Francis Underwood
Let’s face it; we don’t have the luxury to permanently remain in one place throughout our lives. Moving houses is an inevitable part of our life. Between 2019 and 2020, some 9.3% of Americans embarked on the relocation journey.
Undeniably, moving houses is one of the most stressful activities, even more so if you are doing it for the first time. Leaving your parent’s home to own your space comes with several responsibilities and opportunities. In other words, you will be stepping out from the comfort of your home into unchartered territory. While you may have the freedom to make decisions and take the direction of your life, you will also learn to take on responsibilities. These may include managing finances, maintaining cleanliness, etc.
However, you are not alone in this transformative journey since we’re here to offer guidance. As you embark on this life-changing transition, you may wonder: where and how to begin? A comprehensive moving checklist can come to your aid in this regard. So, follow this checklist to ensure you have a stress-free move:
- Seek Help from Reputable Movers
Remember this crucial tip when preparing yourself for your first move. While you may move on your own or with the help of your friends and family, seeking professional assistance will help you avoid the stress and challenges of the relocation process.
Let’s assume you’re moving out of Wichita, KS, due to its high cost of living – which is 3% higher than the state average. Whether you’re moving within Kansas state or to another state, you’ll need the assistance of professional movers to navigate this process. So, get in touch with trustworthy Wichita moving companies and let the professionals tackle this task. Apart from moving services, they also offer other services, including packing, storage solutions, etc.
- Keep An Eye On Your Finances
When you are living with your parents, you have less financial obligations. But if you move out on your own for the first time, everything changes. Since you will be living independently, it’s time you learn to manage your finances.
So, first things first. Start by tracking all your incoming expenses and the gross earnings you earn per month. Doing so will give you clarity and enable you to sort the funds. While you are at it, don’t forget to make a moving budget. It may include transportation, packing supplies, renting storage unit costs, etc.
- Purge
Have you started packing? Maybe you are just stacking your boxes with everything you got. However, midway you may realize that you have too much stuff. You would probably panic since you don’t know what to do now. Fortunately, this is also an ideal time for you to purge.
Right before your final move, you need to go through your belongings and sort them. Get rid of items you no longer need, so you may stay organized and start fresh. Sort your possessions into three categories: discard, sell, or donate. However, renting a storage unit might be viable if you are unsure of certain belongings.
Decluttering will lighten your load, making your move less expensive and easier.
- Pack Your Belongings
Now comes the actual part of moving – packing.
Make sure you have the right packing supplies before starting with this step. Packing materials may include cardboard boxes, permanent markers, tape, bubble wrap, etc. You can find packing supplies by visiting local grocery or liquor stores, restaurants, etc.
Once you have all you need, start packing. Since this step takes longer than you may anticipate, it’s better to start as early as possible. Packing little by little will help you lessen your stress and ensure you get the work done properly before your final move. Don’t just stack the boxes with items randomly. A better idea is to label each box to avoid any confusion during unpacking. Lastly, it would be better to have an essentials box that can come in handy on the actual moving date.
- Take Care Of Necessary Arrangements
There is no denying that life without utilities would be impossible.
When you visit the place for the first time, you may observe that utilities are on. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they would still be on when you finally move into your new house. So, a wise tip is to determine which utilities are already covered and which ones you are responsible for paying. Then, once you get your move-in date, contact the utility provider in your area and have them set up the required utilities.
Having access to the internet or TV cable is necessary for everyone. So, make sure you call the supplier beforehand and get the installations.
- Update your new address
Once you have the keys to your new place, you may get busy with various tasks. After all, there is a list of tasks you must do before your final move. Amidst all this chaos, updating your new address may be the last thing on your mind. However, not doing so can cause you much trouble. Imagine your important letters getting delivered to your previous home. Of course, that would be a recipe for disaster. So, to avoid such cases, notify important parties so they know how to contact you following your move.
Likewise, inform your employer, insurance providers, bank, and friends about your move.
- Collect Fundamental Goods For Your New Household
When living with parents, you may not realize how many items contribute to everyday life at home. Each room has its own set of possessions.
Now, whether you are moving into a fully furnished or unfurnished place, you need to hit the store for some essentials. Few household items are necessities, so you should acquire them ahead of time if possible. However, you can postpone the shopping spree for larger items until after your final move-in.
That said, the list below shares the must-have items you will need when moving out for the first time:
- Bedroom: Bed, sheets, pillow, hangers, etc.
- Bathroom: Toilet paper, hygiene accessories, shower curtain, etc.
- Kitchen: Cooking utensils, silverware, detergent, etc.
- Other general items: First aid kit, extension cord, cleaning supplies, flashlight, batteries, etc.
Conclusion
The most awaited moment of your life is here – you are stepping into independent living. Of course, you probably feel different emotions at this time. For instance, you may feel excited, but nervousness could be lingering in the back of your mind. It’s natural. After all, moving for the first time is never a cakewalk. However, to manage your worries, we have compiled a comprehensive checklist in the article above to make you all set for your moving day. By ticking off everything on the list, you will swiftly settle into your new abode and relish your newfound independence.
