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Moving Out for the First Time List – Tips for Leaving Your Parents’ Home

Posted in Moving Tips & Tricks,Planning the Move on August 12, 2021

If you feel the moment to leave your first home has come, you’ll need to know some things before becoming fully independent. A moving out for the first time list could come in handy. It could stay by your side and remind you of everything there is to know about moving across the country and becoming your own person.

Moving Out for the First Time List – What to Consider Before Doing It

Maybe you’ve wanted a place of your own, like a nice apartment with a view in the big city, swept away by TV shows and movies. However, most television shows romanticize the idea of being independent when a big part of it is cleaning, cooking, and paying bills. Of course, there are numerous benefits of relocating, especially for the first occasion.

You get to experience moving cross country and planning your relocation budget. If you’re relocating for love, then you will finally start a life together with your significant other, just as your parents did. You will also finally understand what you need to rent an apartment and how much goes into renting and finding a new place to live.

If You’re  Moving Cross Country for College, Do You Plan to Come Back Home?

In case of moving cross country during the pandemic, going somewhere far or new could seem scarier than usual. If you have to pack for college, consider if you’d feel safer in dorms or a rental apartment. During difficult times, our long-distance moving tip is always to have a backup plan. So, if you intend to come back to your family after graduation, then all you have to worry about is how to keep in touch with friends and family. If your intention, after all, is to move out for good, think about what could come afterward, even if it seems too far.

a girl in a yellow shirt planning her cross-country moving trip
Consider all the factors that come into leaving home for the first time

Are You Prepared to Be Independent in Your Apartment?

Living alone might seem like a walk in the park, but did you know that you need a new apartment checklist? That would be a list of all the essentials you have to bring or buy to function. The first step of learning how to live alone is preparing yourself for all the chores and cooking that you will need to do. Sure, you can keep ordering takeout, but for how long? You’ll dream of a home-cooked meal within the first two weeks of being alone.

We suggest you create a relocation binder to help you with the checklist. Categorize the necessities by room and purpose, and think only about the most important items first; there will be enough opportunities for decorating and personalizing with everything you want afterward.

Know Your Way Around the Kitchen

As we mentioned already, there aren’t many chances that you will be ordering food for the rest of your independent life, so you’ll need to learn how to cook some basics – eggs, meat, and vegetables, at least. If you already know the basics and are looking forward to being your own chef – that’s brilliant.

Cooking isn’t the only thing you should know how to do in the kitchen. There’s also washing dishes and cleaning the appliances. You can learn many hacks online on keeping the kitchen clean, or you can just call mom and ask her. Our pro tip – wash the dishes right after eating. That’ll give you more free hours later and less worry about every chore.

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Prepare to Take Care of Bills and Buy Groceries After Relocation Day

Relocating to another state alone also means being responsible for paying bills and utilities. These usually come once a month, just like rent, so count in the fact that a portion of your income will go to things that are essentially keeping you alive and well. There will be chances to treat yourself with whatever you want.

There’s the matter of groceries, too. When you realize what it takes to make a meal, you will also understand how much all of it costs. The good part is that you’d very likely be shopping and cooking for fewer people – yourself and potentially a roommate or significant other, so you won’t be needing a lot of groceries whenever you travel to the supermarket.

You’ll Always Have a Checklist of Chores

Creating a household inventory list before relocating will help you when you finally move into your first place alone. We mentioned making a binder with an inventory of things to get, but it might be helpful to keep an inventory checklist of everything you have. That way, when you start cleaning, you can plan to do it room by room or task by task instead of jumping in and cleaning just here and there.

You’ll likely have to create a schedule for doing all the household chores, and sticking to it is the best way to keep everything clean and organized. If you miss it once, you will miss it again and then end up with a dirty place and no will to clean it up. The sooner you get everything done, the better. Watch the video below to help you organize your cleaning schedule.

The Benefits of Leaving Your Parents’ Home

We didn’t mean to scare you with the bills and the chores, but hopefully, they’re something you already knew was coming. Besides keeping your place liveable and germ-free, you can enjoy the fact that you’re in control of how the space looks, which we consider one of the best reasons to move. Your house is your sanctuary, and you should treat the new apartment as such.

There’s Space Just for You

Even with renting a place that already has furniture inside, you can make it personal and feel like you live somewhere unique. The secret is in the decorations and details. Fortunately, you can draw inspiration from many ideas, such as small apartment ideas if your area is small and creative storage ideas if you wish to maximize your space and make it enjoyable.

