The Moving Out Checklist Every Parent Needs to See
Moving out on your own for the first time is exciting but can also be overwhelming. Most teens feel ready until real life hits (rent, bills, cooking, cleaning, and everything in between).
This checklist helps parents teach the must-know skills before their kids leave home so they can thrive, not just survive.
The Ultimate Moving Out Checklist
Money & Budgeting
1. How to make a basic monthly budget
Learn to list income, subtract bills, and set spending limits. Free apps like Mint or EveryDollar make it easy.
2. Understanding paychecks, taxes, and deductions
Know the difference between gross pay and take-home pay. Learn what FICA, federal, and state taxes mean.
3. Setting up a checking and savings account
Choose a bank or credit union with low fees. Know how to deposit checks, use ATMs, and set up direct deposit.
4. How to use a debit card safely
Avoid overdrafts. Use credit cards wisely—or skip them until ready. Never share your PIN.
5. Basics of credit scores and why they matter
Payment history, debt levels, and credit age affect your score. Good credit = lower rates on loans and apartments.
6. How to pay bills on time (rent, utilities, phone)
Set reminders or autopay to avoid late fees. Missing payments hurts credit fast.
7. Using apps to track expenses
Free tools like PocketGuard or even Google Sheets can track spending and help spot problems early.
Life Skills & Independence
8. Cooking 5–7 simple, cheap, healthy meals
Start with eggs, stir-fry, pasta, chili, sheet pan dinners, and crockpot meals.
9. How to grocery shop on a budget (and read price tags)
Unit prices on shelf tags show the real cost per ounce. Compare brands. Shop sales.
10. Doing laundry correctly (sorting, detergent amounts)
Read clothing labels. Cold water prevents shrinking. Don’t overload the machine.
11. Basic cleaning skills for kitchen, bathroom, floors
Use multi-surface cleaners. Wipe counters daily. Deep clean weekly.
12. How to handle simple car maintenance (oil, tires)
Check tire pressure monthly. Know where the spare tire and jack are. Change oil as recommended.
13. How to schedule appointments (doctor, dentist)
Learn to call, give insurance info, and write down dates. Put reminders in your phone.
14. Packing and moving essentials list
Boxes, tape, labels, cleaning supplies, and a few basic tools. Pack room by room.
15. Learning how to spot online scams/phishing scams
Look for poor grammar, urgent threats, or “too good to be true” offers. Never click unknown links.
Adulting Basics
16. How to find and rent an apartment (leases, deposits)
Read every line of the lease. Ask about hidden fees and required deposits.
17. Understanding renter’s insurance
Covers theft, fire, and damage. Usually $10–$20/month and worth every penny.
18. How to avoid common roommate conflicts
Set rules early about bills, guests, chores, and noise. Write them down.
19. Setting up utilities in their name
Gas, water, electricity, internet (teach them to call before moving in to avoid delays).
20. Handling emergencies (who to call, what to do)
911 for life-threatening issues. Know non-emergency numbers for police, doctors, landlords.
21. How to read important documents before signing
Never sign leases, contracts, or loan forms without reading (or asking questions).
22. Keeping important documents safe (SS card, ID)
Store originals in a locked box. Keep digital copies in secure cloud storage.
23. How to forward mail and update addresses
Use USPS mail forwarding. Update banks, schools, and subscriptions online.
24. Finding affordable health insurance if needed
Check state marketplaces, parent plans (until age 26), or work options.
25. Building a simple weekly routine for cleaning, laundry, shopping
Pick one cleaning day, one laundry day, and one grocery day. Keeps life organized.
Final Thoughts
Moving out doesn’t have to mean trial by fire. Teaching these skills ahead of time gives teens confidence and parents peace of mind.
2 Quick Action Items for Parents
Have your teen start a basic budget with fake numbers if needed…just practice first.
Talk through real-life scenarios like bills, emergencies, or online scams so they feel prepared.