Human beings have learnt to recognize progress. We had to over the years, otherwise we would have no way of knowing when to celebrate.
However, there is no universally acceptable way of spotting a win. So, some milestones are harder to recognize than others. For example, does starting a new relationship feel like an achievement? What about getting your first degree or moving out of your parents house?
These things are definitely signs of some kind of progress. Whether we care to admit it or not, moving out of your parents’ house can signal maturity and a readiness to take on the challenges of life.
But there are many questions you might have about this step such as when is the right time to make the move? What preparations should you make? Is there a perfect age for this? Well, that is why I have written this article.
In this article, I would cover some critical questions you might have about taking this step and offer some important tips to help you make the right choice.
How do I know I am ready to move out?
It is important to be able to tell that it’s time to move out. But what are the signs that you are ready? How do you know that you are ready to face the world without the loving shelter of family.
There are some signs that can indicate you are ready to take this step
You feel emotionally prepared
One key sign that you are ready to step out on your own is that you just feel emotionally prepared.
The thought of being by yourself doesn’t scare you anymore. You are confident about your ability to connect with new people and face challenges head on.
This means that you are probably prepared to live by yourself.
Experiencing conflict and tension at home
If you have started experiencing increased conflict and tension at home then maybe it’s time to move out.
If you find that you can’t seem to see eye to eye on issues with family and it’s affecting your mental health what you might need is a place of your own
You are financially stable
If you have a steady income and your financial situation is predictable then you are fit to live by yourself.
Moving out might just be the next thing for you.
You are comfortable doing the chores
Taking care of yourself goes beyond paying the bills. Living by yourself means you might have to do chores at your new home all by yourself such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and handy work.
If you still can’t get stuff done around the house you should probably learn to do so before moving out.
You need some privacy
People evolve and so should their environment. If you find yourself needing an environment where you can be free from distractions so that you can get more done then moving out might be a good idea.
What is the right age to move out?
As soon as you become an adult (18 years) you should be looking to step out on your own.
Most people believe that you should be living by yourself between 24 and 27 but I think what is more important is your reason for moving out.
Living by yourself is something that can make or mar you yet it is easy to make the decision rashly. It has to be well thought out and prepared for.
In my opinion, the ultimate reason to move out is to start your own family or to prepare to start your own family. There are other good reasons like being closer to your workplace or focusing on starting a business.
That being said, I still believe that no one should be at their parents’ house by 30. It just doesn’t feel right.
5 things to do before moving out
Moving out should not be done without proper planning for various reasons.
One reason is that where you move to can impact your security, health, relationship and even your finances. That is why you have to carry out some research on the kind of neighborhood you want to live in.
Another reason is that moving out can drive you into the cold arms of loneliness if done recklessly. For example, if you move to another state where you don’t know anyone and can’t speak the language, it might be difficult building new relationships and connecting with new people.
If you don’t leave on good terms with family or friends, life can be lonelier than you could ever imagine.
So here are five things you should do before moving out.
Have Some Savings
You have to have some money saved besides the money for your rent and moving costs. This cash would act as a fallback plan if you have an emergency.
Savings can be a life saver if you don’t have health insurance. You can still pay medical bills if you fall sick or have an accident.
Having money can also help you keep your head above water if you lose your job. You can stay on your own until you create another source of income.
Source of income
In order to live on your own successfully, you can’t neglect the importance of having a source of income.
Trust me, there will be bills to pay and needs to meet. That is why you need money to make this happen.
A source of income can be a good job, a thriving business or a high income skills- whatever pays the bills.
Remember that your new neighbours would like to know what you do for a living. You need to have a good answer that would ensure your security.
Plan new living conditions
This is the part where you think about where you want to live.
Is the neighbourhood close enough to your workplace? Can you pick up the bills each month? What is the cost of living like in this place?
You have to think this through so you don’t end up regretting living in your new home. It is also important to ensure that where you are moving to does not impact your ability to earn an income.
It is also important to plan how you would organize your living space. What kind of furniture do you need? How spacious should your room be? Figure this out before moving.
Discuss moving with family
It is important to let family and friends know that you are planning to move so that you can sustain your existing relationships with them.
They would continue to be an important part of your support system long after you move out. Communicate your reason for moving and leave on good terms
Build your own support system
Besides family you should have friends, and a community like church or club that makes up part of your support system.
This kind of support system offers advice, guidance and support in areas where your family members may not have experience or understanding.
Is it better to move out or stay with parents?
As a healthy adult, moving out is generally better than living with your parents.If you feel prepared, moving out is the right thing to do.
But if you don’t have a job, a source of income or any good preparation you might be setting yourself up for hardship.
5 benefits of moving out
There are several benefits to moving out of your parents’ house. I will go over some of them below.
Personal development
Living by yourself would give you the opportunity to take charge of your own life. You would have to figure out how to fend for yourself on your own.
It gives you the opportunity to face life’s challenges on your own. In the process, you discover your abilities and talents.
All these things make you a better person.
Privacy
If you need to be able to stay out late without having to explain yourself all the time or you often work a lot at home and need your privacy, then living by yourself may be the best thing for you.
You can entertain friends freely without feeling constrained.
You can build new relationships
Simply moving to a new location gets you new neighbours. You also meet new people every other day whom you can build relationships with.
Living by yourself can also enable you start and sustain romantic relationships because it makes you come off as independent and responsible which most people find attractive
You can be more responsible for your life
When you are by yourself you can follow your gut and take the kind of risks you want to take. You can also set boundaries regarding who you let into your life.
This enables you to plan your life and follow principles you set for yourself strictly.
You have more freedom
It is easier to manage your time when you are by yourself. You won’t be distracted by having to do chores or favours for family members.
You don’t also have to attend social events that you have no interest in. You are now free to make your own plans and organize your life the way you see fit.
Conclusion
Moving out of your parents’ house requires adequate preparation. It shouldn’t be done rashly but it has to be done because it signals maturity.
Moving out comes with various benefits such as privacy and personal development.
There are various steps you should take before moving. It is equally important to examine your reason for moving and ensure you are adequately prepared.