Moving from home to living alone before turning 18 is a big decision. Depending on your current age, you may want to move for a number of reasons. Before taking any concrete steps, take some time to consider your options for a safe and legal move.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Break Free
Step 1. Find out the legal age limit in your country
If you want to move out and live independently without a parent or guardian, you may need to legally waive your status as a minor. While most places limit the age of adults to 18, there are some that offer exceptions to the age limit without the need for an intense legal process.
- In some countries, getting married at the age of 16 will automatically waive your status as a minor.
- In some countries, joining the military before the age of 18 can set you free.
- You will need parental or guardian consent to separate yourself as they may need to fill out a consent form later.
Step 2. Look for a stable and consistent income
In the United States, to be able to live independently and move out of the house at the age of 16, you must be able to prove in court that you already have a source of income of your own. It's important to understand that minors are legally bound by special labor laws that prohibit them from working long hours.
Step 3. Find a safe place to live
While planning the moving process, you have to think about where to live. Depending on where you live, there may be different requirements for applying for a teen housing contract.
In some places, the youth contract can be considered invalid if it does not relate to the necessities of life
Step 4. Make a plan for completing formal education
Depending on your country, you may be required to remain in school. Make sure your new place of residence is near a school so that formal education can continue.
Step 5. Complete the required documents
While going through the status waiver process, there are many documents that need to be signed. There are many forms that must be signed by a parent or guardian. Even if these documents differ by location, you should be able to find all the necessary documents online.
Depending on where you live, some of these documents may need to be signed by an authorized third party (such as a notary)
Step 6. File a status waiver process in court
After examining all the conditions given by the state to legally free oneself, file a formal request through the nearest court. You will need to prove your financial ability and residency status during this process.
- You can use a bank statement to prove your financial status.
- The court process to determine a child's release can take up to half a year.
Method 2 of 3: Moving without Freeing Yourself
Step 1. Try to get your parent or guardian's approval first
If you want to move without legally breaking free, try to make an agreement with your parent or legal guardian. Depending on the situation, your family may support your desire to move. You should also think about where you will live before having a serious discussion about moving out of the house.
If you can, consider living with someone else. Isolating yourself can have a negative impact on your physical and emotional health
Step 2. Ask to settle down with another family member if your parents won't let you live alone
If your parents don't want to let you live alone, consider living in a sibling's house. You must discuss with your parents or legal guardians, as well as related relatives to confirm this.
In most places, minors are prohibited from living with their siblings without the permission of their parents or legal guardians
Step 3. Find out if you can stay at a trusted friend's house if you can't live with a relative
If your parents or guardians are reluctant to let you live with your sibling, talk to a trusted friend to see if he or she will let you live with them. You can offer to pay the rent as compensation. Even if you are only allowed to stay for a few weeks or months, this method can still give you time to get out of the house temporarily.
If you move into a friend's house, make sure everyone in the house agrees with the decision
Step 4. Don't run away from home
Even if you feel frustrated with your current living conditions, running away is not the best solution. You certainly don't want to move into someone else's house unprepared. Teenagers who run away from home are more likely to become addicted to drugs or commit crimes.
If you are planning to run away, consider contacting child protection services or someone you trust to discuss your situation
Method 3 of 3: Living Independently
Step 1. Find out the rules about renting a place to stay for minors
If you've made the decision to live independently, you should look for rental options near you. Even if some people are willing to rent out a residence to minors, it is very important to understand the laws and regulations regarding rent financing in the location.
Depending on the situation, consider signing a rental agreement with your parent or legal guardian (or other trusted adult) just in case you run into financial difficulties
Step 2. Look for apartments for rent online
Websites like Mamikos can connect you with a variety of rental options in hundreds of cities. When doing an online search, make sure you know when you will be moving and how long you will be staying there.
If you're having trouble finding a place to live, but still want to live alone, consider finding the nearest shelter or aid agency
Step 3. Find a part-time job so you can support yourself
Due to restrictions on child labor, you may not be able to work full-time as long as you have not reached the legal age. Do an online search to find the nearest part-time job opportunity. On many websites, you need to specify that you are a teenager.
You can also earn money without having a permanent job. Raising a dog and cleaning the yard are some of the ways to make money
Step 4. Prepare a budget to help you manage your money
Depending on the situation, you may need to pay bills every month, such as electricity, water, rent, and food. Consider setting a budget that can help you save money so you can support yourself.
- Use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to create your budget worksheet. This method will make it easier for you to manage expenses for eating, paying rent, and other expenses for a month.
- After setting aside money for basic needs, you can start saving for other things (shopping, buying fast food, etc.).
Step 5. Develop a good support system
While living alone is a good sign of independence, it's important to maintain relationships with other people. If you don't have friends or family to turn to when you're stressed, consider expanding your circle of friends and participating in group activities, such as a sports club or other extracurricular activities.
