Before I moved out of home…I wish I’d known…..
This is what my daughter said after she moved out of home…..there are a few things that were very stressful that she could have avoided with a bit more knowledge.
Moving out of home is so exciting - it feels like your life’s opening up. It's thrilling to imagine the freedom of doing what you want, when you want. No more curfews or nagging reminders. You get to make all the choices now. Plus, you'll likely expand your friend circle and maybe even find “your people.”
Freedom Comes with Responsibility
But with great freedom comes some responsibility – mostly to yourself. It's up to you now. No one’s going to remind you to do laundry, eat right, or get to places on time. It’s all you.
Here’s what you need to know, straight from those who’ve been there, done that – my daughter included:
Roommates: Friend or Foe?
Sharing a space with others can be tricky. You might love a clean and tidy home, but your roommate might not care and leave dishes in the sink and clothes everywhere. That can get old fast.
Tip: Get to know your potential house/room mates before you move in – are you going to fit in, do they seem like good, trustworthy people. If you can’t, have a chat about everyone's expectations and pet peeves. Communication is key to keeping the peace.
Money Matters
It's tempting to splurge on cool stuff for your new place or go out for dinner more regularly. But now you’ve got bills to pay – rent, groceries, utilities. Being caught out with no money put you at risk of losing your accommodation and not being able to support yourself – potentially going into debt and/or having to ask your family to bail you out (not good for anyone).
Tip: Make a budget and stick to it. This sounds simple but is often much more difficult than most people think. It can take years and decades to get this right – so start learning about it ASAP. Plan your spending so you can cover all your expenses without stress. It’s about managing your cash flow – knowing what’s coming in and what’s going out and when.
Dealing with Emergencies
Hopefully, emergencies are rare, but they do happen. It’s overwhelming when things go wrong, and you don’t know what to do. Car accidents, power outages, locking yourself out, or feeling unsafe – it’s all part of the package.
Tip: Plan ahead. Create a list of emergency contacts – local doctor, hospital, friends nearby, and how to handle things like a blown fuse or car issues. Write it down in case your phone dies or isn’t accessible.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Check out this course specifically designed to help you navigate all these new challenges: Life Launchpad Online Courses.