How to Move Out at 18 and Face Reality?
Written by: Rujusmita Selvan – M. Sc (Psychology)
Last updated date : March 08, 2023
You just graduated and your parents are already asking when you’re moving out. Sound familiar? If you are thinking of moving out of home/ how to move out at 18. Thinking whether if you are ready or doubting can I move at 18?. Moreover, also thinking whether you have enough money to support yourself.
Every child needs to be surrounded by love and tenderness, in order to grow up to be a successful person. Parents try their best to offer their children everything they want to have a comfortable life. However, as children become teenagers, they want to prove their maturity and one of the ways is moving out to live independently. This cannot indicate their maturity for three different reasons.
“Very practical suggestions”
Peter
95 sections
6-Weeks Self-Paced
- Educational Content
- Quizzes
- Self-reflection material
- Suggestions & feedback
- Worksheet, tips & tools to use
$9.00 $12.00
25% discount
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Chapter 1:
Can I Move Out at 18?
First of all, teenagers lack maturity to live independently. The ability to predict the consequences of their actions are less. They are not disciplined and more likely to be depressed since they are overwhelmed by taking care of themselves. Teenagers without parents have no one to tell them what is right and wrong and they will end up making bad choices. Because the rate of criminals, drinking and drugs is so high for teenagers who move out early, young people should not live apart from their parents.
Secondly, when they start to live independently, there will be lack of support system such as family and education. These young people do not find time to learn and cook for themselves. They eat instant fast food which is not nutritious for their health. When they live far away from their parents, they will have to do work themselves and this will interrupt their education.
Every situation has positive and negatives, the type of decision is always upto you. We completely understand that no one could ever be fully prepared mentally to enter the adult world and live on your own without preparation. This guide on how to move out at 18 will make it easier for you to set yourself up for success ahead of time.
Chapter 2:
Reasons to Move Out at 18?
You may decide to leave home for many different reasons when thinking how to move out at 18:
- wishing to live independently
- needing to live closer to your place of work or study
- choosing to live with your partner
- conflict with your parents
- being asked to leave by your parents.
Chapter 3:
Issues to Consider When Moving Out of Home
It’s common to be a little unsure when deciding on how to move out at 18. But, think about:
- If this is your choice, and if you feel ready, or if you are feeling pressured to move out by other people
- Whether you have somewhere safe to live if you are under 18 you might find it difficult to rent a house or sign a lease.
- Whether you have enough money to support yourself . Ask someone to help you draw up a budget to be sure that you can afford to cover the essentials like rent, bills and groceries.
You may choose to move, but find that you face problems you didn’t anticipate, such as:
- Not being ready – you may find you are not ready to handle all the responsibilities
- Flat mate problems issues such as paying bills on time, sharing housework equally. Friends who never pay board, but stay anyway, and lifestyle incompatibilities may result in arguments.
Chapter 4:
If Your Family Does Not Provide Support
Not everyone who leaves home can return home or ask their parents for help in times of trouble. If you have been thrown out of home or left home to escape abuse or conflict, you may be too young or unprepared to cope.
If you need support on how to move out at 18, help is available from a range of community and government organizations. Assistance includes emergency accommodation and food vouchers. If you can not call your parents or foster parents, seek help from organization for information, advice and assistance.
Chapter 5:
Things Not to Do: How to Move Out at 18
It can be an exciting time when you consider how to move out at 18. However, there are some things you should be mindful of that you do not want to do when you move.
1. Moving Out Without a Plan
Always have a plan when you move. You should never make such a life changing decision on a whim no matter what it is. Plan out the steps it will take to make the move before you do it.
2. Keeping Your Decision a Secret From Family and Friends
Unless you’re in a dangerous situation, having the support of friends and family can be a huge help along the way. They may be able to help you with your research, put in a good word for you at a job, or donate things you might need for your new home.
Additionally, being able to move out at 18 without credit can make finding a place to live challenging. You might need your parents to co-sign on a lease for you. Let family and friends be there for you in this journey.
3. Moving in With Strangers
Do your homework and make sure you’re not moving into a dangerous situation. There are plenty of people offering rooms to rent which can be a great choice.
However, you need to be sure this person isn’t going to harm you in any way before you move in. Research as much as you can about the person and meet them in public with someone you trust beforehand.
4. Taking Things That Do Not Belong to You
To successfully move out on your own, you need to start fresh. Don’t raid your parents’ supplies on the way out the door. If they allow you to take things from their house to help get you on your feet, then that is okay to do. However, don’t try to sneakily take things that are not yours to take.
Chapter 6:
Final Tips for a Successful Move
Tips Include:
- Do not take decision blindly and consider the situation carefully. Are you ready to live independently? Do you make enough money to support yourself? Are you moving out for the right reasons?
- Draw up a realistic budget, do not forget to include ‘hidden’ expenses.
- Communicate to avoid misunderstandings by talking openly and respectfully about your concerns with flatmates and parents.
- Keep in touch and talk to your parents about regular home visits: for example, having Sunday night dinner together every week
- Ask for help , if things are becoming difficult, don’t be too proud to ask your parents for help, if you can.
Making this life-changing decision can be exciting and a big step for you. However, all the best things in life come when you make a plan.
If you are looking into how to move out at 18 and afford it, you have to plan ahead of time and start saving well before your move out date. Look for an income, save as much as you can, and stick to your budget. Getting this system down will not only help you move out at 18, it will help you long term in adulthood.
Try to connect with others who were once in your shoes. Learn from others’ mistakes, stick to your plan, and you will have a better shot at making this a successful move.
"Very practical suggestions" Peter
95 sections
6-Weeks Self-Paced
- Educational Content
- Quizzes
- Self-reflection material
- Suggestions & feedback
- Worksheet, tips & tools to use
$9.00
$12.00
25% discount