How to Move Out of Your Parents’ House

Today, it’s not unusual for young adults to move back in with their parents for some time. In fact, a September 2020 estimate found that 52% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 in the United States live with their parents, a number that has gone up over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe you decided to live with your parents after graduating from high school, or you moved in for a while after graduating from college while you figured out your next steps.

Now you’re ready to take the next steps, but you may be wondering how to move out of your parents’ house. Moving into your first place as an adult is exciting, but you should keep in mind these 5 things so that you aren’t surprised by unexpected costs:

1. Start saving money for your move
2. Check your credit score
3. Find a place to live
4. Prepare for your move
5. Set up your utilities and change your address

1. Start saving money for your move

Before you’re ready to move out of your parents’ house, you’ll want to start saving money so that you have enough set aside to cover the initial expenses associated with moving into a new place and any unexpected costs or emergencies.

You’ll want to keep in mind a few different costs associated with moving. First, your new landlord will likely expect you to pay a security deposit — usually equivalent to the cost of one month’s rent — plus your first month’s rent, and in some circumstances, your last month’s rent as well. While security deposits are typically refundable, you won’t get your security deposit until after moving out of the apartment. 

Additionally, you may encounter other fees associated with your move, such as broker’s fees. You may also have some costs associated with setting up your utilities, such as renting or buying a Wi-Fi router.

If you employ professional movers to move your stuff, you can spend approximately $90 to $120 per hour, plus tips and the cost of boxes. Even if you do the move yourself or with friends, you’ll still need to pay for a rented van and packing supplies — plus pizza for your friends.

A good rule of thumb for how much you should save when you move out of your parents’ house is to calculate the cost of living in your new place for one month and then multiply this number by four. This figure should cover the cost of the move itself, plus two to three months of rent in case of emergencies. Financial planners recommend that, ideally, you should have six months of rent saved up for an emergency, but while you’re starting out, two to three will work.

2. Check your credit score

Having a less-than-stellar credit score could make it difficult to rent an apartment. Your future landlord will check your credit score before approving your application to ensure you’re a trustworthy renter. A good rule of thumb is that landlords will expect you to have a credit score of at least 620, but the higher your score, the better.

If you haven’t checked your credit score, do it now so you can work on improving your credit score if necessary. If you have bad credit, no credit, or a low credit score, you can always ask someone you trust to co-sign on your lease. Using a guarantor is another option, as this person will essentially take on the financial responsibility of the apartment.

3. Find a place to live

Once your finances are in order, you’re ready to start looking for a new apartment. Do some research on the cost of living in the city you’re moving to so that you understand what the local housing market looks like and what you can afford.

Zumper allows you to easily find verified properties, apply, and quickly learn whether you’ve been approved. Zumper’s inventory updates in real-time so that you’ll always be looking at the latest listings. You can filter your search by location, amenities, the number of bedrooms, and other requirements.

4. Prepare for your move

First, figure out the logistics of your move. If you can afford them, it may be worthwhile to pay for professional movers, especially if you have many furnishings and possessions or are moving far away. If you’re moving locally or don’t have a large number of possessions, you can DIY your move by enlisting friends and family to help and renting a van or rental truck.

You’ll also need to pick up packing supplies, including boxes and packing tape, as well as foam pouches or bubble wrap for your more delicate items. You can purchase many of these items online or from a hardware store or local moving supply company. However, you may be able to save more money by looking for gently used boxes in your neighborhood or borrowing them from friends who have recently moved.

5. Set up your utilities and change your address

Now that you’re about to move out of your parents’ house, you’ll need to take care of a few last-minute details. Contact your local utility company before you move, including electricity, gas, and water. Call your internet or cable company in advance of your move to set up an installation at your new home.

To make sure you continue to get your mail, set up mail forwarding with the U.S. Postal Service. Give your bank, workplace, friends, and loved ones your new address too.

Are you ready to leave the comfort of the nest and strike out on your own? Follow the tips for moving out of your parents’ house to make sure you’re ready for the big move and search for your first place on Zumper.

Cover image via iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages