Tips for Moving Out for the First Time

Are you moving out for the first time? Whether you’re a high school student moving out this fall for college or seeking independence and leaving your parent’s house for the firsttime, it’s an exciting chapter. However, moving out can be quite a daunting and lengthy process, as well. We at XYZ Storage understand the challenges that come with moving out for the first time, and we’re here to help you navigate through this process. In this article, we’ll help guide you through this time while providing tips and how to cope with the experience, as well as a thorough moving out for the first time checklist.

How To Prepare For Moving out For the First time

So how do you prepare for moving out for the first time? There are multiple steps to ensure you’re prepared to move out and venture off on your own.

1. Timing

Once you’ve decided to move out for the first time, the next step is to plan and figure out the timing of your move. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the loading and unloading of furniture throughout the move, break up the process into smaller tasks. And to ensure you don’t miss a critical task, a checklist can be beneficial.

Let’s say you’re planning on moving out at the end of the summer, which is in two months. Take some time to figure out the tasks and timing of each task, so you can accomplish everything you need before your move. For example, let’s say you spend the first two weeks establishing your budget and how much you can afford. This will give you a better idea of what places to look at that are within your budget.

2. Get Your Finances Together

To help you prepare for moving out for the first time, understanding your finances is critical. We’ll outline some financial tips for moving out for the first time. 

Create a Budget: A well-planned budget, including initial costs and expenses, will help you prepare for moving out and living on your own for the first time. Calculating your income and planning out your expenses, including rent, utilities, public transportation, groceries, entertainment, etc. are all important to establishing a well-detailed budget. Overestimating your budget is always better than underestimating to ensure you have enough to cover your lifestyle and living expenses.

Have an Emergency Fund: Another one of many financial tips for moving out for the first time is having an emergency fund. So how much do you want to have saved and set aside as your emergency fund? Aim for six months’ worth of savings to cover any unexpected costs that may sneak up on you while moving out for the first time. This will ensure that if you happen to overspend for the month, lose your job, or any other unfortunate event you’ll be prepared to still be able to afford your basic living expenses through your emergency fund.

Consider Roommates: If while you’re creating your budget, you’re struggling to create one that is feasible, consider living with roommates at first. This way you’re able to split your living expenses, such as grocery and utility bills. You’ll have a much easier time adjusting to a new lifestyle, especially if you have a roommate who you can split responsibilities and expenses with. And who knows you may form a strong friendship for life. 

Understanding your finances and current financial position will help make moving out for the first time easier so you’re not hit with any surprises down the line. 

3. Finding the Right Place

First off, it’s important to ask yourself if you’re in a financial position either to rent or buy. This will determine what properties are available based on what you’re looking for. Once you’ve made that decision and if you have yet to find the right place to move into, start by researching locations you’d like to live. Many factors go into choosing the right place to live, including your budget, proximity to your work or school, furnished or unfurnished place, transportation options, especially if you don’t have a vehicle and additional amenities. 

For example, if you’re moving away from school ideally you’d like to either live on-campus or off-campus within walking distance or a short bus ride away. Living off-campus and having grocery stores nearby can be quite helpful as well.

Take the time to explore potential options and visit them before deciding on your place and putting down an offer, as well as carefully review the lease agreement. You wouldn’t want to sign off on anything you’re not aware of.

How to Cope with Moving for the First Time

Moving out for the first time can be an emotional rollercoaster and difficult to cope with, especially if you’re moving out of your parent’s house. To help with this journey, make sure you prioritize yourself and ensure you meet your basic daily needs, including eating well, exercising, and sleeping. 

On top of this, make sure you stay connected with friends and family consistently to maintain a sense of familiarity. This is especially important if you are choosing to live alone for the first time. While living alone can be exciting, it can create a sense of loneliness if you don’t immerse yourself in the community and stay in touch with friends and family. 

Lastly, a routine can provide stability and help you adjust to your new space. For example, perhaps signing up for a workout class a few times a week can allow you to get out of your comfort zone and can serve as a great opportunity to meet new people.

Checklist for Moving Out

Now that we’ve talked about all the essentials and steps on how to prepare for moving out for the first time, whether that’s preparing emotionally or financially, here is our ultimate moving out for the first time checklist:

Pre-Move Preparation

• Hire a professional moving company to reduce the stress of moving. However, if you are financially strained you can consider asking friends and family to help you move. You can even throw in a lunch or dinner for your loved ones to show your appreciation. If you’re a student, connect with your school and ask if hiring movers is an option they offer or discounts you can use to help you save money.
• Start building good habits before you move out, whether that means starting to watch your spending habits or keeping your space organized.
• Create a list of everything you’ll need before you move out, especially the basics like toiletries, silverware, bedding, and much more.
• Conduct your research regarding tenant insurance and have it set up before you move into your apartment.

