Moving out for the first time can be super exciting. But, since you’re not used to the ins and outs of moving, you might be overwhelmed. Fortunately, it’s easy to transition from one place to the next with preparation and education. So, whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, here are the things you should know.
Step One: Do Your Homework
If you’re stressing out about moving, one way to mitigate the negative feelings is to create a plan. Even if you’re not the planning type, it’s much better to know what to expect than fly blind. Some elements to focus on include:
- Location – What is your new area like? Are there amenities nearby, such as convenience stores, grocery stores, and public transportation?
- Safety – Is your new neighborhood or city safe? What are the top types of crime in the area? For example, if car break-ins are common, you can plan accordingly with an alarm system.
- Costs – How much can you expect to spend on rent and other expenses after moving? Research the median rent prices in your area and look at average utility costs for units of that size. This number will help you determine your budget, so it’s critical moving forward.
- Move-In Process – Realistically, you’re moving into an apartment or home with roommates. Do you need to fill out and submit an application? Will you need to meet with landlords or other renters to secure your new space? Knowing these details ensures you’re not surprised by anything during the entire process.
Step Two: Get Your Finances in Order
Once you know what to expect for rent and utility payments, you need to make sure you can afford these prices once you move. For example, if your monthly expenses are $1500, but you only make (or plan to make) $1,700 per month. Can you live on $200 extra for groceries, gas, and other incidentals? If not, you’ll have to cut costs somewhere.
If you’re moving out of state, you have to consider what you’ll do for employment. How long will you find a new job? How much do you have in savings? These numbers can help you avoid debt and costly moving expenses.
Step Three: Make Checklists
No matter how experienced you are at moving, you’ll invariably forget something along the way. Create checklists of everything you need and have to do. Some examples include:
- Packing List for Each Room
- Purchase List for Each Room (i.e., trash bins, flatware, furniture, etc.)
- Moving Timeline
- Paperwork Deadlines and Costs
- Moving Expenses (i.e., boxes, movers, etc.)
Once these checklists are in order, it’s easier to remember all the details. Then, you can move with confidence because you’ve verified all the essentials.
Step Four: Get Help
Moving is already stressful, so why add more issues by moving by yourself? Even if you’re just moving with the clothes on your back, you should get help acclimating to a new location. Friends, family, and co-workers may have similar experiences, so you can learn from them about what to do and what not to do. Ideally, they can also help with the physical aspect of moving, but take whatever help you can get.
Let Our Professional Moving Team Help You!
You have plenty of other tasks to figure out for your move. So, why not let us handle the planning and logistics of getting your stuff from Point A to B. Contact us to find out more about the moving services we offer!