Moving Out

Summary

Moving out of home and living more independently can be a really exciting but also overwhelming step, particularly when you’re doing it for the first time. It can mean having more freedom, privacy and control over your day-to-day life, but it also comes with new responsibilities. You might be managing your own money, cooking, cleaning, shopping, appointments, bills and household tasks for the first time.

There isn’t one “right” age or way to move out. Some young people move out for university, work, relationships or because they want more independence, while others may need to leave because their home environment is difficult or unsafe. You might live alone, with a partner, with friends, in student accommodation, in a shared house or in supported accommodation. Your circumstances and the amount of support you need can make the experience very different from someone else’s.

What might it feel like?

Moving out can bring lots of different emotions at the same time. You might feel excited about having your own space and making your own decisions, while also feeling nervous about whether you can manage everything. You might experience homesickness, loneliness, stress or uncertainty, particularly during the first few weeks or months. It is completely possible to feel happy about moving out while also missing home.

You may also notice that everyday responsibilities suddenly feel much bigger. Things like remembering to pay bills, keeping the house clean, buying food, doing laundry and managing money can become tiring when they all happen at once. This doesn’t mean you aren’t ready to live independently — these are skills that people learn through practice.

Preparing to move out

Before moving, it can help to think about the practical, financial and emotional side of living independently. You may need to budget for rent, bills, food, transport and household items, as well as unexpected costs. If you’re renting, you may also need to understand your tenancy agreement, deposit, responsibilities as a tenant and who to contact if something goes wrong.

It can be useful to make a list of the things you’ll need to know how to do before moving, such as cooking a few basic meals, doing laundry, cleaning, managing medication or appointments, shopping and handling money. You don’t need to be brilliant at all of these things before you leave. Knowing where you can get help is just as important as knowing how to do everything yourself.

One of the biggest misconceptions about moving out is that being independent means never needing help. In reality, healthy independence involves knowing when to ask for support. You might still rely on family, friends, professionals or community services for advice, emotional support or practical help.

Having a support network can make the transition much easier. Think about who you could call if you were worried, unwell, short of money, locked out or simply having a rubbish day. Keeping in contact with people you care about can also reduce loneliness and help you maintain a sense of connection after leaving home.

Looking after your wellbeing

Moving is a major life change, so it is important to look after your mental health as well as your practical needs. Try to maintain routines around sleep, food, movement and activities you enjoy. Make your new space feel like somewhere you can actually relax, rather than somewhere that is constantly full of chores.

You might experience homesickness or loneliness even if moving out was something you really wanted. This doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong decision. Give yourself time to adjust and remember that it can take a while for a new place to start feeling like home.

How to help myself

Moving out can feel like there are a million tiny things to remember, so having a checklist can make it much less overwhelming. You don’t need to sort everything in one day – work through it gradually and prioritise the things that affect your safety, housing and finances first.

Before you move

  • Work out your budget – Include rent, bills, food, transport, phone, subscriptions and unexpected costs. Remember that your first month can be more expensive because you may need to buy household items.
  • Sort out your tenancy – Read your tenancy agreement carefully and make sure you understand your rent, deposit, contract length, notice period and responsibilities.
  • Arrange your deposit and rent – Make sure you know when payments are due and where your deposit is being protected, if applicable.
  • Set up your bills – Find out which bills are included in your rent and arrange things such as electricity, gas, water, broadband and council tax where appropriate.
  • Check council tax – Find out whether you need to pay it and whether you are entitled to an exemption or reduction.
  • Arrange your internet – Broadband can take time to set up, so don’t leave this until moving day if you need it for work or study.
  • Plan your move – Work out how you will transport your belongings and whether you need help from friends, family or a removal company.
  • Make a list of essentials – Think about bedding, towels, toiletries, basic kitchen equipment, cleaning products, food, medication and anything you need for work or study.
  • Change your address

Make a list of organisations that need your new address and work through them one at a time. Depending on your circumstances, this could include:

  • GP surgery
  • Dentist
  • Hospital or other healthcare services
  • Employer
  • School, college or university
  • Bank and building society
  • Credit card providers
  • Insurance companies
  • DVLA and vehicle insurance, if you drive
  • Electoral register
  • Benefits or student finance
  • HMRC
  • Phone and broadband providers
  • Subscriptions and deliveries
  • Friends and family who need to know where you live

You can also consider Royal Mail redirection so that post sent to your old address is forwarded to your new one while you update your details.

