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How to Move out of Your Parents’ House

Posted in Coping With Relocation,How-to,Looking for a Home on July 23, 2024

Although many Gen Zs and Millennials choose to remain with their parents after turning 18, the majority still want to start their own life. If you yourself are wondering how to move out of your parents’ house, we’re here to help you navigate the process smoothly. Let’s get you well-prepared for this life-changing step!

How to Move out of Your Parents’ House

Moving out of your parents’ house requires careful planning and preparation. Start by setting a budget and finding a new place that fits the financial plan. Communicate the decision with your parents, seek their advice, and respect their feelings throughout the process.

Begin packing early, focusing on non-essentials first, and consider hiring professional relocation help to make the transition smoother. Stay organized, manage finances, and establish a routine to adjust to independent living. Embrace the change with a positive attitude and maintain regular contact with the family for support.

A girl packing books
Plan the big relocation adequately for a seamless transition

Set Some Ground Rules and Plan Adequately Before Moving Out of Your Parents’ House

The US Census Bureau reports that one in three adults in the country between the ages of 18 and 34 still reside at home as of 2021. No matter this statistic, people still leave their nests and start a new chapter in their lives for many reasons. If you’re one of them, you’ll need to prepare adequately for this journey.

Considering all the things you need when moving out of your parents’ house, preparation is essential. This is particularly true if it’s your first time moving out. Proper planning helps prevent last-minute chaos and ensures a smooth transition. Start by setting ground rules for yourself, such as creating a timeline with specific milestones like decluttering, packing, and booking movers.

Make sure you stay organized because it’s the key to successful relocation. Use checklists to track tasks and keep important documents in a dedicated folder. Label the boxes clearly and maintain an inventory of your items. That way, you’ll reduce stress and make the move a positive experience.

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Set a Relocation Budget and Find a New Place to Live

Moving cross-country can be expensive, so it’s mandatory to prepare yourself financially. No matter if you’re relocating to college or just need to start over, make sure to create a detailed budget. Count in all the potential costs, including security deposits, moving supplies, and transportation. This will help you have an efficient move without any unnecessary stress that comes along with relocating.

Once you have a clear budget, begin searching for a new place. Keep in mind that the place should fit the financial plan and lifestyle needs. However, if you’re moving in with a friend, make sure you both love the place before renting or buying. Consider factors such as location, proximity to work or school, and amenities.

Renting vs. Buying – Chose the Better Option

Keep in mind that the whole finding a place thing might be a bit harder than you thought. The housing market isn’t as it was before and the prices are rising – Comerica predicts that home prices across the country will go up by 2.9% in 2024.

With that in mind, it’s no wonder 69% of renters think that renting is the best way to spend their money right now. Overall, it’s up to you to decide whether owning a place or renting will suit you better. That being said, let’s check out the table below with the top 5 places where renting is more affordable than buying.

City Cost of Rent (30 Years) Cost of Owning
Fremont, California $2,213,000 $3,414,000
San Jose, California $2,230,000 $3,420,000
Arlington, Virginia $1,388,000 $1,969,000
Austin, Texas $1,248,000 $1,626,000
Madison, Wisconsin $768,000 $1,188,000

Communicate Your Big Decision With Your Parents

Have an open conversation with your parents about the decision to move out. Explain the reasons and ensure they understand your intentions. Clear communication can help alleviate any concerns they may have and foster their support during the transition. Some of the family members have valuable experience. Seek their advice on finding a place, budgeting, and other aspects of the relocation process.

How to Move Away From Parents – Maintain Respectful Boundaries

Did you know that living with parents as a young adult was perceived negatively by Americans more often than favorably by society? Times change, but you still want to experience life on your own. However, you will need to have that serious conversation with your loved ones – it’s simply inevitable.

To make it easier, respect their feelings and boundaries throughout the process. Moving out from your parents’ place is a significant change for them as well, and showing consideration for their emotions can ease the transition for everyone involved.

A group of people playing a board game
Two-thirds of Americans between teens and 40s rely on parent's material support

Start Packing and Decluttering as Soon as Possible

Starting the packing and decluttering process early is crucial for a smooth move. Begin by sorting through your belongings to decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This not only reduces the volume of items to move but also helps you organize the new space more efficiently.

