Let’s face it, sometimes you just need out. Like immediately. Your living situation is just not liveable anymore. We’ve all been there… or at least I sure have. So here are my top 10 reasons to move out, in no real particular order.
Dirty Roommates
They might be the nicest people in the world, but you can not get past whatever fungus is starting to grow in your sink. When it comes to dirty roommates, I’m confident I have encountered all of them. Some are honestly just inconsiderate people who will take advantage of the fact that you will mop the floors even if they won’t. More often dirty roommates are just forgetful people who aren’t used to sharing a space with someone else. If you can talk to them and sort out their disgusting tendencies then you should be fine, but trust me when I say, if you like the person at all, get out before you end up resenting someone because you no longer have a clean plate to eat off of. Also, note that being an overly clean roommate might be equally annoying to your roommates. If you continuously clean up after them or nag at them, they might not see your side of the issue. With any living situation, communication and balance are key.
Something is Always Broken
When you first signed your lease you were shown a gorgeous, clean complex. New washer and dryer? So much yes! Then you moved in… and realized that the place was made cheaply or that things are actually very old. Talk with your apartment manager and building maintenance before making any hasty decisions as they may be completely helpful in trying to get everything fixed up for you. Also, realize that there are likely other issues they have to resolve for other residents in the complex. On the other hand, if that mold has not been cleared out of your air conditioner, I’d say it’s fair for you to move out.
You’ve Outgrown your Apartment
Moving out doesn’t have to be because of something negative, sometimes it’s just time for a change. There are many reasons why you may outgrow your current living situation. For me, graduating college and getting a full-time job was a big life change and I needed to separate myself from the college scene. You may also need to move out because of a new addition to your family such as a significant other, a new baby or a pet. Whether you physically no longer have space in your current apartment or you just feel you’ve moved to a new point in your life emotionally, when you feel like a change is in order, it probably is. Maybe apartment living in itself is just not for you anymore and it’s time to move out and get a house or condo.
The Roommates that just want to PARTY
We all like to go out every now and again, some of us more than others, but as any responsible adult will tell you, there is a time and a place. The problem is that not everyone is a responsible adult. It might not bother you at first, but when you have random people coming in and out of your apartment at all hours of the day, every day of the week… you start getting a little concerned for your safety and sleep schedule. The roommates that like to party that much tend to go hand-in-hand with the dirty roommates — trash, vomit, and bottles of alcohol will forever live in your apartment. I think a key sign that it’s time to move out is when it feels like the party guests are over at your apartment more than you are.
It’s just too Expensive
Whether the rent has gone up since you first moved in or you’re just not making as much money as you used to, being able to financially support yourself is extremely important. Don’t wait to get evicted or have your power shut off — once you notice you’re struggling with making payments towards rent, look into finding somewhere cheaper to live or moving in with family. This may mean giving up some of the amenities that your current apartment offers which can be difficult, but just remember that this isn’t a permanent downgrade. Once you get back on your feet again you can enjoy that walk-in closet once more! Besides, choosing to move out of one place just means you get to move in somewhere new with a fresh start!
You Can Do Better
On the opposite end of the spectrum, your apartment may be too cheap for your tastes now. Remember that raise you got last year? Well, your bank account clearly does! If you feel you have saved up enough money and need an upgrade in your life, then do it! Why share a bathroom with four roommates, even if you love them to death when you can afford one of your own! Upgrading to a nicer apartment is not a decision to make hastily. Look at your finances carefully before making the decision to move out to ensure that this is really where you want to invest your money.
The Roommates that Mooch
When you guys first moved in together you tried to be nice — too nice, unfortunately. “What’s yours is mine roomie”, you immediately regretted saying. Suddenly, you found yourself paying for everything! Out of paper towels? Yeah, that’s your job to get more, you know your roommates aren’t going to be of any help. Did you recently buy groceries to make yourself food for the week? Ha! Joke’s on you, no more food in that fridge! If you know that your roommate is going through something financially and you have discussed the matter, then that’s a different story, but don’t let anyone take advantage of your generosity for too long. Get out of there.
Too Far Away
Commuting to work or school can take up a big chunk of your day. Where you live now may have suited your needs just fine before, but that just isn’t the case now. If you have recently started a new job or school somewhere, you should consider relocating somewhere closer in proximity. This may be a part of being able to do better — you may have made the decision to live far away from where you need to be every day because the rent was too expensive at the time. If this has changed, look into moving closer to save time commuting and save money on gas.
Inconvenience
If you’re like me, walkability is a big thing when I look to live somewhere. Even though I do have a car, I like to have the option to just get outside for a little bit and grab food or drinks somewhere nearby. I also like to have the option of having guests over easily. My previous apartment, although walkable, had no guest parking options making it difficult to hang out with people outside of my own complex. Perhaps your current apartment doesn’t have laundry so you need to take your clothes to a laundromat. Maybe you don’t own a car and would rather stick to alternative transportation methods when necessary. If there is something inconvenient about your current living situation that you just can’t deal with anymore, look into moving out.
Change in Relationship Status
This is probably one of the most crucial and potentially most painful reasons to move out of your apartment. On the other hand, it might be the greatest moment of your life. If you have been living with a significant other and are going through a breakup or divorce, you have got to get out. Pack up your stuff and make sure you take everything that belongs to you because leaving it there may not be safe anymore. (I miss your blender). A change in your relationship status may also be a good thing. Maybe this means that you and your special someone are moving in together for the first time! This means packing up your stuff for a completely different reason. Getting into or out of a relationship are both big life changes, and with any major event in your life comes an opportunity to move somewhere new.
Whatever reason you have to move out is completely valid. Whether you are going through a transition in your life such as a new career or relationship, you can’t stand the people you currently live with or if you simply need a change of pace in your life, you know when you’re ready to move out, so go for it!
