So, you have reached that point in your life where you are ready to take the plunge and move out of your parents’ house. While moving into your own space is exciting and transformative, it can get rather daunting very quickly if you do not have a plan in place. After all, it is a big decision that requires careful planning, consideration and mental readiness. Let us guide you through this pivotal journey with our comprehensive checklist of practical recommendations and actionable tips to ease into your first-time move.
The first step in moving out is understanding your financial situation. Analyse your income, expenses, and savings to determine if you can afford the costs associated with renting or owning a place of your own. Consider factors like rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other miscellaneous monthly expenses – costs that are not at the top of your mind while staying at your parents’ place.
If you find yourself unable to afford the costs of moving out at the moment, fret not! There are several ways to work towards either a house downpayment or a security deposit:
We recommend creating your own budget planning sheet or purchasing an existing budget template to outline your expected expenses and compare it with your current savings and potential income. This will give you a better understanding of how much money you will need to comfortably sustain yourself after moving out, while keeping yourself accountable towards your personal finances.
Take some time to reflect on your goals and aspirations. What kind of life do you envision for yourself? Have you thought about the emotional aspects of leaving your family home? Are you willing to take on the responsibilities of living independently? Having a clear vision will guide you in making decisions about your new home and the lifestyle you want to lead. It is also important to communicate your intentions and moving plans with your parents so that they are not caught off-guard by your decision.
After defining your new home goals, it is time to do proper research and planning. This may take days or even weeks, but we promise you that it will come in handy during the home viewing and negotiation stages. Here are some key decision factors that you should consider:
If financial constraints are holding you back from moving out alone, you may wish to consider co-living options. Modern co-living spaces are fully furnished with clean amenities and come with flexible memberships for both short-term and long-term stays. This arrangement not only reduces your monthly rental cost but it also allows you to meet like-minded neighbours in common shared spaces to build a supportive community. Some examples of popular co-living spaces in Singapore to consider are Habyt (formerly known as Hmlet), Cove and Lyf by Ascott.
If co-living options are not your thing, consider enlisting a qualified property agent to support you in your home search. Property agents have in-depth knowledge of the real estate market in Singapore, and exclusive access to a wide range of property listings that are unbeknown to the general public. They can guide you through the process of renting or buying a property, helping you to make informed decisions based on your budget and preferences. In addition, they are able to arrange the necessary paperwork to ensure legal compliance with Singapore housing regulations.
Considering this will be your first time moving out from your parents’ house, you can imagine there will be an entire lifetime’s worth of belongings and sentimental possessions to transport from their place to your new home. It is advisable to engage a reputable and professional moving services company to assist you in packing and moving your items safely so that you have a peace of mind throughout the entire moving process. Be sure to book your movers in advance to secure your preferred moving date at lower prices!
Moving out is an excellent opportunity to declutter your belongings and embrace minimalism. Take stock of what you truly need and donate or sell items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. By downsizing before the move, you get to create space for new memories to fill your home.
One lesser-known advice on this new home journey would be to trust your instincts. Sometimes we get so caught up in practicalities and logic that we forget to tune in to our emotions during home viewings. Allow the magic of instinct to be your guiding light towards a new home that feels right for you. That being said, if you sense that something seems off about the place, trust your gut enough to not proceed with the deal!
Despite the flurry of excitement in pursuing freedom and independence, moving out of your parents’ house can become emotionally overwhelming due to homesickness and the onslaught of new responsibilities. This is the time to intentionally reach out and build your support network to help you through this transition. As you settle into your new life, make time for regular communication and visits to ease homesickness and maintain strong relationships with your loved ones.
It depends on factors such as financial stability, personal circumstances, and individual goals. Some people may choose to move out in their early twenties, while others may wait until they are more established in their careers in their thirties.
The fastest way to move out is by planning ahead, saving money, and being proactive in finding a suitable place. Research rental options, create a budget, and start looking for potential roommates if needed.
The legal age to move out of your parents’ house and pursue your newfound independence is 21 years old.
Singapore’s rental market can be quite expensive, especially in the central areas. Before you move out, you should budget for at least a year’s worth of rent as landlords often require a lump sum security deposit of between one to three months upfront.
If you are planning to purchase your own place, you will need to make a down payment upfront amounting to 5% for the first property for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. For foreigners, the minimum downpayment is 20% for any residential property. In addition, there are other miscellaneous costs involved such as stamp duty, legal fees, agent’s commission and loan amount.
In Singapore, running away from home is not considered illegal for individuals above the age of 16. The age of majority in Singapore is 21, so anyone aged 16 or above is not legally considered a minor. As such, leaving home without parental consent is not a criminal offence.
It is essential to approach such a significant conversation with sensitivity and respect. Every family dynamic is different and their reactions may vary, hence it is crucial to be patient and understanding during this transition period. Choosing the right time and place, addressing your parents’ concerns, offering reassurance, as well as acknowledging their emotions and concerns is key to creating a safe space for both parties to have a meaningful discussion.
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