Adulting with Atom Araullo: 9 tips on how to move out of your parents' house

The first episode of #Adulting with Atom Araullo, aired on New Years Day and it featured the broadcast journalist's actual moving out day from his parents' house. 

"This is a big step in the adult life, moving out. I'm doing it late, but I'm doing it anyway," Atom said, saying the most exciting part about leaving home and starting the 'adult life' is the proximity of his new home to his work.

"What am I most looking forward to? 'Yung hindi na ako kailangan magdrive masyado, maglalakad na lang ako at puwede na akong makarating sa bahay," he said.

If you are yet to leave the nest, here's a guide from Atom based on his experience, these will help you on how to victoriously take a step closer to #adulting.

1. Check your financial situation. Moving out is not just about transferring from one place to another it also concerns your financial capabilities. The freedom of having a place of your own also means responsibilities: paying rent, being able to afford groceries, taking care of electricity and water bills.

Prior to moving out, compute and budget your expenses and check if it's efficient with your salary.

"There are a couple of things that you can check — magkano 'yung rent, magkano 'yung groceries, kuryente, tubig, pagkain, titignan mo kung kasya ba sa sweldo mo."

2. You have to be emotionally prepared. Apart from being financially ready, check if you can manage living on your own without anyone helping you clean the house, prepare meals, or wake you up for work.

"The next is, you have to be emotionally prepared, ako I have a sense na kaya ko tumira on my own, kaya ko gumising na ako lang magisa or kaya ko umuwi na ako lang magisa na walang kausap."

3. Have a support group. Being independent does not entirely mean you have to shut down help from other people. It also means connecting with other people, and knowing who to call in case of emergencies.

"Susunod na kailangan mong isipin, sino 'yung support group ko meron ba kong mga kapitbahay na kakilala, kung wala edi you have to make friends, paano 'pag may emergency sinong tatawagan ko kung sakali."

4. Do an inventory of your parents' things and see what you can "borrow".  Everything does not have to be brand new, at least temporarily. If you want to save money, you can "borrow" some appliances or furniture from your parents that are not really being used. 

"Borrow" as much stuff as you can, pansamatagalan, ibigsabihin, 'Mama, pahiram muna ako ng induction cooker'... i-maximize mo na kung ano 'yung meron kayo sa bahay para di ka masiyado mahirapan sa gastos," advises Atom.

5. Maximize your space. A note on the things you'll borrow from your parents: They may be too big for your new space. Remember your parents' house is probably bigger than your cute condo. As such, try not to bring in big appliances or furniture. Check the scale of the furniture and make sure they fit in your new place.

"This is a relatively big place pero habang naglilipat ayoko magdala masyado ng malalaking furniture, 'pag naglagay ako ng malaking tumbatumba halimbawa, sayang 'yong lugar, eh puwede naman 'yong sofa 'eto naman 'yong gagamitin ko halimbawa para sa mga guest na gusto matulog."

6.Buy essentials first. After checking your list and "borrowing" some appliances and furniture, use the money you saved from "borrowing" things from your parents to buy your essentials. How important is fresh coffee in the morning for you? How about toilet paper — is 3-ply really necessary or can you live with 2-ply? Yes, welcome to adulthood.

7. Check your appliances. Borrowing your parents' old aircon may save you a few thousand pesos initially, but may cost you an arm and a leg in the long run because it's not as energy efficient after all. 

"Very important para sa mga appliances, katulad ng air condition and your refrigerator, alamin mo gaano siya kaenergy efficient, kung medyo luma na medyo bumababa na 'yung efficiency ng mga appliance na ganyan, kaya kailangan mo i-check baka naman mamaya masyadong malakas ang consume mo sa kuryente, bukod sa masakit sa bulsa, masama pa para sa kalikasan," reminds Atom. 

8. Make a checklist. Before leaving, make a checklist of everything you'll need to bring with you in your home — this will help you figure out which ones you still have to buy.

"Make a list and check it twice, ibigsabihin kung ano 'yung mga kailangan kong dalhin, ano 'yung mga wala pa ako na kailangan kong bilhin para hindi mo malimutan." — LA, GMA News