Early packing allows you to gather all necessary supplies, such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, without the rush. It also provides ample time to label boxes clearly, making unpacking less stressful.

Pack Non-Essentials and Things You Won’t Need During the Relocation First

When starting to pack, focus on non-essential items and things you won’t need immediately during the relocation. Seasonal clothing, books, decorative items, and seldom-used kitchenware are good candidates for early packing.

This approach helps you gradually reduce clutter and makes your essential daily items more accessible until moving day. Packing non-essentials first allows you to systematically organize belongings and ensures that the items you need most remain available until the last moment. This methodical packing strategy helps keep the living space functional and minimizes disruption as you prepare for the relocation.

A man packing while a woman works on a laptop
Pack smart and avoid some common mistakes

Hire Professional Long-Distance Movers With Top-Notch Services

Hiring professional cross-country movers is often a better choice than attempting a DIY relocation. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to move out of your parents’ house. Professionals offer a range of cross-country moving services designed to make relocation easier. They provide expert packing assistance, safe transportation, and car shipping services, ensuring the belongings are handled with care.

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Companies like Cross Country Movers also have the necessary equipment and experience to tackle challenges such as heavy lifting and navigating complex logistics. Additionally, they offer insurance options for added peace of mind.

Manage Your Finances After Moving Across the Country

The period after the relocation can be pretty tough. So, start by saving enough money to cover relocation expenses and at least three months’ rent and living costs. This financial cushion will provide security as you settle into the new environment.

If you’re relocating to a new city, consider opening a local bank account to ensure easier access to your funds and simplify transactions. Additionally, utilities such as electricity, water, internet, and gas should be set up at the new place before moving in. This preparation ensures that your new home is functional from the moment you arrive, allowing for a smoother transition.

Person using a calculator
Plan and manage your finances well in advance

Set Into Your New Home Smoothly

Settling into a new place is an exciting process that requires a systematic approach. Begin by unpacking essential items first, such as kitchenware, toiletries, and bedding. This ensures that you have everything you need to function comfortably from day one. Gradually move on to non-essentials to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Once the essentials are in place, focus on decorating your space to reflect your personal taste. Adding the unique touch will make the place feel welcoming and familiar, helping you adjust more quickly. Finally, take the time to introduce yourself to the neighbors. Building friendly relationships can make the transition smoother and create a supportive community around you.

Female professional typing on a laptop
Make the new place feel homey after the relocation

Adjust to Independent Living After Leaving Your Parents’ House

Adjusting to independent living requires establishing a routine, managing the finances, and maintaining connections with your family. Creating a daily routine helps you manage time effectively, balancing chores, work, and leisure activities. This structure ensures you stay productive and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Keep regular contact with your family. Frequent communication provides emotional support, eases the transition, and helps you feel connected as you navigate this new phase of independence.

Woman cleaning a coffee maker
Try to create some healthy routines after the relocation

Additional Tips for Moving Out of Your Parents' House

Stay Organized

Staying organized is key to a successful relocation. Keep track of important documents such as leases, contracts, and relocation quotes in a dedicated folder. Use planners or apps to create checklists and schedules for packing, relocation tasks, and deadlines.

Label boxes clearly with their contents and designated rooms to make unpacking easier. Additionally, keep an inventory of all your belongings to ensure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Seek Help When Needed

Long-distance moving can be overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals. Enlist friends to assist with packing or moving larger items. Family members can provide emotional support and practical advice based on their own experiences.

Hiring professional movers or packers can also ease the burden and ensure your belongings are handled properly. Seeking help when needed allows you to tackle challenges more effectively and makes the moving process more manageable.

Embrace Change

Leaving the nest is a significant life change. Embrace it with a positive attitude and be open to new experiences. Acknowledge the emotions that come with this transition, both excitement and anxiety. Focus on the opportunities and growth that come with living independently. Establish new routines, make new friends, and explore the new environment.

Reach Out to Cross Country Movers for a Seamless Relocation

This is a big step, but with careful planning and the right support, it can be a smooth and exciting process. Make sure everything is organized and every member of the family is notified adequately. Then, only the practical relocating part remains. That’s where Cross Country Movers steps in. We are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for a seamless transition and start your next journey on the right foot!

Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

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