Are you finally taking the plunge and moving out of your parents’ house? Congratulations! This is a huge milestone in your life. But it can also be a bit daunting. After all, you’re used to having someone else take care of everything for you.
Now that you’re on your own, you’ll need to learn how to do things like cook, clean, and budget your money. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to know about moving out for the first time.
We’ll start with some of the more logistical aspects of moving out, such as finding a place to live and making sure you have all the necessary documents in order. Then we’ll move on to some of the more fun parts, such as furnishing your new home and decorating it to your taste.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly what to do (and what not to do) when moving out for the first time. So let’s get started!
The Logistical Side of Moving Out:
Finding a Place to Live and Getting Your Documents in Order
Finding a Place to Live
There are a few things you need to take into account when finding a place to live. First and foremost, you need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on rent each month.
This number will be determined by a few factors, such as your income, your job security, and any debts or other financial obligations you might have. Once you have a good idea of your monthly budget, you can start looking for places to live that fit within it.
Another important factor to consider is your location. Do you want to live in a big city or a smaller town? Are you looking for a place with a lot of nightlife or somewhere more low-key?
Once you’ve decided on a general location, you can start narrowing down your search even further. For example, if you’re looking for an apartment in a particular city, you can use websites like Zillow or Apartments.com to find listings in your price range.
Once you’ve found a few places you like, it’s time to start touring them! This is where you’ll really get a feel for each place and decide whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
When touring an apartment or house, pay attention to things like the condition of the property, the neighbourhood it’s located in, and whether or not there are any noisy neighbours nearby.
- Condition of the property: One example is to make sure that all of the electrical outlets and wiring in your new place are up to code and in good working condition. If not, you could be at risk for an electrical fire. In fact in Sydney, it is the law to always engage with a level 2 electrician when moving in.
- Neighbourhood: Take a walk around the neighbourhood and get a feel for the area. Are the streets well-lit at night? Do you see any signs of crime or graffiti? Is it generally quiet or are there a lot of loud noises?
- Noisy neighbours: Try to visit your potential new place at different times of day and listen for any noise coming from neighbouring apartments or houses. This is especially important if you work odd hours or are a light sleeper. Once you’ve found a place you like and can afford, it’s time to start the lease signing process! Make sure to read over your
Once you’ve found a place you like and have been approved for it by the landlord, it’s time to sign the lease! Make sure to hire an electrician to do a walk-through of your new place before you move in to ensure that everything is up to code. Make sure you read over the lease carefully before signing it, as it will outline your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Getting Your Documents in Order
In addition to finding a place to live, there are a few other logistical things you need to take care of before moving out. One of the most important is getting your documents in order.
Make sure you have a copy of your birth certificate or driver’s licence and any other important documents. You might also need to get a new copy of your lease if you’re moving to a new state or city.
If you have any pets, make sure you have their vaccinations up to date and that you have a copy of their records. You should also make sure you have your insurance information handy, as you’ll need it when you move into your new place.
In addition to getting your own documents in order, you’ll also need to notify the appropriate people, organisations, commercial movers or pro movers. This includes things like changing your address with your bank or other financial institution or transferring your utilities to your new address.
You will also need to cancel any subscriptions or memberships you have at your current address, such as a gym membership or a magazine subscription. And don’t forget to forward your mail!
The Fun Side of Moving Out:
Furnishing and Decorating Your New Home
Furnishing Your New Home
Now that you’ve taken care of all the logistics, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to furnish and decorate your new home. This is where the fun really begins!
If you’re on a tight budget, thrift stores are a great place to find affordable furniture and home decor. You can also ask friends or family members if they have any gently used furniture or home decor items they’d be willing to part with.
Another option is to buy used furniture from websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Just be sure to inspect the furniture carefully before making a purchase, as you don’t want to end up with something that’s in poor condition.
If you have a little more money to spend, you can buy new furniture from stores like Ikea or Target. You can also find some great deals on furniture and home decor items at online retailers like Wayfair or Amazon. Or you can indulge in more luxurious amenities like having a split system air conditioning unit to take control of your indoor temperature or a dishwasher to make cleanup a breeze.
Decorating Your New Home
Once you have all your furniture, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to decorate your new home. This is where you can really let your personality shine through!
Creative arts therapists from New Zealand mention that
“One of the benefits of art is that it can help you express yourself. So if you’re feeling crafty, why not DIY some home decor items? There are tons of great tutorials online for things like wall art, throw pillows, and even rugs”.
If crafting isn’t really your thing, that’s okay! You can still personalise your space by choosing interesting and unique home decor items. Shop at local boutiques or art galleries, or look for vintage finds at thrift stores or flea markets.
Remember, your home should be a reflection of who you are, so make sure to choose decorations that make you happy.
Moving into your first place is a big deal!
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at some home decorating magazines or websites for inspiration. You can also find some great ideas on Pinterest or Instagram.
Once you have an idea of the overall look you want to achieve, start shopping for home decor items that fit your style. Again, thrift stores are a great place to find affordable home decor, but you can also find some great deals at online retailers like Wayfair or Amazon.
Moving into your first apartment or house is a big milestone in life. But with a little planning and preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just take things one step at a time and before you know it, you’ll be all moved in and settled into your new place!