Healthcare

Make sure you know where you’ll access healthcare after moving. If you’re moving to a different area, check whether you need to register with a new GP surgery and make sure any prescriptions or ongoing appointments are organised. If you have regular medication, avoid leaving it until you have completely run out before sorting out your new arrangements.

It can also be useful to save important healthcare numbers in your phone and know where your nearest pharmacy, GP, urgent treatment centre and hospital are.

Money and safety

Set up Direct Debits or standing orders for regular payments where appropriate and make sure you have enough money available for bills. It can be useful to set reminders for rent and other important payments, particularly when you’re first getting used to managing everything yourself.

Keep important documents somewhere safe and easy to find, such as your passport, birth certificate, tenancy agreement, National Insurance details, bank information, insurance documents and healthcare information. Consider keeping digital copies securely as well.

Think about home safety too. Check that you know how to lock doors and windows, where the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are, how to turn off the water and electricity, and who to contact if something goes wrong. If you’re renting, find out how to report repairs and who to contact in an emergency.

Learn the basics

Knowing a few basic life skills will make things much easier. Try to learn how to:

  • Cook a few simple, affordable meals.
  • Shop for food within a budget.
  • Do laundry.
  • Clean the kitchen and bathroom.
  • Change a bedsheet.
  • Take out rubbish and recycling.
  • Read an electricity or gas meter if needed.
  • Use basic household appliances safely.
  • Make appointments and manage your calendar.
  • Keep track of bills and important dates.
  • Deal with basic household problems or know who to contact when you can’t fix them.
  • Make a support plan

Before moving, think about who you can contact when things go wrong. This could be a parent or family member, friend, partner, neighbour, colleague or professional. You might even make a little list in your phone with people to contact for different situations – for example, someone you could call if you’re locked out, someone who can help with money, and someone you can talk to when you’re having a difficult day.

And remember that independence doesn’t mean doing everything completely alone. Asking someone how to fix a washing machine, helping you understand a bill or coming over when you’re lonely doesn’t mean you’ve failed at living independently. You’re learning.

Once you’ve moved

Give yourself some time to settle in. Your first few weeks don’t have to look perfect. You might forget things, spend too much money one week, burn dinner or discover that you have absolutely no idea how to bleed a radiator. That’s normal.

Try to establish a few simple routines around sleep, food, cleaning, laundry, money and work or study. Keep in contact with people you care about and make your new home feel like somewhere that belongs to you. Small things – putting up photographs, buying nice bedding, having your favourite snacks in the cupboard or creating a cosy corner – can make a surprisingly big difference.

If you’re moving out because home isn’t safe, your priorities are different. You don’t need to have every practical detail sorted before seeking help. A trusted adult, social worker, housing service, local authority or other professional can help you work out safe accommodation and what support you’re entitled to.

How to help a loved one

Moving out can be a huge transition, so one of the most helpful things you can do is offer practical support without taking over. Ask them what they actually need help with rather than assuming. They might need help packing, budgeting, filling in forms or simply someone to sit with them while they work through their moving checklist.

You could help them break the move into manageable steps. There can be a lot to organise — housing, bills, changing their address, registering with a GP, sorting prescriptions, arranging transport and buying essentials. Going through a checklist together can make everything feel much more achievable. You could also help them learn practical skills such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, budgeting or managing bills.

Try to support their independence rather than doing everything for them. It can be tempting to take over when someone is overwhelmed, but letting them make decisions and have a go at things themselves helps them build confidence. You can be there as a backup — helping them work out what to do, rather than automatically doing it for them.

Moving out can also be emotionally complicated. Someone might be excited about their independence but also lonely, homesick, anxious or overwhelmed. Let them know that mixed feelings are completely normal and that struggling with the transition doesn’t mean they’ve made the wrong decision. Keep checking in, particularly during the first few weeks when everything is still unfamiliar.

