subject: A Guide To Moving Out [print this page] At some point in time, we grow-up just enough to strike out on our own. The ironic thing is no matter how "independent" one is, one always needs a helping hand. Be it family, friends or neighbours. Yet, we choose to go out from our parent's home and move in to our own place.
This is one of the largest moves in our lifetime. Aside from joining the military or purchasing a family home, this will be a formidable but worthwhile experience.
The best advice to heed is to plan your move. However obvious that seems, even seasoned movers that have gone from town to town or even country to country can be a victim of poor planning. Planning is not the only important factor, preparation is likewise necessary.
Empty Your Wallet:
Moving out means your are going to need stuff. And that stuff comes with a steep price tag. Groceries are expensive. Furniture is expensive. Toiletries are expensive. Household goods like towels, bed sheets and the like are expensive.
So start buying before you move. Visit some jumble sales, car boot and white elephant sales. Pick up items you'll need. In addition, start stocking up on toiletries. All of these things are necessities. Better to pay for them now before you have to lay out money for rent and utilities.
Also, open your own checking and savings account. Put some cash in each account. You will need it when in your own place.
Aim Low:
If you move into a flat, try to find one on the first floor. Ditto with a house. Though stairs are a reality the world over, take a room on the first floor. Let your house mates live upstairs. You will be glad you did when hauling furniture inside and carrying in bags of groceries.
Take-on New Responsibilities:
Moving out means independence. But not from bills and house hold chores. While chores are a part of most people's lives before they move out, bills are another matter. While having to pay for your own auto cover or mobile phone can be a good learning curve, expenses will quickly add-up.
Keep in mind that bills won't be your only responsibility. You'll have to put yourself in charge of you. Meaning, getting up on time. Going to bed at a reasonable hour. Setting goals for yourself.
Bond with House Mates:
Sharing expenses won't make you lifelong mates. But developing a friendship will. That can easily be done with a little mutual respect. Respect each other's space. Respect each other's privacy. Respect each other's sacrifices. Above all, be sincere in your respect.
Distribute Household Chores:
No one likes doing chores. But to maintain a household, it must be done. So agree with your house mates who does what. One can take-on recycling the rubbish. Another cleaning floors. Et cetera. Switch it up now and again. And remember, the less of a mess you make, the less there is to clean-up.
Spell It Out:
Write down your budget and your moving plan. Make sure to check the weather report before you physically move. Put as much as you can in boxes. Label the boxes and place them in the appropriate rooms. Make arrangements for utilities to be turned on prior to the move. Check your list at least twice.
With a bit of planning and some preparation, your move should be incident free.
