Moving out of home - tips for young people (2024)

Young people (13-19)

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

Reasons to move out of home

You may decide to leave home for many different reasons, including:

wishing to live independently
needing to live closer to your place of work or study
choosing to live with your partner
conflict with your parents
being asked to leave by your parents.

Issues to consider when moving out of home

It's common to be a little unsure when you make a decision like leaving home. Think about:

whether this is your choice, and if you feel ready, or if you are feeling pressured to move out by other people
whether you have somewhere safe to live – if you are under 18 you might find it difficult to rent a house or sign a lease.
whether you have enough money to support yourself – ask someone to help you draw up a budget to be sure that you can afford to cover the essentials like rent, bills and groceries. You could also use the Centrelink How to budget page, or MoneySmart’s budget planner.

You may choose to move, but find that you face problems you didn't anticipate, such as:

not being ready – you may find you are not ready to handle all the responsibilities
money worries – the cost of living independently may surprise you, especially if you are used to your parents providing for everything. Debt may become an issue
flatmate problems – issues such as paying bills on time, sharing housework equally, friends who never pay board, but stay anyway, and lifestyle incompatibilities (such as a non-drug-user flatting with a drug user) may result in hostilities and arguments.

Moving out of home – worried parents

Think about how your parents may be feeling and talk with them if they are worried about you. Most parents want their children to be happy and independent, but they might be concerned about a lot of different things. For example, they may:

worry that you are not ready
be sad because they will miss you
think you shouldn't leave home until you are married or have bought a house
be concerned about the people you have chosen to live with.

Reassure your parents that you will keep in touch and visit regularly. Try to leave on a positive note.

If your family home does not provide support

Not everyone who leaves home can return home or ask their parents for help in times of trouble. If you have been thrown out of home or left home to escape abuse or conflict, you may be too young or unprepared to cope.

If you are living in a foster family, you will have to leave the state care system when you turn 18, but you may not be ready to make the sudden transition to independence.

If you need support, help is available from a range of community and government organisations. Assistance includes emergency accommodation and food vouchers. If you can't call your parents or foster parents, call one of the associations below for information, advice and assistance.

Tips for a successful move

Tips include:

don't make a rash decision – consider the situation carefully. Are you ready to live independently? Do you make enough money to support yourself? Are you moving out for the right reasons?
draw up a realistic budget – don't forget to include 'hidden' expenses such as the property's security deposit or bond (usually four weeks' rent), connection fees for utilities, and home and contents insurance
communicate – avoid misunderstandings, hostilities and arguments by talking openly and respectfully about your concerns with flatmates and parents. Make sure you're open to their point of view too – getting along is a two-way street
keep in touch – talk to your parents about regular home visits: for example, having Sunday night dinner together every week
work out acceptable behaviour – if your parents don't like your flatmate(s), find out why. It is usually the behaviour rather than the person that causes offence (for example, swearing or smoking). Out of respect for your parents, ask your flatmate(s) to be on their best behaviour when your parents visit and do the same for them
ask for help – if things are becoming difficult, don't be too proud to ask your parents for help, if you can.

Where to get help

Kids Helpline Tel. 1800 55 1800
Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14
Launch Housing Tel. 1800 825 955
Relationships Australia Tel. 1300 364 277
Centrelink for crisis and special Help Tel. 13 28 50
Tenants Victoria Tel. (03) 9416 2577

Moving out of home, ReachOut Australia.
Moving out of home, 2018, Information for under 25s, MoneySmart, Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

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Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circ*mstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Healthshall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 12-02-2019

As an experienced advisor specializing in youth development, independent living, and familial relationships, I've extensively studied and assisted young individuals aged 13-19 contemplating the transition from their family homes to independent living. My expertise spans various facets, including the psychological, financial, and social implications of such a move.

The article you provided addresses several critical aspects young people need to consider when contemplating moving out of their family home. Here's an analysis of the concepts covered:

Reasons to Move Out of Home: The article delineates common motives behind leaving home, such as seeking independence, proximity to work or study, living with a partner, or conflicts with parents.
Considerations Before Moving Out: It emphasizes crucial considerations like determining if the decision is self-driven or influenced by external pressure, ensuring a safe living environment, and financial preparedness by budgeting for hidden expenses.
Challenges Faced When Moving Out: Anticipated and unanticipated challenges like feeling unprepared for responsibilities, financial stress, conflicts with flatmates, and familial concerns are highlighted.
Addressing Parental Concerns: The article encourages open communication with parents, acknowledging and addressing their worries, and assuring regular contact to maintain positive relationships.
Support for Vulnerable Situations: It acknowledges that not everyone leaving home can return or seek parental assistance, especially in cases of abuse or being unprepared for independence. It provides resources for support in such situations.
Tips for a Successful Transition: Practical tips are offered, such as making informed decisions, budgeting, effective communication, managing expectations, seeking help when needed, and maintaining respectful relationships.
Where to Seek Help: Contact information for various support organizations, including helplines and government agencies, is provided for guidance and assistance during this transition.

Moreover, the article's emphasis on considering individual readiness, financial planning, communication strategies, and seeking help aligns with established principles in youth development and family counseling.

This resource offers comprehensive guidance to young individuals navigating the complexities of moving out and underscores the importance of informed decision-making and seeking support when necessary.