Turning 18 is a major milestone. You are finally considered an adult, ready to make your own choices and take control of your life’s path. One of the biggest decisions many 18-year-olds face is whether they should move out of their parents’ house and start living independently.
Moving out at 18 can be an exciting transition to adulthood, but also comes with real responsibilities. Being completely self-reliant for housing, bills, food, transportation and other basic necessities is a huge change from the comforts and conveniences of living at home.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about moving out at 18 and successfully living on your own, from budgeting tips to furnishing your first apartment. Follow these steps to thoughtfully prepare for and smoothly handle this major life transition.
Key Takeaways: How to Move Out at 18
- Save up an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of living expenses before moving out
- Secure a steady income source and create a realistic budget for rent, food, bills, etc.
- Find affordable housing near public transit, shopping and work
- Furnish your place at the lowest cost through thrift stores, hand-me-downs, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
- Organize bill payments and track expenses to build financial independence
- Maintain your health, space and schedule living alone as an adult
Reasons to Move Out at 18
There are many possible motivations for moving out of your parents’ home once you turn 18:
Gain Independence and Responsibility
- Managing your own housing, finances, food, laundry, transportation and schedule fosters maturity. Living on your own teaches important life skills.
Pursue Career or Education Opportunities
- You may need to relocate for a job, internship, apprenticeship or university studies. Living near these opportunities helps launch your career or academics.
Improve Family Relationships
- Creating some distance from parents and siblings prevents small arguments and resentments from boiling over when you’re constantly together. Time apart helps appreciate family more.
Enjoy Freedom and Privacy
- Having your own place with no curfews or supervision gives you freedom to make your own rules and have friends over whenever. Your social life improves.
Feel pride and Confidence
- Being fully self-sufficient and managing your own household boosts self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment motivates further success.
How to Financially Prepare for Moving Out at 18
Since you’ll be solely responsible for paying rent, utilities, food and other bills once you move out at 18, financial preparation is crucial.
Save Up an Emergency Fund
Before even searching for an apartment, build savings to cover at least 3-6 months of estimated living expenses. This emergency fund protects you if you lose your job or face an unexpected crisis like sudden medical bills or car repairs.
Secure a Steady Income Source
Evaluate your income source’s reliability. A part-time side gig likely won’t cover costs. Seek full-time work or perhaps attend a trade school or university while working part-time. If needed, apply for student loans to supplement income while at school.
Create a Realistic Budget
Track your current fixed and flexible expenses to estimate costs after moving out. Account for rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, health insurance, phone bill, laundry, entertainment and other recurring expenses in your new budget. Compare projected costs to your income to see if expenses exceed earnings.
Reduce Optional Expenses
Avoid unnecessary costs like eating out often, frequent shopping trips or salon visits, high-cost hobbies, etc. Limit these optional expenses to stay within your budget.
Pay Down Any Existing Debt
If you have credit card balances, auto loans or student loans, try paying more than the minimums due to reduce this debt faster, before taking on new rental payments.
How to Find an Apartment at 18
Finding affordable yet livable housing will likely be your biggest challenge when moving out at 18. Take your time researching all options to avoid getting stuck with an unsafe, unstable or grossly overpriced rental.
Check Listings Early and Often
Great apartments go fast, so start hunting online for rentals 1-2 months before your target move-out date. Check listing sites like Zillow, Trulia, HotPads and Craigslist at least twice weekly to spot new options quickly. Broaden your search over time if needed.
Seek Referrals from Trusted Sources
Ask family, friends or coworkers if they know of any available rentals ideal for you. Individual landlords often don’t publicly advertise vacant units, so referrals provide access to exclusive options.
Contact Landlords Directly
Beyond responding to online listings, look up the phone numbers or emails of local rental companies and property management firms to inquire about application requirements, prices and unit availability details not always specified in posts.
Explore Options Besides Apartments
Consider rents rooms, basement units, guest houses or trailers if these more affordable options meet your basic needs. Their smaller size offsets lower rents.
Calculate the Total Monthly Cost
When touring prospective rentals, ask for specifics on not just the base rent amount, but all additional monthly fees too like parking, storage rental, utility connection charges, etc. to understand the total cost.
Inspect the Unit Carefully
Bring a checklist when visiting any apartment to note maintenance issues, safety hazards, pest signs, noisy surroundings, insufficient lighting or storage space, etc. Reject apartments that don’t meet your standards, even if pickings are slim. Don’t settle for an unsafe unit.
Consider Unit Accessibility
If you don’t own a car, only apply for apartments near public transit stops. Avoid places far from public transportation if walking or biking isn’t realistic. It’s worth paying slightly more in rent to minimize transportation costs.
Negotiate the Price
Politely request a lower rent rate or other concession if the unit has been vacant for a while. Offer to sign a longer lease in exchange for a discount. The worst they can say is no.
Tips for Furnishing Your First Apartment Affordably
Filling your new empty apartment with essential furniture and household items adds up fast. Use these money-saving tips to furnish your first place on the cheap.
Buy and Sell on Facebook Marketplace
Browse local secondhand furniture for sale on Marketplace before shopping retail. Discounted desks, beds, sofas, shelves and more can be found here. Once moving out, sell your old bedroom furniture to incoming 18-year-olds.
Check Craigslist for Free Stuff
People often give away still-usable furniture or kitchen supplies for free on Craigslist. With a little TLC, these free finds become stylish apartment decor.
Scan Thrift Stores
Visit thrift shops in nicer neighborhoods to score high-quality curtains, rugs, lamps, utensils and other household goods at bargain prices. Mix thrift store finds with some new items.
Use Hand-Me-Downs from Family
Ask parents and other family members if they have any extra furniture, small appliances, dinnerware etc. they were planning to donate. These hand-me-downs help fill your first apartment at no cost.
Rent Furniture if Needed
Services like CORT Furniture Rental allow you to rent common items like beds, sofas and dining tables for a monthly fee, avoiding large upfront costs of buying new.
Buy Mattresses and Appliances New
Splurge on a high-quality new mattress since you spend so much time in bed. Buy a new mini fridge and microwave if you can’t get appliances secondhand. Focus on new for items you’ll heavily use.
Stick to Essentials at First
Furnish just the completely necessary spaces like your bedroom and kitchen at first. Save decorating the living room or guest room for later when you’ve saved more. Slowly accumulate furniture over time.
Financial Tips for Living Alone at 18
Once settled into your new independent life, staying financially afloat requires responsible money management habits.
Set Bill Payment Reminders
Mark all recurring payment due dates on your calendar and set payment reminders on your phone. Missing payments due to forgetting leads to late fees and credit damage. Automate payments when possible.
Learn to Cook Simple, Low-Cost Meals
Eating out or buying takeout is way more expensive than making your own meals. Find healthy recipes that include cheap ingredients like eggs, rice, pasta and frozen vegetables to lower your grocery bills.
Cut Monthly Expenses Where Possible
Look for ways to spend less on your car insurance, phone bill, streaming subscriptions and other monthly expenses. Every dollar saved makes a difference.
Build Emergency Savings
Aim to stash away 6-12 months’ worth of basic living costs over time. Having this robust emergency savings allows you to confidently handle large unexpected expenses in the future. Automatically transfer a portion of each paycheck into your savings account.
Track Your Spending
Use a budgeting app to log all income and expenses monthly. Identifying spending weak spots allows you to cut back and save more. This financial awareness is key.
Pay Down Credit Cards Fully
Avoid carrying credit card balances, which incur costly interest charges. Make on-time payments in full each month. Use credit cards only for planned purchases that fit your budget.
By taking these crucial money management steps, you can maintain financial stability while living independently at 18.
Advice for Staying Healthy, Safe and Happy Living Alone
Beyond mastering financial hurdles, living solo for the first time also brings new challenges for self-care, safety and mental health.
Cook Nutritious Meals
Without parents buying groceries, commit to cooking balanced meals for yourself to avoid poor nutrition. Eat fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and other healthy foods each week. Stay hydrated and limit junk food.
Keep a Tidy, Organized Home
Don’t let clutter or mess accumulate. Stay on top of daily chores and deep clean once or twice a month to uphold a livable, sanitary home environment. Living alone allows your space to reflect your personality.
Practice Smart Security Habits
Keep doors locked at all times and install extra deadbolts if needed to feel safe. Close blinds or curtains after dark and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Ask landlords about adding security cameras or alarms if concerned.
Adjust Your Sleep Routine
Having no set parent-enforced bedtime can lead to shifted sleep cycles. Stick to a consistent sleep/wake schedule to protect your health, energy and productivity. Shut off screens an hour before bed.
Make Time for Mental Health
Loneliness may hit at times when first on your own. Join clubs related to your interests to meet new friends with shared hobbies. Call family often. Schedule video dates or game nights to preserve connections from home.
Create aWeekly Routine
When living alone with no class or family schedule, things can feel aimless. Outline a weekly routine including work shifts, household chores, exercise time, social outings and relaxing hobbies to provide structure and balance.
Adjusting to the many changes of independent adulthood takes patience. But soon living on your own at 18 will feel natural. Stay focused on your goals and enjoy this newfound freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Out at 18
How much money should I save before moving out at 18?
Aim to save enough to cover at least 3-6 months of projected rent, utilities, food and other essential expenses. This emergency savings provides a financial safety net.
What documentation do I need to apply for an apartment at 18?
Landlords will run a credit check and background check. Provide your ID, proof of income like recent pay stubs, bank statements showing savings and references from past landlords or employers.
How do I furnish my first apartment cheaply?
Check thrift stores, Craigslist free section, Facebook Marketplace and family hand-me-downs first for low-cost furniture. Buy new mattresses and appliances if needed. Add nonessential decor over time.
What bills will I be responsible for after moving out?
Besides just rent, expect to also pay utilities like electricity, water and internet each month. Get renters insurance. Budget for groceries, transportation, health insurance and phone bills too.
How can I meet new people after moving away from family at 18?
Join local meetup groups, clubs or sports leagues to connect with others who share your interests. Meet coworkers for happy hours. Say yes to social invitations and introduce yourself to neighbors.
Moving out at 18 signals your transition into adulthood. Follow the guidance above to smoothly handle this life-changing move. With the right financial and practical preparations, living independently can be an exciting and empowering experience, allowing you to truly chart your own path.