What Should a Good Moving-Out-For-The-First-Time List Have?

October 21, 2022Moving Tips
Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking.

If you’re moving out for the first time, congratulations! It’s an exciting milestone in life. But before you start packing, make sure you have a solid game plan. A good moving-out-for-the-first-time list should include all the essentials you’ll need to make your new place feel like home. We’ve prepared a few tips on what to include to help you prepare for your relocation.

Writing your first-time moving-out list should start with finances – write down all the expenses you’ll need to make this move. Next up is finding a job in your new state and a place where you will live is essential. You might want to look for a roommate if you don’t have a huge budget for rent. When that’s all set, you should get to packing everything your new apartment will need.

Finances Are Must Have on a Moving-Out-For-The-First-Time List

The first long-distance moving tip you should be aware of is this – keep an eye on your finances when organizing a move. Living with your parents may no longer be a safety net for you. To be sure you can genuinely afford to live on your own, start by creating a daily budget. Compare your earnings to your total expenses, accounting for everything from phone bills to gym memberships to groceries.

Keep in mind that some costs will probably increase after the move. Based on where you go, expenses such as travel could also change. Don’t forget to add your estimated utility bills as well as your council tax. Also, remember that it’s always better to overestimate than underestimate any part of your budget that you are unclear about. Try to save money to move each month, and also leave some funds for savings or unanticipated expenses.

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Renting Is Easier Than Buying, but Remember That You’ll Need Money for a Deposit and the First Month’s Rent

Renting is a little easier because you won’t have to worry about surveying or closing costs, but don’t forget to factor in the deposit and the first month’s rent in the total cost of renting an apartment. For some, a deposit may equal up to six weeks’ worth of rent. Be cautious to ensure that it will be kept in a deposit account and not by your estate agency or landlord.

Don’t Overlook the Costs of Moving and Car Shipping Company

Consider how you’ll really handle the relocation. Can you complete it in a few trips using different cars? Maybe it is better to book moving services from a USA auto transport company that specializes in relocating. This could be more practical given the volume of your belongings or the distance you’ll need to travel, especially if you’re moving to a new state. Don’t forget to consider what you’ll have to purchase when you arrive there and whether your new home is equipped with everything you need or not.

stack of money
Money is everyone's primary concern when planning a relocation to a new city or state

Finding a Steady Job Should Also Be a Top Priority

If your reason for moving isn’t a job, you will have to start looking for a great workplace before you pack your stuff and head to a new city. Ideally, your starting position should be enough to cover your living expenses and rent. Avoid moving out if you can’t locate a solid job unless you have a good backup plan.

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If You’re Moving to Another City for a Job, You’ll Want to Make Sure That the Job Is Stable

If you are moving specifically for a job, it’s important to make sure that the job is stable. This means that there should be little to no chance of being laid off or fired soon after arriving in the city. To increase your chances of having a stable job, research the company thoroughly before taking the position and make sure that they have a good reputation.

Additionally, try to negotiate a good salary and benefits package so that even if there are some bumps along the way, you’ll still be able to afford your move and maintain your lifestyle. Check out this video for some great job interview tips that can help you.

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It Can Be Difficult to Find a Job in a New City if You Don’t Already Have One Lined up Before Relocating

If you don’t already have a job lined up before moving to a new city, it can be difficult to plan a stress-free move. This is because most employers will want to see that you have some experience working in the city before they hire you. They may also be less likely to take a chance on someone who doesn’t have any connections in the city. So, if you’re looking for a job in a new city, it’s always best to start by applying for jobs that you’re qualified for and that are within your field of interest.

Boxing up an office
It's best to have a job lined up in your new city before the relocation

Look for a Place to Live That Fits Into Your Budget

Make sure you are satisfied with your place and its price once you have decided on your monthly expenses and moving budget. Apartment rentals can easily be found online, including on social media and listing websites like Zillow and Realtor.com. While you’re at it, keep in mind to adhere to your monthly budget by resisting the lure of more expensive apartments that could blow it. Another great moving tip is to get a place close to work and other amenities that may interest you, such as restaurants and parks.

Research the Location of Your Home Before Signing a Lease

Be certain that the location you’ve picked is secure. If the rent appears too low, research the crime levels in that neighborhood before signing the lease. Figure out how public transportation works. Not only will this allow you to explore the location much more easily, but it will also save you a ton of money on car expenses (if you’ve transported your car via enclosed auto transport, using door-to-door auto transport, or terminal-to-terminal car shipping). Access to public transport is even more important if you haven’t bothered to ship your car cross country via an enclosed or open trailer (the most common way of shipping cars in the USA).

