Should I move out?

[michele1176]

Okay, this is the third time I have had to post this story, because my posts aren't showing. Let me try it one more time and hope that "third time's a charm."

I am 27 and have never lived on my own. I have always lived with my parents and have never moved. I have lived in the same house my entire life. When I was in college, I commuted. Now I'm getting itchy to move out, and I have recently found an apartment that I am interested in. The rent is only $475 a month, but I forget what that includes.

While I want my independence, I am hesitant to throw away my money on rent each month. There are so many other things I'd like to spend my money on, and I feel like if I start paying rent, I will be forever scraping the barrel for pennies just to pay my rent each month and to have macroni and cheese each night.

The apartment is only seven miles away from where I live now, but I have always wanted to leave this area and move out of state.

[michele1176]

Sorry, but I wasn't going to type a novel and then have it say, "You are not logged in," when I am, and not post my message. So I'll continue.

I want to leave this area, but I don't know whether I should just take baby steps and have an apartment here in the area and just adapt to live on my own for the first time, or should I just really shock my system and go for the plunge? I wouldn't feel like I was throwing away money on rent if I lived far enough away from my parents' house, but I feel like, "Wow, only seven miles away? What's the point?"

Secondly, I can always make a small apartment in my parents' house, since we have three spare rooms. Then I can put my money toward school and eventually relocate to another state.

I honestly don't know what to do. Any suggestions? My 10 year high school reunion is next year, and I'd hate to say that I still live with my parents!

[kitalyn414]

i "throw away" $750 in rent every month. most people in our age range rent. it is just they way things go.

first... you need to have a job that will definitely cover the expense of renting so you don't default and completely eff your credit.

from there... it just depends on how much you value freedom.

[stonemonkey]

how badly do you want to move out? what are your reasons for doing so, other than for the independence? (which i guess is a big selling point)

[michele1176]

I would never mind paying rent -- if I lived further away where home would not be an option, you know? I just don't want anyone to think I'm being critical of those who rent, that it's throwing away money...

[stonemonkey]

in asian cultures, the only time kids move out of the home is when they get married and start a family of their own. if independence and proximity to work is not an issue, then it makes financial sense to not spend money on rent (as long as your parents are ok with it).

[stonemonkey]

is telling your friends at you HS reunion where you live a big factor in prompting this onset of itchy feet?

[twentity]

I think you should defintely move. Make sure you save up your money first. I've written an article on how to go about looking for an apartment, if you are interested.

But if you don't move, what are you waiting for? I moved out two years ago and I couldn't be happier. I love my parents, but at sometime it is just time to get out there and do your own thing.

As for throwing money away, I understand. But $475!! I would kill to pay that little bit. I pay $820 for a studio but I wouldn't give up the freedom for anything.

Just get out there!

[pittgirl]

I think if you are definetly ready and feel ready to move, then go ahead and do it. Just take your time about doing it and don't rush into anything quickly. Make sure you have a good steady job to pay the rent and other bills as well. Make sure it's absolutely what you want, and there is nothing wrong with living away from home.
I am moving in two weeks and it will be the first time I have been on my own in 4 years. Trust me $475 is great for rent, I would kill to pay that much in rent a month. I think you will find that, $475 is totally worth your independance and freedom from your parents. Only 7 miles way isn't that bad at all, your still close to be in touch, but far enough to live your own life.

[Winter Storm]

I too had the choice of living rent-free with my mother and saying up my money (my mom's suggestion), but I craved my freedom and wanted to stand on my own two feet and say that I completely take care of myself, so I moved out on my own a few months ago. And you know what? It's been the best decision I've every made.

I'm paying rent today at $580 and I'm glad to make out that check because of everything I get in return. Again, if you really want total freedom and independence, go for it. I don't look at it as throwing away money, but paying for my freedom. Freedom, I wouldn't get living with Mom.

