Many young men and women choose to live at home to save money during, and even after college. Everyone knows that recovering from college debt isn’t easy, and not having to pay rent saves a whole lot of money. Plus, who doesn’t love a good home-cooked meal from your parents every once in a while?
Whether you want to admit it or not, you might be overstaying your welcome at your parents’ house. But, how do you know for sure? If any of these signs apply to you, it’s time to move out of your parents’ house for good.
1. You Have a Steady, Well-Paying Job
You’ve paid off your college debt, and you’ve even landed your dream job. You now get a steady paycheck each week, which makes you more than capable of affording your own apartment.
If you make a decent amount of money (especially if your income surpasses your parents’), it’s time to move out. You no longer have a reason to skimp on cash when you’re able to comfortably pay your own bills and rent.
2. You Have No Privacy
You can’t hang out in your bedroom without your sibling or parents barging in to bug you. The same goes for your living room and bathroom as well.
No matter where you go in your house, you can’t seem to get any alone time. That’s a huge red flag that you need to move out and have your own space.
3. You’re Embarrassed About Your Room
Has your room remained the same since your middle school days? You have a twin bed, your room is painted some obnoxious color, and you still have loads of stuffed animals on your shelves.
When you bring over a significant other or a friend, you avoid inviting them into your room. You don’t want them to see its childish state that you just haven’t had time to fix. Why not start anew at your own pad?
4. You’re Often Out Late
You always stay out late on the weekends. As a result, you have to sneak into your house in the wee hours of the morning, trying your best not to disturb your sleeping family. Having your own place where you can make as much noise as you want at 2 AM is much more ideal.
5. You Still Have to Abide by House Rules
Your parents’ set of rules hasn’t budged since your high school days. Maybe you’re still expected to come home by midnight, and you can’t even have a significant other over without leaving your bedroom door open.
Plus, what adult wants to tell their friends that they can’t come out because they have to finish up some chores? Constantly getting asked to mow the lawn, do the dishes, or vacuum the rugs can put a damper on your day.
6. You Need More Space
Your room in your parents’ house is probably pretty small. Since the house isn’t technically yours, you’re not able to take up space inside the rest of the house. This means your room is full of clutter.
There are only so many video games, clothes, books, collector’s items, and other things that you can fit into one small space. When you’re not ready to get rid of your old clothes, you have to resort to maxing out your dresser and closet space. Having a whole house or apartment to yourself can give you a lot more room to store your personal items.
7. Your Parents Suggest You Move Out
Living in your childhood home isn’t just an inconvenience to you, it’s also an inconvenience to your parents. As much as your parents love you, you might notice them dropping hints about you moving out.
Most of the time, this is in your best interest—starting a life on your own is a part of becoming an adult. Perhaps your parents offer to help you move out or fund your future apartment for a couple of months. Those subtle suggestions are signs that it’s time to live on your own.
8. You Aren’t Self-Sufficient
You still rely on your parents to pay your cell phone bills, take care of car repairs, cook meals, do your laundry, and make your bed. If that’s the case, then it’s time to cut the cords. You’re more than able to do all this by yourself, and all of these tasks are expected of you as you grow older.
9. You’re Older Than 30
While there’s no age limit on moving out, you should really start thinking about it once you’ve passed 30 years old. By this age, you’re definitely not a kid anymore. Now’s the right moment to start becoming more independent and taking responsibilities into your own hands.
It’s Time to Move Out!
Do any of these warning signs apply to you? If they do, you need to start planning your move. Otherwise, it’s okay to stay at your parents’ house for a little while longer.
Moving out is a key part of growing up, but what does “growing up” really mean? In this next article, we discuss the truth about maturity and adulthood.
