When's It Safe To Move Out?

[NickOfSpencer]

I'd really like to hear everybodys opinion on this. If you've moved before, how old were you and what differance did it make. I always hear people say dont rush growing up, but its to hard to ignore the fact that your broke and living off your parents still. Is it safe to find a part time job a fair distance away and move out? In this economy? What about moving out of state? Any advice or help would be great. Thanks

[dreamyxo]

Nothing in life is guaranteed.  If you don't try it you'll never know what you can do.  I moved across the world by myself and had the time of my life, it was the best experience I've ever had.  You won't know until you try.

[thanhkle2003]

I first moved out at the age of 18 years old. I moved away to find a job and make a little bit of $$ to help my family. I don't reccommend this to anyone at that age since there are many things that an 18 year old doesn't know. Take some time at home even if you think that you're grown. Sometimes being with the family helps build your core values and support your ideas throughout each day.
I ended up moving back and going back to school full-time at the age of 22. It was the best decision I'd ever made up til that point in my life. I started working on long term goals and actually stuck to my goals.
I moved out again at the age of 29 and the move has been permanent. I won't be returning to the nest at this in my life. My family may come to stay with me, but I won't be returning. I think that the later one waits, the better the chance of not returning to the nest. Unless you are moving for marriage and children, most likely, you will be returning to your comfort zone.
Hope this helps.

[NickOfSpencer]

Wow.... In those 2 replys I pretty much got all the info I wanted. Basically two differant sides. Im probably going to re-read these posts weekly to keep me sane and keeping on. 

[SenoritaLadyBoss]

Well, you should definatley have a STABLE job and a drivers liscence would help. Because when you move out you want to be able to support your self. And having to move back in with the parents tottally blows so its Good to have a Job you enjoy

[nummerkins]

Moving out can be such a freeing experience - if you have not lived on your own, realizing that you are responsible for all your food, shelter, etc. is a very powerful thing. You are answerable only to yourself & can start blazing your own trail. Just remember, no matter how smart you are there is always someone smarter and willing to take advantage of you. With that in mind, you should be able to do anything. I was 19 when I moved out & I loved every second of it.

[angel379227]

Nobody here knows you well enough to answer that question appropriately.

[g0ku4life]

All I will say is do not move out if you only have a part-time job and no other source of income. You will not be able to pay rent unless you have a bunch of roommates.

Do some research on rent in the area to where you are moving to first. It isn't fun just breaking even (or less) every month in your finances.

However, once I moved out, I never wanted to go back.

[muush88]

If your broke how you gonna move out? if parents dont mind stay there get part time job save save save  no fun being on your own with no money and having to move back in with parents anyway. im assuming your still young? If your 40 lol get a freaking job and leave your parents alone.

[karenkpc]

I echo the points made about doing your research before leaving...and also create a budget based on your research, with an emergency fund built in, so you know financially where you need to be to stay out of the nest.  again, as said, there are no guarantees, but things tend to go more smoothly with good preparation.  that being said, I've been out since I was 18, with a bounce in here and there for a few weeks in between places when it's come to that, and a couple years-ish during one particularly complicated school period, but I'm all done with that  

[arrwyn]

At whatever age you decide to be on your own, you need a PLAN.  Research not only the rents in the area where you choose to live but the cost of utilities and food/groceries. 
 None of this is practical without a full time job or enterprise that pays 50% more than your expenses.  Before you actually move, have that full time job or enterprise. 
Save a minimum of 10% of your net earnings.  Put it in a savings account until it is enough to buy a secured bond then start over.  When the bond matures put it all back into another secured bond or buy gold and silver coins.  Check with your bank as to whether or not they will cover the weight value of the gold or silver or if they will cover only the face value if you keep them in a safety deposit box.  (Some banks will not cover the weight value so do not keep your gold and silver in the banks).  I recommend gold and silver because the current economy is going to burst before too long and the only REAL money out there is pure gold and silver.  There are plenty of websites where you can get pure gold and silver so just Google it.
When you first move out, do not bring into your home anything that "eats"; no pets, no plants, no room mates unless they are carrying their share of the expenses but make sure you can afford the expenses by yourself because roommates are not reliable.  Go for the minimum need first.   Remember that most apartment complexes have rents that increase by a percentage EVERY YEAR.  Ask what the increase is before you decide to rent there and be sure you can handle the increases. Most apartment complexes require the first and last months rent so your initial investment is 300% of the rent.  You need this UP FRONT.  Also if you've never had utilities in your name you are going to have to give them a deposit, it varies in amount from company to company and possibly from region to region. (Ask your parents if you can put one of the utilities in your name to establish credit with them before you move out, or get your own phone/internet while you are still home.) All this has to be checked out before you go. 
Do you have furniture you can take from home?  IF not then get used to the idea of shopping at thrift stores and Good Will or the Salvation Army for your first furniture.  You can always replace a piece at a time with new furniture that suits your personal environmental style as you have the funds to do so.  (I don't really recommend this but I grew up on other people's "garbage".  My dad had a pick up truck and on major trash day he'd cruise the "ritzy" neighborhoods for cast offs.  The furniture was still in good condition and serviceable for years)or you may be able to find furnished apartments. 
If you don't want to live where there is public transportation, you need a car in good condition and easy on the pocket for maintenance.  And of course a driver's license.

The most important recommendation I can give you is NEVER use credit.  If you can't pay cash for it, you don't need it.  Keep a savings account of at least 5% of your net earnings BESIDES your investment money.  This is emergency funds and major expense money like health needs and car repair. 
Work a monthly amount of medical care and car maintenance into your budget and STICK to the budget.   Your monthly budget should include utilities, rent, car insurance, car maintenance, medical expenses, clothing, groceries/food, renters insurance (you MUST have renter's insurance.  Your landlord will not replace your furnishings if something happens to your apartment nor does the site insurance cover someone who gets hurt in your apartment, you have to have your own liability insurance), entertainment (a must also.  You'll loose your mind if you don't go out once in a while), health insurance, bank fees, and life insurance. All of this in addition to your savings and investment accounts.

Living on your own is not cheap, being home with your parents until you get married and have a family of your own is not a problem if you are pulling your own weight at home.  My parents charged me a minimal rent after I got a job, if your parents are letting you live there rent free then invest money and time in maintaining their home.  Being home does not mean you are excused from being responsible.  Being at home you can still manage a budget and if your income is much higher than your expenses, don't spend it all foolishly.  Invest it in yourself.  Your first home away from your parents may be a home you purchase instead of rent if you are frugal.

Good Luck.

[trujillo33]

I think it is safe to move out at age 18...i believe most ppl would move out at this time. After high school most teen are off to college so i would think they basically move out for the school year. However, I do believe some people never move out of their parents house. Now a days young people are living with their parents. So i think it just depends on your situation.

[j3nn1fer]

I moved out way to early 18. I say it was early because I didnt have a job for very long before I moved. And I will say it was hard , and it only got harder . Work , live at home, save up money plus make sure you have a good stable job.