Move Out of Your Parent's House: Utahama lini???

When I was in campus, I was always so envious of those people who rented their own rooms outside the campus. I would often go to visit my friends who lived outside campus and I would admire their ability to organize their finances in such a way that they could maintain their own house. Let me just say it here before we go any further, it is not easy living on your own. However, it is a necessary step that most if not all of us have to take at some point.
There is no set age whereby you are supposed to move out of your parents home. Without over-thinking it, if you have finished college and have secured a job (even a temporary one), it is time for you to move out. It is as simple as that. Other notions that one must be 25 or some other age to move out is inapplicable. How many times, did you see the advert of NTV asking 'utahama lini?' and felt as if the producers were attacking you??

 If you felt this way, this step by step guide is meant to help you prepare and eventually (read asap) move out of your parents house.
1. Make the decision
This is the most important of all steps. By this I do not mean that you start telling people that you are moving, because I know many out there have perfected this habit. By making a decision, I mean you declare to yourself that you need to move out and make a commitment to this decision.

2. Create a timeline
At the beginning of each year, many of us make resolutions to achieve certain goals by the end of the year. However, we do not set measurable and specific timelines that guide our achievement of these goals. This is the main reason, people find themselves in November, having accomplished none of their new year resolutions. In moving out,set a particular date by which you should be in your own house. For example, a measurable goal would be: 'In 3 months time, more specifically by 1st Oct, 2012, I will be out of my parent's house and in my own house". That's achievable and measurable at the same time.
3. Make living arrangements
Where and how do you want to live? Do you want to rent a house? If so, how big will it be? This will depend with where you want to live and how much you are willing to pay. For example, if you decide to live in Thika town, you might pay 10,000 for a one bedroom while if you choose to live in the outskirts of Thika, you might pay 8,000 for the same sized apartment. This is a key decision and it must be addressed with careful consideration. Additionally, you might decide to live with a roommate and split the costs. This is a good idea for younger first time tenants.
4. Make a list of the things you will need in the new house
In order to make a house livable, there are certain basic necessities that one must buy depending on personal needs. Make a list of things such as mattresses, beds, beddings, kitchen items, Gas, stove or jiko depending on the budget etc. Please note that you do not have to start with everything. For example, you could forego a bed and spread a mattress on the floor if the finances are a little tight. After a few months, you will find that it gets easier and you can buy the rest of the stuff.

5. Work within a budget
One of the commonest financial mistakes that people make when preparing to move out is the lack of a proper budget. Know that a successful move requires money and you can only work with what you have. Moving on a loan is not advisable unless you have a clear-cut plan on how you will pay back. A budget guides you on how much you are willing to spend on specific items.
6. Start gathering items for you house.
You should start gathering the items mentioned in 4 above at least a month before the move. Buy the items you absolutely need and cannot live without. You can also ask for help from parents, sisters, cousins, grandparents, etc. and they can pitch in where possible. You will be amazed at how many items people have in their houses and never use. Don't worry if some of the items are a little old, you can replace later when you are settled.
7. Move
One important thing to note here is that in renting houses in Kenya and mostly around the world, you have to pay a deposit together with the first month's rent. For example, if a house's rent is 6, 000, you will have to pay 12, 000 as deposit and first month's rent. In addition, you might also be asked to pay 2,500 electricity deposit and water deposit too.

Ok, having said this, it is time for you to move. You need transport to move all your items. You may ask your parents for help on this or you can hire a moving truck.
8. Settle 
One last step: yeah  I know you thought that was it. Settle down in your house. There are people who move out and within two months are back to their parent's house.

Please refer to step 1: Make a decision. Do not be the kind of person who goes home every evening for supper or takes their laundry home for cleaning. If possible, cook your own meals and wash your own clothes. This will help you avoid constant trips home and eventual moving back.

Above all, take it easy and have fun. Many have done it and you can do it too. It just takes a little commitment and determination.
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