Leaving home

Getting prepared to leave home

Many people will eventually leave the home they grew up in and find a home of their own. However, everyone is different. Some people leave home when they are very young, others wait till they are in their thirties, and some people live with their family all their lives.

Reasons for leaving home

There are many reasons why people think about moving out of home. Often people first think about leaving home if they are in conflict with their parents. Sometimes the thought of leaving seems easier than resolving the conflict.

Sometimes young people may be told to move out because for some parents it may seem easier than resolving the conflict.  

For others it may be the need for more space or privacy that makes them think about leaving.

Sometimes people move away from home in order to go to school, to college or for a job.

Leaving home

When you begin to plan leaving home, it is a good idea to think through the consequences and your needs. Some things to think through before deciding to leave home may include:

What if my parents don't want me to move out?

Some families believe that their children should only move out when they are married or have their own property. 

Some parents often feel rejected or even embarrassed about what other people may think of them as parents.  For example, the idea that people will think they are 'bad parents' or that there is conflict within the household - all ideas that might have nothing to do with the real reason for moving out.

Do I have somewhere safe to live?

If you are over 18 and have a stable income, you can probably either move into shared accommodation with friends or look to renting your own place.

If you are under 18, you may find that it is difficult to rent a house or sign a lease because of your age. You can check with the Government's The Private Residential Tenancy Board (PRTB), an organisation set up by the government to register tenancies and mediate disputes between landlords and tenants, or your local authority about your rights in regard to this.

If you are leaving home because of family conflict or abuse, then there could be support be available to you. Ring a local community welfare office or the Health Service Executive (HSE) to find out more about services available in your area.

Do I have enough money to support myself?

Try working out a budget to see how much money you need each week to pay the rent and buy what you need.

If you do not have a job or are still studying you may be eligible for social security payments. Contact your nearest local social welfare office to find out what benefits you are eligible to receive.

If you are working you might also be eligible for tax relief. Contact your local Revenue office to check.

Who would support me in making the move?

Often leaving home is easiest if your family will assist and support you in making the move. If your immediate family will not support you, you may have friends or relatives who will.   

Contact Childline Helpline 1800 66 66 66 for further information on any services that might be available to you.