Moving house is an exciting time, but if you’re new to the process, it can feel overwhelming. Half of all young people are now moving out of their family home by the time they’re 24, making settling into your own house a milestone for many of us. If you’re heading to university, moving into a flat share or you’re buying a new property, our experts can help you plan exactly how to move out of your parents’ house, so you can enjoy your new place worry-free.
If you’re looking for some extra space while you get settled in, our flexible short-term storage units are available in whatever size you need them.
How to move out of your parents’ home
- Talk to your parents
- Work out your finances
- Narrow down your preferred area
- Gather your packing materials
- Get started with your packing
- Rope in help for moving day
- Think about what furniture you’ll need
- Check your appliances
- Set up your utility bills
- Unpack room by room
- Update your personal details
- Make your space your own
1. Talk to your parents
The first step in your moving out journey should be to talk to your family. Whether you’ve been ready for a taste of independence for a while, or your departure is a surprise, the best way to prepare for your next chapter is to be honest about the steps you’re taking, and when you’ll be moving out.
2. Work out your finances
In most cases, the biggest monthly payment you can expect to pay is your rent or mortgage. As well as the costs of your new house itself, you’ll need to factor in your bills and expenses. Set out a monthly budget including food costs, transport and any subscriptions you have, as well as your favourite things to do. Alongside your rent, you’ll also need enough spending money to enjoy living in your new area.
3. Narrow down your preferred area
Once you know what budget you’ll have for your new place, you can begin looking for your perfect home, in your ideal location. Think about whether you want to be close to your friends and family, and if you’d prefer to be in the city, suburbs or countryside. Location is crucial to settling into your home, so be prepared for your search to take some time.
4. Gather your packing materials
Found the perfect flat or house? As soon as your move-in date is confirmed, it’s time to think about packing up. Get together a range of cardboard boxes, packing tape and bubble wrap (all of which are available at your local Space Station storage facility). Proper packing will make sure your belongings will all arrive in your new home in one piece.
5. Get started with your packing
Whether you’re leaving some belongings behind with your parents, or you’re taking everything with you, the sooner you get started on your packing, the better. Pack up your possessions room by room, being sure to label each box to make things easier once you’ve made it to your new home.
6. Rope in help for moving day
When the big day arrives, getting your belongings from A to B is made much easier with the help of a moving van – or your family and friends. Once you’ve picked up your keys, pack your boxes carefully into your car or van, making sure to place heavier items underneath any fragile or lighter belongings.
It’s also a good idea to pack a bag with everything you’ll need during your first night in your new home. You’ll feel much better knowing where your pyjamas, toothbrush and shower gel are, as well as teabags and the kettle.
7. Think about what furniture you’ll need
While most furnished rentals in the UK come with a sofa, bed and other essentials, you’ll need to start from scratch in an unfurnished property or new house. If you can, wait until you have the keys to begin looking for furniture: hunting down your perfect sofa will be much easier when you can visualise where it’ll fit in your new home.
8. Check your appliances
Once you and your boxes are in your new house, spend some time checking that each appliance works properly. Check that your hob, taps and shower all work as they should, and make sure you know where your thermostat, stopcock and fuse boxes are. If you’re renting, you can report any issues to your property agent. If you’ve moved into a house you own, uncovering any problems will mean you can get them sorted as soon as possible.
9. Set up your utility bills
Some of your utility bills will take longer to come through than others, so getting everything sorted sooner rather than later will make sure your bills are consistent, with regular payments each month. You’ll need to register for water, electricity and council tax at your new home, as well as Wi-Fi and a TV license.
10. Unpack room by room
Starting with your kitchen and bathroom, unpack everything you’ll need for the next few days ahead while you get settled in. Planning each room as you go gives you less chance of losing anything, and lets you unpack methodically.
11. Update your personal details
As well as the physical move, it’s important to transfer your personal details to your new address. Registering to vote, changing your bank details and finding a new doctor and dentist in your local area are all admin jobs that will make your life much easier when you need them.
If you drive, don’t forget to update your driving license and V5C with your new address, too. This is crucial when it comes to updating your car tax each year.
12. Make your space your own
Once you have peace of mind that the admin is all sorted, it’s time for the finishing touches. Putting up photos, prints or trinkets from your parents’ house will make your new space feel more like your own.
No matter why or when you decide to move out, planning ahead as much as you can will help your move go much more smoothly. For more advice on decluttering before you make the move, explore packing tips from our experts.