A girl with a suitcase just looking at her phone overlay

How to Move Out for the First Time – A Guide to Leaving the Nest

Posted in How-to on November 24, 2021

Leaving the nest is never easy. You’re used to so many years of being surrounded by family members that making the decision to finally leave may take a while. If you are settled on relocating, we can help you figure out how to move out for the first time in any situation.

How Do I Prepare Myself to Move Out for the First Time?

Browsing for small apartment ideas isn’t the only way to prepare for an independent lifestyle, but it can help later. Firstly, you have to assess if there are personal benefits of moving out. Will it help you learn more about yourself, or is it so you can party non-stop? Let’s be clear, both these reasons are legitimate, but just one of them focuses on the long-term.

Being independent may come easily to you, or it could be the most challenging part of becoming an adult. You won’t know until you move out. So, you should first consider everything that’ll be different in life and how you could overcome it, from stuff like turning on the washer and dryer to going to bed in a place all by yourself and paying bills every month.

Ready to move with us? Get a Free Quote

At What Age Should You Move Out? Determining if Budget or Age Should be the Motivation for Moving

There isn’t a set amount for the dilemma of how much money should you have saved before moving out, but relocating without at least something in your savings account will be more complicated than you imagine. People have moved with a very low relocation budget before, but they prepared for that move in detail.

If you think there’s a certain age when you should move out, you may feel immense disappointment if it doesn’t happen right away. Getting worked up over something that could very well be entirely out of your hands will make you unhappier in daily life.

If the goal is to live alone and be independent, start by saving money, looking up Zillow.com for information on rent and prices, and working towards being more independent at home. It wouldn’t hurt to also get a job before you move out to have financial security. However, don’t let age be the deciding factor, and work on creating a budget that will take you far instead.

A girl holding a cup and thinking about moving cross country
Age shouldn't be the deciding factor in you leaving your childhood home. Work on saving up and having a reasonable budget

How to Move Out for the First Time if You Don’t Have the Support for Long-Distance Moving

In case you don’t have support for leaving the nest, for whatever reason, relocation will be tougher than most tips say. Firstly, it’s normal to have anxiety about relocating in this situation. While becoming independent is a regular and welcome occurrence for some, for someone like you, it’s discouraged.

Not having the freedom to leave just yet doesn’t mean you won’t have it someday. It’s important to believe in yourself whenever doubt starts creeping in. Sure, right now, you are stuck in your childhood home where the situation isn’t the best, but that shouldn’t stop you from creating a moving out for the first time checklist and having specific relocation goals. Save money on the side, try online jobs, and look for allies to help you move out when the moment arrives.

If you can make it despite these difficulties, you’ll be able to make friends in a new city, get a job, and just go the whole nine yards while being independent.

When to Move Out of Parents’ House? Family Difficulties Are a Good Enough Reason to Move Out but Ensure You’re Prepared

Who hasn’t fought with their parents at least once? That’s common. However, if you keep seeing problems in daily functioning in your home, you may start to come up with various reasons to move out and start a new life. Remember, though, that long-distance moving is no walk in the park – it takes dedication and planning.

Bad family relationships could motivate anyone to leave. What’s important is not to pack your bags and leave on a whim; every argument has its highs and lows. Our tips for moving out for the first time when you have a bad relationship with your family are to plan out your relocation, calculate the least amount of money you may need for it, and let the household members know in advance.

No matter how poor your relationship with the family is, telling them about your departure in advance will provide a chance to prepare for some sort of closure, emotional stability, and a new lifestyle. This all depends on your relationships, of course.

If you’re planning to leave a toxic household behind, you can watch the video below. The girl in it had a similar experience, and she talks about leaving her family and what she did to make it happen.

Moving for the First Time Is Difficult When You’re Supported, Too

Of course, just because your parents support your decision to leave, it doesn’t mean it’s easy to do it. So, before deciding when is a good time to move out, one of the most important things to know when moving out is how to talk to your family about it. While they may fully understand your reasons, as parents, they won’t readily accept your leaving, especially when relocating to another state alone.

Just as having difficult parents is tough, having very supportive ones can be like that, too, but for different reasons. It’s obviously not awful to have a supportive family, but if you all are too attached, you may find it hard to become independent and make the transition.

