I've moved five times in the last thirteen years and am now preparing for my sixth move. The last time I moved was when I was 17 and had just graduated from high school. Although I moved over a thousand miles, moving 20 miles now is way more stressful. It's so much easier when your parents are there to hold your hand and help with every single thing. Hopefully, these ideas will help you if you're getting ready to move also!
1. Figure out your finances: One of the first steps you should take before moving is deciding a budget if you don't have one already. You'll want to consider how much you're willing to spend each month on rent and utilities in addition to several other expenses. This will especially help when you have to make lists of items you'll need for your new place. Here is an impromptu, late night example of a rough budget that will definitely need to be updated.
2. Search for places that meet your needs/wants: You should consider the safety of the area you would like to live. Pet-friendly or not. If you want pet-friendly, look at breed restrictions, weight limits, pet fees and deposits, and pet rent. Consider whether you want a place with a garage or not. You can also ask if a washer and dryer are included and many places have their amenities listed online as well. My biggest concern is actually being at a pet-friendly place especially since I now have two angels, Helena and Hermia.
3. Have tentative dates for your move: There is no way I would have been able to handle moving during this semester. My roomie and I decided to move during this upcoming summer after classes end. This is really going to come down to what works best for each individual.
4. Look into roommate options: This is a personal preference and also depends on whether or not you can afford to completely live on your own. Some have suggested that my roommate and I come up with an agreement and have it notarized just to be on the safe side. Lucky for me, I've found an amazing roommate! I know that I'm not ready to be completely on my own and I'm beyond thankful I've found someone who is willing to live with another girl, two dogs, and a fish. Plus, it's great to split the cost on all the decor, furniture, and other knickknacks.
5. Decide what you need: Oh, my goodness, y'all. Pinterest has become my best friend for everything apartment related. I didn't realize how much stuff I actually do need. Like I said in the previous point, benefits of having a roommate means splitting costs. This list has been one of the most useful I have found so far:
6. Ask family and friends for help: I plan on moving this summer which happens to be my birthday time. Instead of gifts, I would much rather have help moving and getting settled in. I've used Facebook to reach out to tons of family and friends in the area. This is a great tool to use because some people are willing to give away free stuff or sell some things for cheap to help you out. If you have help moving furniture, provide the helpers with beverages and snacks!
Don't be like Ross and scream at your friends either!
7. Use Lists: I've been making lists for everything. You should keep track of the different places you would like to live, what you need for the place, finances, etc. There is more information you will need than you may think. I would just recommend keeping a notebook with all of it within so it's all in one place.
8. Packing Supplies: I suggest looking on Facebook yard sale pages for moving boxes. I often see people giving away their used ones to whoever needs them. The last time I moved, I bought several of the large bins from Walmart and crammed my entire life into them. Then I just labeled the lid with whatever was inside the box. For this next move, I will just reuse some boxes I have in storage since I won't be bringing too much with me.
9. Choose what to bring: In my case, I know I can't bring everything. I have furniture that is too wide so I am only bringing my bed and a bookshelf that I have already. If you're able to keep some of your belongings at your parents', that's super helpful. My dad is letting me keep my room basically as it is minus the things I'll be taking with me. You should definitely clean out before packing everything.
10. Declutter: Decluttering goes along with step nine, but this is something I find to be a continuous habit in my life. I clean out all the time because I really would like to have a more minimalist lifestyle. I promise I'm not a hoarder, but cleaning out my current room definitely made me feel like I had a problem. I cleaned out several pieces of clothing and books and put them on Facebook so I can use some of the extra cash to put towards moving. If you're like me and have trouble letting some things go, just take a picture if it really means that much to you. I can now also promise you'll feel great after cleaning out. Less is more!
This is what my backseat looks like with stuff ready to be donated so far.
