Do you remember the first time you failed a test, drove a car, or kissed someone? Exactly, we always remember those firsts, either for good or bad. But no matter how old we are when we decide to go for it, moving out for the first time is not easy. Still, there’s no reason to keep it in your memory as a disastrous and stressful event.
People usually consider relocating from their childhood home when going to college, getting married, or finding a job. But there’s one thing in common: it’s always a step out of your comfort zone. So today, we are going to share some tips that could guide you through the process.
#1 Figure Out Your Finances Before Finding a New Home
If you have been living with your parents so far, you’re probably not aware of how expensive life really is. Rent, bills, food, are just the essential expenses you need to cover every month, but what about all the other stuff like going out, gym, restaurants, fun, etc. You need to figure out your budget, how much money you really have, and learn how to manage it. Here is how you can do it.
Make Sure You Have Enough Money
If you’re moving from a small town to a big city, you have to know that the cost of living is significantly higher. Besides, the cost of interstate moving significantly differs from a local relocation.
Try tracking your income and figure out your spending habits. See how much you earn and how much you spend. Create a list and write down every time you spend on something to see where you spend less and how much you can save.
Additional Costs When Moving Out for the First Time
Besides renting a home, you should take into consideration the cost of things that are related to the process of relocation and moving services. Finding a reliable company is not so easy these days, so send a few quotes and compare the prices of the following services to find the best deal.
#2 Find a Steady Job
Of course, you can move to a new state with no job, but that’s really not the cheapest way to move out of state unless you have enough savings for the first month or two. Finding a job before relocating will help you bear with the costs of living, and you won’t have to call your parents to help with the bills by the end of the first month.
#3 Consider Living With a Roommate
If you’re going to move to a new state with little money, a great way to cut the costs in half is to find a flatmate. Since the majority of your income will be spent on rent and utilities, once you split those costs, it will be much easier to control your budget and save money for other, more exciting things. So while house-hunting, research online websites where you can find a roommate in your place. There’s also the attached possibility of making a new, lifelong friend in the process.
#4 Find the Right Place
Are you relocating to the suburbs or you can’t imagine staying outside of the city center? Do you want to meet your new neighbors and befriend them, or that’s not on the list of your priorities? There are so many things to consider and choices to make when choosing the right place. Are you going to live in an apartment or a house, close to good schools, parks, or close to your job? Put everything on a piece of paper and weigh the pros and cons.
How to Find a Neighborhood You’ll Like
Every neighborhood is different, and it is essential to find the one that suits your lifestyle and budget. Narrow down your choice to a few and go talk with the locals if you have the opportunity. That way, you’ll see if it’s a kid-friendly community, party neighborhood, or something else.
#5 Start Making Checklists
Perhaps you’re not the most organized person in the world, but now is a great occasion to put some of these tricks to the test. If you’re wondering how to move efficiently, all you need to do is to create a checklist for several categories.
One checklist to track your current expenses, another to keep track of the things you’re packing, the third one for donations and trash, etc. It will be much easier to keep everything under control and to avoid forgetting some of the most commonly forgotten things to pack.
#6 Save Money Where You Can
Since you’ve never done this, you might think that it’s easier to pay someone else to do everything instead of you. And that’s not entirely false. However, there are always ways to spend less if you’re willing to invest a bit of effort or call your friends to help.
Find free supplies by asking for a few boxes at your local store, pack some of the belongings by yourself, or even sell the things you won’t use. Pack smart, so you don’t have to struggle too much with unpacking.
#7 Health and Renters Insurance
These are some of the essential things that you should think about before relocating because the terms can vary from state to state. While health insurance is something we all worry about, renters insurance is perhaps not so popular. However, it is especially convenient to have it because it protects all your valuables and secures you in case of theft.
Don’t Forget to Change Your Address
When it comes to the basics of moving, changing your address is as essential as it is frequently overlooked. It is a small step and something that can be done even online. Besides, you need to inform your bank and other services about changing your address to avoid a world of problems down the line.
#8 Have a Plan B
Sometimes things don’t work out the way we planned. Someone might rent that perfect house right in front of you, or you might realize you don’t have enough boxes on the day of your relocation. That’s one of the reasons why so many people experience anxiety about moving out.
It is always good to have a plan B if possible, but also to stay calm and come up with quick solutions in stressful situations.
You’re Moving Out for the First Time – You Can’t Know Everything
Stress-free moving is the ultimate and often elusive goal of every person changing his place of residence, but since you’re doing it for the first time, some mistakes are bound to happen, no matter how many tips you’ve heard and applied. Remember that kiss we mentioned at the beginning of this article? The chances are it didn’t go quite as you planned, but it still remains as a cherished memory. That’s why you shouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself. Try to have fun and enjoy the process as much as possible; it will all be worth it in the end.
