Should I Move Out of My Parents' House?

Whether you’re fresh out of college, feeling that itch for more independence, or just needing more personal space, deciding to move out of your parents’ house is a huge milestone. The transition may represent freedom, growth, or change. However, the move may also come with new responsibilities, challenges, and a shift in lifestyle. 

Only you can decide if moving out of your parents' house is the right choice. If you’re financially prepared, emotionally ready, and confident about creating a life outside your parents’ home, then now might be the time. Some people rent an apartment as a stepping stone; others jump straight into homeownership. Whatever path you take, the most important thing is to make decisions that support your goals. 

This guide will walk you through the ups and downs of moving out of your parents’ house, what to consider before you do, and how to know when you’re truly ready.

The benefits of moving out of your parents’ home

Leaving your childhood home is many things, from transformative to terrifying. And while it’s a major life change and milestone, many of the rewards go beyond just having your own space.

Freedom and autonomy

Moving out means living by your own rules, for better or worse. You choose your schedule, set your boundaries, and decide what your daily life looks like. Want to binge-watch your favorite series until 2 a.m. or decorate your walls with neon art? Go for it. This freedom is the first step to discovering what kind of environment and lifestyle work best for you. 

Personal growth

There’s no better way to grow than to take responsibility for yourself. Once you’re the one paying the bills, planning meals, and handling unexpected maintenance, you’ll see how much you can do on your own. These experiences build life skills that are tough to master while living under someone else’s roof. 

Privacy and space

If you’ve ever shared a living space, you already understand how valuable privacy can be. Moving out lets you create a space that’s wholly your own, capable of reflecting your personal style and providing peace and quiet when you need it. 

Improved relationships

Believe it or not, many people find that their relationships with their parents only get better once they’ve moved out. With more space and independence, you might find it easier to set healthy boundaries and appreciate your family from a distance. 

What to keep in mind before you move out

While the idea of having your own place can be exciting, it’s important to take the time to evaluate whether you’re truly ready. Here are some factors to consider before moving out of your parents’ house. 

Financial readiness

Before moving out, it's essential to determine if you can afford the ongoing costs. These include: Rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation, and unplanned expenses. On top of monthly mortgage payments, owning a home can cost $14,000 a year in hidden expenses for the average U.S. homeowner, while the typical rent for all bedrooms and property types in the U.S. is $2,100 (as of June 2025). Creating a detailed budget — and sticking to it — will help you determine if you're in a stable position to move. You can use Zillow’s Rent vs. Buy Calculator to determine if buying or renting is cheaper based on your expenses and how much you’re willing to spend each month on rent or a mortgage.

Emotional readiness

In addition to having financial security, you’ll want to assess whether you’re emotionally ready to live away from your parents. Living on your own or with a friend or partner can be emotionally jarring. You may feel conflicted, homesick, uncertain about your decision to move, proud, or even overwhelmed at times. You’re not alone. Renting or buying your first home is an emotional journey. Instead of asking whether you're simply "ready," consider these questions to help you gauge your emotional readiness and identify strategies to support yourself through the transition:

Questions to ask yourself to gauge emotional readiness for moving out:

• Do I have healthy ways to cope with stress when things get overwhelming? Practice mindfulness, journaling, or regular exercise to build resilience.
• How do I handle loneliness or long stretches of time alone? Build a routine that includes social time, hobbies, or volunteering to stay connected.
• Am I able to stay self-motivated without external reminders or structure? Try setting personal goals and using planners or habit trackers to stay on track.
• Can I make difficult decisions on my own and trust my judgment? Start small — make independent choices about finances, meals, or daily schedules to build confidence.
• Do I have a support system I can rely on when I need emotional backup? Keep in touch with family and friends or explore support networks in your new area.
• How do I respond when things don’t go as planned? Practice reframing setbacks as learning opportunities, rather than failures.

Daily responsibilities

When you’re living on your own, no one’s coming behind you to take out the trash, scrub the shower, or remind you to wash your sheets. You’re in charge of everything — cooking meals (yes, even when you're tired), doing the dishes afterwards, managing laundry before you run out of socks, and keeping the space livable and safe.

If your parents currently handle most of those tasks, expect an adjustment period. You might find yourself Googling “how to boil an egg” or wondering why your bathroom smells off until you finally clean the drain.

To prepare:

• Try a weekly routine now, while still at home. Pick two nights a week to cook dinner. Do your own laundry from start to finish. Set up a chore chart or reminders to clean your room, take out the trash, and vacuum.
• Make a checklist of cleaning tasks for each room. Test how long it takes you to complete the cleaning checklist. You'll learn how often you need to clean — and how quickly things get messy when you don’t.
• Start a simple meal plan and grocery list. Learn to shop for a week of food, prep a few easy meals, and minimize waste.
• Do a trial run. If possible, house-sit for a friend or relative, or rent a short-term room. Take full responsibility for the space — clean it, stock it, maintain it — and see where you struggle or succeed.

