The Ultimate Checklist for Moving Out for The First Time

Leaving your birthplace and moving to a new place can invoke your brain with mixed feelings. For instance, you might feel thrilled and excited to move out and be independent. After all, relocating to an entirely new location will allow you to explore different attractions and grab new opportunities.

On the other hand, moving out for the first time may also leave you overwhelmed because you will be saying goodbye to your family members, friends, and neighbors and entering a practical life full of responsibilities.

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But here is the best part: we all have been in this situation. Put this way, every individual experiences moving out on their own at some point in their lives. And somehow, we all learn how to pay monthly bills and keep our new place in good shape. 

Now that it’s your turn, don’t fret. Go over the ultimate checklist we have compiled to make moving out for the first time easier for you: 

Sort out your belongings

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Of course, you don’t want to fill your new place with unnecessary clutter. So, the first step you have to tick off your checklist is sorting out your stuff. Doing so will help make your move easier, less expensive, and more organized. It’s best to sort your belongings into three categories: donate, sell or give away, and trash. 

However, you might have a few items you don’t want to get rid of, either because they’re valuable or can prove useful afterward. For such situations, the best strategy is to look for nearby storage facilities and keep your priceless possessions there.

For example, if you live in Boise, Idaho, search “boise storage units” to find storage facilities where you can keep your valuables safe. This way, you can keep your items in a secure space and access them whenever you want.

Work out your finances

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The most stressful part of moving out for the first time is how you’ll finance your new life. After all, you are no longer living in your family’s safety net. 

We advise you to list your daily expenses and monthly income. It’ll give you a clear picture and help you draft a budget. Your expenses may include bills, groceries, memberships, vehicle expenses, etc. 

It’s relevant to note that the expenses may change over time, so be sure to set aside some cash for emergencies. Lastly, when planning your finances, don’t forget to include the moving cost; for example, moving rental truck cost, etc.

Gather essential items for your new house

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You’ll need a few basic essential items for each room, whether you’re moving to a fully-furnished or half-furnished home. 

So, try to get the essential things in advance, and when you move in, you can shop for the larger items. Here’s a list of must-have items you’ll need in your new home:

  • Kitchen: Utensils, kettle, microwave oven, blender, dishwasher detergent, etc.
  • Bedroom: Bed, mattress, pillow, sheets, mirror, closet hangers, etc.
  • Bathroom: Toiletries, toothbrush, shower curtains, etc.
  • Other maintenance tools and items: Screws, first-aid kit, cleaning supplies, tool kit, garbage bin, stepping stool, and so forth

Pack wisely

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Here comes the terrifying aspect of moving out – packing. The sad reality is packing takes longer than you’ll anticipate, so try to start as early as possible. 

Nonetheless, before you start packing, ensure you have the right stock of packing supplies. You must include Ziploc bags, boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, tapes, etc. 

Once you have got all the packing supplies with you, start packing. A pro tip is to put the heaviest objects on the bottom of the packing boxes. Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap to keep them safe. Moreover, don’t fold your clothes. Instead, roll them to save space. 

Don’t forget to make the necessary arrangements 

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You need to take care of a few things before moving into your new place to make your life easier.

Start by updating your address. Also, update your bank, insurance company, place of work/university, and even friends and family about your new address. Moreover, if you have a vehicle and a license, you need to update the information to avoid the hassle.

Next, contact the best internet provider at your new place and ask them to set up the Wi-Fi. You must also contact the utility service provider to get the utilities at your new home. Lastly, if you own any community or gym membership, either cancel or update it.

Decisions: How will you move?

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No wonder there are different options you can choose when moving your belongings to a new place. 

For example, since it will be your first time moving out, you might not have enough possessions and be on a strict budget. In that case, you might be considering moving on your own. But it’s worthwhile to take help from your family members or friends. Keep in mind that moving without professional service is a considerable risk since you have no prior experience handling and managing the moving process.

However, on the other hand, if you have decided to trust and give this responsibility to professional movers, try to get in touch with them at least a few weeks before your moving date. 

When hiring professional movers, be sure to compare the quotes, check reviews, and insurance policies.

Summing up

It’s no secret that moving out and becoming independent for the first time is one of the most significant decisions of your life. Nonetheless, starting a new life in a new place is no walk in the park. Even the slightest mistake will turn your relocating excitement into a horror story.

But moving doesn’t necessarily have to be an intimidating part of your life. Set realistic goals, make a robust plan, and tick off everything you have on your checklist so you can confidently enjoy the new life.

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