A guide to moving out for the first time

Okay. You love your Mum and Dad. And your baby sister. And the dog. And having your washing done and all your meals cooked. But there comes a time in every young person’s life when enough is enough – and it’s time to put your big boy/girl pants on and get your own place.

Moving out of your parents’ house into your first apartment or share house is a big step. If you’ve got no idea where to start, follow our guide to moving out to make the transition as simple as possible. (Try using all this info to create a moving out of home checklist – and you’ll be sitting in your own lounge room surrounded by empty pizza boxes before you know it.)

Calculate costs

Underestimating the cost of moving out of home into an apartment or share house is the most common hiccup for first-time renters. Setting a moving out budget can help.

Start with a ballpark rent figure, the type of rental property and location you’re looking for and remember to factor in upfront payments like your bond and usually four weeks’ rent. Calculate your expenses within your pay period (e.g. if you’re paid fortnightly, calculate your fortnightly expenses) to get a clear idea of exactly how much money you’ll have left after you pay rent and bills.

Use our electricity plans page to calculate what you could pay for gas and electricity in your new digs. Then add on any extras you can’t live without, like internet or TV subscription services.

Finally, look at what’s left and ask yourself whether it will be enough to cover the cost of food, transport and your hectic social life (or lack of).

Prioritise and search rental properties

What’s the most important thing for you about your new place? Is it location? Being close to friends? Having your favourite pub just around the corner? Or needing a light, white, calm space where you can practise yoga and read Proust? Really consider what you want in your new digs, and then find somewhere that fits.

Signed, sealed, delivered

You need to take your lease seriously. It’s a legally binding contract that spells out all your rights and the rules you must abide by while living in your new home.

Make sure you understand all the basics (like the length of the lease, when your rent is due and the bond) then look out for any additional clauses and penalties, such as which utilities (if any) the landlord pays for and protocol for any damages.

Ask us how we can help

Once your lease is signed, contact us to help connect your electricity and gas, and then get packing!