I Want To Move Out—Am I Ready To Get My Apartment?

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Erban, LMFT, IMH-E and Dr. April Brewer, DBH, LPC
Updated October 16, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Leaving home and transitioning to living independently can be a major step. Before you choose to move out, you might spend some time introspecting. Are you financially stable and emotionally mature? Do you have general life skills and a desire for independence? Have you put plans into place regarding housing and any necessary transportation?

Living independently can have many benefits, but it may be worth reflecting on whether you’re ready for such a change. Here, you’ll find a guide to how you might approach these important questions and make an informed decision about your living arrangement. For more personalized guidance, you might consider speaking with an online therapist who can help you prepare for this new phase of life.

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“I want to move out”: What you need to know before getting a new lease on life

If you decide to leave home and live independently, it can be helpful to understand what might be expected of you. Living alone typically involves some level of financial and emotional readiness, as well as some practical knowledge about how to maintain a clean living environment and keep up with daily responsibilities.

Consider the following for a smooth transition:

Financial stability

  • Do you have a stable source of income that could support you without relying on your family or others?
  • Have you saved enough money to cover rent, utilities, groceries, and other living expenses for at least a few months?
  • Do you have a basic understanding of budgeting and how to manage your finances?
  • Do you have a level of self-awareness in understanding who you are and what you want out of life?

Emotional maturity

  • Can you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and coping mechanisms?
  • Are you comfortable with making decisions and taking responsibility for your actions?
  • Do you have a supportive network of friends or family that you could reach out to for support when needed?

Life skills

  • Do you have basic life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry?
  • Do you have experience managing your schedule and balancing responsibilities, such as work and school?
  • Do you have a system in place for managing emergencies or unexpected events?
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Independence

  • Do you have a strong desire to live independently and pursue your interests and goals?
  • Do you clearly understand what you want from life, and are you motivated to work toward those goals?
  • Are you comfortable with being alone, and can you handle solitude without feeling lonely or isolated?

Housing: Find a landlord for your apartment with lease

  • Have you considered different housing options and researched the costs and responsibilities associated with each option?
  • Have you made plans to find a place to live, whether through a roommate, a rental agency, or a landlord?
  • Do you understand the responsibilities of being a tenant, including paying rent, maintaining the property, and following applicable rules?

Transportation

  • Do you have transportation plans, whether it be through public transportation, a car, or a combination of both?
  • Do you understand the costs and responsibilities associated with maintaining a vehicle or public transportation?
  • Do you have a backup plan in place for when your transportation might be unavailable or unreliable?

“I want to move out”: Are you ready?

If you answered yes to these questions, you are likely ready to leave home and live independently. Try to keep in mind that this transition may bring about new challenges and difficulties. It can be normal to feel nervous or unsure, but if you have the right support system in place, it may lead to a smoother transition. 

If you're still uncertain whether you're ready to leave home and live independently, discussing your concerns and thoughts with a trusted friend, family, or therapist may be helpful. They’ll likely be able to provide you with additional guidance and support as you navigate this exciting but challenging time in your life.

You might keep in mind that everyone's journey to independence is unique, and there may be no set timeline for when it's "right" to leave home. Try to be honest with yourself about your feelings and take the time to consider all the factors involved. Whether you're ready to leave home now or you may need more time to prepare, you could also try to trust your instincts and make decisions that are in your best interests. Try to remember leaving home and living independently can be a process, and it might take time to adjust.

Benefits of living independently: Having your own apartment

Living independently can be a significant step toward adulthood, and it may bring a multitude of benefits, including the following:

  • Increased freedom, autonomy, and independence
  • Opportunities for personal growth and development
  • Enhanced self-sufficiency
  • The ability to create your own routine and schedule

Increased freedom and autonomy

When you leave home and start living independently, you may gain a new level of freedom and autonomy, and perhaps feel more free to make your own decisions about how you want to live your life without having to worry about conforming to the rules and expectations of others. This newfound freedom can be incredibly empowering and liberating, which may allow you to pursue your passions and interests without any restrictions.

Opportunities for personal growth and development

Living independently can provide you with numerous opportunities for personal growth and development. You may be forced to step out of your comfort zone and navigate new challenges and experiences when you're on your own. This may help you build new skills, increase your confidence, and grow as a person.

Building independence and self-sufficiency

When you live independently, you’ll likely be responsible for taking care of yourself, your home, and your finances. This could be a lot of work, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Taking care of these responsibilities can help you build independence and self-sufficiency, allowing you to as you gain new skills and habits.

Ability to create your routine and schedule

Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you may arrange your day however you like and tailor your lifestyle to suit your needs and preferences. This should help you feel more relaxed, refreshed, and in control of your life.

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Take the next step in your journey to independence

Unpacking emotional boxes: Navigate the decision-making process in therapy

If you’re struggling with the decision about whether to move out, or are feeling unsure of your ability to manage independence, it may be worth connecting with a therapist. A therapist can offer a safe and supportive environment to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, allowing you to reflect on your life, identify areas of difficulty, and work through the decision-making process.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a well-studied therapeutic approach that may be worth considering; it can help you understand and challenge any negative thought patterns that may be influencing your decision and teach you coping strategies for managing anxiety or stress related to the idea of moving out and living independently.
Online therapy can allow you to access weekly therapy from the comfort of home. Platforms like BetterHelp have been found to be just as effective as in-person therapy, and tend to be more affordable, making them an excellent option for those who may be saving up to move out.

Takeaway

If you’re considering leaving home and living independently, it can be important to make sure that you’re emotionally mature, financially stable, possess general life skills, and have plans for housing and transportation in place. As people increasingly seek independence, it may be ideal to have support to navigate challenges and opportunities. For flexible, convenient support from a licensed therapist, connect with a therapist on BetterHelp.
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