Moving out of home

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Everyone’s journey is different, and the decision to move out of home can depend on lots of factors – your goals, your relationships, your sense of readiness, or changes in your life like study, work, or personal safety.

In Australia, many young people continue living with family well into adulthood. Others feel ready to move earlier. Legally, your parents or carers are responsible for you until you’re 18, so it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities before making this decision. For more information about when you can legally leave home visit the Youth Law Australia website.

How do I make such a big decision?

Deciding when and how to move out is a big life moment – and it's okay to take your time with it. Reflecting on your strengths, needs, and support networks can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Here are some questions that might guide your thinking:

• what are the opportunities and challenges for your wellbeing – emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially?
• how could this decision shape your life now, and in the future?
• do you have a clear picture of what living out of home might look like?
• is there a safe and supportive place you can go?
• Are you ready to take on the responsibilities of looking after yourself?

You're not alone in figuring this out. Services like Kids Helpline offer free, confidential support to talk through your options and feelings. You can talk to a counsellor by email, online chat or phone on 1800 55 1800.

Many young people face the challenge of finding safe and supportive accommodation when they are forced to leave home because of abuse or family conflict. If this applies to you, think about using the following supports:

• if you think you might be in immediate danger, call emergency services on Triple Zero (000)
• get help from friends, other family members or an adult that you trust
• contact your local police service (particularly if you are younger than 18 years old)
• call or visit your local community health centre—they can provide you with information about safe and supportive accommodation
• call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 to get immediate support and assistance as well as referral to crisis accommodation services near you.

There are a lot of things to think about when you’re choosing where to live and who to live with. For example, you may need to choose a location that not only suits your rental budget, but is also close to public transport and facilities.

For many young people, sharing a home is a great way to manage costs and build social connections. Others may prefer the privacy and freedom of living alone, especially if they have a steady income. Both options come with benefits – and a few challenges – so it’s worth thinking about what suits you best.

Some of the positives of shared accommodation are sharing the financial burden of rent/utilities, the opportunity to make new friends, and safety—living with others can provide extra security.

Some of the negatives of shared accommodation can include issues with keeping the house/flat clean—whose turn is it to wash the dishes, flatmates who don't pay bills/rent on time, and differences in lifestyle or values that may cause conflict.

A great way to avoid conflict is to set clear expectations from the start. You and your housemates might want to agree on things like:

• sharing the cost of rent and utilities
• whether food is to be shared or everyone is to buy their own
• sharing responsibility for household chores
• rules about noise, visitors and parties
• withdrawal from the rental lease when someone is moving out.

Once you’ve decided where you want to live and whether you’ll share or go solo, you can search for rentals in a few different ways:

• look online—there are websites that have descriptions and photos of rental properties, and you can search by suburb, price and type of accommodation (e.g. unit, townhouse or house)
• visit real estate agencies in your chosen area to get a current rental list.

When you find a place that you’re happy with, you’ll need to complete an application form and pay a bond (this is usually equal to about 4 weeks of rent). In Queensland, the Residential Tenancies Authority (not the real estate agent) holds the bond, which is a deposit to make sure you keep the property in good condition.

Before you sign a lease agreement:

• Make sure you understand the conditions of the lease and your responsibilities. If you’re unsure, then it's best to ask for help from the Residential Tenancies Authority or Tenants Queensland.
• Inspect the property. Take careful note of anything that is damaged and tell the agent or landlord. It's a good idea to take photos of anything that is broken or needs repair and keep these for your own records.
• How secure is the property? Sometimes you can request extra security for windows and doors, before you move in.

Understanding your costs is a key part of feeling confident and in control when you move out. Planning your budget helps you stay on top of expenses and make choices that support your independence and wellbeing.

You’ll need to think about how to cover things like:

• rent and bond
• food and groceries
• utilities (electricity, internet, water)
• transport
• personal expenses (like phone bills, healthcare or study supplies).

If you’re earning an income, tracking your spending and setting a weekly budget can help you stay on track. If you're studying, job-seeking, or in between work, you might be eligible for support payments from Centrelink – check their website or visit a local service for advice.

Moving on a budget

Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of planning and community support, there are lots of ways to save money and still get what you need:

• Ask for help from friends or family instead of hiring removalists – it can save money and make moving more fun.
• Check out second-hand stores or online marketplaces for furniture and household items – it’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• Start small – make a list of essentials and prioritise what you really need. For example, using a laundromat or sharing appliances can be a great short-term solution.

Leaving home is a big emotional milestone – and it’s completely normal to experience a mix of feelings. Excitement, nervousness, pride, sadness, relief, even a bit of uncertainty – all of these can show up at different times, and sometimes all at once.

Depending on your circumstances, you might feel empowered by your new independence, or you might feel the loss of familiar routines, spaces, or relationships. It’s common to miss the comfort of family or to feel a little out of place in a new neighbourhood. These feelings aren’t a sign that you’ve made the wrong choice – they’re part of navigating change and growing into new experiences.

What matters is how you take care of yourself along the way. Staying connected to people you trust – friends, family, or community members – helps you feel grounded and supported. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to go through it alone. Services like Kids Helpline are here to support you with free, confidential advice and someone to talk to.

Taking the step to move out is not just about changing where you live – it’s about learning more about yourself, building resilience, and creating your own version of home.

• Learn more about finding a place to rent, including information about choosing rental properties, documents for rental applications, inspecting a rental property, moving in etc.
• Residential Tenancies Authority provides tenancy information and support. Phone 1300 366 311 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm).
• Tenants Queensland is a free statewide advice service for tenants. Phone 1300 744 263 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
• Find housing and accommodation support, including Youth Housing and Reintegration Services (YHARS).
• Find information about leaving care and transitioning to independence.
• The Indigenous Youth Mobility Programme offers young Indigenous people from regional and remote communities the opportunity to move to a host location to participate in further education, training or Australian Apprenticeships.
• Study Queensland provides information about the different types of accommodation available to international students in Queensland.
• Moneysmart helps you make smart decisions about your money.
• If you’re experiencing or facing homelessness, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (open 24/7) and they’ll help you get in touch with services to support you.