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Moving out for the first time can be as exhilarating an experience as it can be overwhelming, more so if the responsibility of living on your own isn’t something you’ve dealt with before.
But amidst the excitement of finally getting a place of your own and the trepidation of stepping into those uncharted waters, there is a long list of stuff you need to get out of the way if you are to make your first move a seamless one.
Not to worry, though. We’ve all been there and it’s something everyone has to go through at some point.
Sort out your finances
One of the biggest advantages of living under your parent’s (or someone else’s) roof is that it affords you a financial safety net of sorts where you don’t have to worry about bills or anything of that kind.
But now that the time has come for you to leave that safety net, you need to come to terms with what a budget entails and how to make one. This should be the first thing that you do.
- Track your monthly income vs expenses. It helps when you have a clear idea of the total income you’ll be bringing in each month. Then list the non-negotiable payments you’ll have to put up with, including rent, groceries, utilities, your car etc. It is important to be realistic here and include all expenses – which, of course, need to be less than the income.
- Set aside a moving budget. If you’re planning to hire professional movers, get some quotes (opt for fixed quotes) to know what you’re looking at in terms of moving costs. You can compare this with other moving options, including hiring a truck.
- Figure out how much will go into initial expenses. Moving into a new place, especially for the first time, brings with it additional costs you need to plan for. These range from the house deposit to house purchases that include both large (for example, furniture and fridge) and simpler items (like kitchen items and personal essentials).
Set aside some additional funds to cater for these extra costs. To keep the moving bill low, remember that it will be cheaper to purchase these items once you’ve settled down, and we would recommend this particularly if you’re moving long-distance.
Find a suitable place
Look, your first house or apartment won’t be your dream pad – which is to be expected. So, tone down the expectations and look for a place that fits your budget without leaving you stretched too thin.
Take your time to hunt for a cost-effective option that is also convenient in terms of proximity to your workplace and public transport.
Hire a professional moving company
Don’t underestimate the importance of spending time to research moving companies. A good mover can significantly reduce the stress of moving.
If you have no idea how to go about preparing for the whole moving thing, you might want to consider full-service moving.
This type of moving service sees the mover handle all the aspects of moving for you, leaving you to focus on other matters. However, full service moving is more expensive than a standard move, but understandably so.
Get some quotes from a few movers, but careful not to settle for the cheapest guys you come across. In the moving business, cheap definitely doesn’t equate to good, let alone the best.
Start early
Soon as you have made the decision to move, avoid falling into the procrastination trap. Instead, start planning for the move early.
From hunting for an ideal place, to determining the items you’ll be moving and gathering moving supplies, hiring a mover, purchasing what needs to be purchased and so on, getting your business done early will ensure you don’t get caught up in the drama and anxiety of last-minute arrangements.
Identify where you’ll need to update your address
When you change addresses, you need to update your details with the relevant parties, including the post office and the various utility companies.
If you’re moving to a new state, a new driver’s license will be required (as will an I.D.) and you’ll also need to update your vehicle’s information too if you choose to bring it along.
Conclusion
Moving for the first time is not easy.
But we’ve all been there and it’s an important step in your life – a momentous one – so take the time to plan for it in detail as this will not only make the process smoother, but also ensure you enjoy it all.
Good luck!
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