Moving out of your parents’ house is a major milestone. It signals independence, freedom, and the start of a new chapter. But as exciting as it sounds, the journey can be overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time navigating leases, bills, roommates, and budgeting. Whether you’re headed off to college, starting a new job, or simply craving your own space, there are important things to consider before taking the leap.

At Rental Buddy AI, we help first-time renters across California—from students searching for rooms for rent in San Jose, to professionals exploring apartments for rent in Los Angeles. If you're planning to move out in 2025, this guide is your must-read roadmap.

1. Know Your Budget—and Be Realistic

Before packing a single box, take a hard look at your finances. Moving out doesn’t just mean rent; it includes deposits, utilities, food, furniture, transportation, and emergency expenses.

Calculate your monthly budget:

Rent (Aim for 30% or less of your monthly income)
Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet)
Groceries and toiletries
Transportation (car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit)
Cell phone and streaming services
Savings and emergency fund

Pro tip: Use budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB to visualize your monthly expenses.

2. Start Saving Before You Move

If you don’t already have a cushion, start building one now. Many apartments in Los Angeles require first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit. That could be over $5,000 just to move in.

What you’ll need upfront:

Security deposit (usually one month’s rent)
First month’s rent (sometimes last month too)
Application or credit check fees
Moving costs (truck rental, labor, boxes)
Furniture and kitchen basics

Setting aside $3,000–$6,000 in advance gives you peace of mind and flexibility when choosing your new place.

3. Decide Where You Want to Live

Location matters. It affects your commute, lifestyle, safety, and of course—your budget. Popular cities like Los Angeles offer excitement and opportunity, but they also come with higher rent. On the flip side, cities like San Jose or the suburbs around LA may offer more space and value.

Questions to ask yourself:

How far is it from work or school?
Is it safe and well-connected to public transit?
Are grocery stores, laundromats, and restaurants nearby?
Can I afford the area long-term?

If you’re looking for flexible housing in competitive markets, try Rental Buddy AI’s roommate finder feature to share costs with someone compatible.

4. Choose Between Living Alone or With Roommates

Living solo sounds like a dream, but the bills are all yours. Sharing your space can help you cut costs and make new friends—especially if you're relocating to a new city.

Pros of living with roommates:

Split rent and utilities
Shared responsibility for chores and groceries
Built-in social life
Access to larger or better-located apartments

Use platforms like Rental Buddy AI to find verified roommates in your area, especially for rooms for rent in San Jose or student-friendly locations.

5. Understand Your Lease

Leases are legally binding, so don’t skim. Know what you're signing up for—especially if this is your first time renting.

Key lease terms to understand:

Lease length (usually 6 or 12 months)
Rent amount and due date
Security deposit conditions
Pet policies
Rules about subletting
What’s included (WiFi, utilities, parking, etc.)

If anything feels unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your landlord for clarification or get a second opinion.

6. Furnish Smart—Not Fancy

You don’t need designer furniture on day one. Start with the basics and upgrade gradually.

Must-have items:

Bed and mattress
Dresser or closet organizers
Kitchen essentials (pots, pans, plates)
Shower curtain and towels
Cleaning supplies
Basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, etc.)

Check secondhand stores, Facebook Marketplace, or friends and family for affordable finds. Remember, it’s okay to keep it simple.

7. Set Up Your Utilities and Address Change

Once you’ve secured your place, it’s time to set up utilities. In most cases, landlords won’t do this for you.

Essentials to set up:

Electricity and gas (check local providers)
Water (sometimes included in rent)
Internet and cable
Trash collection (varies by city)
USPS address change

Set these up a few days before your move to avoid delays.

8. Learn to Handle Chores and Adulting

Now that you’re on your own, you’ll need to keep your space clean, stocked, and functional.

Adulting checklist:

Do your own laundry regularly
Wash dishes daily to avoid pests
Take out the trash on time
Track bills and pay them before due dates
Schedule time for grocery shopping and cooking

Start developing these habits early—they’ll save you money and stress.

9. Get Renter’s Insurance

Many first-time renters skip this, but it's a low-cost safety net you’ll be glad to have.

Why it matters:

Protects your belongings from theft, fire, or water damage
Covers personal liability if someone gets hurt in your home
Usually costs between $10–$25/month

Some apartments for rent in Los Angeles require proof of insurance before move-in, so don’t leave this for the last minute.

10. Build a Support System in Your New Area

Moving out means more freedom, but also more responsibility. Build a network of friends, neighbors, or roommates you can rely on.

Ideas to connect:

Introduce yourself to neighbors
Join local clubs, gyms, or coworking spaces
Attend free events in your city
Say yes to roommate hangouts or community gatherings

Starting fresh doesn’t mean doing it alone. A strong support system makes your transition smoother—and more fun.

Final Thoughts: Make the Move with Confidence

Leaving your parents’ house is a big step. It’s a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of adulting. But with the right prep, budget, and mindset, you can thrive in your own space.

At Rental Buddy AI, we’re here to make your move stress-free. Whether you’re searching for apartments in Los Angeles, verified rooms for rent in San Jose, or using our roommate finder to cut costs and find the right match—we have the tools and listings to help you land the perfect place.

Moving Out of Your Parents’ House? Read This First