In the past, you may have seen moving away from home as an exciting prospect with opportunities around every corner. However, as the start of a new college school year approaches, you might be experiencing second thoughts or unwanted anxiety.
The truth? A lot of people feel nervous about moving out, especially when leaving the nest for the first time. The good news is you’re not alone. This guide will help you handle moving away from family so you can have a great experience.
Should I Move Out of My Parents’ House?
Before you start packing and hunting for a budget-friendly apartment, make sure it’s the right choice for you. While there might be external pressures to move out of your parent’s house, it’s not always the best path. For example, staying with your parents can save you thousands in dorm or apartment costs if you attend a nearby college.
You also don’t need an excuse to stay home. If you don’t feel ready (and aren’t sacrificing career or education opportunities to stay), don’t force yourself to leave. Everyone’s timeline is different, and there will be plenty of chances for you to move in the future.
On the other hand, don’t feel pressured to stay. “My parents don’t want me to move out!” is a common dilemma many young adults face, especially in their college years. Don’t let that stop you. One of the benefits of entering adulthood is the freedom to make your own choices.
Moving away from home could give you the privacy you desire and room to continue growing as a person. Plus, living with other students in a dorm or off-campus apartment can help you feel more connected to your college community.
There is no right or wrong answer because everyone’s situation is different. Weigh the pros and cons of staying near family and decide the best option for you.
Finding an Apartment
Unless you’re moving into a college dorm, you’ll need to find your own place to live. As a student moving away from home for the first time, this can be daunting. You have to worry about finding roommates, selecting apartments within your price range, and filling out applications.
When looking for off-campus housing, choose a location close to campus, especially if you don’t have a car or parking is iffy. You also want to ensure you have good grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment options nearby. After all, you need a way to have fun once the studying’s done!
Find a few apartments with the location, amenities, and floor plans you want. Apartments can be competitive, especially in college towns. You might not get your top choice, so it’s best to have multiple options.
Tips for How to Deal with Moving Away for the First Time
You’ve decided to leave home and take a big leap, but you might still be scared to move away from family. Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. Worrying about what life will be like on your own is a normal reaction. Luckily, there are steps you can take to limit your homesickness after moving and enjoy all the potential this new era brings.
Simplify your move by renting furniture.
As you embark on your first venture living alone, you might not know how to get furniture into your new space. As a first-time renter, renting furniture for your entire space may be easier than dropping thousands of dollars at a big-box retailer for new furniture.
The additional benefit of renting furniture? CORT’s delivery team sets up the furniture FOR you, so you don’t have to spend hours building it. Instead, you can spend that time saying goodbye to your loved ones before your big move.
Plus, once you graduate and are ready to make another big move, you won’t have to worry about packing up or selling an apartment full of furniture! CORT will pick up your rental furniture and return it to our warehouse. You’ll be ready for your next adventure with a clean slate.
Add comfy, homey touches.
Decorating your new place to your liking can make the anxiety and homesickness of a first move much more bearable. Brightly colored pillows and throws, rugs, and wall art can help lighten your mood, and string lights always offer a warm and welcoming glow — and inspire a few smiles.
For extra comfort and security, surround yourself with items from home, like posters from your room, a snuggly blanket, your favorite books, and lots of family photos. A few flowering plants in a sunny window add a cheery touch. According to studies, flowers help ease anxiety and increase positive feelings.
Get to know your new surroundings.
Whether you’re moving somewhere you’ve visited several times or relocating sight unseen, exploring your surroundings can ease your anxiety and help you adapt to your new environment.
Getting acquainted with your new locale can look many different ways. Check out parks, stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and wherever else boosts your odds of meeting new people. Some of these new hangs might be the perfect spot to study solo after class or meet for a group project.
Build connections and make friends.
Speaking of making new friends… When forming friendships in a new city, take a proactive approach. Find a few classmates you can grab lunch with or invite your apartment neighbor to a weekday happy hour. From yoga at your university’s fitness center to pottery painting at a local art studio, there are plenty of opportunities for budding friendships. Don’t hesitate to start conversations yourself so you can build relationships with all the great people who cross your path!
Establish your own routine.
Moving out for the first time can leave us feeling off-balance, so establishing daily routines can be a grounding practice. You could start the day with a walk around the block or take ten minutes to journal every night before you sleep. These habits might seem unassuming, but they can help solidify a sense of place and purpose wherever you are.
Think positive thoughts.
If you’re wondering how to cope with moving away from family, few things keep loneliness in check like the power of positive thinking. Instead of wondering why you moved, look at this experience as a way to become more independent and self-confident. Think of getting to know your new city as an exciting adventure and a way to make new, long-lasting friendships.
Stay connected to your loved ones.
Just because you moved out doesn’t mean you never have to see or talk to your family again! To get accustomed to living away from family, set up regular phone calls with your parents, video chat frequently with your siblings and BFFs, and make use of social media on a regular basis.
Sometimes, just seeing a friendly face or hearing a familiar voice is all it takes to lift your spirits. Exchange plenty of emails and texts with friends and family, and make use of snail mail. Cards and letters from home feel almost as good as a warm hug. And remember — you’ll be able to see them again over holiday and summer breaks.
Let CORT Take Some of the Stress Away
Leaving home and blazing your own trail can feel a bit overwhelming. Creating a space you love can help kick those feelings to the curb. To avoid the hassle of moving furniture into your new apartment, look no further than CORT Furniture Rental for stylish and comfortable beds, tables, chairs, lamps, and more.
Renting furniture from CORT can help make your first (and second, and beyond!) move a breeze. We work with most apartment communities in the United States, and our crew delivers and sets up your furniture before you move in. When you’re done renting furniture, all you have to do is schedule a pick-up, and our team will pick it up! All you have to worry about is picking your favorite furniture package and moving your personal belongings.
Renting furniture, especially in your first apartment, can alleviate some of the pressures of moving. Plus, when you rent pieces (and avoid furniture ownership), you won’t be tied down to any place long-term. In other words, you can always take your adventures elsewhere or return home whenever you desire! Get started online or in-store at your local CORT today.
