More adult children live at home than in any other living situation, according to analysis from the Pew Research Center. While often living at home is the only option for some young adults, many young adults want to move out of their parents’ house in order to feel more independent and get started with their own adult lives. If your child is about to leave the nest for the first time, you both probably have questions about what you need to know when finding a first place to live. Here’s what you need to know to help your child find their first place to live.
What Should Your Child Look For?
While there are many different kinds of living situations, most young adults find an apartment as their first place to live that isn’t their parents’ house. Apartments can be shared with roommates making them the most affordable option. As a parent, you might think that your child should know things about apartment hunting, but keep in mind they are new to this and that your guidance and wisdom is important. Whether your child is moving out to go to college, find a new job, or to just feel more independent, here are some things you both should look for when apartment or house hunting.
Think Price versus Location
While price is the first thing to think about, location is also important. When it comes to finding a place to live, proximity to where they go daily is a top consideration. Think about where your child is going to school or working and how far their commute will be. Sometimes it’s worth spending a little more money per month on a place to live if less time and money will be spent on the commute.
Use Available Resources
Second, there are many different resources out there that can help you with apartment or house hunting. These days there are multiple online resources and websites devoted to finding a place to live. Google search to see what sites show listings in your area. You can also do a search for apps that could be helpful. Oftentimes, certain websites will display opportunities for shared living spaces, such as an apartment with two individuals who are looking for a third roommate. You might present this as an option to your child, as it may be easier to manage rent, cleaning, utilities and other financial concerns with roommates.
Help Them Figure Out Leases and Rental Agreements
Third, help your child think about their budget as well as the different kinds of leases and rental contracts. If your adult child is moving out for the first time, they might need your guidance to learn how to budget. Also, help them learn and think about how long of a lease they are comfortable agreeing to and if they will have roommates or not. Depending on what type of career, study, or other field your child will be entering to support this move and afford life on their own, you should suggest a place that is manageable for their outlined budget.
When your adult child is finding their first place to live outside of your home, they don’t have a lot of knowledge about how these processes work. Your insight and experience is extremely necessary in these cases. But, also try not to be too overbearing and let your child make their own decisions with your input.
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