A guide to moving out of home

Moving out of home for the first time is a huge deal and it’s normal to feel both excitement and panic. 

On the one hand, you get more freedom and independence. On the other hand, you’re making huge changes to your location, lifestyle, routines, budget and relationships, all at once.

This guide will offer some tips for making the move, running your own space, and looking after yourself during it all.

The pre-move gut check

Before you start packing, it’s a good idea to think through the big questions. Being honest with yourself now will set you up for a much smoother transition.

Why do you want to move?

There are heaps of possible reasons for leaving your family home. You might want to move: 

• for study

• for a new job

• to have more independence

• to get some distance from a tricky situation at home. 

If you feel like you’re being pressured to move, or if it doesn’t feel like the right time, there might be a better solution than moving out. Whatever your reason, make sure the decision feels right for you.

Where will you live?

If you’ve got a steady income, you could look at going to rental inspections with friends and signing a lease together. Otherwise, it might be easier to find a room in an existing sharehouse. Here are a few ways you can do that.

• Check out flatmates.com.au.

• Ask your family or friends for leads.

• Try online social groups for finding housemates.

If you’re leaving home to escape conflict or abuse, know that there are services available to help you. Check out our guide to the housing support services available.

Can you afford it?

Living on your own is expensive. It’s a good idea to put together a moving-out-of-home budget to see if your income can cover your expected costs. You’ll want to try and make sure you can pay for:

• rent

• food

• gas, electricity and internet bills

• rental bond (this is usually four weeks’ rent)

• travel costs.

After you’ve added up your regular costs, make sure you’re earning about 20 per cent more than that, so you’ll be able to stash money away in case anything comes up.

Are you studying or looking for work? It’s worth checking if you can get support payments from Centrelink. If you’re living at home currently, the amount you claim may increase if you’re moving out of home.

Keeping your new place (and yourself) in good shape

Once you’re in your new place, you’ll realise there’s a lot of day-to-day stuff to manage. Don’t stress if you don’t get the hang of it right away – nobody does. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Cleaning basics

Everyone’s idea of ‘clean’ is different, but staying on top of a few basics will make your new home feel much better to live in (and help you avoid arguments with housemates). Here are some good starting points:

• Do the washing-up by the time you go to bed. 

• Wipe down kitchen benches after you use them.

• Give things a proper clean once a week, including vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and mopping the kitchen and bathroom.

• Wash your towels weekly and your sheets every one or two weeks to keep them fresh and free of nasty smells and germs.

• Read the labels on your clothes to know exactly how to wash laundry.

• Air-dry washed clothes if possible, instead of using a dryer. (It’s gentler on them and on your power bill.)

Learn how to make a few simple meals

Mi goreng is great in a pinch, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But learning to cook a few simple, healthy meals is one of the best things you can do for your health and your wallet. For easy, budget-friendly ideas, check out Taste.com.au, RecipeTin Eats or whatever social media apps you use.

How to cope with moving out of home

Adjusting to a new life away from family and friends is tough. It’s completely normal to feel lonely, isolated or overwhelmed. These feelings are part of the process, but there are things you can do to make it easier.

Stay connected with your family

Keeping in touch takes more effort when you live apart. Give them a ring every now and then!

Make your space feel like home

Bring things from your old home that make you feel comfortable and safe, like your favourite posters, photos, a familiar doona or a special mug. These small touches can make a new room feel like your own.

Get involved in your new community

A great way to meet new people is to join a local sports team, or club or volunteer group that matches your interests. It can feel daunting at first, but it’s the quickest way to build a new support network.

Be kind to yourself – it takes time

Moving out is a huge life change. It’s okay if you don’t feel settled right away. As you get into a new routine and start making connections, things will get easier. It’s important to work out your own coping strategies for when you’re having a rough day.

If you’re still finding it tough

If you’ve been feeling down for a while and things aren’t getting better, talking about it can really help. Chat to a family member or a friend you trust and let them know what’s going on.

Sometimes, it helps to talk to someone who isn’t in your immediate circle. A GP, a counsellor or an anonymous service like ReachOut PeerChat can all offer a listening ear.

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