goes to essentials like rent and food, 30% goes to things you want (like entertainment or dining out), and 20% is saved for the future.

Next, focus on saving money for upfront costs, which are payments you need to make before moving in. These include a security deposit, which is usually the first month’s rent, or sometimes the first and last month’s rent.

2. Set clear goals and timelines

Having clear goals and a realistic timeline will help keep your move organized.

• Define your reasons for moving out. Knowing why you’re moving helps you stay focused on your goals and make smarter decisions as you plan and save. For example, if you’re relocating for work, you may want to prioritize finding housing close to your job. If you’re seeking independence, you might focus on affordability to ensure financial stability.
• Establish a timeline. Plan to spend a few months researching housing options, saving money and improving your credit score, if necessary.
• Set achievable goals. For instance, aim to save a specific amount of money within six months or wait until you’ve saved enough to confidently move out and cover all the necessary expenses, like deposits, rent and an emergency fund.

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3. Research and explore housing options

Finding the right place is the key to a successful move. Researching your options carefully ensures you can choose a great location and the type of housing that fits your needs and budget.

• Determine your preferred location and housing type. Decide if you’d like to live downtown, in the suburbs or somewhere else.
• Research rental prices and availability. Narrow your choices by focusing on what you can comfortably spend each month on rent. You don’t want to overextend yourself for a bigger place than you need.
• Consider roommates or shared housing. Splitting bills with a roommate can make living alone more affordable.

4. Make a moving budget

It’s important to create a moving budget because it helps you plan for all expenses, preventing financial surprises during your transition.

• Account for housing expenses. Include rent, utilities, groceries and debt repayment in your budget.
• Factor in security deposits and moving expenses. Even DIY moves can cost hundreds or thousands, depending on the distance and volume of items.

» MORE: How to make a moving budget

5. Declutter and organize your belongings

Decluttering your belongings before moving helps reduce the time spent packing, the cost of moving unnecessary items and the stress of organizing later. It also allows you to start fresh in your new space with the items you truly need while keeping sentimental items that hold personal value and make you feel more at home.

• Decide what to keep, sell or donate. Condense your belongings to save time and money during the move. Host a garage sale or donate items you no longer want to charity.
• Organize for easy packing. Categorize items (clothes, electronics, etc.) and estimate the number of boxes you’ll need to optimize your packing.
• Consider hiring professional movers or renting a truck. If your budget allows, professionals can help with packing and transport.

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6. Search for your new home

Being thorough and cautious when searching for a new home is crucial. Taking the time to explore your options will help you avoid costly mistakes.

Don’t forget to visit in person before signing a lease to avoid scams and check for issues like mold, leaks or poor maintenance.

• Use online listings and local resources. Search for rentals through trusted platforms and consider working with a real estate agent.
• Beware of rental scams. Always tour a property in person before signing anything.
• Schedule in-person visits. Pictures can be deceiving — visiting in person lets you assess the property’s condition, spot maintenance issues and find out if the rental unit feels safe and livable.

» MORE: 8 cheap ways to move across the country

7. Prepare necessary documents and paperwork

Once you’ve found a place you like, it’s time to prepare for the fun part: paperwork.

• Gather identification and financial documents. Landlords typically require a driver’s license, pay stubs and a signed permission form so they can check your credit.
• Complete rental applications. Be ready to provide references if needed.
• Review and sign lease agreements. Read the lease carefully before signing and keep a copy for your records.

8. Coordinate the moving process

Coordinating your move reduces stress and ensures that everything gets done on time. Having a clear plan helps you stay organized and avoid last-minute surprises.

• Create a moving checklist and timeline. Allow at least two months to prepare for your move.
• Pack and label your belongings carefully. This makes unpacking easier and prevents items from breaking.
• Set up utilities at your new place. Some companies require deposits; the amounts often depend on your credit history. If you make your payments on time, you can usually get utility deposits back after a year.

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9. Settle into your new home

Settling into your new home is a crucial part of making the space your own and adjusting to your new environment. Taking the time to organize and personalize your surroundings will help you feel more comfortable and at ease.

• Unpack and organize your belongings. Start with high-use areas like the kitchen and bedroom.
• Familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Explore your neighborhood and meet your neighbors. If you're not sure how to start a conversation, mention that you're new to the area and ask for recommendations on restaurants or local spots. This can help you feel more at home and build connections in your new community.
• Establish a routine. Whether it’s walking the dog, grabbing coffee at a local café or working out daily at the gym, having regular places to visit can help you adjust and make your new neighborhood feel like home.

» MAKE IT HOME: 11 things to do when moving into a new house

What do I need to move out of my parents’ house?

To prepare for a successful move out of your parent’s home, here’s what you’ll need:

• Identification documents: Gather important documents, like your driver's license, passport, Social Security card and birth certificate.
• Lockbox: Store critical documents like your Social Security card and birth certificate in a locked fireproof box to help prevent loss, theft or damage.
• Financial documents: Have copies of your bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs and any other relevant financial information.
• Rental applications: If you plan on renting a property, you may need to complete rental applications, provide references and demonstrate your ability to pay rent.
• Furniture and household items: Think about what you'll need to furnish your new place. This may include a bed, couch, table, chairs, kitchen appliances and basic utensils.
• Essential utilities: Make arrangements for utilities, including electricity, water, gas and internet.
• Moving supplies: Stock up on packing materials like boxes, tape, cushioning material and markers to help with the moving process.
• Transportation: If you're moving a significant distance, decide how you'll transport your belongings. This could involve renting a moving truck, hiring professional movers or using moving containers.

How much money should I save before moving out of my parents’ house?

Rental deposits typically range from $1,712 to $3,424, based on the 2024 average rent.

To move out of your parents’ house, you should save enough to cover rental deposits, moving costs and at least three months of living expenses. Establishing good credit before the move is also important since it affects your ability to secure housing and utilities.

Moving requires a considerable amount of money. Typical expenses include rental deposits, utility setup fees and an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs.

• Rental deposit: This is usually equal to one month’s rent or the first and last month’s rent combined. To give you an idea of what that might look like, the average rent in 2024 is $1,712, which means deposits typically range from $1,712 to $3,424, depending on the terms set by the landlord or property company.

  You may also have to pay an additional pet deposit if you have a cat or dog.

• Down payment: If you're purchasing a home instead of renting, the down payment is the upfront amount you pay toward the purchase price. Experts recommend saving 5% to 20% of the home’s cost, depending on your loan type and financial situation.
• Utility deposits: You may have to put down deposits for the utilities not covered in your monthly rent. These deposits are often $100 or more. Some companies allow you to spread your deposit over several months, so it never hurts to ask. Typical utility bills include electricity, water, gas and internet.

Calculating the monthly expenses of your new place before you move out of your parents’ home can help you fine-tune your budget. If you're considering moving into an apartment, ask the property manager about the average utility costs in their building. This gives you a better idea of what you'll be paying each month.

When you move out for the first time, it’s ideal to have some emergency savings. While many financial experts recommend saving three months’ worth of living expenses in the event of an emergency, even having one month’s worth can provide a valuable safety net for unexpected costs, like a car repair or a surprise medical expense.

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