To prove to your parents that you’ll be fine on your own, start by planning out your finances and living situation. Learn your preferences, and ask them to be involved in the house-hunting process. Plan out how to keep in touch with friends, ask for cooking and household upkeep tips, and let mom and dad know you are serious about leaving the house. If you show initiative, they’ll happily let you go and support you.

A mother and daughter smiling and hugging
You can have your parents' support and still feel trapped in the cycle of not knowing how and when to move out

Tips for Moving Out of State for the First Time – Pack Essential Items and Figure Out What to Leave Behind

Let’s consider how to prepare to move out for the first time. Of course, your first-time moving-out checklist shouldn’t have everything in your room on it. Instead, create a household inventory list and decide what can be left behind and what to keep. Maybe the place you chose to rent has everything you need – so what’s the point of bringing things that are already there? Get to know your new place inside and out. When you come home, look at everything you have and how it might fit in later.

Leave some room for the things you need and want and items you couldn’t live without. In fact, create a list with these criteria in mind and start sorting.

Moving Out on Your Own for College Usually Means Packing Light

College is usually most people’s first independent living experience. Well, in terms of packing, it’s also the easiest. You just need to figure out how to pack clothes and decide on a few other essentials. This is, of course, if you are relocating to a dorm. So, which things you need when moving out of your parents’ house?

If you plan to live in an apartment with roommates, you’ll likely have to plan your move a bit differently. If it so happens that you pack more than you need, use storage services provided by movers and decide what to do with the stuff later. Simple as that.

All in all, college is a great way to learn how to live on your own and what it takes to survive on your terms. If it ends up being too much, you may want to pause becoming independent for now.

Find an Apartment That Won’t Cost You Your Whole Budget Before Moving Cross-Country

Saving up for moving cross-country entails the following:

  • The cost of long-distance movers,
  • Deposit costs for entering and renting a house for the first time for the first few months,
  • Living expenses (like food, toiletries, and similar daily costs),
  • Utilities,
  • Transportation costs.

You see now what it takes to move out? It is worth it to be ready for unexpected costs. Besides, you should look up what you need to rent an apartment. Some landlords don’t want to rent to people without jobs or references; look up housing for young adults, and there may be some opportunities waiting. Then, you can start ticking boxes off of your new apartment checklist.

A mother and daughter packing for long-distance moving
Be practical about packing, and don't get carried away with wanting to pack too much

You Can Call Cross-Country Movers to Help With Anything You’re Unsure of How to Pack for Moving Across the Country

Calling cross-country moving services may feel like a setback for your budget, but considering how much they do for you, it’d be an investment worth making. This is especially true for someone who’s never moved before. So, if you’ve never packed a box full of relocation essentials or attempted to load a relocation truck, it may be wise to call relocation and packing services. They’ll promise a stress-free relocation in a likely already stressful situation.

Long-Distance Movers are the Insurance that You’ll Move Out Efficiently

Preparing for a move on your own is a great display of independence and responsibility, but it can be challenging to organize moving across the country. You and your family will be grateful for the professional assistance wherever possible, and we think its worth will be proven the most when you start loading the relocation truck and packing heavy things.

Stress levels jump through the roof during relocation, but we can’t even imagine how bad it gets when leaving a familiar place. You can take the opportunity to process your emotions healthily while the logistics get taken care of by movers. There’s no reason to cause more problems for yourself and crank the stress up to impossible heights.

Two friendly-looking cross-country movers posing and smiling
Movers seem to be a great solution for more than just professional packing. Hiring them will give you a chance to process the move better

Make Sure Your Heart and Mind Are Set to the Right Reasons for Cross-Country Moving

It is very easy to mistake wanting to live alone for the desire for change. Sometimes, all you might need to reset is a weekend away, a trip with friends, or finding a new hobby. Without the intent to minimize anyone’s desire to move out and give independence a try, we simply want you to consider other options before finally being sure that relocation is what you want.

If you are sure and have your heart, mind, and body in tune when it comes to relocating, then go for it. Waiting for approval from your surroundings isn’t a bad idea, but you could end up staying longer than you desire. When you move out, you’ll be experiencing adjustment insomnia and question the decision every day, but that’ll last only a few weeks. When you weather that storm, you’ll see how many things there are to do after relocating.

FAQ

What Are the Steps to Moving Out for the First Time?

Here are some of the steps you should consider when moving out for the first time: finding a place to live, getting your finances in order, setting up utilities and services, packing and unpacking your belongings, establishing a budget and sticking to it, finding roommates or flatmates if needed, setting up insurance coverage such as renters or health insurance policies, and finally making sure you have all essential items like furniture and household goods before you move in.

