Whether you’re jumping straight into the workforce, completing an apprenticeship, finishing a technical program, or graduating from university, learning how to move out on your own is a huge milestone. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. That’s why Sentry Credit Union is here to help you plan ahead and feel confident every step of the way.

 

Table of Contents

 

How to Move Out on Your Own: Things to Consider

To make the transition smoother, here are some key areas to think through:

Transportation

  • How will I get to and from work?
  • What about getting around outside of work?
  • Should I buy or lease a car?
  • Will rideshare or public transportation meet my needs?

Housing

  • Should I rent? If so, can I afford to live alone, or should I consider roommates?
  • Is buying a home realistic right now?
  • Where do I want to live, near family or somewhere new?
  • If my job requires travel, are there flexible living options?

Food

  • Can I cook? If not, what’s my plan?
  • How often will I eat out or spend money on social activities?
  • What’s an affordable way to go grocery shopping?

Bills

  • Do I have the right insurance? (car, health, renters, life, etc.)
  • Can I afford my entertainment habits? (streaming, cable, gaming services)
  • Do I really use all of my subscriptions?
  • Is my current phone plan affordable?
  • What utilities will I be responsible for?

 

Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone.

With so many moving parts, it’s normal to feel unsure where to start. The best first step is to make your own list of questions. Talk to your parents, a mentor, or someone you trust. They’ve been through this and can help you think through things you might miss.

After you have your list, tackle each question one at a time. Breaking it down keeps things manageable.

 

Setting Your Goals: The PACT Method

Before you build a plan, you need a clear goal. That goal might be simple (“I want to move out”) or ambitious (“I want to start a business and be financially free”).

If you want goals that actually lead somewhere, not just ideas you forget about in a week, you need a framework strong enough to grow with you. That’s where the PACT method comes in. It helps you set goals that fit your life, stay flexible as you change, and push you forward in a way that feels real, not overwhelming. Here is a breakdown of the PACT method:

P – Purposeful
Make sure your goal matters long-term, not just right now.

A – Actionable
Focus on steps you can control today, not outcomes that depend on the future.

C – Continuous
Your actions should be simple and repeatable, so you don’t get stuck overthinking.

T – Trackable
Progress should be easy to check with a simple yes/no question.

Take a look at this example of how to use the PACT method for the goal ‘Finding a Place to Live’.

P – Purposeful

Housing affects both your immediate needs and your future. Consider:

  • Where do I want to live?
  • How long do I plan to stay?
  • What can I afford?

Housing affordability rule:

  • Try not to spend more than 25% of your net (take‑home) income on rent.
  • For example:
    • If you take home $800/week, that’s $41,600/year.
    • 25% of that is $10,400/year, or about $867/month max for housing.

A – Actionable

This goal is very actionable because you know what you want to accomplish. Your Action steps might consider:

  • Where will I look for housing? (rental sites, realtors, etc.)
  • Do I have enough saved for a security deposit or down payment?
  • Have I checked my credit so there are no surprises?

C – Continuous

Once you’ve answered the questions above, commit to taking steady, purposeful action toward your goal. Keep moving forward even when progress feels slow. Every action you take brings you closer to the outcome you want. Stay focused, stay determined, and don’t stop until you’ve achieved your goal.

T – Trackable

This is the step that will keep you going as you are working on completing your actions. Create yes/no checkpoints to measure your progress:

  • Did I calculate my housing budget?
  • Did I research listings or talk to a realtor?
  • Did I check my credit report?

man using laptop in new house

Putting It All Together: Your Move-Out Plan

Once you’ve clarified your goals, begin shaping them into a well‑structured plan. Break the process into clear, manageable steps with target dates. Make sure to include your overall goal, consider your spending plan, outline your housing search, and think through the logistics, like packing and preparing to move. Here’s a simple example of what a moving‑out plan could look like:

1. Pick Your Move-Out Date

  • Choose a realistic date 2–3+ months away.
  • Put it on your calendar and work backward to set mini‑deadlines.

2. Build a Simple Spending Plan (Budget)

  • List your monthly take-home income.
  • List your expenses: rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, phone, transportation, etc.
  • Aim to keep housing around 25% of your net income, remembering to include utilities.

3. Decide Where and How You’ll Live

  • Choose the area you want to live in
  • Decide whether you’ll live alone, with roommates, or in a shared setup.
  • From your spending plan, set a max rent amount and only look at places within your budget.

4. Plan for Upfront Costs

  • Estimate what you’ll need: deposits, first month’s rent, moving costs, etc.
  • Set up automatic transfers into a “moving fund” so that you can hit that target before your move-out date.

5. Create a Short, Simple Checklist

  • Use one master checklist to keep yourself organized. Separate it into categories like:
    • Find a place
    • Money/Spending Plan
    • Documents/Insurance
    • Packing
    • Set up Utilities 
    • Change address
    • First-week essentials
  • Under each section, add the next 1–3 actions you will take check them off as you go like:
    • Tour 3 apartments
    • Get renter’s insurance quote
    • Pack off-season clothes

 

Take the First Step Towards Independence with Sentry Credit Union

Moving out is a big step, but you don’t have to have everything figured out on day one. Focus on making steady progress, one decision at a time, and give yourself room to learn as you go. With the right plan and the right support, you can build real confidence in your next chapter.

Ready to take the first step? Become a Sentry Credit Union member to start managing your money, building strong habits, and setting yourself up for long-term success. You’ve got this!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should I save before I move out on my own?
A good goal is to save enough for your security deposit, first month’s rent, moving costs, and at least one month of basic expenses as a buffer.

What bills will I need to pay when I move out?
Most people pay rent, utilities (electric, water, internet), groceries, transportation, insurance, phone, and any subscriptions or personal expenses.

Should I live alone or get roommates when I move out?
Living alone gives you more privacy, but roommates can make rent and bills more affordable. Choose what fits your budget, lifestyle, and comfort level.