Getting Your Child Ready To Move Out

 

Photo by Mantas Hesthaven on Unsplash

There comes a time for almost all parents when their child is ready to move out. Sometimes it is a long process, and other times it is a snap decision. Either way, you can play a supportive role in facilitating their next big moment in life. 

This is a collaborative post

Typically, children will move out when they feel ready for independence, when they are earning enough money to support themselves, or they have met a partner and want to live with them. There are many different reasons, and not all circumstances are the same. 

There are often a lot of feelings that go along with watching your child move out, things like worrying they aren’t ready or that you won’t be able to help them in the same way - you might even be resistant to it! It is important to think back to what it felt like when you started the process of getting ready to move out and channel that excitement for them. 

Communication 

The key is going to be good communication. You can ask how and where you can be useful or suggest places where you can help. For example, booking or covering the cost of the Allied Van Lines moving van or getting them some groceries for their first day in their new place. 

And also try to share some positives too, that you are excited for them, going to miss them, but how great it will be. And even ask when they’ll be making you dinner!

Budget  

While they live under your roof, they might not fully understand what goes into a living budget. So it is better to talk about it before they need to create one on the fly. Help them to see some of the costs that don’t often come up at the dinner table. 

It is a good idea to take a look at a few budgeting apps so that they have the information with them all the time. And, if you can (and they have the ability to), set up automated saving so that they have a buffer. 

Needs and Wants 

Even if they have had a job for a while, when living at home, they still manage to keep a reasonable amount of their monthly income. When they move out, that is going to change. 

Even children who are responsible and seem quite grown up might struggle with the need/want. Buying things that they want will eat into the budget pretty quickly, leaving a lot less for the things they need. 

Make a list of the needs to keep the house running, and then everything else can go in the wants category. 

Always Around

It is not unusual for children, when they move out, to think that they have to do things alone and solve all of the problems - and if they don’t, they are seen as a failure. It can be tricky to break this pattern of thinking, but it is important that before they leave, they know that they can always come to you. 

So if they do get stuck reading clothing labels or can’t get the recipe right for your mac and cheese - you’re always around. 

Your child moving out is big for both of you and a new chapter; head in with a supportive and positive mindset, and help them be set up for success. 

And just so you both get it right, here are some packing tips to help: Mistakes To Avoid When Packing To Move House.