Tell Your Parents You're Moving out of Home
Telling your parents that you're moving out may seem like a difficult task. There's the potential for a lot of hurt feelings. If approach the topic carefully however, you can make the whole process easier on everybody.
Contents
Steps
Be Prepared
- Think things through. Your parents are going to have a lot of concerns about you leaving and will ask a ton of questions. Here are some things you’ll want to consider that will definitely be on their minds:
- Choose a sensible location. Whether you’re planning to move close to home or far away, your parents will still want to know all about it.
- Don't settle on the first place you find. Shop around and make sure that you find the best place for you and take your parents with you so they feel more included in the whole process.
- It may be a nice place on the inside, but learn what you can about the neighborhood, too. You'll be glad you did.
- Find out everything you can about your roommates. If you are going to have a roommate, is it someone they’ve met?
- If not, schedule an introduction to alleviate the stress that you may be living with a stranger.
- Make sure you know enough about your roommate's lifestyle and financial situation to be able to judge whether there is a good fit between you.
- Be certain your finances are in order. Moving can be very expensive, but don’t just think about the move. Your parents will want to know how you plan to support yourself over time. Be sure you’ve thought this through.
- Make sure you have a steady source of income
- Most places will require you to pay first and last month's rent, plus a deposit, upon moving in, so be sure to save up.
- Movers can be expensive, and so can renting a van. It's always handy if you can get friends to help, but make sure you do something nice in return.
- You have to make sure all of your utilities get turned on right away. This also costs money and may require deposits as well.
- Don't forget about the little things. All the small household items that you may have taken for granted won't just be there waiting for you. The little things add up!
- Plan for transportation in your new home. You need to be able to get around on your own. Do you have a car or a bike, or will you be taking public transportation?
- Think about the lifestyle you plan to have. Above all else, your parents will want you to be healthy and happy. It may sound trivial, but consider things like diet, cleanliness, hygiene and personal wellness.
The Conversation
- Pick a good moment. When you’ve done the legwork and believe that you’re ready to tell your parents that your moving out, pick a moment when you’ll be able to have a full discussion about it.
- Stay firm. In the event that they push back, stand by your decision. Let them know that the time has come for you to move on. But to avoid turning it into an argument, try to:
- Be open and honest about your motivations to move out.
- Speak clearly and confidently about your plans. This will not only make the conversation easier, but it will further demonstrate how much you’ve thought about the situation.
- Consider their feelings. Even though they may accept the fact that it’s time for you to move on, they’ll be sad to see you go. Demonstrate that you’ve been thinking about them, too.
- Tell them that you love them.
- Promise that you’ll be in touch as often as you can.
- Assure them that you won’t forget about birthdays, family events, special occasions, etc.
- Thank them for everything they've done for you.
Tips
- Start saving money early, and make it a habit.
- Eating out all the time can get very expensive. You can often save money by making sure you stock enough groceries to prepare your own meals.
- Always be honest to your parents no matter what. If you do the opposite they, may not trust you later if you need them!
Warnings
- Bills can pile up. Make sure you stay on top of your finances so that you don't miss payments or get penalized on any accounts.
Things You May Need
- Seeing as how this is your first apartment, you may need a co-signer on the lease. Typically this will either be your parents or your roommates parents.
- A steady job or reliable source of income.
- A car or other method of transportation.