Find a Roommate if You Wish to Save Up

According to studies, more people are renting, and for most of them, sharing housing costs with roommates is a need. However, the prospect of having a nightmarish roommate arrangement can make anyone queasy. Finding a nice roommate might be difficult at times. You’ll probably have to conduct your roommate hunt online if you’re relocating to a new city alone or don’t know anyone who needs a roommate. Here are several internet choices for selecting a roommate.

  • Craigslist – Starting with the most obvious option, Craigslist. The largest online classifieds site in the globe is difficult to surpass when looking for a roommate. Doing your homework is crucial when utilizing Craigslist to get a roommate.
  • Facebook – It can be beneficial to post a message informing your friends that you are looking for a roommate if you don’t mind having your search made public. If you know a few folks in the area and are relocating there, mention them in the post. Otherwise, make sure to set your post’s privacy so that all your network members can view and share it. Even if nobody in your immediate circle is looking for a roommate, someone might know someone who does.
  • Roomi – In order to prevent you from being a victim of fraud, the website filters all listings and users prior to being published. Its website is a millennial’s dream with its open look and simple navigation. The creation of an account, posting of a listing, and website search are all free. However, one person must be a paid member for two members to be able to message each other.

Pack Up With Future Home in Mind

Packing tips for a long-distance move can be daunting, but this process doesn’t have to be stressful. By keeping your future home in mind as you pack up your things, you can ensure that you have everything you need for your new life at the new location. Take a look at our moving essentials for every room – happy packing!

Bedroom essentials everyone needs

When you’re getting ready to move into an apartment, a mattress ought to be one of your first purchases (unless you’re able to transport your mattress from your current place). If you want to avoid spending your first night in your new home sleeping on a floor, you should install the bed frame and box springs as soon as you move in. In order to have a good sleep, you need to choose comfy pillows and bedding.

Avoid being rudely woken by the sun the following morning by hanging the bedroom curtains before going to sleep. So that you won’t have the option of leaving filthy clothing on the floor and picking them up later, it’s a smart idea to have a laundry basket. It’s also a good option to designate a trash can for the bedroom to reduce the risk of a mess.

Stuff your bathroom should have

Paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues are non-negotiable when it comes to paper goods, so there’s no need to explain how or why to get them. But there are a few things on our checklist that would otherwise escape your attention before moving day – bath mat, curtain rod, shower curtain, hand soap, conditioner, shampoo, towels, and toiletries.

The kitchen should also be equipped

You will still need a table and cutlery to eat on even if you opt to order takeout for your first meal in your new house. A minimum of two bowls, plates, mugs, glasses, knives, forks, and spoons should be available. To properly toast to your new flat, remember to pack a bottle opener and possibly a blender. Nothing may lessen the joy of cooking your first dinner than having to buy every single kitchen tool you require. Try to prepare your pots and pans in advance so that you can transport them without incident.

The living room should be welcoming

A cozy couch is likely the essential component of a living room. You might be able to survive without a couch for a while, but your flat won’t seem complete without one. Whether it’s for aesthetics or simply a place to eat, every living room requires some kind of table. If you have hardwood flooring, you might want to also get a lovely rug. Additionally, you should ensure that the windows in your living room are covered with drapes, both for privacy and to prevent the sun from streaming through. A freestanding wall unit or some type of shelving is essential as well.

Don’t Go Anywhere Without Toolbox and Cleaning Supplies

You should get a toolbox if you’re a person living on their own, whether or not you consider yourself handy. Even if you only intend to do a little handicraft, it’s likely that you’ll need to hang something on the wall or have some furniture that needs to be put together.

One thing you should know about your apartment – it’s likely that someone else lived there before you. Giving your new place a thorough cleaning is a good idea whether or not it was left in a messy state. Given that you never know when you’ll need to clean, make sure you have the necessary supplies ready to go with you.

A woman cleaning the kitchen surface after an auto transport company provided all services
Cleaning supplies are essential - you need to clean everything when you move in

Follow the List for Moving Out for the First Time, and You’ll Ace the Process

Moving out for the first time can be daunting, but if you follow our simple to-do list, you’ll ace the process. From packing your boxes to setting up your new home, we’ve got everything covered. So what are you waiting for? Start following our list today, and get ready to take on moving to another state like a pro!

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