Whether just graduating from college or taking a job in another city, moving out of your parents’ house is the first step to full-fledged adulthood. This transition can be daunting, but here are some things you can do before, during and after the move-out process to ease your transition out of the nest.

Before

• Communicate. If your parents don’t already know, give them a heads-up and establish a timeline that works for everyone.
• Crunch the numbers. Make sure that you are ready to take on the expenses of living on your own. Check your credit, figure out your overhead cost, create a budget and establish an emergency fund. If you have no idea where to start, free resources such as The Financial Diet on YouTube can help you do so.
• Save. Saving money will be the easiest while you’re home. With a number in mind, look into ways to start saving towards it. This could be picking up a side hustle or limiting daily expenses.
• Find a place to live. Chances are you already have a city in mind. Get to know the neighborhoods within it and look for apartments within your budget and in a convenient location.
• Learn how to cook. A balanced diet consists of more than just scrambled eggs. Develop the ability to feed yourself a varied diet from the comfort of your home. This is likely the healthiest and most affordable option.
• Figure out shopping. If shopping for toiletries meant raiding your parents’ bathroom for their bulk-bought goods, consider what this will look like when on your own.
• Visitation plan. There is only one thing that your parents will enjoy more than seeing you succeed on your own, and that’s having you home for a visit. Discuss how often this will happen to help them prepare emotionally for the move.

During

• Pack. Decide what’s going and what’s staying. Remember, lighter is always better. If you are not moving to a developing country, chances are you’ll find everything you need in your new city.
• Set up services and utilities. Figure out which ones you need and want and how to get them up and to run as soon as possible.
• Make a list of what you need. Keep a running list of all the random things you find yourself needing the first few weeks, like a corkscrew for that housewarming bottle, or a lighter for your new candle.

 

After

• Explore the area. Look for places to shop, exercise and hang out.
• Update your address. Make sure everyone who needs to find you knows where to do so. And don’t forget to renew your driver’s license!
• Establish a support system. Whether it’s getting plugged into a new church, joining a runner’s group or taking an evening class, make sure you are building a strong community around you.

Celebrate! You deserve it!