Millennials Are Struggling To Move Away From Home, But It's Actually Easy

While Millennials go about their business and live their lives, doesn't it seem as though the rest of America feels compelled to voice an opinion on everything they do?

The myth of Generation-Y has trapped nearly 80 million young men and women born between 1977 to 1997 somewhere between their parents' basements and the estimated 15-20 jobs that, according to Forbes, Millennials are predicted to work at during their wage-earning lifetimes.

But if you're having trouble finding the first of those multiple jobs, you may start to wonder how this math came to be. You're a Millennial. So, every Baby Boomer has a theory on who you are, what you should be doing and what your future holds.

By now, you're well aware that your working, dating, eating and living habits have been logging a lot of time in the “gloom and doom” headlines of every media outlet from cable news to your neighborhood weekly.

For example, more Millennials are living at home now than ever before in history, and the unemployment rate for Gen-Y is 15 percent.

You're getting a little tired of the glib assumption that, just because you're part of a generation that's blazing new pathways, you're never going to make your mark. Those statistics are so depressing, you feel like you might as well stay in the basement.

But know that "Orange Is The New Black" isn't going to cast those blues away.

The truth is, Generation-Y has a lot to offer and a lot to expect. For one thing, census figures say we're the largest and most diverse generation in the population of the United States.

We're the best educated. (How does everyone think we acquired all that student debt?) We're the most tech-savvy. Know that there's a destination that's right for you.

What about San Francisco, California, where the median wage is $51,300 and the Generation-Y share of the gainfully employed is 22 percent?

Or maybe you think you want to head east. What about Boston, Massachusetts? Beantown's median wage is $46,200, and the city claims a 25 percent share of Generation-Y in the workforce.

Do you like the idea of more sun and a little snow? There's Dallas, Texas. The median wage is $41,200 and Gen-Y's share of the workforce is 21 percent. Seattle is also a sentimental favorite, with the median wage being $44,000 and employment boasting 22 percent of Millennial workers.

Before you make up your mind whether you're heading north, south, east or west in your job search, know it's a good idea to get some preliminary planning underway. This means figuring out the moving costs to your future “I'm employed” destination.

Maybe your dream city isn't too far from where you live now, so you can move yourself. Here are some tips on how to plan and pack for the move that gets you moving into the life you're meant to live.

1. Downsize your digs.

What do you have that you can sell? You can make a little bit of travel money while freeing up storage space by getting rid of some of your belongings.

Your parents have already told you that their attic is spoken for, and do you really want to take all your Little League trophies with you when you move? What you don't sell, you can donate to the local thrift store.

What can you give away? What don't you want that you can give to your friends?

Also, don't forget Craigslist. Buyers who you've never met might be waiting for your stuff.

2. Will move for gas.

Do you have a friend or family member with a truck? The cost of renting a medium-sized truck, and paying the insurance and the fuel can cost over $580.

If you're watching your wallet closely, you might want to hit up your uncle with the pick-up truck to see if he can help. Offer to pay for the gas in exchange for the truck. If he's your favorite uncle, chances are, he'll be glad to help out.

Besides, you can use the help when it comes to loading up those boxes.

3. Boxes add up.

Boxes are easy to come by and keep your moving expenses down. Liquor boxes aren't big, but they're sturdy.

Grocery stores have boxes that they'll give away. Let your family know that you're packing, so that they can start collecting boxes for you. If you have particular items that are challenging to pack, it's smart to contact a company that specializes in supplies for moving and buy the boxes you need.

They're pretty economical. A small box goes for just over $1, while an extra-large box is less than $5.

4. Watch your breakables.

It's better to buy the tape, bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts than end up with boxes full of cracked glass and chipped plates. The cost will set you back around $100 or so, yes.

But you're a lot more likely to end up with your breakables unbroken than if you just rely on newspaper and luck.

5. Stuff the trunk.

Your own vehicle – if you've taken the time to clean out the Starbucks cups – is a pretty good source of space. You can pack the trunk and the backseat with things that you're going to need first, like luggage if you're stopping overnight at a motel along the way; a cooler with drinks, sandwiches, fruit and perishables if you're saving money by bringing food for the trip and personal valuables that you want to keep close by.

There's a lot to consider before you hit the highway for the Gen-Y job that's waiting for you, and managing the moving is high on the list.

By evaluating the variables and figuring out what you have to spend, what resources you have and how much you really need to bring along, you'll be ready to make the move that delivers you to the doorstep of your destination and destiny.

Go for it. Those Baby Boomers better get out of the way, because it's the Millennials' turn.