5 Things To Think About Before You Move Out

Are you currently living at home with your stale old parents and think you’re ready to move out? I have moved out, and have experienced it all – both the good, and the bad. This experience has provided me with insight and advice, which would have definitely been helpful for me. SO, before you dive into the world of independence and responsibilities, here are 5 things you should probably consider before you do.

Are you ready to spend half your wage on rent, food and bills?

When I was living at home, I thought it would be a breeze to move out. It wasn’t. I was genuinely broke within a month. Having to spend half my wage on necessary things rather than a nice lunch out on the weekend really put a downer on my spirits. Are you ready to give up your Sunday brunch with your friends so you can have electricity for the next 3 months?

Can you do your own washing?

You could call me a pro washer now. But boy did it take time for me to realise I actually had to set out a full day to wash, hang out and fold my clothes. I miss my mum doing my washing. GET YOUR PARENTS TO DO YOUR WASHING WHILE YOU CAN!

Do you enjoy cooking for yourself?

This is one thing I still struggle with. After a long day at either work or Uni, the last thing you want to do is come home and prepare your own meals. This is where Uber Eats has saved me multiple times, but then that takes me back to being broke…

Do you still want to travel?

If you’re living out of home and paying a decent amount of rent, you don’t really have the luxury of spontaneous travel. Sure, you can budget and plan in advance, but if you like taking holidays, you need to remember you still have rent due at home. It’s hard to pay for Summer trips to the coast while you’re locked into your bills.

Do you know that the things that magically replace themselves at home (toilet paper, shampoo, snacks), don’t actually do it themselves?

This was a big shock. Who the hell is organised enough to remember they’ve run out of shampoo? You’ll find yourself using soap as shampoo for a little while, but it’ll get better.

Now all of these things may not seem serious, but trust me when I say they are important to think about before you genuinely want to move out. You are fully responsible for yourself and it will take a while to get used to.

However, even with all these concerns taken into consideration, I can honestly say it has been the best thing I have done. I have my own space, I cook what I want to eat and I don’t have to tell anyone what time I’ll be home. If you think you’re ready, I say go for it! You wont regret it! (Until you come home from a night out and realise you haven’t budgeted for drunk snacks).