Leaving home
Having your own place and not having parents telling you what to do might sound exciting, but living on your own can be very different from what you expect. Here are some important things to think about before you leave home.
How much will it cost?
Living by yourself can be very expensive. You will need to pay for things like:
- rent (money to live in a flat or house)
- food and drinks
- gas, water, and electricity bills
- council tax (money you pay to the local council)
- TV licence
- broadband and phone bills
- toiletries and cleaning things
After paying for all these things, will you still have money left to go out with friends or buy new clothes?
If this is your first time living on your own, you might need to buy furniture like a bed, table, or chair. You will also have to pay a deposit and the first month’s rent before moving in. Have you saved up enough for this? Most landlords will also want you to have a ‘guarantor’ – this is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you can’t. Do you know someone who can do this for you?
Looking after yourself
Living alone means you must take care of yourself. Can you go shopping for food and cook meals? Can you wash and iron your clothes and do the washing up?
Before you leave home, ask yourself: “Can I look after myself if I live on my own?”
How will I know when it’s the right time to leave?
It’s not a good idea to leave home quickly, or because you had a big argument. The best time to move out is when you feel ready, have made a plan, and know you can go back to your family or friends if things don’t work out.
Think carefully about where you want to live and if you need anything special, like living on the ground floor or close to a bus stop. Moving out is a big choice, so make sure you are prepared.
