5 Helpful Tips for Moving Out for the First Time

Whether you’re a college student moving out of your parents’ home or a millennial finally looking to take flight, this can be a daunting task for anyone. First off, you may feel scared and unsure of what will happen. Second, you’re probably worried about finances and how you will be able to face bills on your own.

Third, you’re probably going to be on an emotional rollercoaster: you’ll go between extremes of joy and excitement at the thought of finally living on your own with no one around telling you what to do; followed by feelings of being terrified that things may not work out as you hope.

Follow these five tips for moving out for the first time so you can better prepare for the event.

1. Come Up With a To-Do List

With no previous experience picking up and moving, you may find it difficult to know where to start. Start with a checklist from beginning to end, preferably in a timeline of when you need to accomplish each item. This will help you stay organized until Moving Day arrives, ensuring you don’t miss a step.

2. Create a Budget

Take stock of how much money you have to devote to the move and prioritize each one. In order to know how much to budget for the cost of your move, you’ll have to factor:

Moving expenses: hiring professional movers, buying packing materials, buying moving insurance, etc.
Housing expenses: first month’s rent plus a security deposit, utility bills, etc.

Include non-negotiable payments such as car payments, groceries, and school loans.

3. Hire a Reputable Moving Company

You may be tempted to save money and organize a self-move. However, you’re best off relying on professionalism and experience so you don’t stress out with all the details. Find a good moving company that offers affordable rates, friendly movers and flexible timelines.

Get free estimates from a few different movers.
Request in-home surveys for accurate quotes.
Compare moving quotes.
Choose the most qualified one.

4. Get a Job

You’ll need a good-paying, steady job now that you’re moving out of Mom and Dad’s house. They won’t be there to cover your rent and let you fudge on the responsibilities. Don’t assume you can just live off your savings till you find a job. That nest egg will be depleted before you know it. If you’re moving far away, you’ll have to research jobs in your destination city, go on interviews, and secure a position before you move.

5. Know What to Pack

You may be at a loss deciding what to pack and what to leave behind. If your parents are remaining in their home, this decision is made easier, because you can keep many of your items in your old room or in the attic. If they are selling and downsizing, you will have a bigger decision to make.

The solution to this is careful sorting and meticulous selection. Staying within your budget is made easier with the fewer items you have to transport. This is a good time to go through all your stuff and purge what you don’t really need. Donate what you can and trash the rest. If you haven’t used it or worn it in a year, let it go.