Should I Go?

As you get older, living under someone else’s rules isn’t easy. You might find you’re fighting a lot, and that you really just want to walk out and never look back. The thing is though, most young people who move out do move back home from time to time. Sometimes the money runs out, or you need a place to stay in between flats. You might fall out with your partner or your flatmates and just need a place to go to, or it might be as simple as a bed to crash in when you’re home visiting friends.

Whatever the reason, studies show that the average young person actually leaves home three or four times. Put quite simply, this means it’s best to leave home on good terms. You never know when you might need to go back.

As well as keeping your bed for you, home can be a massive source of help when you’re first getting settled. From driving you to Ikea to pick up your flatpack wardrobe to helping you change a fuse to even guaranteeing your rent should your landlord require it, your family can be a big help.

Should I Stay?

As tempting as the freedom of your own place might be, in some cases staying at home is the best option. In fact, in Scotland the average age for leaving home is actually 22! If your family is driving you crazy, it might help to know that you’re not alone – a lot of, if not most, young people find it harder as they get older.

If things are really bad and you can't sort them out yourself, you might want to try an organisation called Relationships Scotland. Relationships Scotland offer a service called Family Mediation that helps parents who are separating or divorcing make their own arrangements and plans for the future, especially on the subject of their children. You can find more information on the Relationships Scotland website.

If you decide that leaving home is the best option, remember to try and do it on good terms.

Want To Go, But Can’t Afford It?

There are a lot more options available to you than you might think. Some areas might have schemes to help you pay your deposit. You might qualify for housing and council tax benefits.

If you have financial worries about moving out it may be advisable to seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau or Shelter.  Both organisations can offer offer advice and guidance on homelessness, housing options and any potential benefits you may be eligible for.

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Adding up to lifetime has lots of useful, easy to understand interactive information about all the financial things you'll have to deal with in life. Have a look at their accomodation and travel section for information that is handy to think about when deciding where to live.