Preparing to leave home
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland
Leaving home is a massive step to take and good preparation is the key to avoiding problems further down the line. Firstly, don't feel you have to move before you're ready, unless you feel unsafe at home of course. Remember to consider all the down sides of having your own place (rent, bills, no one to do your washing, etc) as well as all the good things, and if you know anyone who has recently left home, talk to them about their experiences.
Having your own home is a big responsibility: if you don't think you're ready for it or you don't think you can afford it, stay where you are! Download our free guide to find out more about your rights and options.
When can I leave home legally?
Once you are 18, the law says you can leave home without your parents' or guardians' permission.
If you are 16 or 17 and you want to leave home, you need their official consent. However, if you leave home without it, you are unlikely to be ordered back home unless you are in danger. Even if you do have permission, it's not usually a good idea to leave. You won't be legally entitled to a tenancy until you turn 18, so you're likely to have major problems finding a place to live. If you're feeling desperate, try to get advice before you pack your bags.
If you're under 16, you have no right to leave home yet. However, if you are unhappy, there are people who will listen to you and help. If you can't talk to anyone in your family, you could try speaking to a teacher, a friend's parent, a relative or the leader of a youth group. There are also lots of organisations that can help you, including ChildLine and the NSPCC.
I've decided to leave - what next?
Talk to your family and explain your reasons for wanting to leave. They may be able to help you find a new home or lend a hand to get together all the things you'll need to live on your own. They may even be able to help you with a deposit.
You should also visit a housing aid centre to discuss your options. The more you know about your housing rights and the options open to you, the easier your move will be. Use the Advice Services Directory to find a Shelter advice centre in your area.
Sort out your finances
The best first move is to draw up a budget. It will help you work out what kind of accommodation you can realistically afford. From this, you'll probably realise that you need to start saving up. There are lots of things you'll need to buy or spend money on when you have your own place. If you are moving to rented accommodation, you'll probably need to pay a deposit and a month's rent in advance. Or you may need to buy furniture or other household goods for your home.
Also, make sure you've found out if you're entitled to any financial help.
Find somewhere to live
First and foremost, find new accommodation to move to before you leave home. You may think you can sleep on a friend's sofa until you get sorted, but finding suitable accommodation could take longer than you think, and it's not a great feeling to think that you're getting in people's way. Think about what sort of place you want and who you'll want to live with - whether it's friends, strangers, a boyfriend or girlfriend.
What will I need to take with me?
Depending on the kind of place you are moving into, you may need a lot of new things for your home.
Ask your friends and family if they have any household items to spare. Then, check out:
- second-hand shops
- charity shops
- furniture projects
- car boot sales
- jumble sales
- adverts in the local paper
- adverts in supermarkets and newsagents.
You may find some bargains, and it's likely to be much cheaper than buying everything new.
What if I can't afford the things I need?
Moving into a new place is always more expensive than you predict. If you find you don't have any money to buy furniture or other essential items,
you may be able to apply for a budgeting loan to help spread the cost. If you are leaving care or are disabled, you could try applying for a community care grant to help with the expenses of setting up home.
If you are on benefits or a low income, you can ask to be referred to a furniture project, which can help you kit out your new home. Find out more information at your nearest advice centre.
