Tips for Moving Out for the First Time
Regardless of where you are in life, moving out for the first time can come with a wide array of emotions. Whether you’re feeling stressed out, elated, or somewhere in between, we’re here to make the process a little easier when it comes to having your personal items ready for the big move.
How can you be sure you’re completely prepared for moving out for the first time?
If we’re being honest, no one is ever fully prepared to move out for the first time – it’s just a matter of remembering to do your best and plan ahead for as much of your move as possible. As a moving company with a lot of experience, here are some of the ways we think you can be the most prepared when planning your move.
Build your moving budget
Trying to build a budget around moving expenses can be difficult. After all, moving is an ongoing process that comes with quite a few unexpected costs. Take the time prior to your move to estimate all affiliated costs that you may incur. Things such as rent, deposits, using a rental van, gas, any potential lodging, as well as an estimated amount for opening utilities accounts. Other less-common expenses such as furniture and other household furnishings should be budgeted for in order to assure you’ve put aside enough money.
Decide on a location that meets all of your needs
If you haven't already settled on a location, it may be best to establish the location of your new home prior to making any additional moving plans. Choosing the perfect spot can take quite a bit of time and effort, as factors such as location, cost, and housing type can really affect your budgeting and quality of life. In situations where the choices can feel overwhelming and you find yourself struggling to settle on a certain location, consider hiring a real estate agent to narrow down options and take some stress off yourself.
Remember: bigger isn't always better! Since this will be your first time away from home, try to stay in a small, safe, affordable location that is relatively central to your job and hobbies. Once you get a feel for the area and your needs after being independent for a while, you can branch out to bigger and better things.
Find a job, consider health insurance, and set everything up ahead of time
In instances where the move is a little more than just getting an apartment down the road and results in you moving to another town or even out of state, the hurdle of finding a new job may be an additional task that you need to make plans around. When possible, try to ensure that you have a career or education plan established before making any forward movement on leaving the house. After all, moving itself can run through any additional savings you’ve set aside, so having no money coming in may compromise your financial security when trying to begin your own journey.
Start practically organizing and making lists
Even if your move-out date isn't for months to come, start making lists of tasks that need to be completed and begin organizing your household goods. Believe it or not, creating a list of things that need to be accomplished, as well as a list of what you plan on taking or selling can mitigate a good amount of stress during the moving process and ensure you’re not forgetting any important pieces. After all, it’s pretty easy to forget everyday items like your shower curtain or toilet paper!
Have a garage sale (or multiple) to get rid of things and make a little extra cash
Overall, you’re going to want to minimize what you take with you. Not only to reduce the cost associated with moving, but also to help raise some additional funds for your next chapter in life. Try to collect any items you do not plan on taking with you and sell them in order to pad any money you've set aside to start your new chapter.
Investing in a storage unit is also a viable option; however, the extra space a storage unit provides will come with an additional cost and add to your overall monthly expenses.
Lean on friends and family for additional support
As you leave the comfort of what has most likely been a steady routine for many years, it is important to remember that you can still rely on family and friends to help you through this change. Avoid trying to take on the responsibility of moving alone and recruit some additional support from those that you trust.
Plan out your moving strategy
Around a month in advance, try to plan out the logistics of your move. Consider what moving boxes may be needed, how larger items in your living room will be moved and transported, and when you want to start packing certain items. If you choose to leave the logistical planning portion of your move to the few days leading up to the move out date, you may leave yourself with unexpected problems and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.
Hire an experienced moving company
Utilizing a moving company can alleviate a large amount of stress from the overall moving process. After all, when moving companies are involved, it doesn't matter if you don't possess the appropriate tools to pack, carry, or transport your personal items. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your belongings will make it to their intended destination safe and sound with care by professionals.
Kowalski Moves is here to support you every step of the way!
Whether you just need help transporting your personal items to a storage unit, a new home, or simply just need getting rid of some junk, Kowalski Moves is here to support you every step of the way. We never outsource our labor or moves, and we treat your personal belongings as if they were our own. Fill out our form to get in contact with us and see how we can help your first move as stress-free as possible!