Planning A Swift Move? An Exclusive Guide for First-Time Movers
Whether you have just turned 18 or 23, there comes the point in life when you decide to move out of the house and live all alone in the whole wide world. No matter why and when it happens, moving out of your parent’s home is an intimidating task, with a fear factor associated with it ranging from mild to severe. And there are several valid reasons for it.
Number one, just the thought of moving out may fill you with dread because you haven’t done it ever before. Number two, leaving your parent’s house means probably bearing the massive financial toll you might not be willing to face yet.
Over and above that, the whole moving process for the first time may feel like an emotional rollercoaster ride. You may feel ecstatic to finally enjoy your freedom with no one telling you what to do. Yet, at the same time, anxiety might creep in at the prospect of giving up on the security and support you’ve grown accustomed to in your life.
The ride, for sure, is par for the course but know you aren’t the only one who has shuddered with fear at the thought of living alone.
Here, we’ve rounded up tips that cover all bases, assuage the stress, and disperse the mystery of moving out for the first time:
Pack your belongings
You’ve probably lived in this house for so many years, and you might have accumulated plenty of stuff. So, rummage through closets and pack the belongings you wish to take with you. But remember, the more items you move, the greater will be the transportation cost.
Suppose you are moving to a hot and humid climatic region like Houston. In that case, you’re probably wondering where to place sensitive items safely. Thanks to the availability of climate control technology, you can access climate-controlled storage facilities.
All you need is to type in storage facility Houston TX, and hit search to pick the most reliable storage units in your vicinity. This way, you can keep your precious possessions safe and secure. And the best part? You can access the storage facility at your leisure.
Figure out finances
Moving out for the first time means no longer enjoying the perk of the safety net that you have while living with your family. Even if you already have a job or student loans to support you, it’s incredibly perturbing to take on the tasks of paying the rent and utilities. You will also need to purchase groceries and other essentials that might miraculously crop up in front of you.
Therefore, create a realistic budget to determine if you can afford to live independently. Begin by comparing your current income with overall monthly expenditures and factor in everything, from phone bills and travel costs to gym memberships and groceries.
While it may not be the most fun step, it’s crucial to ensure a roof over the head and keep the refrigerator stocked with supplies.
Update utilities and address
Moving out for the first time implies decorating the new place for the first time. Nonetheless, before you get excited and purchase the Christmas lights, it’s best to tick the basics first from the list.
Check out utilities – call the companies if the utilities such as electricity, water, and gas still aren’t updated. Let them know your move-in date and schedule time with them so that professionals can come and turn on the utilities.
One other thing that may slip off your mind during the moving process is to update the address. Once you have signed the lease document, inform the various parties, such as the post office or companies that send bills, and get your address updated.
Create a list of chores
Living on your own, for sure, provides you with freedom, adventures, and independence. And during the initial months of living independently at your new place, it’s easy to let things get a bit loose.
Clothes that never get folded, a sink over drowning with unwashed dishes, a bathroom filled with layers of dirt – you probably understand the picture. However, you will regret letting things spiral out of your control after some time.
Therefore, if you don’t wish to sound like a cliched first-time-mover, take ownership of your responsibilities. For instance, look after yourself – if you are habitual of your mother preparing meals for you at home, get into the routine of cooking yourself. And try to prepare a list of chores – break them down into small tasks and write them on a board to make them visible.
Likewise, go into a super-economical mode – utilize public transportation and resist the urge to buy household items that you might not need at the moment.
Final Words
Undoubtedly, moving out of your parent’s home is a massive leap. Amid all the chaos of moving hassles, getting finances in order, and roommate hunting, you will probably experience a whirlwind of emotions.
Uneasiness, fear of change, anxiety, and sadness – all these emotions are entirely normal, specifically if this is your first time living independently. But, most often, these feelings exist in tandem with feelings of exhilaration and intense anticipation.
Nonetheless, find solace in knowing this is a process every one of us goes through at least once. Approach your loved ones, let them know how you feel (don’t forget to share your exaltation, too), and seek some reassurance.
Also, ensure to tick all tasks on your to-do list, and you’ll be well on your way to live your adult life and enjoy newfangled freedom.