Things To Consider Before Moving Out

Whether moving away from home for the first time or moving to your place after living with roommates, it is a good idea to stop and think about some of the pitfalls that might trip you up. For instance, some places include utilities with rent, and others do not; failing to factor in the cost of utilities can strain your budget.

Rent and Utilities

Rent is the most significant ongoing expense of moving out and can be the biggest reason you lower your expectations for apartments or properties to rent. Utilities are the second most significant ongoing expense and can sometimes mean paying one or more additional bills each month. Some rentals will include things like heat or cable in the monthly rent, while others will require you to set up and pay for all the utilities on your own. While factoring in these expenses, remember that you will need some internet or wifi for your new place and that the new Affordable Connectivity Program can help you keep bills lower.

Daily Expenses and Income

In addition to the rent and utilities expenses, you will also want to track your daily expenses to see if your future budget can meet your income. It is essential to track your spending for a month or so to get a better idea of your actual expenses instead of estimating them because most people spend more than they realize.

Reasons for Moving

The reason for your move can be as important as the costs involved because it can also affect the types of apartments or houses you look at. For instance, if you are moving to shorten your commute, you will want to look for rentals closer to where you work or go to school. Moving to a bigger or smaller space, purchasing instead of renting, and even parking conditions can all be reasons for moving, affecting the type of places you consider. Moving away from unhealthy relationships or environments is a significant consideration because you will want to ensure you are not heading into a similar situation.

Location and Roommates

Will you have roommates? Are you moving to a new city or a different part of your current one? How will the rent and utilities be divided, and whose name will be on which bills? Moving out with your existing roommates, such as your spouse, kids, or best friend, is usually easier than moving into a new place with people you have never met or have not lived with. Remembering that just because you have been best friends, or even family, for life does not always mean you can get along as roommates.

What To Pack

Moving to a new home or apartment is an excellent excuse to purge your space of everything accumulated since your last move. If you are moving out of your parent’s house, it is good to remember that they will probably appreciate it if you do not leave too much behind. Pack anything you will need on the first day or so in a different box or piece of luggage so that it is easy to find your toothbrush or pillow without having to unpack everything first.

What To Buy

Start buying the essentials before you move, but try to save any large items, like furniture, for after you move. Consider buying pots and pans, small appliances such as air fryers or instant pots, and power strips. This is especially important if you are moving long distances because shipping furniture to a new city is usually more expensive than delivering it from a local store. It can be helpful to consider every room of your current place and which items in that space you use frequently and will not be taking with you. For instance, if your current apartment has a built-in entertainment system and your new one does not, you will need another place to put your television and other electronics.

Moving to a new place is a big step that comes with even bigger considerations, such as rent, utilities and living expenses, furniture and other items you might need to purchase, and who you will be living with. The more prep work you put into these considerations, the more smoothly your move will likely be, whether across town or to a different state.

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