If they are living alone, help them think about building a support network and knowing who they can contact when something goes wrong. You might agree on regular calls or visits, help them meet neighbours or find local activities, or simply make sure they know they can contact you when they’re having a rubbish day.

If they’re struggling financially, emotionally or practically, help them access appropriate support rather than trying to solve everything yourself. This might include their GP, university or college support, workplace, local council, housing service or another professional. If they have moved out because their previous home was unsafe, take this particularly seriously and help them access specialist support.

Myth Buster

Myth: “Moving out means you have to be completely independent.”

Truth: Being independent doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It’s completely normal to rely on friends, family, professionals or other people for practical and emotional support. Knowing when to ask for help is an important part of independence.

Myth: “If you’re struggling after moving out, you’ve made the wrong decision.”

Truth: Moving is a huge change, and it can take time to adjust. You might feel excited one day and lonely or overwhelmed the next. Homesickness, stress and uncertainty are common, particularly during the first few weeks or months, and don’t necessarily mean that moving out was the wrong choice.

Myth: “You need to know how to do everything before you move out.”

Truth: Most people learn as they go. You don’t need to be an expert at cooking, cleaning, budgeting, laundry or managing bills before you leave home. These are skills you can develop over time, and making mistakes is part of learning.

Myth: “Living alone means you’ll be lonely.”

Truth: Living independently doesn’t mean being socially isolated. You can maintain relationships with friends and family, meet people through work, education or hobbies, and build a new support network. Having your own home and having meaningful relationships are two separate things.

Myth: “Moving out is always exciting.”

Truth: Moving out can be exciting, but it can also feel scary, stressful, sad or overwhelming. You can be happy about having your own space while simultaneously missing home. Mixed feelings are completely normal.

Myth: “You have to make your new home perfect straight away.”

Truth: Your home doesn’t need to look like Pinterest on day one. It can take time to settle in and make a space feel like yours. Focus on the essentials first and gradually add things that make you comfortable.

Myth: “If you make a mistake living independently, you’ve failed.”

Truth: Everyone makes mistakes. You might forget a bill, burn dinner, lock yourself out or realise you’ve completely misunderstood how the washing machine works. These experiences can be frustrating, but they’re also how you learn to manage things for yourself.

Myth: “Moving out is the same for everyone.”

Truth: Everyone’s circumstances are different. Some people move out for university or work, some move in with a partner or friends, and others may leave home because their living situation isn’t safe. There is no single “right” way or age to become independent.

Support

Moving out can come with lots of new responsibilities, but you don’t have to figure everything out alone. The type of support you need may depend on your age, living situation, finances and why you are moving.

Family and friends can provide practical and emotional support, whether that’s helping you pack, teaching you how to cook, looking over a tenancy agreement or simply being someone you can call when things feel overwhelming. You can also build support around you after moving by getting to know neighbours, joining local groups or staying connected with people you already care about.

If you’re 16 or 17, or you’re leaving home because your current home isn’t safe, you may be able to get additional support from your local council’s children’s services or housing team. A social worker or other professional can help you understand your housing options and what support you may be entitled to.

If you’re moving for university or college, student support services, accommodation teams, student wellbeing services and students’ unions can often help with housing, finances, relationships and adjusting to living independently.

If you’re struggling with money or housing, your local council, Citizens Advice or a housing advice service can help you understand things like benefits, rent, tenancy rights and what to do if you are at risk of homelessness.

Your GP or mental health services can also support you if moving out is affecting your mental health. You might experience anxiety, low mood, loneliness or difficulty coping with the change, and you don’t have to wait until things become unbearable before asking for help.

If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness or leaving home because you are unsafe, seek help as soon as possible rather than trying to manage it alone. A trusted adult, social worker, local authority or specialist housing service can help you work out a safer plan.

Helplines

Shelter

Shelter is a housing and homelessness charity providing information, advice and support for people experiencing homelessness, housing problems, poor living conditions, eviction, rent problems or risk of losing their home.

