A Beginner’s Guide To Moving Out for the First Time
By Stella Violet
I have moved a total of seven times in my life, so at this point, I would consider myself an expert. Though I wish I had some advice when moving for the first time, especially from a single girl. You never expect how much planning, time, and effort goes into moving. So, today I’m going to talk to you about what it’s like to move for the first time as a single young woman.
If you’re in your late teens or early twenties, find roommates. I would suggest looking into asking friends, joining Facebook groups, or college forums. However, make sure if you and your friends are moving in that direction, it will work and your friendship won’t be put in jeopardy. From experience, I would suggest going on a trip for a week together or just coexisting with each other for a week to see if any conflicts arise.
Also, when looking for roommates from outside sources like Facebook, meet them before you move in and ask lots of questions. It’s important to know if they are night owls or if they prefer peace at night. Or, if you have a lot of friends over, will it be an issue for them, and vice versa? It’s also important to share your answers to these questions with potential roommates. The last thing you want to do is sign a lease with someone who is constantly nagging you about your habits or, again, vice versa.
Great, you’ve found your roommate or roommates, and now you’re on the hunt for a new apartment. Do your research! The number one regret I hear about when people sign a lease is that they don’t know much about their new apartment. Google is there for a reason; read the reviews of any apartment you are considering. So many places offer a month off rent or a $500 bonus and these are great things, but be sure these apartments aren’t offering that because nobody wants to move in. If there is one thing to not be cheap about, it’s the place you live in.
This is why roommates are the best; the more people you live with, the cheaper it will be. Though, in turn, you want to make sure you can rely on these people financially and emotionally. Together, you should work with these people to find the perfect apartment, and make sure to always tour before you sign a lease. Also, I’ve found that having a parent or someone older who has leased apartments before with you to ask questions can help immensely. It might seem lame to ask older adults for help, but it could help you in the long run. Don’t be afraid to ask what utilities normally cost, or what “renter-friendly” changes you can make to the apartment. No matter how awkward these conversations could be with a leasing manager, it’ll be you who has to live there in the end.
Now, the difficult part is packing up your entire life. If this is your first time moving, chances are you have just been slowly collecting furniture and clothes practically you’re entire life. It is now up to you to decide what you will be taking to your new place. I would suggest starting with three boxes, one for donations, one for trash, and one for keeps. This will help sort things out neatly, and you can ask friends to help you decide what you should keep and donate. I would also set aside a small memory box for things of importance like birth certificates, high school yearbooks, and things of that nature. And, if you have any sort of silverware, take it, forks and spoons are notorious for going missing.
Keep track of time during the packing stage, and don’t procrastinate. If you’re supposed to be moving in on a certain date, try to have all of your things packed two weeks prior. To avoid packing the wrong things, keep a few boxes open that have your essentials, like toiletries, and enough clothes to wear until you move.
Also, it’s important to think about the size and location of your new place. Is your new room going to fit a queen-sized bed, or do you need to downgrade? And if you’re moving across the country realistically, how much stuff can you take? Measuring your new room and the specific items you want to bring will be your best friends.
Speaking of friends, if they are willing to help you move, take their help. I have never had an easier move than when me and my five friends were all moving my things together. I get it; sometimes it can be uncomfortable to ask friends for help, but if you’re close enough, this shouldn’t be an issue. Offer to buy them lunch afterward, and it should be okay, considering lunch for five is way cheaper than hiring movers.
Great, now you’re in your new place and you don’t know where to start. You have too many boxes and probably not enough space, and you feel like it’ll take forever to set up your new space. The first thing you need to do is never expect to have your dream room the second you move in. This might sound harsh, but I also struggle with the fact that the second I move into a place, it does not look like my Pinterest board.
Unpacking takes time, and setting up your room takes even more time. So I would say to plan accordingly to make sure you have the time to unpack. Also remember that your new place does not have to be fully furnished the week you move in, or even the month you move in. Take it slow and figure out your bed situation first, since you’ll be sleeping there the first night. I’d also recommend hanging up and organizing clothes next since you’re probably tired of wearing the same clothes from before your move. After that, the rest will slowly fall into place; maybe make a plan to organize one box a day, and then by the end of the week, you’ll see progress.
Everything takes time, and moving is no easy task, but with the proper planning, you’ll have your dream apartment in no time. And, never be afraid to have conversations with roommates and leasing managers; they will ultimately be your biggest allies and provide you with valuable answers. And when things don’t go right, which will most likely happen, don’t give up and know it will all work out in the end (as long as you don’t procrastinate).
