Moving out of your parent’s house is one of the significant milestones in your life. You might be moving after college or relocating to be near a loved one. Most of us spend our lives imagining the moment and prepare for our first home. You might feel like you are on the cusp of adulthood, starting a new adventure. It is a rollercoaster of emotions with twists and turns.
However, moving for the first time is also daunting. Not only are you leaving behind the rules of your parent’s house, but you are also letting go of your home comforts. You will be in charge of significant decisions, such as home repairs, etc. At the same time, you may also have to keep several considerations in mind.
Relocating can become one of the top stressors in a person’s life. Moving disrupts our lives and takes a toll on our finances. Relocating is also an emotional experience because we leave behind familiar things and venture into the unknown.
However, moving does not have to be stressful. Careful planning and meticulous organization can minimize our frustrations. Fortunately, there are some hacks you can follow for a first-time move.
Get rid of the clutter:
Everyone has extra stuff, like college memorabilia or worn-out trainers. Decluttering can make things easier for you. Not only will you have fewer things to pack and move, but you might even raise more money by selling your old stuff. However, some things have an emotional value, and you might not be ready to part with them. For that, you can rent a self-storage facility and store belongings you cannot throw away.
However, storage facilities in areas with unpredictable weather, such as Amarillo, Texas, require extra care because such changes can damage your possessions. But you don’t need to sweat to find the perfect storage for yourself.
All you need to do is Google ‘self storage Amarillo near me’, and you’ll find premium facilities, including humidity and climate control options. You can also donate or recycle items to do a good deed and get rid of extra stuff, or you can opt for a garage sale to make a quick buck while decluttering your life.
Figure out the finances:
People get blindsided by the expense of moving, and most assume that they cannot afford to move. So, see if you have enough money in the bank for a move before deciding anything. You can even practice setting aside some money for rent. Then think about the specifics, like how much money you can spend on rent and other services.
The amount will help you choose the apartment. A simple way of calculating the maximum rent allowance is to subtract all essentials from your monthly income. These include your phone bill, insurance premiums, car payments, and groceries.
The remaining amount is what you can spend on your rent. But, remember to keep a little extra money instead of spending it all on rent. You will also have to save up for your relocation. The cost will cover paying for a moving service, your security deposit, and the rent for the first month.
Furnishing your new place:
We all remember the iconic Friends scene when Ross asks everyone to help him move his furniture. Heavy sofas and beds can be stressful and make things frustrating. You have to keep your possessions safe from damage while they are in the truck. You can use a plastic bag to wrap your mattress and foam covers to keep your wooden surfaces scuff-free.
Furthermore, wardrobe boxes are excellent for clothes and personal items. But, relocating furniture for a long-distance move is costly. So, it is better to sell the old furniture and buy new items for your home. Look for secondhand furniture at yard sales to save some money. Most pieces only need a little DIY for a polished look. Plus, you will avoid the stress and worry of the move and buy better items for your space.
Buy the essentials:
Planning your move can help you keep down costs and make things easier. So, buy a few items each week instead of buying pieces at once. You can take advantage of clearance sales and get bargains on kitchenware and linens. But, there is no hurry to purchase things as soon as possible.
Remember that larger pieces, such as couches and televisions, are an investment. Furthermore, appliances like your washing machine and refrigerator are lifetime investments. So, save your money for better products that will last.
Packing and moving:
Now comes the complicated part. It is time to pack all your items and leave the old place. Get a checklist to keep track of everything. Experts suggest starting as early as possible to avoid delays. Getting moving boxes is the first step. Businesses such as liquor stores and restaurants usually have a lot of boxes. So, ask them if they can give some to you.
You can buy boxes online as well. The next step is packing. Color code the boxes according to the location. For example, items for the living room can be in a crate with blue tape. This strategy will save you time and help you get your bearings. Last, remember to keep your essentials in a separate box. Therefore, put things like toilet paper, medicines and a set of clothes in a bag. It will help you get through the first 24 hours in the new house.
Settle into your new house:
It is time to turn your space into a home. You might be exhausted after the moving day, but it is better to start unpacking as soon as possible. Unpack your shower curtains and bedding to take a hot shower and a short nap.
Then cover your windows with sheets to get some privacy. Afterward, run to the local grocery store to get some necessities such as eggs and milk. However, do not push yourself too much. Take things slow and enjoy the process.
Conclusion:
You have officially relocated to your first place. It is time to congratulate yourself for pulling through and staying positive. Celebrate your achievement by hosting a housewarming party and inviting your friends. Take this opportunity to meet your neighbors and form everlasting bonds.