Moving out of your parents’ house for the first time can be a difficult decision, both emotionally and financially. This is particularly true for recent college graduates weighing the pros and cons of moving out of their parents’ house at a time when many young people have faced unusual economic and employment pressures.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns kept college graduates at their parents’ home longer after graduation. One study found that at the height of the pandemic, 52% of young adults (ages 18 to 29) were living with their parents.

As life slowly returns to pre-pandemic “normal,” you might be thinking about moving out of your parent’s house for the first time.

10 Signs You Need to Move Out of Your Parent’s House

  • You are fighting with your roommates, aka: your parents or siblings.
  • They live in the suburbs and you want to be in the city.
  • You are tired of living by other people’s rules.
  • Your other siblings—including the younger ones—have moved out.
  • You want to have friends over without feeling awkward.
  • You want to have overnight guests.
  • You are spending time (and money) staying out to avoid going home.
  • You have a stable, full-time job.
  • You feel like you’re moving backward in life.
  • Your parents keep dropping hints that it’s time to move out.

Pros and Cons of Moving Out of Your Parent’s House

While there are numerous good reasons to live at your parents’ house, there are also some great reasons to move out. Ultimately, you’ll have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living with your parents versus living in your own apartment or with roommates.

Pros of Moving Out of Your Parent’s House

  • Independence – Perhaps the main advantage of moving out of your parents’ house for the first time is developing a sense of independence. There are no rules or curfew. You can have guests over whenever you like and the only chores you need to do are the ones that benefit you and your living space.
  • Privacy – Let’s face it: there’s not a whole lot of privacy when living under your parents’ roof. Even your childhood bedroom is technically their property. An apartment is your own private space. If you live with roommates, you’ll still have an area where you can shut the door and won’t be disturbed.
  • Social life – Not only can you go out as often as you want without parental judgement, but apartment communities can be a social scene all on their own. There are bound to be plenty of people to meet in your new apartment community. Plus, many apartment amenities—such as the community swimming pool, game room, community room, picnic and grilling areas—are geared towards helping people connect and have fun.
  • Location – There are apartment communities located just about anywhere you’d want to live, including near work, friends, your favorite places to go out, or public transportation options. While your parents only have one house, apartment options can be found anywhere.
  • Convenience – Apartment communities have a host of amenities that help make life easier and more convenient. From on-site management and 24-hour emergency maintenance to state-of-the-art fitness centers, laundry facilities and even coworking spaces, today’s apartment communities have everything you need for convenient, modern living.

Cons of Moving Out of Your Parent’s House

  • Paying rent – One of the main reasons people live at their parents’ house is to save money. But apartments come in a range of price points, and you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. Plus, many apartment communities offer discounts for students, teachers, police, members of the military and other major employers. Southern Management works with a wide range of corporate partners whose employees are eligible for discounts.
  • Parental perks – Living with your parents can come with a lot of perks, such as home-cooked meals or help with laundry. That said, having your own kitchen allows you to experiment and create potluck specialties to share with neighbors and guests. And doing your own laundry is simply a rite of passage. Apartments come with a range of laundry options to make that chore easier.
  • Big purchases – In all likelihood, your parents have a home filled with a lifetime of furniture and fixtures. It will take you a while to furnish your apartment exactly the way you want, but that’s part of the fun! You get to express yourself through your décor and make the space yours. Plus, many apartment communities have semi-furnished or fully-furnished You just have to ask.
  • Familiarity – It’s true that home is where the heart is and having your family around for support can be an advantage. Conversely, when you move out on your own, you are entering an exciting world full of new experiences and new friends. Which will give you plenty to talk about when you visit your family!

First-Time Renter? Choose Southern Management

Regardless of the circumstances, there are advantages and disadvantages of living with your parents. On the one hand, living with your parents is comfortable and familiar. But being independent and having your own apartment can feel better than overstaying your welcome at your parents’ house.

If you’ve recognized the signs you need to move out of your parents’ house, consider making Southern Management your first apartment home. With more than 75 communities and 25,000 apartments throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia, we have something for everyone.

Contact us with questions about discounts, furniture options, pricing, leasing, or community amenities. We can’t wait to welcome you home!