Here’s How to Move Out for the First Time and Start Life on Your Own

When you went outside on your own as a child, it was exciting and scary – so many questions about the world around you, but after a while, you got used to it. It’s very much the same when you move out on your own – at first, it’s exciting having all of this freedom, but now you’re going to have to take care of yourself, and your parent’s home isn’t much of an option at this point. Here is a guide for all those that decided to break the ice and move out for the first time.

How Do I Prepare to Move Out for The First Time

Since you’ve chosen to leave the house and set out on your independent life, be prepared to face a considerable amount of moving stress. Many have had to face this before, and, fortunately, people have gathered enough of their experiences to help you put together a moving to-do list. This list helps you get all of your relocation tasks to get yourself settled in a new area. For this to work, you have to follow your checklist strictly. Remember that you will make mistakes along the way, and that’s okay, so long as you keep focused on your task list and know what to avoid. In the end, having done all of that preparation will be your most significant advantage.

Extra Tips on Moving Out on Your Own

Here are some additional tips to help you move out for the first time.

Finding the Right City and State to Live in

A significant step in your relocation process is figuring out where you want to move. This is a more complicated process than just putting together a college packing list. You will have to have a firm understanding of what it is you require when choosing a location. You will also have to do extensive research on a few different areas and match them with your wants and needs.

Often you might find that the city or town that you want isn’t as good for you as another. For example, if your dream home could be in the city of Los Angeles, but living in Denver might make more sense for you, it can easily influence your decision.

Calculate the Cost of Living

Relocating on your own is exciting, of course, but the freedom is never free. There are many things you will have to pay for before, during, and even after you move, so your best bet is to set up a moving expenses checklist. To do that, you’re going to have to know what it costs to live in your chosen city or town. This includes groceries, going out, medical expenses, food and drink, transportation, rent and bills, groceries, etc. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when relocating on your own.

How Much Money Should You Have Saved Before Moving Out

If you’ve managed to learn the ins and outs of the cost of living in your chosen location, you can start saving your money for relocation expenses. How much money you require depends on where you’re planning to move and how much you will need to sustain yourself. Your safest option is to save up whatever money you get and try and save up a considerable amount more than is required. This is one of many essential tips for moving out of state on your own. Having extra will give a nice buffer if an emergency arises, and you have to take care of it immediately.

You Have to Set a Budget

Budgeting is one of the most important aspects of relocating for the first time because it will give you a sense of how much you have to save up and how to manage your finances. The first step in this process is to write down every expense you expect to pay. At the end of your list, be sure to include the total amount plus extra for emergencies. Here is a quick list of items you will typically find to include in your budget:

• The cost of travel – like gas, travel tickets, tolls, etc.
• Housing costs – This includes, down payments and deposits, rent, and other related expenses.
• Moving services fees and expenses – if you’ve hired professional movers.
• Groceries, appliances, and other essentials.
• Insurance fees and costs
• Furniture
• Utilities
• Internet

Tips on Securing a Steady Job

The next thing on your list is finding and securing a job. You won’t be able to get by without it. Nowadays, it can be quite challenging to nail down a high paying position right out of college, so you will often have to settle for entry-level jobs to pay the bills. But, how do you manage that while trying to move out? There’s already so much that you have to do, and finding a job just seems like adding extra weight to your already huge load. Here are some tips to guide you during your search for a decent job:

• Apply early – The earlier you apply for jobs, the more likely you will have a few different prospects before relocating. Having a couple of options is a good thing, and you’re more likely to find something that will provide you with stable enough income to take care of yourself – the earlier, the better.
• Cast your net wide – Don’t just apply to only one or two different companies, apply to as many as you can so that you have plenty of options to choose from. You’ll also have a better chance of finding a job in a career field where you can grow and make more money.
• Ask for recommendations – Sometimes you might know someone who can lead you to something in the area where you’re trying to get work. It’s usual for people to end up with a steady job through a friend or former colleague.
• Networking is king – Before you move to your location, you should consider visiting with a friend of the family and attend a few networking events. You may find someone who can either give you a job or lead you to a hiring company. Making these types of connections has many advantages that can last for a long time.

Time to Go Apartment Hunting

Once your job search is over and you’ve hopefully been able to get a few different prospects in line, you have to go apartment hunting. The first step is to have a set amount you’re willing to spend. Having a general price range is essential when finding a desirable location. Once you’ve got an amount to go with, create a list of a few different places that you’re interested in.

What to Expect and Things to Avoid When Apartment Searching

When renting, there are a few things that you should expect from your landlord upon signing the lease. Your landlord should be able to tell you what do you need to rent an apartment. It’s equally vital that you make sure to avoid common mistakes when renting as well. Here is a quick list of things you should watch out for in your renting process:

• Lease Agreement – Always read your entire lease agreement before signing it. That way, you don’t get tricked into anything. The goal of the contract is to protect both you and the landlord. You can always get familiar with tenant rights in your state or seek legal advice to make sure you understand your contract.
• The neighborhood and location – You want to make sure the area that you live in is safe. Be sure to do some research about the area so that you don’t get stuck somewhere sketchy.
• Inspect everything – You have to make sure that the place is well taken care of and that everything works. Be sure to take pictures of each room and view anything that might look busted, broken, or anything that seems off.

Things You’re Going to Have to Take Care of on Your Own

Once you’ve got your place, you’ll enjoy the life of freedom, but it does come at a cost. You’re new to the beautiful world of independence, but now you have to take care of yourself, and there are a few steps you have to go through to have a properly functioning apartment.

Rent, Bills, and Other Expenses

You’re most likely going to have to pay a deposit and first month’s rent before settling into your new place. After that, you’re going to have to schedule to have your utilities on. We suggest that you pay your housing expenses a few days earlier to plan to have your utilities working when you move in.

You’ll Have to Get Insurance

Alongside paying rent, you’ll also have to apply for renters insurance to cover any damage to your belongings. You’ll also have to consider medical and health insurance in case something happens. Applying for insurance can be a lengthy process, but it’s well worth the wait, and it covers you and your new apartment.

Never a Bad Time to Ask for Help

A lot of this might seem intimidating at first, but eventually, you get used to it, but moving out can be expensive and time-consuming. Most people don’t want to have anybody in their “business,” so they do their best to keep everything to themselves.

Relying on Family is a Huge Help

Your family will always support you, no matter what you do or where you choose to move. You can ask them for any furniture they don’t want. They can send you a care package with your favorite snacks and other useful items. Don’t ever be afraid or ashamed to ask for assistance until you manage to stand up on your two feet.

Should You Get a Roommate?

Everyone has different tastes and preferences as far as living together with another person. If you have a close friend or relative that you don’t mind living with, having a roommate can be beneficial. You’ll be able to save extra money on expenses and have some friendly company.

Meeting New People in Your City

Once you’ve gotten your new place and settled in it won’t be long before you start feeling bored and lonesome. Now is the perfect time to go out and start making friends in a new city. It’s much better than spending your time by yourself and they can show you around so you can get familiar with the city. Not only that, but if you ever find yourself in need you’ll have a base of people you can trust.

Choose the Right Professional Movers

No matter where it is in the country you’re moving to, you’re going to need a reliable moving company. There are many different services they offer, such as packing, where the movers pack everything for you. They also provide storage services if you aren’t able to get everything you own in the apartment right away. Be sure to contact them for any inquiries you have regarding your relocation. Now you have all of the info you need to get out on your own. You can also look up moving hacks to help your transition be much more comfortable.