How to Avoid Moving in with Your Parents

 Step 1
1
Start saving immediately. The best way to prepare
for living on your own is by saving your money. If you have a job, put a portion of your paycheck into savings for future moving expenses. Depending on your current expenses, anywhere from 10-20% of your paycheck is normally a reasonable amount.[1]
If you don’t currently have a job, you’ll need a source of income as soon as possible. You won’t be able to rent a place on your own or with a roommate without proof of sufficient income.
Image titled Avoid Moving in with Your Parents Step 2
2
Make a budget and stick to it. After you’ve decided how much you want to save, create a budget for yourself with categories for your current expenses. Break down things like food, car payments, entertainment, and monthly subscriptions to see where your money is going.[2]
It might become apparent, as you’re creating your budget, that you’re living outside your means. You can remedy that immediately and prepare yourself for independent life by creating and sticking to a new budget.
Image titled Avoid Moving in with Your Parents Step 3
3
Use apps to encourage saving and monitor your spending. Services like Mint, Acorns, and Intuit have apps that will show you where you’re spending your money, help you create a budget that works for you, and put more money into savings. It’s easy and convenient to have all of the information on your phone, as well![3]
Different apps perform different functions, so decide whether you’re looking to manage your spending, get out of debt, or increase your savings.
Image titled Avoid Moving in with Your Parents Step 4
4
Sell rid of items you don’t need for some extra cash. One way to make quick money is by selling furniture, gaming consoles, appliances, books, and clothes that you don’t need. Post them on the Facebook Marketplace, list them on Craigslist, take them to a consignment store, or ask your friends if they’re interested in anything that you’re getting rid of.[4]
Consider having a garage sale with a few friends during some nice weather to make a quick buck and kickstart your moving fund.
Image titled Avoid Moving in with Your Parents Step 5
5
Eliminate unnecessary costs like tanning and gym memberships. These things are wants, but not needs. In order to prepare yourself for life on your own, get rid of these added costs and put that money toward your future rent and living expenses.[5]
Remember, you don’t need a gym membership to get your daily exercise in. You can take up jogging, biking, or make a home workout routine.
Image titled Avoid Moving in with Your Parents Step 6
6
Pause or cancel unnecessary subscriptions. Check your bank statements for any recurring charges that might be subscriptions that you’d forgotten about. If you don’t use your Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, it’s probably safe to cancel or put it on hold it and save the $10 per month for something more useful![6]
Most subscription services make it easy to cancel or pause your subscription, and many will offer you a lower rate to re-subscribe after a few months. Keep your eye out for special deals in your email!
If you don’t want to cancel completely, ask a friend or two if they would want to split the cost of a subscription with you. Most streaming services allow 2 or 3 users per account, depending on your subscription level.