10 Tips for moving into your own place

Pacer graphic / Mekenzie Coleman

Moving out for the first time can be stressful, especially as a young student or graduate. Here are ten tips to make moving out as easy as possible.

1. Research and be aware of your location. Make sure you’re moving to an area that has the things you need, whether that be jobs, grocery stores, restaurants, schools or something else.
2. Research renter’s insurance if you’re renting a place. Renter’s insurance protects your personal property in the event of a catastrophe, such as a fire or theft . Renter’s insurance can also protect you from liability if someone is injured on your property.
3. Compile a list of all the things you will need to buy and move, and you will need to decide if you need professional movers or not. If you are on a tight budget and your apartment or house is unfurnished, thrift stores are a great place to find cheaper furniture.
4. Handle utilities if they are not included in your rental agreement. Often, you will pay separately for water and electricity, and this is through the city you will be residing in. Other utilities such as internet connection and cable are not required, but most people choose to acquire them.
5. Read your lease or rental agreement thoroughly and keep an extra copy of it with you. If you rent, your landlord may do routine checks at your place to make sure you are following the rules highlighted in your lease, such as no pets, no smoking and more.
6. Consider if you will need roommates due to financial reasons. Rent is not getting any cheaper, and chances are as a young adult, you may not have the funds to live completely alone at first. Make sure to get to know your roommates before committing to a living space together.
7. Practice budgeting beforehand. Sometimes, there will be unexpected expenses because, well… life. It’s important to have a little money set aside for emergencies and rainy days.
8. Planning your meals and shopping with a list will help you budget and refrain from going out to eat too often and spending more money than you have to.
9. Figure out what amenities are important to you, such as a pool, dog park or gym. If these are important to you, be sure to pick a place with those amenities.
10. Prepare emotionally. Moving into your own place is a huge emotional adjustment, so it is normal for mixed emotions to occur. Moving out is a big step in your journey as an adult and is a process, but can be fun with the right amount of preparation!