When Should You Move Out? 15 Signs It’s Time To Get Your Own Place
When should you move out of your parents house? Here are 15 signs it’s time to find your own place.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Learn more: Affiliate Disclaimer.
It can be hard to tell exactly when you should move out of your parents’ house.
And with about 18% of Americans now living in multigenerational households, sticking around your childhood home is more common than ever.
The top reason to live with your parents is to save money.
But along with financial reasons, there are other social, mental, and emotional factors that will let you know that it’s finally time to move out.
So if you’re wondering when you should move out, look for these signs—the answer might be right now!
At What Age Should You Move Out Of Your Parents House?
The age at which you should move out of your parents’ house is going to be a little different for everyone.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median age of moving out of a parent’s house is 19 years old, though 54.6% move back before they’re 27.
So the average age to move out of your parents’ house permanently is somewhere in your early 20’s.
However, in some cultures it’s socially acceptable to live with your parents way longer than that!
What age you should move out of your parents house depends on a few factors:
- Your current financial situation
- How you feel about sharing a space with your parents
- How your parents feel about having you living in their home
- Your preferred social life
15 Signs It’s Time To Move Out Of Your Parents House
1. You Have A Steady Income
A steady income is a clear sign that you may be ready to move out.
Money is the most common reason that some Americans are living with their parents into their late 20’s.
With high costs of living and student debt at an all-time high, this is a perfectly valid reason.
But once you have a steady income, you’re probably ready for some more independence.
If you’re consistently earning enough to cover rent, utilities, and living expenses, it’s a strong indicator that you can handle the financial responsibilities of living on your own.
2. You Feel Like You Need Your Own Space
Craving your own space is natural, especially as you get older.
The older you get, the more your parents’ house starts to feel like their house, not yours.
If you find yourself wishing for more privacy or wanting a place you can decorate in your own personal style, it’s time to consider moving out.
3. Your Friends All Live On Their Own
When all your friends have their own places, it’s natural to desire that same independence for yourself.
If you’re feeling left out of the adulting experience because you’re still living with your parents, this could be your cue to start looking for your own place.
4. You Often Fight With Your Parents
Frequent arguments with your parents might indicate that it’s time for a change.
Disagreements will come up no matter who you live with, but living with your parents adds a whole other layer.
You’re related, so you’re all more comfortable speaking up about smaller issues. This comfortability with one another can turn small disagreements into full-on arguments.
Having your own place can actually improve your relationship with your parents by giving everyone the space they need.
5. You’re Heading To College
College often marks a new chapter of independence.
You’re entering a whole new world where you’ll meet new people, try new things, and learn inside and outside of the classroom.
This is a time where you’re discovering your independence. And you can’t bring your parents along for the journey.
Most students will either live in college dorms or apartments nearby to campus.
If you’re moving into a dorm soon, we have a ton of resources that will help you prepare for living at college:
- 30 Trendy Dorm Room Ideas For College Students
- 50+ Essential College Roommate Questions To Ask Before Move In Day
- The Best Dorm Shopping Tips You Need To Know Before Moving Into College
- How to Make Your Dorm Bed More Comfortable (Without Spending A Ton)
6. You Want to Expand Your Social Life
If you feel like your social life is deteriorating, living on your own can open new doors.
You’ll have the freedom to host gatherings, meet new people, and experience life without the constraints of family schedules or rules.
7. You’ve Saved Up
We’ve already established that a steady income source is essential for moving out. But it’s also important to have some savings built up.
Ideally, you’ll have enough in your savings to cover:
- A deposit (security deposit or down payment)
- The first few months’ rent (or mortgage)
- And an emergency fund equal to 3-6 months of expenses
Once you’ve built up that kind of cash, you’re probably ready to move out of your parents’ house and get a place of your own.
8. You Always Spend Time Away
If you’re barely home because you prefer spending time elsewhere, it might be a sign that you’re ready for your own place.
Having a home that feels more aligned with your lifestyle can be a refreshing change.
9. Your Mental Health is Suffering
Your environment plays a big role in mental health.
As you might imagine, living with your parents as an adult can have some psychological effects.
One effect includes “regressing.” You might physically be an adult, but mentally you feel like a teen again, stuck under your parents’ roof.
If living at home is causing stress or anxiety, moving out could provide a healthier and more suitable living situation.
10. Your Boundaries Are Nonexistent
Struggling with lack of privacy or personal space at home is a strong indicator that it’s time to move out.
Your own place means establishing and maintaining your boundaries.
11. You’ve Been Out of College for a While
After you get out of college, it’s pretty socially acceptable to move back in with family and save up until you get your first “real” job.
But if you’ve been in the workforce for some time since graduating, you should probably transition into a more independent living situation.
It’s a natural progression in your adult life.
12. You’re Sick of Commuting
A long commute can be draining.
If moving out means living closer to work or school, it can significantly improve your daily life and reduce stress.
13. You Want a Pet
If you desperately want a pet that isn’t allowed at your parents’ house, it’s time to look for a pet-friendly living space.
Having your own place means making decisions like pet ownership on your own terms.
14. You’re in a Serious Relationship
Being in a serious relationship can definitely influence your decision to move out.
It might lead to discussions about living together or simply wanting more privacy and independence in your relationship.
If you relationship is getting serious, having your own space can provide a better environment to build and strengthen your partnership.
15. Your Parents Have Hinted At It
Sometimes, the nudge you need to move out comes from your parents themselves.
When your parents start dropping hints about moving out, it’s a clear sign they believe you’re ready for the next step.
Recognizing and accepting these hints can be the final encouragement you need to embark on your journey of living independently.
If a parent says something like, “Wow, Jane’s daughter just rented the cutest place down the street,” they’re more than likely wanting you to move out.
Look out for comments like this. The signs could be right in front of you!
Hopefully now you know the signs to look for when deciding when to move out.
Moving out of your parents’ house soon? Here are some posts that may be helpful for you:
