Take the plunge of moving out of your home and prepare to live independently! Moving out is a thrilling experience, but it can also be nerve-wracking. So to ensure you remember all must-haves for your home on a moving day, we’ve compiled an essential checklist to take care of all your needs.
Moving out for the first time can be an exciting milestone. Still, you must ensure you plan to avoid any potential uncertainties. To make the transition smoother, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist of things you need to move out to reliably equip you with all the basics for starting independent adult life. From planning and stocking up on supplies to packing appropriately and furnishing necessities — get ready, as our list for moving out has it covered!
Moving Out For The First Time Checklist
Living at home with your family provides a unique advantage: the freedom to take risks and experience new opportunities without fear of financial repercussions. With no housing payments, you can explore whatever paths intrigue you while knowing that someone will always have your back if things don’t work out as planned.
Eventually, you’ll reach the milestone of leaving home and starting your journey. It’s a big step forward that can open up many exciting possibilities. It won’t be easy, but you’ll have incredible experiences.
Moving away from home can be a big step, filled with unexpected challenges. Therefore, it’s vital to remain ready for whatever lies ahead and take the necessary precautions beforehand.
Are you looking to make your move smooth and stress-free? Our comprehensive first-time moving-out checklist covers all the essential components so that nothing is left behind when preparing for a first-time move.
Utility
Before you move into your new apartment or home, check the lease or ask the real estate agent responsible for activating any utilities included in the price.
To avoid unpleasant surprises on a moving day, find out if this responsibility lies with either yourself as a tenant or your landlord ahead of time — because nothing ruins an exciting first night like arriving home only to discover no electricity and a lack of Wi-Fi.
Paperwork
Moving out is an exciting but critical step to managing your life that requires changing your address. Ensuring the accuracy of this information helps you receive important parcels, documents and correspondence, preventing them from winding up in unexpected places or ending up at mum’s house.
Take charge of where everything goes by keeping your details updated with all relevant parties.
Aside from the list of things you need when moving out, here are a few individuals/organisations that need to know when you move out:
- Government departments via myGov Online
- Post office
- Insurance providers
- Employers
- Education providers
- Transport departments
- Healthcare providers
- Banks and financial services
Gas & Electricity
Get a head start on your move-in prep by ensuring that utilities are up and running. Be sure to open an account with the local provider before arrival, considering your location’s electricity or gas requirements — this will help ease you right in.
Water
Water is a pooled resource essential for life; often, it’s the landlord’s responsibility. For example, the landlord typically pays for water consumption charges in New South Wales.
Due to complex regulations and outcomes, keeping up with tenancy requirements may prove challenging. Staying in touch with web resources or an online agency can help you stay updated.
Internet & TV
When it comes to internet and television connection, many providers offer a combination service. Tap into this resource sooner rather than later, as technicians are in high demand, and scheduling can take some time.
Planning will help you avoid unforeseen delays, so research your options today. In addition, seeking a provider with high customer satisfaction is recommended to ensure you get the support you need.
Top 6 Reasons Why You Should Leave Home
Have you been dreaming of the day your independence finally becomes a reality? Taking that first leap out into the world on your own can be an incredibly exhilarating experience.
Each person’s reason for leaving home is unique, and here are the top six reasons to leave home:
Location
Embarking on your foray into the world of independent living? Choosing where you want to live is one of the most exciting elements. Whether it’s closeness to beating city streets, a hip and happening neighbourhood, or ocean breezes at nearby beaches, picking out that perfect place will be yours alone.
Relationships
Relationships come with significant decisions. One of the biggest is often deciding whether to move in together. This can be a momentous occasion that results in relocating for both parties or just one if someone has to sell their home first.
But, of course, not all relationships have happy endings. Breakups also call for new living arrangements as costs may become too high to keep up with, or it’s time for an individual buy-out.
Growing Up & Being Independent
Moving out is a significant milestone for anyone. However, it can be the perfect time to prove yourself as an independent adult.
