Five Things Moving Out Taught Me

The “lightbulb” moments that one young adult experienced after stepping out on her own.

Whether your kids are two or twenty, or anywhere in between, you probably have spent some time thinking about the day they move away from home — into the real world. You’ve also most likely imagined what some of the biggest changes are that your kids will face, like paying their own bills and keeping track of their own schedules. However, what are the real ‘aha’ moments that young adults experience when they step out on their own? I decided to get the answers firsthand, so here are five “lightbulb moments,” told by a recently independent young adult.

The following was written and shared by Madeline Taliancich, freelance writer and college student, for use on thefithouse blog.

I’m no stranger to independence. As one of seven, I’ve known how to scramble my own eggs and do my own laundry for quite some time. However, when I went to college in the fall of 2018, I quickly learned that being independent is something completely different than living independently! Things are a lot different when you’re no longer under your parent’s roof. 

What’s even more different than living in a twelve-floor dorm with meals still provided to you by the school? Moving off-campus and living on your own completely, which is what I’ll be doing this fall with some friends, thanks to this pandemic. As I embark on this whole “living on my own” journey, I’ve definitely had my fair share of ‘aha’ moments.

Here are five things I’ve learned since I moved out on my own:

1. Groceries Cost Money??

Obviously, I’ve known all along that groceries don’t magically appear in the fridge and pantry every week. Still, it’s a rude awakening when you head to Walmart for the first time after moving into your new house and realize that all those snacks that you’re craving add up. And boy, are paper products more expensive than I thought! This revelation coupled with the fact that most of my friends and I want to be a little more environmentally conscious has led us to explore going paperless. No more napkins and paper towels, just dish towels!

2. All Those Little Things You Have, You Probably Don’t Need Them.

I’ve never really been one to hold on to a lot of stuff, but moving into an itty-bitty dorm my freshman year made me realize I wasn’t exactly living the most minimalist lifestyle. When you move out on your own and you’re sharing space with others in a more confined way than before, it’s important to pare down on the trinkets a bit. Most dorm spaces and first homes simply don’t provide enough storage space for all the little things. Turn to the Marie Kondo method and ask yourself whether that twelfth strand of twinkly lights or that non-descript motivational desk display really sparks joy, then break out the giveaway bags.

3. All Those Things You Probably Never Even Thought About? You Need Them!

Spoiler alert: mom and dad provide a lot of things you use on a daily basis but don’t even think about, like lightbulbs, cleaning supplies, and hangers! I’m getting ready to move into my new house next month and, at the moment, all I can think about are the big things. Do we have a couch? A bed? A dresser? Once I’m all settled, I just know I’m going to realize I somehow forgot forks or a shower curtain.

4. Yes, You Really Do Have Dinner At Home.

Remember all those times in childhood when you’d beg your parents to just please, oh please, take you to McDonald’s for dinner? They’d say no and break your heart, and you were almost certain they only did this to torture you. Well, when you’re on your own and actually start cooking your own food, you suddenly realize that there really is food at home. Plus, it’s food that you do NOT want to go to waste because you spent good money on those ingredients. The other fact is: eating out adds up and, as a college kid working a minimum wage job and trying to maintain her independence, every dollar counts. 

5. You’re Going to Miss Home–And That’s Okay!

No matter how independent I thought I was, I still missed my family like crazy during my first semester of college. I went home practically every other weekend. Now that I’ll be working to pay rent and buy groceries, that won’t be the situation. I’ll be homesick a lot, but thankfully, cell phones were invented for a reason! Just know, it’s okay to call home and ask for advice or just call to remind the people you care about that you love them.

What were some of your ‘aha’ moments moving away from home?

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