Finally, you are about to make one of the biggest transitions in your life, and you might be wondering where to begin. The house moving process starts long before the moving day. There are many things to know and think about when it comes to relocation, which can be very overwhelming for someone who is relocating for the first time.

This Call the Movers guide is designed to reduce the stress and to demystify moving out for the first time. We’ve compiled the best tips for moving out for the first time that will help you to prepare for relocating, planning, budgeting, and succeeding in your first major move.

MAKE A BUDGET YOU CAN FOLLOW

Moving out on your own for the first time is a huge milestone in your life. Budgeting is an essential bullet point on your first moving checklist. Try to create a budget that will help you stay on track. This budget must consist of expenses for moving, housing, and things you will need for the new home.

Also, do not forget to monitor your spending habits. We recommend taking 1-2 months to analyze your spending habits. You can either do this yourself by using an “Excel” sheet or you can use mobile notes or special apps.

FIND A SUITABLE PLACE TO LIVE

Finding a suitable home is a responsible and time-consuming process. Try not to rush this process, no matter how excited you are about finding a place to live. Pay attention to the location – how close it is to your workplace, university, or other places of interest to you. For example, you might want to live near a gym, a park, a really good bakery, or public transport arteries.

The affordability of your new home is another major factor that requires consideration when moving out for the first time with a limited budget. As a rule of thumb, your rent should not be more than 30% of your disposable income.

CREATE A DETAILED PACKING LIST

One of the most time-consuming tasks is to create a packing list of things to take with you and to leave behind. And since you haven’t moved to a new home before, try to avoid the most common moving mistake – to pack and move everything that you own.

Therefore, professional packing assistance can help to protect your belongings and to save-up space, because packers have years of experience how to move certain belongings like fragile items. For example, Call the Movers can arrive at your place and pack everything for the road. Depending on your needs, you can choose between full or partial packing services. Professional packing also includes marking, labeling everything, and giving you a copy of the inventory to make the unpacking process easier.

MAKE YOUR FIRST APARTMENT CHECKLIST

Be sure to make another detailed checklist with all the things you need for your new apartment. We recommend doing it room by room. You don’t need to get everything on your list right now, but it will give you a good start living independently.

We recommend writing down a detailed list of items you need in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom. Also, add information about furniture, cleaning supplies and you’ll probably need to keep a list handy to keep track of things you need for your new home, such as light bulbs or batteries.

LET SOMEONE ELSE DO THE HEAVY LIFTING

Hiring movers might sound like a decadent choice, but you won’t regret it. You have enough to stress about together with your move without having to work out the way to get that sofa up the staircase or straining your back with heavy boxes. A well-qualified team will make your move quick, easy, and less stressful. Make sure to hire movers who are trusted, professional, insured, and experienced. Before choosing a moving company read their reviews on third-party websites like “Better Business Bureau”, “The Home Advisor” or “Angies List” before handing over your money!

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS BEFORE YOU MOVE

There are some bits of paperwork you can do before you move in to make life easier when you arrive at your new property:

• SET UP YOUR INTERNET – compare prices and book for the router to be delivered (or for installation) after you arrive, so you’re not stuck without it.
• UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS – change your address on important documents – your place of work, university, bank, etc. will need your new address.
• DRIVING LICENCE – your driving license needs to have your current address on it by law.
• COMPARE GAS AND ELECTRICITY – you may not know who your current supplier is until you move in, but by doing a little research will mean you’re ready to switch when you’re in your new home.

HAVE A SAFE MOVE-OUT DAY

The big day could be less stressful if you hire a full-service moving company to handle all the tough aspects of your residential move. But there are a few more steps for you to take. Make sure that all boxes are packed and labeled. Also, double-check your essentials bag, which includes your chargers, documents, and medication. Read more about the essentials bag and how to organize it HERE and lastly, wear comfortable clothes made of breathable fabric and have closed-toe shoes with anti-slip soles for better traction on a moving day.

Moving out for the first time may be a big step, especially if it also means you’ll be living independently for the first time. But if you make sure you prepare accordingly and get everything on the checklists you’ll feel at home in no time and ready to enjoy your newfound freedom.