Taking this step forward in your life will open up many possibilities – whether it’s getting that cosy recliner you have been thinking of or finding room for that furry friend! At the end of the day, though, remember: choosing how to move on with your journey ahead lies solely in your hands.
Design
Redefining your living space requires more than furniture and electronics – those little design touches can make your living space. Add lamps and wall art to curtains or pillows, and voila!
Let your style shine through with customised home décor! On a budget, creative DIY projects are always an option, such as hand-painted walls or jars transformed into chic accessories for any room in the house.
New Opportunity
Starting a new job can bring many exciting opportunities. Some may also include relocating within commuting distance of their workplace. If current travel arrangements need to be more suitable and practical, moving house could allow you to take advantage of this opportunity.
Lifestyle Change
If a renewed sense of energy and peace is what you seek, moving to a new city can be the perfect solution. Whether it’s trading in bustling city life for quiet country roads or vice versa, relocating could bring the change, you are looking for.
Living With Roommates For The First Time
Moving out of home and living with roommates is a rite of passage for any independent adult. But the transition to sharing this space can be eye-opening; it offers insight into how diverse personalities must work together in harmony and teaches hard lessons about self-reliance.
Create an atmosphere of ease and harmony with your housemates! Learn how to live with roommates with these eight simple tips on living with roommates to guarantee a happy home life in your new residence.
Keep An Open Mind
To live harmoniously with housemates, communicate! You can create an environment of respect by being open to hearing each other out and understanding perspectives that differ from yours due to upbringing or life experiences. Establishing a foundation for dialogue opens up discussion channels and sets the stage for problem-solving when conflicts arise.
Communication is critical to creating a harmonious household. Schedule regular housemate meetings so there’s an opportunity for everyone in the home to express their expectations and what they believe constitutes incredible cohabitation.
Discuss Expectations
Forge meaningful relationships with your new roommates before you sign the lease. Discussing expectations for living together can help avoid conflicts or make them more manageable. In addition, knowing everyone’s different backgrounds, habits, needs, and preferences from the start will create a strong foundation for successful cohabitation.
To ensure that your shared living space is harmonious, it’s essential to consider individual needs and communal desires for the year. Discussing topics such as desired cleanliness of shared areas, respectful use of each other’s belongings, and dividing chores can help create clear expectations from day one.
Having conversations about these issues may be enough, or writing down all agreed terms in a readily accessible document keeps everyone accountable.
Discuss Shared Finances
Sharing the everyday household cost with roommates can lighten the financial burden. For example, cut expenses by divvying up groceries, cleaning supplies, furniture and streaming services – split costs between housemates & enjoy a more budget-friendly lifestyle.
Splitting costs is a great way to make household purchases more affordable. Still, it’s important to consider everyone’s individual preferences beforehand. When making shared decisions on product quality and price, respect each other’s budget differences.
Create Traditions
Get to know your roommates and combine different priorities for a fun night. Schedule time each week like Sunday housemate dinners, Wednesday trivia nights, or relax together while watching an episode or two of one TV show. Enjoy quality bonding time with the people you share living space with.
Sharing a home with others doesn’t just give you great life-long friends – it also provides solace in times of homesickness.
Creating opportunities to get together, like celebrating holidays and birthdays, can help ease the strain on those living away from their families by building lasting connections between housemates.
Plan Your Costs Before Moving
Moving can be expensive, but utilising a professional mover to help with the process might save you money in the long run. Many movers bill hourly, so planning and doing some of your work (like storage packing) is essential. This will reduce costs to move and speed up moving time significantly.
When collaborating with knowledgeable, experienced professionals, be sure to include their moving expenses in the budget of your project:
- Moving costs/rates
- Services for packing
- Insurance for relocation
- Packaging service for specialised items (moving pianos, transporting TVs, safes, artwork, etc.)