Packing

• Before you start packing, decluttering is an absolute must. Organize your belongings into four categories: keep, throw away, donate, and put away in storage. 
• Gather or purchase any packing supplies you will need for the big move, including boxes, tape, markers, and bubble wrap. You can purchase any of these packing and moving supplies at any one of our XYZ Storage self-storage facilities.
• Pack all of your belongings that you choose to keep.
• Have an essentials bag, which is all of the essentials you’ll need when you first move into your new home. This way you won’t have to waste time unpacking everything and searching for your essentials on day one of moving into your new living space.
• Make an inventory list of everything you packed away. A pro tip: labeling all of your boxes and containers can keep you organized.

Moving Day

• Get in touch with your movers to ensure they’re arriving on time.
• Cross-reference your inventory list to ensure nothing is missing as you’re moving your belongings to your new space.
• Unpack your essentials and if you opted for an essentials bag it’ll be easier.
• Set up your furniture and start making your place feel like home.

The Essentials 

When moving here are some essentials for moving out for the first time you may want to add to your list:

Kitchen Essentials:

• Kitchen basics, such as cookware, dinnerware, and cutlery
• Food storage containers 
• Kitchen table

Bedroom Essentials:

• Sheets, pillows, blankets, and comforters
• Bed frame and mattress
• Storage bins, hangers, and closet organizers

Living Room Essentials:

• Decor (rugs and throw pillows)
• Storage 
• TV and any other electronics
• Sofa and chairs

Bathroom Essentials:

• Towels
• Shower curtain and bathmat
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toilet paper, and toothpaste)
• First aid kit

Cleaning Supplies:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Basic cleaning supplies (toilet cleaner, multi-surface cleaner, glass cleaner, and disinfectants)
• Mop and bucket 
• Broom and dustpan

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that people in a similar boat who are looking to move out are inquiring about. Understanding the common challenges and solutions can help make your transition smoother and less stressful.

How much money do you need when you first move out?

The amount of money you need for the first time you move out depends on your new living situation and spending habits. For example, if you plan on living off campus with a roommate ensure you have enough to cover your monthly rent and living expenses. As a reminder, having an emergency fund is also critical. Let’s say your first month’s rent is $1,000 per month including utilities and other expenses. You’ll want to ensure you have at least $6,000 in your emergency fund, which is 6 months’ worth of rent, utilities, and other expenses. Of course, the more you have in your emergency fund the better so you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario.

And if you tend to live a more carefree lifestyle it’s important to consider all of those expenses when budgeting how much you need when you move out. For instance, if you enjoy dining out, going to concerts, or traveling then these are all factors to add to your monthly budget.

What is a realistic age to move out?

The timing for moving out truly depends on the individual along with many other factors. Some of those factors include financial stability, cultural expectations, career opportunities, personal goals, and the economy. 

A common time in one’s life for moving out for the first time is to attend a University or College away from the parent’s home, at 17 or 18 years old. Aside from that it depends on whether a person is financially and personally ready for that next chapter and embark on the journey of independent living. There are several questions that you should be asking yourself when considering moving out for the first time, including the following:

• Am I financially prepared? Do I have a stable monthly income? Do I have enough savings?
• Can I handle the responsibilities of living alone or with a roommate?
• How will this impact my relationships?
• What are my long-term goals?
• Am I emotionally ready to live independently? Am I in a good place in my life?

Moving out for the first time, while it can be an exciting time in your life, is also a huge responsibility. These questions are critical to ask yourself before making such a major decision and uprooting your life.

How XYZ Storage Can Help

If you happen to decide you need extra storage space for all your belongings temporarily while you’re moving or even for a longer period, we at XYZ Storage are here to help with exactly that. Self-storage can also be a great solution as a backup in case you need space at the last minute. There are many things you’ll be juggling when moving out for the first time, and if you happen to need temporary storage space, renting a self-storage unit can be your savior during this tough time.

We offer a variety of sized storage units, including compact, small, medium, and large to accommodate your storage needs. With several locations across Toronto and the GTA, we provide accessible storage options to help ease the moving and storage process for you and your household. On top of our storage unit offerings, we also offer moving and packing supplies for purchase to ease your experience by serving as a one-stop shop for all your needs. Lastly, for our new customers, we offer moving truck rentals to help ease the moving and storage process.

At XYZ Storage, your convenience and peace of mind are our priorities so feel free to stop by any one of our self-storage facilities, and our storage experts would be more than happy to help you out.