Phone: 0808 800 4444
Opening times: 8 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday
Website: www.shelter.org.uk
Webchat: 8 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday

Centrepoint

Centrepoint is a youth homelessness charity providing housing advice, accommodation and support for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. They cover issues including housing, homelessness, eviction, benefits, employment, family difficulties and becoming independent.

Phone: 0808 800 0661
Opening times: 9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday
Webchat: 9 am–4:30 pm, Monday–Friday
WhatsApp: 07557 255 965, 9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice is a charity providing free, confidential advice and support on issues including money, debt, benefits, housing, work, family problems, consumer rights and legal matters.

Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Online chat: 9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday

Phone (England): 0800 144 8848
Opening times (England): 9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday; opening times can differ depending on where you live. Lines are closed on weekends and bank holidays.

Phone (Wales): 0800 702 2020
Opening times (Wales): 8am-7pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm Saturdays. Lines are closed on weekends and bank holidays.

Depaul UK

Depaul UK is a charity supporting 16-25 year olds who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. They provide emergency accommodation, housing advice, supported accommodation, family mediation and support with education, employment and independent living.

Phone: 0207 939 1220
Opening times: Not stated
Email: depaul@depaulcharity.org.uk
Website: www.depaul.org.uk
Nightstop: Emergency same-night accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness

Youth Homelessness Matters

Youth Homelessness Matters is a campaign and information resource focused on youth homelessness. It provides information and resources about homelessness, housing, housing rights, poverty and the experiences of young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Website: www.youthhomelessness.org

Childline
Childline is a free service for young people to talk to a counsellor about anything. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Childline is available to anybody who is 18 years old or younger.

Phone: 0800 1111
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
You can also find helpful resources, speak to a counsellor online or send a message on their site.
Website: www.childline.org.uk

For adults concerned about a child, the NSPCC can be contacted 

NSPCC

NSPCC is a children’s charity that works to protect children and prevent abuse and neglect. They provide support and advice for adults about child abuse, neglect, child safety, online safety and children’s mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Phone: 0808 800 5000
Opening times: 10 am–4 pm, Monday–Friday
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Email opening times: 11 am–4 pm, 7 days a week
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

The Mix 

The Mix is a charity providing free information, advice and support for young people on all sorts of issues that can affect their lives and wellbeing. This includes mental health, relationships, money, housing, work and education, drugs and alcohol, bullying, social media, family difficulties and many other challenges. They offer information and practical advice to help young people understand what they are going through, make informed decisions and find further support when they need it. 

Phone: 0808 808 4994
Opening times: 11 am–11 pm, 7 days a week
Website: http://www.themix.org.uk
Crisis Messenger: Text THEMIX to 85258 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

YoungMinds

YoungMinds is a national charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. They provide information, advice and support for parents and carers who are concerned about a young person’s mental health, and help people understand mental health difficulties, find appropriate support and access useful resources. Their Parents Helpline can provide information, advice, emotional support and signposting to other services. 

Parent helpline: 0808 802 5544 (9:30 am – 4 pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9:30 am – 6 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Email: parents@youngminds.org.uk
Webchat: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline/

Kooth

Kooth is a free online mental health and wellbeing service for young people. It offers a safe and confidential space where young people can access information, read helpful resources, take part in online discussions and receive support from trained professionals. Kooth can help with all sorts of issues that may affect young people’s mental health and wellbeing, including stress, anxiety, relationships, bullying, family difficulties, low mood and other challenges they may be experiencing.

Website: www.kooth.com
Online support: Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Live chat with a practitioner: 12 pm–10 pm Monday to Friday; 6 pm–10 pm Saturday and Sunday

Samaritans

Samaritans is a charity providing emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope or needs someone to talk to. They are there for people experiencing all sorts of difficulties, including stress, anxiety, loneliness, relationship or family problems, bereavement, feeling overwhelmed and concerns about mental health or suicide.

Phone: 116 123
Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Website: www.samaritans.org

Shout

Shout is a free, confidential text messaging service that provides support to anyone who is struggling to cope. It can help with a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, low mood, loneliness, relationship difficulties, bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, feeling overwhelmed and other mental health challenges.

Text: SHOUT to 85258
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Website: http://www.giveusashout.org