Moved out at age 23 (around 2007) and stayed on my own for about 6 years. Was earning (2007) R7500 and paying R2500 rent for a loft apartment. IIRC, after debt (rent, car, insurance) I had about R3000 to get me through the month (petrol, food, electricity, airtime, household/toiletry consumables, entertainment... In that order).
When I told my parentals that I was considering moving out, my father asked me if I was sure and ready. I was sure...ly naive. On the day I moved out my father told me that they would support me emotionally but to ensure that I'm independent they wouldn't support me any other way (especially financially). To explain how serious my folks were - 3 months after I moved out, they had demolished my room to create a bigger living space. They made sure that I wouldn't be able to go back!
I had nothing but my pc, a bed and few kitchenware that my parents sponsored. The rest I had to get on my own. It took me a year to get a fridge, another few months to get a decent coach and I started building up slowly but surely. I lived the minimalist lifestyle for a few years (which isn't necessarily a bad thing if you consider how much crap you buy).
There were good times and there were bad times in the first two years. The freedom, for starters, was always good. If you don't want to do chores, simply say not today. If you want to have people over, you can do so anytime; play music, watch movies and make a noise whenever you want. But... I naively didn't save enough money (not that I could) and when disaster struck, I was stuck in taking up credit to stay afloat. When you take out credit to just stay afloat, are you really? Nope! When you have to decide between either putting in petrol or buying dinner for the next few nights, you surely don't care about those other freedoms. I naively didn't realise how much start-up capital it takes to turn a house into a home. All the little things add up. With a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get through everything on my own, I made it.
My friends had/have it relatively easy when they first moved out. Their folks got them everything they needed and if disaster struck, quickly ran back to mommy and daddy. If you don't have that luxury and safety net, you grow up fast; you learn to make tough and smart decisions and to think ahead. And you appreciate everything you have much more.
Moving out did set me back in some ways (especially financially), but I wouldn't trade the experience.
If you look at it from a financial perspective, stay on someone else's dime for as long as possible. Save up as much as you can and purchase property rather than enriching someone else. Hell, purchase property and rent it out while you stay at the parentals. If you decide to move out and rent a place, work out your budget before doing so. If you want to move in with someone, don't rely on their "share" (whether it be bills or houseware) to get you settled. It's a false comfort. When you buy your first set of furniture and kitchenware (especially pots and pans), don't waste money on expensive stuff; start off with the minimal. You'll have plenty of time and more money down the line to buy that R20k leather sofa or carol boyes silverware. You'll have less regret if it becomes damaged in your youthful celebration of independence.
Whatever your choice and reasons are, don't rush into it. Think about where you want to be in the next 1, 3 or 5 years and how your options and choices can best benefit those goals.
