37 Best Excuses to Leave the House

Do you need to leave the house, but can’t quite find the right excuse to make a smooth and believable exit? Often, it might not be about lying but giving yourself the much-needed ‘me-time’ without causing worry or raising eyebrows.

After all, the reasons could be as simple as needing your own space to recharge, gain perspective on something bothering you, meet a friend, or maybe even have a secret rendezvous with your crush!

And believe me, there are times when we all fear being over-questioned or facing the ever-so-dreaded ‘why’, often putting us into an uncomfortable corner.

But what if I told you that there are ways to go through this situation like a pro? That’s right, it’s all about playing it smart and confident.

Today, let’s take a look at the best tried-tested-and-proven excuses that can help you step out of the house without any hassle or questions.

Excuses to Leave the House

1. Gym

Saying that you’re going for a workout not only makes you seem health-conscious but also gives you enough time out. Just remember to carry your gym bag for the perfect getaway!

Example: “I’m off to the gym – need a good workout session.”

2. The sudden meeting

Work is usually a reliable cover. An impromptu meeting or additional work may require you to step out, giving you enough time to do your thing.

Example: “There’s a sudden work meeting I need to attend downtown. Wish me luck!”

3. The friend in need

A friend in need is a friend indeed, but a friend in need is also a great excuse! Using a friend’s (imaginary) crisis can easily buy you some time.

Example: “My friend’s car broke down. I’m going to pick them up.”

4. Volunteering

Partaking in social services is not only commendable but works as an extraordinary reason to leave the house. You can always pretend to be part of a local charity or volunteer service.

For example: “I’m off to help at the local food bank. They really need extra hands today.”

5. Attending a seminar or workshop

Whether it’s a book launch, art exhibition, business seminar, or networking event, an educational or career-related event is a good reason for you to step out.

For example: “There’s this seminar happening downtown this afternoon that I can’t miss.”

6. Getting the car serviced

Cars require regular maintenance and voila! You have your perfect excuse right there. You can spend hours out pretending to have your car serviced.

For example: “I need to take the car for its maintenance check-up.”

7. A dental appointment

Who wants to accompany someone for a dental visit? Exactly! This less-than-pleasant outing can score you a few good hours of solitude.

For example: “I’ve booked a dentist appointment for this evening, wish me luck!”

8. Picking up a parcel

Can’t go wrong with this one! An undelivered parcel that you need to pick up from the post office or courier company can get you some time away.

For example: “I’ve got to pick up that delivery from the courier office.”

9. Buying a gift

Buying a gift can be a good excuse to go out! For example: “I need to find a gift for Aunt Ruth’s birthday.”

10. Dry Cleaning

Whether it’s your suit or heavy curtains from the living room that need dry cleaning, it’s likely no one will want to accompany you anyway!

For example: “I have to drop off some stuff at the dry cleaners.”

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11. Coffee Run

We all need that caffeine dose! Say you’re going to get coffee, and you can enjoy a nice break with your favorite cuppa.

For example: “I’m going for a coffee run, want anything?”

12. Car Wash

A standard chore but an effective excuse! Getting your car cleaned could buy you some alone time.

For example: “The car is begging for a wash, heading to the car wash.”

13. Book Club

Joining a book club can be your regular excuse to get out!

14. Going to Church

Going to church can hardly raise eyebrows and is a good reason for you to step out. For example: “I feel like going to the church today, just to clear my head.”

15. Concert or Movie

A last-minute plan to catch a concert or movie can be your getaway ticket. For example: “There’s this movie that I’ve wanted to see. I think I’ll catch the late afternoon show.”

16. Picking up Prescription

If you have a prescription to pick up, that’s a good excuse for a quick trip out of the house.

Example: “I need to head to the pharmacy and pick up my prescription.”

17. Getting a Massage

Getting a massage can be a good excuse especially if you already complained about your body pain.

Example: “I’ve booked a massage, really need to work out these knots.”

18. Fitness Class

Whether it’s spin, Aquafit, or Zumba, fitness classes can be not only healthy but fun!

Example: “My fitness class starts at 6, need to rush.”

19. Star-gazing

A visit to a planetarium or a quiet place for stargazing can give you some peaceful time alone.

Example: “The sky’s clear tonight, think I’ll take my telescope out for some stargazing.”

20. Watching sports

Whether it’s football or baseball, watching a sports match can be an acceptable reason to head out.

Example: “My team is playing tonight, think I’ll go catch the match at the bar.”

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21. Day at the beach

Going to the beach could be your perfect afternoon escape. Example: “Weather’s great, think I’ll head to the beach.”

22. Garage Sale

Browsing through a garage sale can be an amazing and time-consuming activity. Example: “Neighbors are having a garage sale, thought I might find something interesting.”

23. Going fishing

The charm of quiet, reflective hours beside a lake is pretty hard to resist, isn’t it? Example: “The weather’s perfect for some fishing, I’m heading to the lake.”

24. Community service

Participating in community service or a clean-up drive is not only commendable but also gets you a solid excuse to get out. Example: “I’m volunteering for the community clean-up today.”

25. Bike Repair

Does your bike need some tuning up or a tire change? Perfect! You’ve got your excuse right there. Example: “I need to take my bike for a tune-up.”

26. Bird Watching

If you’re into nature, bird-watching can be a good reason to step away. Example: “I’m going for some bird watching at the park.”

27. A Job Fair

Attending a job fair or career conference can be a perfect reason to spend the day out. Example: “There’s a job fair going on downtown, might just find a new job.”

28. Meditation Retreat

Paint a picture of tranquility and self-improvement. Example: “I’m going on an overnight meditation retreat to reset myself.”

29. Fetching a forgotten item

An oldie but goldie. Example: “I left my charger/laptop/documents at the office and need them right now.”

30. Self-care appointment

A session at a salon, spa, or even a wellness center can do the trick. Example: “I’ve booked myself an all-day spa treat.”

31. The late-night sale

This works wonders, especially for the shopaholic in you! Example: “There’s this massive sale happening at the mall tonight. Can’t miss it!”

32. Babysitting

This one is for those with nieces, nephews, or friends with kids. Example: “My friend needs me to babysit her kids overnight.”

33. Study group

This works well if you’re a student. Example: “Our study group decided to pull an all-nighter for the upcoming exams.”

34. All-nighter at work

Workaholics can safely use this excuse. Example: “We have a project deadline. It’s going to be an all-nighter at the office.”

35. Pet sitting

Got a furry friend? Use it as a cover. Example: “My friend’s going out of town and I promised to pet-sit.”

36. Visiting family

No one will question your family time! Example: “I promised grandma I’ll stay the night with her.”

37. Late-night food cravings

Can anyone deny food cravings? Example: “I’ve got a sudden craving for tacos, going to that 24/7 Mexican place!”

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