So you’ve decided to move out of home? Moving out can signify a new chapter, independence, responsibility and a good challenge, but it can also be a bit daunting or scary at first.

You might be wondering how to make some of the necessary first steps once you’ve decided to move out. It’s one of those things that people don’t tell you how to do (just like taxes), and it can feel a bit scary at the beginning. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

Making the decision

You might be moving out of home to be closer to uni, work, or just for a change. Whatever the reason, before you move out, you’ll need to be over 18 and have a stable income. 

If you’re moving out for the first time, you’ll likely be renting – whether that’s by yourself, with a partner/friends or into a sharehouse. Whichever you choose, you will require a secure job to ensure you can pay rent, bills and other living expenses. 

Make a budget to help you work out what you can afford and the costs of living out of home. Some expenses to consider include one-off expenses related to moving (things like a rental bond, movers or rental truck, furniture, and utility connection fees) and ongoing costs, including rent, utility bills, transport, and groceries. 

Check out our article on how to create a budget here. MoneySmart is another great resource helping young people budget. 

Finding the right home

Once you’ve determined what you can afford, it’s time to find a home! 

This process can often take some time and patience. It’s a good idea to make a list of some things you might like in your home/living situation to help narrow down your options. Some things you might consider when looking around:

• Location to work/university/tafe 
• Proximity to a local shopping centre/strip, pharmacy, park
• Nearby public transport
• Car parking 

You might choose to lease from a real estate agent/landlord (a formal living arrangement) or sublet from another tenant (an informal living arrangement). Whatever you choose, make sure you’re clear on your rights and responsibilities. 

Finding a house often includes rental inspections, filling out forms and applications and some general organisation. When applying for a property, you’ll often need to provide some forms of identification, proof of income and contact details of references. Read more about the rental application process here. 

If this is your first rental agreement and you won’t have any rental history, you might need to provide a guarantor, they might be a parent or close family member. This person will have to provide a signed document saying that they are responsible for paying your rent if you are unable. 

You’ve been accepted into a house. What next?

If you’re in a formal living arrangement, a condition report is an important step in the moving-in process. You might be given a form to fill out and sign by the real estate agent whereby you can go through the house and make notes of any scratches/marks or broken aspects of the property that existed before moving in. This will ensure you will get your bond back when you decide to move out.

If you’re living with others, it’s important to set some ground rules, like how you’ll divide up rent and utility bills. Depending on the home and the size of the bedrooms, these might be split evenly or differently. 

It’s also a good idea to have a conversation about your expectations regarding your living situation to ensure that you’re all on the same page. This can include things like a cleaning roster, food buying/storing arrangements, and an agreement about washing dishes (for example if you use a communal pot please clean it within 24 hours). It is worth having these (maybe awkward) conversations first rather than waiting until there is a problem and having to set boundaries then.            

Know your rights

Rent raises, maintenance and repairs, and lease renewals are all things you might have to deal with when renting, and it’s a good idea to ensure you know your rights and where to seek help if you think you need it.

Here are some great resources to use if you need help or advice while renting:

Victoria – Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria 

NSW & ACT – Fair Trading

South Australia – Rent Right

Queensland – Residential Tenants Authority 

Northern Territory – Tenants Advice Service 

Western Australia – Department of Communities Housing