What To Know Before Moving Out for the First Time
Moving out for the first time is an important milestone. You'll finally have a place that's yours, but before you can settle in and enjoy it, there are some important steps for moving to take first.
You have to decide what's coming with you and make sure your new place is ready for move-in. It also helps to think through how to move everything with as little stress as possible. Being prepared makes a world of difference for a successful moving day.
Read on to learn how to handle your first move—from budgeting and packing to organization tips. Whether you're heading into your first apartment solo or sharing a new place with a roommate, here's what you need to know.
11 Tips For Moving Out for the First Time
The following steps to moving out for the first time will ensure you have a stress-free experience.
1. Determine a Budget
Know how much you can afford before you sign a lease or hire movers. A good rule of thumb is to keep your rent at or below 30% of your monthly income. This gives you enough wiggle room for costs like savings and unexpected expenses.
Beyond your monthly rent, factor in moving expenses like hiring professionals or renting a truck. You'll also have to buy packing supplies and may even need to pay a security deposit on your new place.
2. Do a Deep Clean
Even if your new place looks clean, start fresh by giving it a good scrubbing. Grab the basics ahead of the move—like a broom, dustpan, and toilet cleaner—so you're prepared. You'll be glad you did. Vacuuming and mopping are easier when the place is empty. And a bathroom scrub saves you from working around boxes later.
3. Expect Some Emotions
Moving out for the first time is a big change, and it's totally normal to get emotional. Give yourself permission to feel it all—excitement, stress, and maybe even some sadness. This is a big deal, and it's okay to treat it like one.
4. Time It Right
Properly timing your move can save you money. Summer is peak season, which means the moving costs are higher when hiring professionals, and availability is typically limited. Even if you're doing the move yourself, truck rentals tend to cost more during this time.
Colder months are often more affordable, especially if you choose a weekday. But bad weather can slow down or complicate the moving process.
5. Declutter First
Before you start packing, take time to cull your belongings. Go room by room and decide what's worth bringing to your new space. Sort through your clothes, furniture, and other items, and set aside anything you don't use anymore. Give away items in good condition to friends and family, or donate them to a local thrift store like Goodwill.
Pro tip for purging your belongings: if you haven't used or worn it in a year, you don't need it!
6. Set Up Utilities in Advance
Waiting until moving day to sort out your utilities is a bit of a gamble, because some providers need a few days to schedule installations and process new accounts. Plus, settling into an apartment without WiFi at the end of a long moving day is no one's idea of a good time.
Contact your providers a week before moving day to set up essentials like internet and electricity. While you're at it, ask about any introductory rates or promotions that could lower your bills.
7. Pack Strategically
Trying to pack up your life in just a day or two is unnecessarily stressful. Give yourself plenty of time by tackling a few boxes each day leading up to your move.
Invest in sturdy boxes. They're cheap to buy in bulk and stackable. For heavy items, use smaller ones so they're easier to lift. Keep a few storage bins handy too. They're helpful for moving day essentials, like change of clothes and toiletries.
Pro tip: Save time and stress by hiring a packing company to do this for you.
8. Always Label Your Boxes
Clearly mark all your boxes to make unpacking faster and easier. A box labeled "Kitchen Cookware and Pans" is far more useful than just "Kitchen." Take the time to do this right, and you'll spend less time looking for your phone charger or that one favorite cereal bowl.
9. Keep Important Documents Safe
Put all your important documents in a folder and keep them with you. This includes your birth certificate, passport, and Social Security card. It's also good to keep a copy of your lease agreement and any other moving paperwork on hand.
Don't just toss your documents in the moving truck with all your other things. Keep that folder on you, because replacing anything that goes missing will be a major hassle.
10. Change the Locks
For peace of mind, change the locks at your new place before moving day. This prevents anyone with an old key from getting in. You can often schedule a locksmith to do this before moving day. If you're renting, many landlords will handle the request for you.
11. Hire Movers
Hiring professionals takes so much moving day stress off your plate. Experts like College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving have the experience and manpower to handle your boxes and storage bins efficiently. This leaves you with enough brainpower to unpack and start settling in.
Moving Out for the First Time: Checklist
You know what stops things from slipping through the cracks? A solid pre-move checklist.
Do the Paperwork
Moving out for the first time comes with some paperwork. You'll need to provide documents like proof of income and photo ID. After that, you'll sign the lease and pay the security deposit. Many landlords also require renters insurance and will ask for proof of coverage as part of your move-in documents.
Once everything is finalized, request a change of address with USPS so your mail gets forwarded. You'll also need to update this information with places like your bank, employer, and any subscription services.
Get Renter's Insurance
Renter's insurance protects your belongings from theft, fire, and water. Many landlords require it as part of your lease agreement. It's typically affordable, but make sure to compare policies. This helps you find the best coverage for your needs and avoid paying for protection you don't need.
Disconnect Existing Utilities
If you forget to cancel your current utilities, you risk getting charged for services you're not using anymore. This can have a snowball effect, making you responsible for someone else's usage. Call your providers a week or two before moving to close your accounts and schedule any required technician visits.
Book Your Movers or Rental Truck Early
Whether you're DIY-ing it or hiring a moving company, don't wait to book. Lock in your move-in date with the truck rental or moving company as soon as you know your timeline. This helps you avoid the stress and last-minute scramble.
Set Up a Moving Day Bag
Before moving out on your own, pack a small bag of anything you'll need to access on the first night in your new place. Include items like your toiletries, phone charger, and a change of clothes. This means you don't need to dig through boxes and luggage for the immediate essentials. Like your documents folder, keep the bag with you (not in your moving truck) so you can reach it easily.
Stock Up On the Basics
Avoid being caught off guard on moving day by stocking up ahead of time. You don't need a fully equipped kitchen right away, but a few essentials make those first meals much easier. Start with whatever you use the most: simple cookware, utensils, and enough dishes to get through a day.
Having a few essentials on hand will make your new home feel more functional immediately. Consider also grabbing:
- Quality mattress
- Hand towels
- Trash bags
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Stain remover
- Laundry basket
- Bath mat
Hire College HUNKS for Help Moving Out
Like most big milestones, moving out for the first time is easier when you're prepared. From nailing down a budget to stocking up on everything you'll need, planning ahead pays off when the day goes smoothly.
When you're ready to make moves, College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving is here to help. You can trust our professional crews to get your furniture and other belongings to your new place with care.
Request a free estimate today to find out how we can make your first move easy.