Whenever we do something for the first time in life, it can get scary and definitely testing. Moving away from your family is one of those events in life that make you grow up in a matter of days. In that case, you need guidance and first time moving out tips to make the experience less stressful. The emotional pressure you could be dealing with if you’ve never moved out would definitely be an obstacle when organizing a move. No matter if you are moving away to college or to work in another city you will have to figure your expenses and the practical side of the move itself. Are you prepared to deal with every detail of the move when you don’t even know the details? Our complete moving out checklist and tips will guide you through the process.
First Time Moving Cost
The cost of your moving will vary with the type of your move. If you are moving locally, the moving rate is based on the hours the movers work, which will include travel time and packing labor. Moving companies have different rates and they also vary with the state. However, for two men and a truck expect to pay an hourly rate between $70 and $100 and $40 to 60 for an extra mover. Keep in mind that your first move cost can go up, and the estimate you get from the movers is not a guarantee for your final bill. There are extra charges and hidden moving fees that if this is your first move in your life, may don’t know about. Thus, get multiple moving quotes and compare moving services and rates. Ask about additional charges like packing and wrapping materials and fuel charge, as some companies have it on their tariff. If you are moving long distance it will be more expensive. The moving rates in this case will be based on the weigh and cubic feet of your household goods and the distance traveled. In order to estimate your moving costs you should consider all possible charges, which will help you set aside your budget. Having a relocation budget will help you stay within your limits and save on moving costs.
Get a Moving Services Estimate
You can get a free moving estimate of your total charges by professional companies. Just fill the fast and easy moving estimator for your complete calculation.
The Fun Part – Building a Checklist
Moving into a house or apartment can take a lot of time if you are not prepared. Make sure you do your packing properly and to label your things carefully.
Everything in life becomes fun once we know how to do it, have the right tools and adopt the right attitude. Moving can also be fun when you know where to start and what to do. The secret secret for a successful local or long distance move is organization because when tasks are organized you save on time and ultimately on money. Our first time moving checklist will get you started and help you stay sane during the move.
What to do and what to get!
If you are moving out of your parents’ home there probably won’t be much to actually move, yet many of us often take their bed and some old furniture to use. Your parents will gladly offer you an old sofa, dresser and a table that will get you started in your new life on your own. Surely, you will gladly take them as this will most likely be the only furniture you will have if that is your first time moving into an apartment (which will most likely be empty). So, you will have things to pack and move. Once you have found your apartment, get started with the things you need to get and move.
What you need for your first move:
- A bed – mattress with box spring (don’t lay the mattress on the floor please, not comfortable, not nice and you don’t know what can get in).
- Bed sheets, pillow cases and blankets.
- A dresser and a night stand – you need those, you can get a nice plastic one as a beginning.
- Lamp, hangers and laundry basket.
- Alarm clock, mirror, shoe and coat rack (if needed).
- Shower curtains with rod.
- Toilet brush and plunger (get them before you need them).
- Trash cans.
- Toilet paper, towels, shampoo and whatever else you need – you can’t forget that! (or you can, it happens to all of us sometime).
Now things you are probably getting from your parents:
- Sofa or couch (whatever is in the attic).
- TV with a stand ( it will probably be one of those who can’t be mounted on the wall).
- Coffee table (kitchen and side tables if you get lucky).
- Book shelves and floor rugs.
- Decoration like paintings (if you have been really good and lucky).
Some kitchen essentials you will need when moving into a new house or apartment:
Besides the kitchen table you will probably get from your parents (and hopefully a couple of chairs) you will need:
- Pots, frying pans and backing pans.
- Mixing bowls and casserole dishes.
- Plates, bowls, mugs and drinking glasses.
- Forks, knifes and spoons (in a caddy if possible).
- Knife, cutting board, drying rack.
- Cooking tools – wooden spoon, ladle and spatula.
- Can opener and cheese grater.
- Hand towels and oven mitts.
- Plastic containers and garbage can.
- A small microwave if there is no built in.
Now, stock your favorite food . Well, don’t forget to get some basic cleaning supplies because moving in will require some cleaning. Get some rubber gloves, sponges, scrubbers, Windex, paper towel, a broom and anything else you find useful. Also check out the best 101 moving out tips – they may also help you.
Moving Checklist
Now since the moving is coming close you have to get your hands dirty and start working. Once you have all the essentials required to set your apartment you will have to move in. The moving process will require you to:
If you don't have a lot of stuff in your checklist, you might be able to move by a car and save.
- Make an inventory and call licensed moving companies.
- Put aside all valuable items – documents, jewelry, electronic devices.
- Get some moving boxes and packing supplies.
- List items that need special packing and wrapping.
- Compare the moving quotes you get.
- Never hire cheap movers and never go for the lowest moving quote .
- Choose a moving company wisely – read moving reviews, ask for references.
- Pack as much as you can yourself. Read some packing tips before packing.
- Call in advance to connect electricity, cable, internet etc.
- Change your address with the post office and all major accounts.
- On the moving day review bill of lading and all documents – make sure you understand everything before singing anything.
- Make sure you have drivers phone number to keep track of the delivery.
- Prepare a bag with personal essentials for the first day in the new home.
- Walk your room one last time and don’t forget the going away party!
Finally you are done! Or on your way to be done with your moving away. Congratulations to you and good luck with living on your own. No matter if you are moving abroad or locally – you can use this guide if it is your first time move to Canada or to Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles or any other US city. Use this checklist if you are about to do a move into a house or apartment. If you still have questions, make sure you ask our moving specialists here.
Let us know if you have any questions, or would like to add anything to our moving out checklist or the guide. Remember moving is not easy, but you can make it and even have fun while moving.
Thanks for the great post. There were a couple of things I almost missed when I relocated last week. I had my family to help me load my stuff but I hired professionals to unload because I could’t do it by myself. There are some valuable points mentioned above.
I would add: cancel all your subscriptions to magazines and newspapers and update your new address to the ones you would like to continue to receive.
Planning your budget and sorting out what things to do when moving out, especially if this is your first ever move is a harder task than many expect. To have your costs straight, you need to contact several companies and ask for a binding estimate. You can also ask for an in-house visual survey just to make sure you get the most accurate price possible.
Good article. There is so much that can be overlooked, especially for the first time moving experience.