You can decide what to keep when relocating if you’d prefer to have something from the old house when you plan to move to another city. That’s also a nice way to save money on decorations and furniture. However, if you have the budget, you can go crazy and give yourself a whole other lifestyle now that you’re an independent and responsible adult.

Learning About the Essentials of Adult Life

The most important and occasionally the most difficult parts of adulthood aren’t things your parents can tell you about or teach you. Most often, it’s the stuff you have to experience to know what they’re like. Perhaps you got a job before relocating and expected to juggle work and life expertly; no one other than yourself can show you how difficult that can sometimes be.

Struggling with schedules and responsibilities sometimes becomes too much, but it’s a part of life we all have to go through. It doesn’t mean you won’t make the balance happen once you get used to the lifestyle. The best ways to learn about the realities of life, and your strengths and weaknesses, are those that you have to power through. There are great times on the other side of that.

a girl cooking in the kitchen alone after moving across the country
Being independent has its perks, but there are things you have to learn along the way

What You Need to Pack – A First-Time-Moving-Out List

The first-time moving-out list is a great packing tip and a helpful tool when you want to move efficiently and perhaps organize your move perfectly. Since you won’t be packing the entire home, you can bring along the things that define you somehow – all the decorations, tools for your hobbies, and alike.

Additionally, it’s important to learn how to pack clothes as well as how to pack shoes for a long-distance trip; it also matters how you get rid of items you don’t want. We’re sure you can find a good way, such as giving them to someone in need, or recycling them so they can become something new.

Assuming you are renting and there’s already some furniture at the new residence, this is a short list of stuff you will have to pack, the relocation essentials:

  • Bedding – mattress, pillow, pillowcases, sheets, blankets, and other covers. You will likely have a mattress, but it’s better if you brought your own,
  • Coat and clothes hangers – there may be closets and dressers there, but there can never be enough hangers,
  • Bathroom essentials – you will require a fresh shower curtain, towels for all purposes, toilet paper, brushes, soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent, among other living essentials,
  • Living room items – a coffee table isn’t essential, but always is a great asset to any living space, so we recommend bringing one along, right next to a small rug and curtains for the windows (if necessary)
  • Kitchen stuff – cutlery for eating, plates for serving food, some good pots and pans, trash bags (and maybe even a trash can,) and of course, glasses and mugs to be sure you get a nice cup of coffee in the morning.

If you have a landlord, they will likely have tools necessary for fixing stuff around the house, but you can add an essential toolkit to the list, too. Make sure you also have rags for cleaning, a vacuum, a toilet brush, and sponges when you get to your living space, so you can give it a good scrub before settling in.

a person off-screen cleaning the floor after moving cross-country
Give the area a cleaning face-lift before putting all your stuff in

Ask Your Parents For Support and Help

The best solution for a stress-free relocation for everybody is to have your parents support your decision to move and be independent. If they’re on board, you can be sure the relocation will be smooth sailing. You can read together about the most common relocation hacks, for example, and then work on making them happen.

Show your parents that venturing out on your own is what you want by learning how to do household chores with them, cooking them a nice meal, and asking them about their first relocation experience. Make time for them and assure them that you can handle everything. They’ll get used to it, and so will you.

a mom and daughter spending time together before preparing for long-distance moving
The support of your parents is the most important when relocating for the first time

Get Help From Cross-Country Movers If Necessary

Even with mom and dad assisting your relocation, you can also choose to contact long-distance movers. This way, you can focus on the people in your life and getting mentally ready for what’s to come. Look up online how much movers cost and potentially how to tip movers, but don’t worry about stuff such as boxes and packing paper because when you book cross-country moving services, all that comes with the movers. They will pack your stuff and ensure nothing breaks or goes unnoticed.

Maybe you prefer to bring some extra furniture with you but don’t require it at the other house right away; if you change your mind about some items, long-distance movers can offer storage services, and some even provide them for free for a certain period. If you’re a driver and plan on using your car, long-distance movers also do car shipping. Your first relocation doesn’t have to be complicated, and you will get all the assistance you require.

one of the long-distance movers doing an inventory of boxes
Call cross-country movers to assist your first relocation if you get stuck

With Our List for Moving Out for the First Time – You Can Be Independent if You’re Ready for It

So, you have your list for moving out for the first time, and you are officially cross-country moving and leaving the old house to start something fresh and exciting. While there’s a number of things to do after relocating, the first one you should do is take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back. You did it, and you will continue to do well from now on. If you are only planning to move out for now, we hope this has helped you decide on taking that big first step.

