How to Move Out of Your Parents’ House

12 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.

Security deposit amounts and return timelines, leasing age requirements, move-out notices and other legal aspects of moving into a new home vary by landlord and state. Ensure you understand your state’s laws and your lease contract before proceeding.

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, and confirm whether you can truly afford to live on your own.

2. Boost your credit score

Establishing good credit before the move is important since it affects your ability to secure housing and utilities.

You need to know your credit situation before you start seriously researching housing because it directly affects what you can realistically apply for. Some landlords have minimum score requirements, and your score may influence your deposit amount, too. Knowing where you stand early also gives you time to improve your score before you start submitting applications.

It varies by landlord and location, but the ideal credit score for applying for an apartment is 670 or above, according to FICO. You may still be approved with a lower score, but you might have to pay an additional deposit.

3. Set clear goals and timelines

Once you’ve determined it’s the right time to move out, 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. Give yourself at least three to six months to prepare and research housing options. This allows enough time to save for upfront costs, get your documents in order and avoid rushing into a housing decision you might regret.
• 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.

4. Save for move-in costs and emergencies

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 often equal to one month’s rent, plus the first month’s rent and sometimes the last month’s, depending on the landlord.

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.

Keep this money in a special account and avoid using it for anything else in the meantime.

5. Make a budget for moving and beyond

Calculating your monthly expenses before you move out of your parents’ home can help you fine-tune your budget.

• Account for housing expenses. Include rent, utilities (like electricity, water and internet), groceries and debt repayment in your budget. This will narrow down your apartment options.
• Factor in security deposits and moving expenses. Even DIY moves can cost hundreds or thousands, depending on the distance and volume of items.

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.

6. Research and explore housing options

Once you have a budget, 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.
• Use online listings and local resources. Search for rentals through trusted platforms and consider working with a real estate agent.
• Consider roommates or shared housing. Splitting bills with a roommate can make living alone more affordable.

7. Schedule apartment or home tours

Once you know your price range, start touring. Being thorough and cautious when searching for a new home is crucial. Always visit a home or apartment in person before signing a lease to avoid scams and check for issues like mold, leaks or poor maintenance.

• 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.

8. 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.

9. Sign up for renters insurance

Once you've signed your lease, renters insurance should be one of the first things you set up before move-in day. It's typically inexpensive — often $15 to $30 a month — and protects your belongings against theft, fire and water damage while also covering liability if someone is injured in your home. Many landlords require it, so check your lease to see if it's mandatory.

10. Declutter and organize your belongings

Decluttering your belongings before moving helps reduce the time spent packing, the cost of moving unnecessary items and the time spent 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.

11. 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, if possible.
• 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.
• Change your address: Notify the appropriate parties of your address change, including the USPS, the DMV, your bank, your employer, your health insurance provider and any subscription services or recurring deliveries. Don't forget voter registration if you've moved to a new county or state.

12. 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.

» COMPARE: Moving yourself vs. hiring movers

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 will it cost to move out of my parents’ house?

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

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,625, according to Apartments.com’s National Rent Trends Report. That means you could pay from $3,250 to $4,875 upfront, including a refundable security deposit and one to two months of rent. Costs will vary significantly by location.

• Security deposit: Refundable security deposits are often equal to one month’s rent. You should get this back at the end of your lease, provided you don’t violate your contract or cause significant damage to the unit. Terms will be outlined in your lease agreement. You may have to pay an additional deposit if you have a pet.
• First month’s rent (and maybe last): You’ll typically have to provide the first month’s rent at lease signing, and landlords sometimes ask for last month’s rent, too. To give you an idea of what that might look like, the average monthly rent as of 2026 is $1,625 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,880 for a two-bedroom unit. Your location will impact this heavily.
• 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.

» MORE: How to make a moving budget

Is it better to rent or buy a home when moving out?

Whether to rent or buy depends on your personal goals and financial situation, according to J.R. Russell, head of consumer direct lending at Citi. “It really depends on the person — of course, you’ll want to consider factors such as what your personal finance goals are and what your budget allows,” Russell said.

“If you’re able and willing to purchase, there are benefits to owning a home versus renting one,” said Russell. “For example, homeowners can take advantage of the mortgage interest tax deduction, allowing them to deduct the mortgage interest paid during the tax year from their taxable income, whereas rent is a ‘sunk cost’ with no true tax benefits.”

He also says purchasing a home opens the door to longer-term wealth through equity and appreciation: “You’re ultimately increasing your own net worth — something you don’t have the opportunity to do through a rental.”

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