- Hidden expenses (damages/claims, dinners, tips, and so on)
- Packing and unpacking services
Moving Yourself
When considering the cost of a move, don’t just factor in professional fees – remember that taking on all the work yourself requires both monetary and time investments. Consider your resources carefully before deciding to go alone; create an accurate budgeting plan for making this option financially viable.
Self-movers, remember to budget for essential expenses. Consider these items when crafting a moving plan that fits your needs:
- Vehicle rental
- Gas
- Insurance for relocation
- Insurance for furnishings
- Rental for additional hauling equipment (ramps and dolly)
- Materials for packaging (moving boxes, tape, covers, etc.)
Other Moving Expenses
When formulating your moving-out home budget, consider costs beyond the obvious. Despite being easy to overlook, certain miscellaneous expenses can significantly impact your total figure.
To create a successful budget plan, consider all potential additional expenses you may incur and add them to your contingency total or separate them into their category.
Upfront Costs
1. Moving Services
Moving can be one of the most costly aspects when changing homes, but taking a few simple steps to ensure you’re prepared will make all the difference. Of course, this is a given, but moving your possessions from one property to another is likely the biggest expense you incur when moving house.
Moving house is a costly and time-consuming task that requires careful consideration of your available transportation options. Consider hiring professional removalists, renting a van or truck for the journey, or packing everything into your vehicle — whatever choice you choose will impact the overall expense.
2. Furniture and Appliances
Furnishing can be surprisingly pricey for those venturing into their first rental. Unless you’ve been on the move for a while and already own most of your furniture, do some research to find cost-saving solutions. Ditch new store items in favour of second-hand finds from garage sales or online sites. It’s also a wise decision to hold a garage sale before moving, as it can help you recoup some expenses or reduce moving costs.
3. Rental Bond
You may be required to pay an upfront rental bond when renting a property. This security deposit protects the landlord or real estate agent from any potential liabilities arising from your tenancy agreement.
The cost of a rental bond can vary, but the RTA has established guidelines for landlords or agents to follow. For example, if your weekly rent is less than $700, you can be charged up to four weeks’ worth. However, if it’s above this amount. In that case, any sum may apply.
4. Moving Materials
Before relocating, it’s wise to factor in the cost of supplies such as packing tape, cardboard boxes and bubble wrap. Although these items may be small investments relative to moving expenses, they are essential for protecting belongings during transit especially when you’re packing your glasses.
With careful planning, you can save on moving costs when packing your items. Get creative with alternative materials like newspaper, clothing or bed linen — these are great options for wrapping fragile goods and cutting back on bubble wrap expenses.
Ongoing Costs
1. Rental Cost
Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task. With rent easily being your largest expense, it’s crucial to establish an optimal budget and determine what rental costs you can realistically afford.
For most people, 30% or less of their before-tax income should suffice when looking at potential rentals in major cities. However, factors such as location and type of dwelling will influence these figures accordingly.
2. Utilities
Many rentals come equipped with various utilities such as electricity, gas and sometimes even water. You can expect to receive your utility bills quarterly or monthly. Generally, you won’t have to pay for the landlord’s water.
3. Groceries
Moving out of home for the first time is a huge milestone — and so is your initial grocery shop. Ensure you’re stocking up on more than just food.
Remember to purchase cleaning products, toiletries, and other necessities. This first shopping experience will cost more with everything new in place.
4. Transportation
If you own a car, your transportation expenses can vary dramatically based on where you live and how regularly it’s used. On average, an individual living 5 km away from the city centre who relies on public transit to commute pays around $2,572 annually in vehicle running costs — as suggested by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA).
The Smooth Movers Got You Not Just The First Time—But All The Time!
Moving out for the first time can be a daunting experience, but with some preparation and planning, you’ll have all your ducks in a row. Check out our comprehensive moving house checklist to ensure everything is handled before move-in day. In addition, our additional cost guide will help ensure your transition goes off without any hiccups.
As you embark on your independence journey, this guide will assist with all the essentials for transitioning into a new place. We wish you success in your first apartment adventure. Call us today for a free quote and let’s get moving!