How Do I Choose the Right Place to Live?

First, consider your lifestyle and what kind of environment best suits it. Do you prefer living in an urban or rural area? Do you need to be close to public transportation? Additionally, consider your budget and research various housing options in the area (rental prices, property taxes). Additionally, think about what amenities are important to you; do you want access to parks or recreational centers near your home? Finally, look for a safe area with low crime rates.

What Are the Costs Involved in Moving Out for the First Time?

Among the most common expenses are rental deposits, rent, utilities, insurance, furniture, and moving supplies. It is important to factor in all of these costs before signing a lease and budget accordingly. Additionally, research the area for any hidden fees or extra charges that may come with renting in a particular location.

How Do I Create a Budget for My First Move?

Once you know how much money you can realistically set aside for the move, it’s time to start breaking down your budget into categories. Start by listing all of the fixed costs associated with your move, such as moving fees or deposit amounts. Then, list any variable expenses you may have associated with your relocation such as food, gas, or supplies. Additionally, make sure to include a section for the emergency fund in your budget.

How Do I Choose the Right Moving Company?

First, you should consider the type of move that you are making. Different moving companies specialize in different types of moves. Some may be better suited for local moves while others may have more experience with long-distance relocations. Next, you should consider the cost of the move. Different moving companies may have different costs associated with their services. Be sure to compare estimates from several companies before deciding on one. You should also make sure that you understand any additional fees or charges that may be included in the cost of your move.

Finally, it is important to take the time to read reviews and check out the Better Business Bureau ratings of any potential moving companies. Reading reviews can give you a better idea of how reliable and trustworthy a company may be. You should also make sure that the company is licensed, insured, and bonded in order to protect yourself in case of damage or loss during your move.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Lease?

First, it is important to think about the length of the lease and whether it will meet your needs for the duration of the lease. Additionally, look into the terms of the lease such as any liabilities or restrictions that might be included in the document. It is also important to consider the cost of the lease, including any additional fees or costs that may be associated with it. Finally, make sure to read and understand the entire document thoroughly before signing so you know exactly what is included in the agreement.

What Are the Essentials I Need for My First Apartment?

When moving into your first apartment, you will need to make sure you have all the essentials before the relocation. This includes everything from furniture and appliances to kitchen supplies and cleaning materials. Here are some of the essential items that everyone needs when they’re moving into their first apartment: furniture, appliances, kitchenware, bedding (linens,) bathroom supplies, cleaning products, and tools and hardware.

How Do I Handle Utilities and Other Services for My New Place?

When moving into a new place, handling utilities and other services can be time-consuming and confusing. It is important to know who is responsible for providing your home with utilities such as electricity, water, gas, telephone, internet, and cable. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various service providers in your area and the costs associated with each service. In some cases, your landlord may cover the cost of certain utilities, such as water and garbage services. If this is not the case, you will need to contact the local utility companies and sign up for the necessary services. Be sure to ask about any promotions or discounts available in order to get the best rate.

What Are Some Tips for Making the Transition to Living on My Own Smoother?

To make the transition smoother, it is helpful to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Before you move out, research your area for affordable housing options, quality of life considerations, and local amenities. It is also helpful to save money for an emergency fund in case of unexpected expenses. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any potential safety or security risks and plan accordingly. It is also important to consider your day-to-day needs such as grocery shopping, cleaning supplies, furniture, and other household items. Before you move out, make a list of essential items and shop around for the best deals. In the end, make sure you hire a reputable cross-country moving company to ensure a smooth relocation.

What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Out for the First Time?

When moving out for the first time, there are a few common mistakes to be aware of. Firstly, many people underestimate the costs associated with the move and fail to budget accordingly. This can cause significant financial strain if not planned properly. Additionally, some people make the mistake of not double-checking their rental agreement and rental contract in order to make sure they fully understand their rights and obligations. Finally, it is important to know your rights when dealing with landlords and realtors in order to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Gemma Collins

Gemma is an NJ local that has explored all the US states, making her the perfect person to write about moving.

    Choose locations, date and size.
    Tell Us About Yourself

      Choose locations, date and size.
      Tell Us About Yourself
      Need to move your car/automobile?
      Get a Free Estimate 800-611-0502