| There comes a time in your life when you feel | | | | The thought of moving out and being independent |
| that you are ready for independence and moving | | | | of your parents may seem exciting. However, |
| out of your parents' house becomes a very | | | | you also need to think about whether you are |
| attractive option. Before you take the leap to | | | | really ready to do everything on your own. Do |
| freedom, there are several questions that you | | | | you know how to cook, do laundry, or clean the |
| first need to ask yourself: | | | | house? Your parents may have done a good job |
| 1) Can you afford it? | | | | in managing your household but that does not |
| The most important question you need to ask | | | | mean that it is an easy task. |
| yourself is whether or not you will be able to | | | | 4) Do you plan on living alone or with a |
| afford it. It may seem at this point in time that | | | | roommate? |
| you are earning enough from your job and that | | | | You may need to share your place with a friend |
| you have enough savings stored in the bank. | | | | in order to cover the cost of rent. Remember |
| However, the painful truth is that there are | | | | that no matter how close you are to your |
| unexpected expenses that you would have to | | | | friends, living together under one roof is still a |
| spend for once you start living on your own. The | | | | very huge decision. You grew up in different |
| cost of utilities, food, toiletries, cleaning detergents | | | | households and thus, what might be acceptable to |
| and the like are some of the things which you | | | | one may not be acceptable to another. Make sure |
| may be taking for granted while living at home. | | | | that you set your house rules before moving out. |
| 2) How stable is your job and your source of | | | | 5) What is your main reason for moving out? |
| income? | | | | Lastly, think about your main reason for moving |
| You may be doing well at work right now but | | | | out. Make sure that when you move out, it is |
| with the downturn of the economy and with a lot | | | | something that you really want to do rather than |
| of people losing their jobs, you may want to think | | | | something you feel you have to do. Are all of |
| twice about your financial stability. How many | | | | your friends moving out and you are feeling the |
| months worth of rent and expenses will you be | | | | pressure to move out as well? Uncovering the |
| able to cover in case you lose your main source | | | | real reason is very important because it will be |
| of income? What would be your back-up plan | | | | able to give you an idea of your emotional |
| when this happens? | | | | maturity and readiness to take this big step. |
| 3) Are you ready to do everything on your own? | | | | |