It's a good feeling to know that I'm in control of my own household and that everything is taken care of by me. Including what food I'll eat, when to cook and clean and where I'm gong to hang that picture. There's nothing like it.

And at $475 rent, you'd better grab it before someone else does!

[michele1176]

Thank you to all of you for your wonderful advice! I truly appreciate it. I am still as confused as ever, though. I worry about my job because it's very unstable, and my hours fluctuate. I haven't really had overtime in several weeks and it's starting to hurt. I wouldn't want to get myself into a situation where I couldn't pay for the rent or get myself into debt.

Oddly enough, it's not really important to me for me to be independent and show to others that I can take care of myself. My main priority now is going to Greece for a two-week vacation (I was supposed to go next week for the Olympics, but had a change of plans), and I feel that if I move out before I go to Greece, I won't have the money because all the money I have saved toward Greece will go toward my apartment. I'm thinking of going in February.

I just feel weazy when I think of letting an opportunity like getting this apartment pass me by, and I know I am going to kick myself if I don't take this opportunity to move out. My mother asked me the main question: How badly do I want my freedom? Well, if I stay with my parents, I can convert four or five rooms of the house into an apartment, and not really be bothered. I've been blessed to grow up in big enough of a house that I have that option. It's not my freedom that I want: I just need more room, LOL!!! I don't know, I don't know..... :confused:

[rolo99]

Must be nice to be able to go to Greece when you live at home.

I would die of embarrassment if I still lived at home when I was 27. It's time to grow up and move out. If not now, when? When you are 30??? There's a lot more to moving out then just "throwing away rent money". It's about learning how to live independently, balance a checkbook, maintain a household, and establish some credit through paying rent.

I moved out when I was 18 and bought a condo when I was 26 so I wouldn't be throwing away money on rent anymore.

[paiger81]

I think it is very much a personal issue.

I moved out when I was 17 and haven't looked back. My brother, who is 21 hasn't left home, and my parents pretty much expect him to stay with them forever, though they do wish he will eventually leave, though they would never throw him out on the streets.

I, personally, think living with your parents past age 25 is a sad sad situation. I could maybe understand if your parents were ill and needed someone to take care of them, but other then that, I say move on.

Quick Newsflash: No job is 100% secure, living on your own is part of growing up, you should at least give it a try.

[coll214]

I say definitely try the apartment, and at that price?? I'd jump on it. I moved out at 23 and while it may be tough at times, it's a wonderful feeling being on your own (I also commuted to college and stayed at home). I think everyone should try being by themselves for awhile to know what it's like. You never know what may happen later on in life.

And i wouldn't give up the freedom and independence for anything right now, even w/ an offer to live more or less rent free in a house for 6 mos. It's the other 6 i wouldn't be able to handle. But that's another story. :D

[cheshrcarol]

Originally posted by rolo99
Must be nice to be able to go to Greece when you live at home.

I would die of embarrassment if I still lived at home when I was 27. It's time to grow up and move out. If not now, when? When you are 30??? There's a lot more to moving out then just "throwing away rent money". It's about learning how to live independently, balance a checkbook, maintain a household, and establish some credit through paying rent.
I completely agree.

[red]

yeah, i say move out too. i don't know much about your job situation, but i moved out when i was 17 and i've always made ends meet. maybe i have been throwing away money, but i also learned to budget and take care of myself. i am the only one of friends my age who has money saved for a house. and i don't have a job that pays well. i grew up fast anyway, and i've always been independent, but i think moving out helped me learn a lot about what it takes to survive. i am 26 now. i just talked to a friend my age who was borrowing money from her parents (again) and i was like wtf? personally, i would not be ok with that. my parents are retired now. they are on a fixed-income.
i think this apt sounds like a good deal. i'd kill to have rent that low!

ETA: do you buy your own groceries? pay your own phone/cable/etc bills? pay for a car/insure it? do you do your own laundry? if you are living home to save money, and yet you function as an adult then that's more understandable.