Building these habits before you move out of your parents’ house makes the transition smoother — and saves you from learning everything the hard way.

Long-term goals

Are you planning to rent for a few years while you save up to buy a house? Or are you thinking about jumping right into homeownership? Either path is valid, depending on your personal preferences and financial situation. Start by comparing the differences between renting versus buying a home. Buying a home can be a smart investment that offers stable housing costs, in addition to several other perks. Renting, on the other hand, can offer relocation freedom and lower maintenance costs.

To help you make the smartest decision possible, look beyond your next move and think a few years ahead. What does your ideal living situation look like in five years? Do you want to stay in the same city? Grow your income? Start a family? These bigger-picture goals can help shape what makes sense for you now and the years to come.

To get started:

• Create a five-year plan. Outline your housing, career, and financial goals. Even a rough draft can bring clarity to your next step.
• Meet with a financial advisor or housing counselor. Review your finances to learn what you can buy now based on your budget — and what you might be able to afford in the future.
• Track your income and expenses. See how much you can realistically save each month toward future rent or a down payment.

Setting long-term goals helps make sure that your next move aligns with where you want to go and not just where you are right now.

When should I move out of my parents’ house? 

The “perfect” moment rarely comes when expected. The right time to move out of your parents’ house is when you’re personally ready. You can use your financial readiness, emotional readiness, and your long-term goals as a guide. Here are a few signs that it might be time: 

• You have a reliable income and have successfully managed your own money. 
• You’ve created a realistic monthly budget and know what your living expenses look like. 
• You’re emotionally prepared to handle life on your own, including stressful moments or experiencing loneliness. 
• You’ve researched your living options and feel confident in your choice, whether that be renting with a roommate, signing a lease solo, or applying for a mortgage*. 
• You’ve outgrown your current environment and are ready to shape a brand new chapter on your terms.

Tips for a smooth transition

Once you’ve made the decision to move out of your parents’ house, the process itself can feel exciting, stressful, and maybe even overwhelming. However, a little preparation ahead of time can make the transition to getting your own apartment or house at least a little bit easier. Here are some tips for a smooth transition: 

Create a checklist 

Organize your move by listing all important tasks, including packing, getting utilities, updating your address, scheduling movers, and shopping for household essentials.

Start small and build up 

You don’t need to fill every room in your new place overnight. Focus on the basics first, like a bed, cookware, and cleaning supplies, then add as you go. Use our essential checklist for your first apartment as a guide.

Have a safety net 

Unexpected expenses aren’t just possible — they’re practically unavoidable, especially if you're buying a home. From closing costs to surprise fees, even well-prepared buyers can be caught off guard. In fact, according to Zillow’s 2024 Housing Trends Report, 91% of buyers said they didn’t fully expect at least one major cost or fee. The most common surprise? Loan origination fees, which took 66% of buyers by surprise.

Beyond the buying process, life happens. Appliances break, cars need repairs, and jobs change. That’s why it's smart to build a financial cushion before making the move. Aim to save at least 2–3 months’ worth of living expenses to help cover sudden costs, delays, or emergencies. It’s not just about peace of mind — it’s about protecting your future home and your financial stability.

Ask for help 

Moving out is a big step — but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re navigating the rental market or buying your first home, lean on your circle. Friends and family can offer support that goes beyond emotional encouragement. They can help you pack boxes, offer tips on setting up utilities, and share real-world advice you won’t find in a checklist.

You're not the only one relying on community. According to Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report, about one in six buyers (15%) said advice from family or friends was the most helpful resource during their home-buying experience. 

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, borrow moving supplies, or crowdsource recommendations. Your support network can help you avoid mistakes, save money, and feel more confident as you settle into your new space.

Ready for the next step? 

Moving out of your parents’ house is more than just a change of scenery; it’s also a step forward towards independence and self-growth. While it may come with some stress and a lot of adjustments, the long-term benefits often outweigh any challenges you might face. The key is preparation. By taking the time to assess everything from your finances to your personal goals, you’ll be better equipped to make the move at the time that is right for you. 

Whether you're looking for a cozy rental or thinking about buying your first home, Zillow can help you find your next place to call home. Browse rentals in your desired area to get a sense of what’s available, or explore homes for sale to see what’s within reach.

*Zillow Home Loans; an equal housing lender. NMLS #10287