Time to Move Out of Your Parents’ house

The wonderful, or dreaded (more on that later), day has finally arrived:  you have finally graduated high school or college and are looking for a place that you can call your own.  Just imagine!  You can have sleepovers anytime you want; eat ice cream for breakfast; stay up on a school or work night whenever; and host your own hang out sessions which take place at, indeed, your place.   It sounds like moving out is a pretty sweet deal, especially when it comes to the junk food privileges.

Alas, there is the darker side of moving out.  There is going to be all kinds of new responsibilities that you may or may not be prepared for, and which will undoubtedly put a damper on the entire experience if not handled properly.  Finances and maintenance are two things you must put a great deal of time into when you move out of your parents’ house.  Hopefully you have acquired enough wisdom and know-how before you make the big leap forward.  If you’re unprepared, you will find yourself back in the nest in no time.

If you are still reading this post at this point, then it is safe to say that you are uncertain as to your moving out preparation.  The fact that you’re persisting is good; it shows you are actually willing to seek information when you are unsure, which will make both moving out and many other endeavors of your life far easier.

Now for some moving out assistance…

The Moving Out Checklist

Fortunately for you, nest-leaver, there is plenty of information available that can help with the entire process, regardless of whether or not you find it awesome or excruciating (there’s nothing wrong with the latter, mind you; there are plenty of good reasons to live at home, particularly while you’re attending college).  Here is a list of some of best things to keep in mind while you’re either deciding to move out or have already begun:

1. Are you sure you want to move out?  If you are making yourself leave because of pressure from people in your social circle, which does very well include your family (the parental-units too, of course), this can spell trouble.  Being forced into a decision usually means it is a less than optimal one, which might cause you to struggle with your moving out endeavor.  Whoever the ‘pressuring’ parties are, be sure to let them know about your discomfort and uncertainty, and see where it goes from there.  You may be surprised at how much they might be able to help alleviate these doubts.
2. Ready to drop the ‘unessentials’ of your spending habits?  This could be a very difficult task, but it may have to happen depending on your budget.  Rent has to be paid and, to do that, you likely will have to look over your finances and determine what can be cut—or, if you’re lucky, offloaded onto your parents If they are willing (never hurts to try).
3. Do you have a job that can make ends meet, and is tolerable?  Should you already have a fantastic career you adore for both its compensation and the specifics of its work, you can safely pass by this part.  Chances are, though, that you have something of a mixed blessing, or maybe even an outright curse.  Do not even think about moving out if you are unsure about your present means of income; being able to afford your expenses is something of a necessity, and this is not guaranteed if you’re constantly thinking about the lack of compensation, quitting, being laid off, or getting fired.  Make sure you are secure in your job/career before departing.

Moving Out Lists Abound; Reliable Storage Does Not

There is no shortage of information relating to how you can move out of your parents’ house successfully—successfully being defined as moving out and not coming back immediately after.   But how many of these deliverers of knowledge take into account the need for dependable storage for nest-leavers?  If some of your belongings do not fit in your new place—figuratively or literally—our