Should You Move Out Of Your Parents' House

There is no one definite answer to the question of “Should I move house?” or an explicit average age by which one should be living alone. Everyone is on a different path in life, so no one-fits-all solution can be offered. Moving out for the first time from your parents' house can be intimidating, but it is an exciting new chapter in any young adult's life during which you’ll grow. From how to do your laundry to your finances, there is a lot to be learned from moving out.

A record number of young adults in the UK are still living at home. Between the ages of 20-34, 21% of women and 32% of men still live at home. The increase is likely associated with the rising average house prices and rents. The following conditions will aid you in evaluating whether or not you’re ready to move out, after reading this you’ll be marking a day in the calendar for moving day.

Long Commute

When you begin working, you’ll have to undoubtedly begin commuting to and from work. The issue with living at home is that you have zero control over where the house is located. Oftentimes family houses are located in the suburbs, which can make for a long commute. If early morning and late nights are tough, commuting to and fro, then you might want to consider relocating to a location that is more centrally located for you and your life.

No Privacy

Parents are naturally very curious individuals, poking and meddling into our lives as they see fit. As you age, privacy and the ability to keep things to yourself will increase in importance. Living alone will offer the advantage of not having to inform someone of all the details of your day or where you were last night. Bringing friends over to hang out can be made quite uncomfortable if you’re home with parents, having to monitor what you say and do, this can be especially awkward if you’re bringing home a partner. 

You Crave Independence

Independence is the best thing you’ll gain from moving out. The flexibility and spontaneity you’ll gain will open the world to you. The ability to come and go as you please, skip meals, come home late, and wake up even later, are the luxuries you’ll be able to indulge in. Living alone your day and life are structured solely around your preferences and routine, which is what makes it so rewarding. 

Financially Ready

You may have been saving money while living at home to help you in the transition of moving out for the first time. If you feel financially adept at paying your rent and bills then you might want to consider moving out, or your parents may be willing to financially support you for a short duration. Asking your parents about finances and what things there are to take into consideration will help give you confidence for when you’re on your own. Learning to keep a budget is also a vital part of being independent. 

Don’t Have Basic Life Skills

At home, the majority of the washing, cooking, and cleaning is done for you, but this is not the case when you live alone. If you don’t know how to remove stains from your clothes, which cleaning supplies to buy, or what dishwasher salt is, then you might want to begin taking note of these things. These basic skills are the fundamentals of being an adult. It is also quite unattractive if you meet someone in their late 20s and they still don’t know how to do their laundry, it doesn't reflect highly of your abilities to be a self-starter. Serviced apartments can be a great first apartment, to help soften the shock of having to do everything by yourself. 

Getting to a Certain Age

While there is no average age to move out of your parents' house, using your friends' lives as benchmarks for your own will aid you in understanding if you should begin packing for moving. If the majority of your friends are living alone, you can consult them on what it’s like or see if there is someone who could be your roommate, which can make moving out for the first time less intimidating. Especially if your friends are getting married and having kids, that could be the push and answer you need that it’s time to live alone.

Parents Dropping Hints

Lastly, if your parents are continuously dropping hints that it’s time to move out, you’ve probably overstayed your welcome. When you’re gone it’s not only a new time for you but also for your parents, so don’t be surprised if they begin communicating their preferences for your departure. Moving out doesn’t mean you’ll be less close with your parents, it can strengthen your relationship and help your parents view you as the adult you are. 

Join Gravity!

If you’re afraid of feeling alone or isolated when living solo, co-living is a solution for you. Gravity offers private accommodations in a community complex so that even though you’re leaving one family you’ll be entering a new one. Community support and common spaces will ensure that you make friends right away. With Gravity Co-living, moving out will no longer be something to fear but an opportunity to look forward to. Our 24/7 accessible property managers and easy fill out applications, will make your moving experience one that’s easy and enjoyable. So don’t wait, apply and join Gravity to view one of our apartments, and inform your parents that moving day is imminent!