12 Tips for moving out of parents’ house for the first time

By:
Beth Gresty

Avant Homes: Group Marketing Coordinator

Updated:
25 February 2026

Moving out of your parents' home and buying your first property is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you're considering buying as a solo buyer, or with a friend or partner, we've put together some helpful tips to guide you through the process.

moving out of parents house

1. Deciding when the time is right

Moving out for the first time is a huge milestone, and it’s a decision that shouldn’t be rushed, where possible. Take time to consider whether you are truly ready for the change and responsibility that comes with owning your own home.

Think carefully about the financial position you are in and whether you feel prepared to manage bills, household tasks and long-term commitments independently.

2. Speak to your parents

Telling your parent(s) you’re ready to move out might feel daunting, but it is an important step to take. Start by explaining why you're ready for more independence and reassure them that you’ve thought it through carefully. 

Your parent(s) can be a great source of guidance and support, especially when buying your first home, as they will have knowledge from their own experiences.

3. Work out your finances

Start by creating a spreadsheet that includes all potential monthly expenses such as mortgage/rent, utilities, council tax, food, insurance and other essentials. This will be a great way to give you an insight into how much money you will need as a minimum to cover your outgoings. 

Once you’ve added your estimated expenses together, try to practice paying these bills by moving them into a savings account so you can ensure you will be able to afford to move out. 

4. Save smarter, not harder

We offer a range of first-time buyer schemes to help you maximise your budget and make your first home more affordable. Here are some of the schemes we have for first time buyers:

First time buyer fund  - Available on selected plots and developments, allowing you to create your own bespoke package worth up to £20,000!

First homes scheme - Allows you to buy an Avant home at a discount of 30% of its market value, up to a maximum price of £250,000 (or £420,000 in London) after the discount is applied.

Shared ownership - Buy a share of one of our homes, giving you the freedom to decide how much of the home you’d like to buy (up to 75% of the purchase price), allowing you to be able to pay an affordable monthly rent repayment.

Bank of Mum and Dad scheme - A relative contributes 5% or more towards the purchase price of your new home, then they’ll receive £2000 back.

Own new scheme - Allows you to secure a fixed-term mortgage with a lower interest rate, facilitated by Avant Homes and the Own New scheme. 

Exploring these options could make homeownership more accessible than you might expect.

5. Decide on your preferred area

Choosing the right location is just as important as choosing the right property. It is important to consider transport links, commute times, local amenities and how the area aligns with your financial situation.

It is recommended to visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day, as this will give you an idea of the local noise levels, traffic and overall atmosphere. 

6. Look for homes that are move-in ready and low stress

Ideally, moving into a home which requires as little work as possible can help reduce stress and unexpected costs. By choosing a new build home, you should have a smoother transition, allowing you to move into a modern, ready to live in space without major repairs or upgrades. 
Another benefit of choosing a new build as your first home is that you can personalise your home with options and extras, making it perfect for reflecting your style and making your new home feel more homely. 

7. Practice good habits

Before moving into your new home, start building good household habits so you can take them into your new home. Start with learning to cook basic meals (if you don’t already know how to), understand how to use appliances correctly and get into a regular cleaning routine.
By developing these habits early, keeping on top of your own home will feel far more natural and less overwhelming.

Indicative Kitchen/Dining Room, Contemporary Modern Decoration

9. Make a checklist for moving day

Creating a checklist will help you stay organised and avoid last-minute stress. This includes tasks such as arranging home insurance, setting up utilities, broadband, and updating your address.

10. Have a clear out

Moving house is the perfect opportunity to declutter your belongings, go through your items and see if there is anything you can donate, sell or dispose of. This will help make your packing process much easier, and by selling unwanted items, you will be able to put the extra money towards new furniture or decor for your new home. 

11. Pack your belongings

Packing can feel overwhelming, but staying organised makes all the difference and will make the process easier. Before you start packing, make sure you get some cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape ready. 

Start with packing the items you use least frequently and label each box clearly by room, so when you come to unpack, it will make it much easier for you. 

To make things even easier for yourself, keep a separate “essentials” box with items that you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. This will stop you from needing to unpack everything at once, and you can unpack as and when you need to once you are settled in.

12. Prepare emotionally

Moving out of your parents' house can come with a range of emotional challenges. The thought of leaving your family home can cause a mix of emotions, you may feel excited, anxious and sad all at the same time. For many people, they have spent their whole life living with a parent(s), so it is normal to feel a range of feelings about it.

It is important to remember that moving out doesn’t mean you should lose touch with your family and friends. By having regular phone calls, video chats and visits will help you stay connected to your family and friends while embracing your independence.

Exploring your options

If you are looking for more information about moving into an Avant home, then contact us, and we will be able to discuss your options with you.