How to Move Out the Cheapskate Way

There will come a time when a little birdie would eventually manage to fly on its own and leave its nest, far out and away from its siblings and parents. I would consider this, an intro for this, uh, article, and well yes, I am talking about myself, metaphorically of course, I am not little though, nor am I a birdie. So what are the steps one must make towards independence?

I came to finally realize that I have come of age, and at this point of life it is totally normal, even in most culture, to depart from your humble abode called “home”. Every offspring would long for this period to take place. All of this root from one desire, independence. Though having its own bittersweet outcomes and consequences, it is still something that every individual would strive to gain. However, before stepping out of your front door, or porch, or yard, or lawn, or maybe gate, or cave, or probably hole, or whatever the heck it is you’ll come out from, only one thing is for certain, you’ll be carrying a responsibility way bigger than your packed luggage, which you might be strolling in agony while finding for a new dump, I mean place, to stay.

If you don’t want to end up like mister Bellman (whom I remembered dearly back in college), sauntering along the streets yanking a bell on every unfortunate stranger’s face, mumbling and often cursing at every entity he would bump into (or thinks he’s bumping into), well then, continue reading and retain your sanity with my words of, uh, wisdom.

Why on sweet mother of goodness are you moving out?

If you are just going to stow away like a bastard kid, or act like you are the Bible story’s prodigal son, then you’d better have your folks glue you in bed, or else you are just going to end up with regrets. See, it is not just going out of your house deciding to live in another peaceful haven. Danger lurks in the real world, and nothing’s for free that would keep you alive since money got invented, (maybe except if you’re planning to start your own tribe in a forest somewhere).

You have got to have valid reasons. You are moving out to help out your family, to better yourself, to achieve your goals and reach your endeavours, to chase people in debt. Whatever reason it may be, it just needs to be valid, and productive. Don’t just move out because hyenas invaded your home, you can slaughter them. Don’t just move out because you think you’re the family’s black sheep, black is elegance cupcake, and know you are not a sheep even if you do look like one. The point is, being wise about it, and knowing if you’re really ready. But please, don’t wait as long as your uncle couch potato Joe did.

What would there be to expect?

The worst, I’m telling you, the worst possible there is. It is always better to come to a war prepared with enough ammo, armor and all, rather than nothing. Sure, people say you’ve got to be optimistic, but face it; life is not all unicorns and rainbows. You will be on your own, maybe even for the first time. You may still communicate with your family and ask for money and support because you’re running out (now isn’t that dumb), then why did you even leave in the first place?

I’m burning. I want to move out so bad like a crab in boiling water.

Everybody who is discontented feels that way. But that won’t still be sufficient enough to be a reason. People would fail along the way because of letting their “urge” get in control. Motivation is good, yet planning things before actually executing any actions like a stunt dummy, like using your nutshell first, is way better. You could end up on a mousetrap if you’ll rush things up.

What are the things I need to do then?

First of all, you should set aside some money for your journey. Earn it by getting a job. If you’re not leaving the country or too far away, then this is a brilliant start. You might get hooked up with the job and the compensation you’re getting that you’ll decide not to move out anymore. If not, then save enough money that would get you through fulfilling your plans. You can also start finding jobs you could apply to where you will stay. This way, you won’t get bankrupt. In my case, I saved money that would suffice for a month. This one month budget included for food, transportation, rent (not rich enough to buy my own bachelor’s pad yet),   I also gave myself a strict deadline to nail a job within the month for an obvious reason. (Thank God everything went smoothly as planned)

Second, know where you are heading to (duh). Make sure you’ll surely have a place to stay. The streets are fine, but seriously, you need to search for even just a room or bed space to crash in for a night or so.

I was just lucky I know people where I am now, and they helped me through a lot (another tip when moving, have connections, friends for instance). I started off like a cockroach in the big busy crowded city. I got a bed space and stayed with three other strangers in one room. The insufferable scenario reminded me to comply with my one month deadline.

Third, if you need a travel ticket, may it be by train, boat, plane, etc. You’d better save for it too. Transportation is a very important thing. You are going to travel, don’t say you’ll just walk, or cycle (unless if you’re gonna move out just next door, you’re hilarious). If you have your own ride, then that’s perfect, you just need to set aside something to fuel up. Other than this, unless you’ve got Harry Potter’s Nimbus broomstick, or Dr. Who’s telephone booth (I forgot what it’s called), then you need to accumulate enough money.

If you need a plane, plan way ahead of time. Plane tickets are usually cheaper when booked by an early bird. You can also avail of travel promos, they’re common nowadays. You can surely save a lot rather than having the regular flight.

Fourth, be prepared for everything in every aspect may it be spiritual, emotional, psychological, in my case it is always, financial. Like what I mentioned earlier, you should have a valid reason for moving out or even travelling because this would act like your North Star, (or like that star that guided the shepherds and the three kings to where baby Jesus was), you get what I mean.  As long as you’ve got something to remind you why you made such a risky decision, you would have roots strong enough to hold you up.

Lastly, you already have everything and you’re good to go. You start to bid everybody a bittersweet farewell. You are feeling all twitchy with excitement. Play things cool, Excitement often clouds people’s way of thinking. Never grow too confident, always be safe in everything, again, think first before you act, and have things planned. Don’t get too paranoid at times either, sure some people may seem like an angel but has a devil’s tail hidden behind them, but some can actually help you out. Just be careful and know who to trust, even a dog fails at this, be smarter.

Remember as well that not all your plans may fall into place. That’s why it’s always wise to have plenty of them. There is nothing wrong in risking or giving up things, besides, life is too short to be spent on the safe side. You’ll never learn how to fly unless you start flapping those wings and jump out of that nest. (Just don’t blame me when you hit the ground face first). Good luck birdie!