Like most things in life it’s always best to
PLAN! To make sure things run as smoothly as 
possible.
If you are planning to leave home then here are some things you
need to consider before you go. If you have left in a hurry or been
thrown out click here.
Are you ready?
Leaving home is a massive step, so make sure you are making the
right decision. Talk to friends, family, and support services like
connexions before you make up your mind.
What are you going to do for money? Have you got the life skills
to live independently? Can you cook? Clean? Work a washing machine?
As these (and more) are all things you will need to do when you’re
living on your own.
It isn’t going to be one big party! And all those things that
your mum, dad or whoever does for you now, you will have to do for
yourself!
Can you afford it?
It is very expensive to live on your own. You need to remember
that not only is there your rent to pay, but other bills too such
as, Council Tax, Gas and/or Electric, Water, Phone, and TV license,
(if you have a telly!). Plus you will need money for travel, going
out with friends, clothes, shoes, not to mention FOOD. In order to
cover all these costs you will need to be earning a decent amount
of money.
You may also need a deposit, and/or one month’s rent in advance
to secure a property and this could add up to £1000.(for privately
rented properties)
What about furniture?
Some places come fully furnished, or part furnished. Other
places have no furniture at all. Friends and family may help, and
there are a lot second hand or recycling projects that may be able
to provide quality furniture at a low price. However remember that
these places won’t be offering the most up to date styles and
designs and you might not be able to get exactly what you want.
It could become quite lonely?
Living on your own can at times be lonely. Remember there will
be no one to talk to when you get up in the morning and no one
there when you get home either. So make sure you have plenty of
support, and try not to live to far from friends and family to make
it easier for people to visit you, and vice versa. However due to
the shortage of affordable homes you may not have the luxury of
living close to family and friends, and you need to think about
this when considering if you are ready and can afford it.
Rules and Responsibilities
Although your parents have rules that you may or may not abide
by once you leave home, it isn’t rule free. Different landlords may
have different rules that you will need to live by, while living in
their house. These could be anything from keeping the place clean
and tidy, to not using blue tac on the walls! A tenancy agreement
is what you will sign when you move in to your own place and this
will out line the rules and responsibilities you need to live up to
as a tenant.
You also need to remember that you will have neighbours, who
will also expect you to be quiet and behave yourself. If your not
you could be investigated by the council, and if your anti social
behaviour continues it could result in you getting
evicted.