Whether you’re 18, 27 or 50 – there is going to come that time in your life when it’s time to leave the nest and move into your own patch of turf. Regardless of when it happens, or why, you’ll probably feel the same excitement and nerves in equal measure.
Take note of these tips to help you soar out of the nest and make sure you don’t quickly end up scurrying back.
Think before you Act
There are many reasons to move out and this does not matter as much, so long as you have properly thought about your decision rather than making a brash one. Am I ready to live independently?
If it is your decision, are you moving out for the right reasons? Making a rash decision when you haven’t thought things through is the quickest way to find yourself moving back home again.
Find the right place
Whether you’re buying, sharing or renting, you’ll need to work out what kind of property best suits you and your lifestyle.
Ask yourself some serious questions. Can you live alone or is a flat share the best option? Will you be happy in a grungy share house or is a slick inner city pad more your style? What can you actually afford?
If you’re testing the waters maybe a room in a share house rather than taking the lease in your own name is best to start with.
Remember, images online are not gospel. Make sure you see each property in the flesh!
If you’re looking for someone to live with and you don’t have any commonalities with the housemates, then I can tell you it won’t work out. If you do try to stick it out you may find yourself tip-toeing around in your own house to avoid your flatmates.
Finances Sorted
Leaving home is expensive, if you haven’t got your budget in order than you are cooking up a nice recipe of financial hardship.
A recent study found some young Australians were going without food and borrowing money to survive when they moved out of home. Avoid this situation by calculating your known monthly income then planning a monthly budget for food, bills, transport, entertainment and extras.
Always pay any bills and rent on time to avoid a bad credit rating. If you want to buy a home later on someone will be looking at how you managed financially. Also Just so we are clear a plastic credit card is not a solution that will only make things worse.
No matter how much or how little money you have, managing your money well is the best foundation to living independently and this will have flow on effects to all aspects of your life.
Chores Suck
Congrats you now have your independence, freedom and adventure but it all comes with added responsibilities.
It will now be up to you to do the cleaning, cooking, laundry and taking the bins out. You don’t want to fall into the cliché of being a typical first time out of home slob!
Try to get into a rhythm of cooking yourself, rather than skipping meals or relying on take away every night (that’ll eat into your budget too).
Hide a spare key
There’s nothing worse than the surprise of an after-hours call out fee for a locksmith, so give someone you trust a spare key to your house. (No, don’t hide it under the front mat).
Don’t Forget the Olds
No matter how old you are, if it’s your first time out of home your parents will probably miss you. Give them a call from time to time or go home for a meal! Forget flowers, nothing says I miss you like bringing home your washing for mum.
Practice
If you’re thinking about moving out, perhaps its worth trialling with a friend or family member to see how your budgeting and housework skills stack up. A short term rental could be another solution.
Ask for help
Moving out for the first time can be daunting, and there’s a lot to get on top of. Don’t be too proud to ask for help if you find yourself under financial or emotional stress or if you have any other kind of trouble.
For more tips check out our E-Course for first time home buyers.
