10 Jun 2020

Moving out of home is a huge step to becoming a ‘real adult’. It brings the promise of independence, freedom and the ability to watch trashy television in your undies when the urge strikes (nearly every night).

But when you no longer have your ‘rents to pick up after you, you’re going to be pretty damn hopeless at looking after yourself and navigating how to survive on very little.

If the time has come to escape being couped up with your parents and siblings or you’re fleeing the nest because you’re heading off to uni, here’s everything you need to know – the good and the bad.

1. You can do whatever you want… kind of

You can do what you want, when you want. Breakfast for dinner? Why not. Strutting around in the nude? Absolutely. Coming home at ungodly hours of the morning after a night out, no questions asked? You betcha.

But if you’re moving in with someone else, strip back your newly found (and brave) independence just a bit. Be respectful of your roomies and do what you want within reason. Which brings us to the next point.

2. Not everyone lives the same way you do

Chances are you’re moving in with someone else. Regardless of whether that person is your best mate from high school or a random couple you’ve never met before, you’re going to need to learn how to live with someone other than your family who love you unconditionally regardless of whether you leave an empty toilet roll on the toilet roll holder.

3. It’s exxy

No beating around the bush here - moving out is pretty damn exxy. And once you make the move, there’s a lot more things zapping your bank account than simply rent. Bills stack up on top of each other, grocery costs add up and so does furniture, essentials and other miscellaneous stuff like vacuums, ironing boards and trash bins.

To survive, you’ll need to budget accordingly so you still have a bit of cash to splash when you’re living your best, independent life. If you need some hot tips, jump on over to our FinLit program to suss out ways you can save and all the likely expenses you’ll encounter.

4. You could get Rent Assistance from the government

If you’re receiving support from a Centrelink program like Youth Allowance, then you could be eligible for Rent Assistance. For every $1 of rent you pay above the minimum rent value, you’ll get 75c (but only to a set amount). If you’re a student, it’s worth heading over to Centrelink to see if you’re eligible.

5. You’ll fight with your roommates

When you’re living with other people, it’s inevitable that you’ll clash heads once, twice… or multiple times. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t. But don’t be afraid to suss out new roomies or places to stay if you feel like you’re walking on eggshells all the time.

6. You’ll have to cook if you want to eat

Cooking takes time and energy which you probably won’t have when you’re used to coming home to a meal ready for you whipped up by Mum or Dad. No doubt that you’ll miss the comfort.

But when you move out of home, you can cook and eat whatever you want. It’s a pretty good catch 22 if you can’t stand your Mum’s spag bowl.

7. You’ll be homesick

As much as you’ll love your freedom, you’ll occasionally (just occasionally) miss home. Whether it’s access to a free washing machine, having a fridge full of food or a hearty home-cooked meal, or even just a hug from Mum, there are going to be days you’ll wish you were home.

Moving out is daunting. But it’s a change that gives you the opportunity to grow, learn and throw as many gathos as you want before you get tired of it. Not to mention the amount of countless adventures and stories that come with moving out of home. If you want to know if you’re ready for the plunge, suss out all the information we have on moving out on FinLit, the financial literacy program we put together with our mates over at Westpac to teach you everything school never did.

Better yet, we’re giving away $1,000 to a lucky duck who finishes the FinLit program, which will go a looooong way if you are planning on moving out. Suss it out over here.

Promotion opens 18/11/2019 at 12.01am AEDT and closes 17/11/2020 at 11.59pm AEDT.  Entry is open to all Australian residents aged 15 years or over. During the Promotion Period: Visit the Year 13 site at https://year13.com.au/academy/finlit and register for a MyYear13 account; complete all four modules; and
successfully pass the quiz (minimum of 80% correct answers) at the end of every module. Entry is automatic once all four modules’ assessments have been completed and passed. The Prize consists of $1,000 cash (total prize pool $4,000). Prize draw will take place at 84 Alexander Street, Crows Nest NSW; Draw 1 on 18/2/2020 for entries received from 18/11/2019 to 17/2/2020;
Draw 2 on 18/5/2020 for entries received from 18/2/2020 to 17/5/2020;
Draw 3 on 18/8/2020 for entries received from 18/5/2020 to 17/8/2020;
Draw 4 on 18/11/2020 for entries received from 18/8/2020 to 17/11/2020.
Winner notified in writing on within 3 business days of each Draw and their name published on https://year13.com.au/academy/finlit . For full terms and conditions, visit  at https://year13.com.au/articles/finlit-terms-conditions

The joint promoters are Year 13 Pty Ltd ABN 93606583706 and Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33007457141. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPM/19/05046 and ACT TP 19/04505
This information is intended to be general in nature and might not apply to your personal circumstances. When in doubt, always seek professional guidance.