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Home | 15 tips for moving out of your parents’ house | Space Station
Posted on Thursday, 6th August 2026
Been wondering “How do I move out of my parents' house?”, Follow these 15 top tips to make your move as simple and stress-free as possible. Moving house is an exciting time, but if you’re new to the process, it can feel overwhelming.
Half of all young people move out of their family home by the time they’re 24, making settling into your own house a pretty big milestone. If you’re heading to university, moving into a flat share, or buying your first house, our guide on how to move out of your parents’ house can help you plan a worry-free experience.
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.
3. Narrow down your preferred area
4. Gather your packing materials
5. Have a clear out
6. Get started with your packing
7. Rope in help for moving day
8. Make a moving checklist
9. Prepare emotionally
10. Think about what furniture you’ll need
14. Update your personal details
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 bit more of 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. This way, you can also get lots of great moving advice from people who’ve done the whole process before.
In most cases, the biggest monthly payment you can expect to pay is your rent or mortgage. So, as well as the costs of your new home 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.
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. Finding the perfect spot makes all the difference, so be prepared for your search to take some time.
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 all your belongings arrive in your new home in one piece.
Before you start packing, have a look through your belongings and donate or sell any items you no longer need or want. A trip to the charity shop means one or two bags less to move. This way, you have less to transport to your new home, and you can raise a bit of extra cash to help cover the cost of moving. You could always do a car boot sale, donate items to family or friends or sell your larger items online, too.
Having the right tools when you’re packing makes everything simpler. 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. Work room by room, being sure to label each box, you’ll thank yourself once you’ve made it to your new home.
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 the ever-essential teabags and the kettle.
Being organised can make the moving process go much more smoothly. Make a list of all the things you have to do before, during, and after your move, and tick them off as you go. Keep all your moving notes in one easy-to-locate place, like the Notes section in your phone, so you always have them to hand. This can be anything from setting up your internet provider in your new home to defrosting the freezer before you leave.
While there’s a lot to think about logistically when you move house, it is also a lot to take on emotionally, especially when leaving your parents’ house. Expect mixed emotions and be sure to pack some comfort items to take with you to your new home. Take regular breaks from unpacking and admin, and schedule in some time to rest and recuperate.
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.
Once you and your boxes are settled 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 landlord or property agent. If you’ve moved into a house you own, get any problems you’ve uncovered sorted as soon as possible.
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 licence.
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.
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 licence and V5C with your new address, too. This is crucial when it comes to updating your car tax each year.
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 you’ve collected will make your new space feel more like your own. Putting your own touch on the decor with soft furnishings, cosy bedding and cushions will make you feel right at home.
How to move out of your parents' house quickly and easily
Moving house can be overwhelming, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be simple. No matter why or when you decide to move out, planning as much as you can will help your move go much more smoothly.
Follow our expert advice to discover how to move out of your parents’ house with zero stress, with tips on how to pack fragile items and more.
