Why We Want to Move Out of Our Parents’ House

All my life, I’ve imagined having a place of my own. Just me, my stuff, and my thoughts. The idea of living independently has always been appealing, something that seemed natural and even expected in many Western cultures. However, in the culture where I grew up, moving out of your parents’ house isn’t the norm, and the desire to do so can be met with confusion or even resistance.

I’ve tried to carve out my own space before, but it didn’t work out. Relatives followed me, and I had no choice but to return home. Paying for rent without the promise of true independence didn’t make sense. So, I went back to living with my family, but the yearning for my own space never left.

For those who wonder why I, and many others like me, want to move out of our parents’ house, here are some answers from my perspective:

We Want to Try Living Independently

All our lives, we’ve done what we were told. We were babied and spoon-fed, but we know it won’t be like that forever. Eventually, we need to learn how to live on our own. Moving out is a chance to take on responsibilities, make our own decisions, and figure out how to navigate life without relying on someone else.

We Want More Time for Ourselves

Let’s be honest—living with others doesn’t give you much time for yourself. You’re constantly expected to socialize or be on your best behavior. I can’t even frown without someone asking if something is wrong. What if nothing is wrong and I just don’t feel like smiling? It’s exhausting to always have to engage. Sometimes, I just want to be quiet, to relax without feeling like I have to perform for others.

We Want to Make Decisions About Our Own Things

A relative of mine loves to comment on my stuff, even throwing away my face masks because she thought they were expired (they weren’t). It’s frustrating to have someone else dictate what I can and cannot do with my own belongings. I can’t even get a dog because she doesn’t want me to. Moving out would mean I get to make decisions about my life and my things, without interference.

We Want to Enjoy the Money We Earn

There are days when I want to save money, but if everyone else wants to order takeout, I have no choice but to go along with it. Living independently would give me control over my finances. I could choose when to splurge and when to save, without feeling pressured by the choices of others.

We Want Control Over Our Own Time

Living with others often means adhering to their schedules as well. Some even complain that I sleep too much, even though sometimes I really need that rest. Moving out would allow me to structure my days according to my own needs and priorities, without having to accommodate someone else’s preferences.

Living alone isn’t as bad as some people think. I’ve tried it myself, and I would jump at the chance to do it again. I enjoyed my alone time, the control, and the freedom to live by my own rules. I just hope that our culture starts to embrace the idea of letting young adults move out of their parents’ house when they’re ready.

Independence isn’t just about physical space—it’s about growing, learning, and becoming the person you’re meant to be. And sometimes, that journey requires a place of your own.