When we’re young, many of us dream about the day we’ll finally move out of our parents’ home and start a life of our own. It’s exciting when that day finally comes, but you may find yourself faced with a laundry list of tasks you must complete before moving day arrives. Luckily, the process is substantially easier if you know how to prepare to move out ahead of time. We’ve made a list of some of our best tips.
1. Arrange Transportation
Waiting until you’ve moved out of your parent’s house to buy your first car isn’t uncommon. Biking, walking, or using public transportation may suffice when you’re in college, but you’ll need a reliable vehicle once you’re on your own. Start saving your money and look at a variety of options to determine the right car for your needs.
2. Calculate Future Living Expenses
The price of living on your own often comes as a shock to many young people. Remember, you won’t just be paying for rent—depending on where you live, you may also have to pay for utilities and amenities. You’ll also want to budget for food, gas, and other emergency expenses. Planning ahead is crucial to avoiding surprise costs and preventing financial setbacks.
3. Go Through Your Belongings
Crowding your new place with things you don’t ultimately need isn’t ideal. Don’t just throw everything you own into boxes with the intention of looking through it later—it will just create unnecessary clutter down the road. Decide what you really need to keep before you move and donate everything else.
4. Shop Smart
You’ll need a lot of amenities once you’re on your own. A toaster, a first aid kit, dishes, and bathroom supplies are just a few of the items you’ll want to accumulate. Thrift stores are excellent resources for many of these things, so you don’t necessarily have to buy everything new. You can also ask friends and family if they have any spares.
5. Change Your Address
Changing your address with certain organizations may be the last thing on your mind, but you should do so as soon possible once you’re settled in. Your bank account and driver’s license are probably the most important items, but don’t forget to update your address with websites such as Amazon—the last thing you want is to accidentally send a package to your old residence.