FAQ

What Should I Consider Before Moving Out for the First Time?

Decide whether you want to live alone or with roommates. Living with roommates can help you save on expenses but also requires compromise and communication. You will need to budget for rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other expenses. Create a realistic budget that includes all your expected costs and stick to it. Consider the location of your new home, including the distance from work, school, and amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment.

 

What Are Some Essential Things I Need to Have In My New Apartment or House?

You will need essential furniture items such as a bed, couch, dining table and chairs, and storage units. Also, basic kitchen supplies such as dishes, utensils, pots and pans, and small appliances are necessary. Don’t forget bedding, blankets, and towels which  are necessary for your personal hygiene and comfort.

How Do I Create a Budget for My First Apartment?

To create a budget for your first apartment, make a list of your monthly income and expenses, prioritize your needs over wants, and keep track of your spending.

What Kind of Furniture Do I Need for My First Apartment?

For your first apartment, you’ll need at least a bed, a table and chairs, a sofa, and some storage furniture like a dresser or shelves.

What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Moving Out for the First Time?

The majority of people complicate their move when they underestimate the cost of living, overpack, and fail to plan ahead. Moving requires a lot of planning and preparation. It’s important to create a timeline and checklist to ensure that everything is done on time. Also, moving can be an expensive and time-consuming process, especially if you bring everything with you. It’s important to evaluate what you actually need and use regularly and leave behind what you don’t. It’s important to create a budget and factor in all of these expenses to avoid financial difficulties down the road.

How Do I Find a Good Apartment or House to Rent for the First Time?

To find a good apartment or house to rent for the first time, start by determining your budget and preferred location. Then, use reputable online listing websites or work with a reputable real estate agent to search for suitable properties. Make sure to read reviews, tour properties in person, and thoroughly read the lease before signing.

What Should I Know About Signing a Lease for the First Time?

Here are some key things to know about signing a lease for the first time:

  • Read the lease carefully and understand all the terms before signing.
  • Know the details of the rent payment schedule and how much you will be responsible for.
  • Understand the terms of the security deposit and any fees associated with it.
  • Check the condition of the apartment before moving in and document any existing damage or issues.

How Much Money Do I Need to Save Before Moving Out for the First Time?

The amount of money you need to save before moving out for the first time can vary depending on a variety of factors such as your location, your living situation, your lifestyle, and your income.

How Do I Pack and Move My Belongings to My New Place?

Before you start packing, go through all of your belongings and decide what you want to keep, donate, or throw away. You will need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. You can purchase these items at a local store or online. Decide if you want to hire a long-distance moving company or rent a moving truck to transport your belongings to your new place.

What Should I Do Before I Move Out of My Parents’ House?

Before you move out of your parents’ house, you should calculate your monthly expenses, such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Ensure that you can afford to live on your own. Look for apartments, houses, or rooms for rent in your budget range. Consider location, safety, and proximity to work or school. Don’t forget to talk to your parents about dividing household responsibilities, such as chores, bills, and upkeep. Make sure you have a plan in place before you move out.

How Can I Make the Most of My First Apartment Experience?

If you want to make the most of your first apartment experience get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood. It will help you to personalize your space a bit and keep the new apartment tidy and clean. This will help you feel more connected to your home.

What Should I Do if I Have Roommates?

Respect each other’s privacy and belongings, and avoid borrowing without asking first. Discuss and establish clear expectations for things like cleaning, noise levels, and sharing common spaces. Maintain open communication with your roommates and address any issues or concerns in a respectful and timely manner.

What Are Some Ways to Save Money While Living on My Own for the First Time?

One way to save money while living on your own for the first time is to create and stick to a budget. You can also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out, using public transportation or carpooling, and buying items on sale or secondhand. Consider negotiating bills and expenses, and avoid unnecessary expenses like subscriptions or impulse buys.

How Do I Handle Bills and Other Expenses on My Own for the First Time?

Make a list of all your monthly expenses, including bills, rent, groceries, and transportation. Determine how much you can afford to spend on each category and set limits for yourself. Identify areas where you can cut back on spending, such as eating out or subscription services. Additionally, set aside some money in case of emergencies, like unexpected car repairs or medical bills.

 

What Should I Do if I Have Trouble Adjusting to Living on My Own for the First Time?

If you’re having trouble adjusting to living on your own for the first time, you can seek support from family and friends, connect with new people, create a routine, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek professional help if needed.

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