Moving Out Checklist and Financial Tips for Young Adults

Moving out of your parents’ home and getting your own place is an exciting milestone. But independent living comes with much greater financial responsibility. Use this comprehensive moving out checklist and money tips to transition smoothly.

Budgeting in Advance

Before planning your move, build a realistic monthly budget to see if you can afford living independently:

Estimate rent, utilities, wifi, and renters insurance costs for your target location.
Factor in a higher grocery budget and dining out less when you pay for your own food.
Account for increased transportation costs if getting your own car insurance plan.
Add savings contributions, loan payments, entertainment budgets and other personal expenses.

See if your income can cover these new living expenses with room for unexpected costs. Having 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses saved up is ideal before moving out.

Apartment Hunting Tips

Finding the right apartment at the right price is crucial. Keep these tips in mind when evaluating options:

Define your must-haves like location, size, amenities and dealbreakers.
Check online listing sites but also drive around neighborhoods for rent signs.
Ask about move-in specials, included utilities, application fees and pet policies.
Tour in-person to check noise levels, amenities, parking, and safety.
Inspect thoroughly – test faucets, appliances, lights, and HVAC systems.
Review the lease terms carefully – know what’s covered and your responsibilities.

Getting pre-qualified for an apartment will make the application process much smoother.

Create a Moving Budget

Moving is always more expensive than expected. Here are key costs to account for in your moving budget:

Truck rental – For moving your belongings to the new place.
Gas and mileage – For the moving truck and your own vehicle.
Moving supplies – Tape, boxes, bubble wrap, mattress bags, furniture pads.
Hiring movers – If you won’t move everything yourself.
New furniture – At minimum you’ll likely need a bed.
Utility setup fees – For activating electricity, internet, cable, etc.
Cleaning – Supplies to clean the old place and new one.
Deposits – First month’s rent and a security deposit.

Securing a separate emergency fund for move-in costs and unexpected expenses is wise.

Furnishing Your First Apartment

Furnishing an entire place yourself gets expensive. Follow these tips:

Buy the essential big pieces first – bed, sofa, dining table, dresser.
Check thrift stores, garage sales, Facebook Marketplace for furniture.
Start with a minimalist approach – it’s easier to add over time.
See if any family members have extra furniture they can donate.
Compare renting furniture vs. buying – options like Fern allow flexibility.
Utilize buy now, pay later financing carefully – avoid if possible.

Building up furnishings slowly over time helps you stay within budget.

Utility Setup

Contact all the utilities and services you will need for your new apartment:

Electricity – Choose a provider and start service in your name.
Internet/cable – Schedule installation or self-setup a WiFi router.
Renters insurance – Secure a policy to cover your belongings.
Garbage collection – Ask about pickup days, recycling, and providing your own bins.
Water – Private landlords may cover, otherwise set up billing.
Gas – Arrange service on if landlord doesn’t cover.

Ask about new customer discounts to reduce startup fees. Provide a move-in date several days early in case delays occur.

Changing Your Address

To prevent missed mail and bills, submit address changes to:

U.S. Postal Service – For mail forwarding.
Your bank and creditors
Insurance providers – Auto, health, life, renters.
Investment accounts
Friends, family and contacts
Your employer
IRS, Social Security Administration, and state tax agency
Memberships – Gym, alumni organization, etc.

Update your address for bills paid automatically online. Redirecting mail prevents identity theft. Ask USPS to hold mail if moving between apartments.

Transportation Logistics

Update your transportation details:

Update driver’s license with new address.
Register vehicles at the DMV in your new state.
Review auto insurance – You may get cheaper rates after moving.
Consider using public transit if available – can save on car expenses.
If flying home, check proximity of airports to your new place.
Scope out the parking situation – paid parking or permits required?

Being strategic with transportation in your new city saves significantly.

Moving Essentials Shopping List

Here’s an essential shopping list for move-in day:

Paper plates, cups, towels, and toilet paper
Dish soap, sponges, trash bags
Cleaning wipes, toiletries, vacuum, mop
Kitchen essentials – can opener, spatulas, pots
Groceries and snacks for move-in weekend
Tools – hammer, screwdriver, wrench, tape measure
Flashlight, batteries, first aid kit
Paper towels, pens and notepads, scissors
Pet supplies if you have an animal

Stock up several days before the move so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Moving Day Game Plan

Executing a smooth move requires careful orchestration:

Book movers or rope in friends – provide food and refreshments.
Assemble supplies – boxes, tape, crates, and furniture pads.
Print out maps and directions to the new place. Share access instructions.
Take photos of cable connections and how furniture looked in old place as a reference.
Label every box with the room it should go in. Color code them.
Empty out fridge and freezer. Keep cleaning supplies accessible.

Having a game plan prevents being overwhelmed on moving day. Adjust plans as needed to stay on track.

Post-Move To-Do List

After move-in day, your work isn’t done. Remember to:

Unpack room by room starting with essentials like bedroom and kitchen.
Clean the old place – leave in good condition and take photos.
Return keys, access cards, parking passes to old landlord.
Clean the new place thoroughly – especially kitchen and bathrooms.
Set up internet and WiFi – may take a day or two after install.
Confirm service starts for all utilities.
Unpack slowly over several weeks to stay organized.

Pace yourself when settling in. Don’t rush to unpack everything in one day.

Developing a Monthly Budget

With all the startup costs, it’s crucial to budget carefully each month:

Categorize expenses as fixed (rent, car payment) vs. variable (food, entertainment).
Reduce discretionary spending until you have a 3-6 month emergency fund saved up.
Take advantage of renter discounts and free food from community centers or work if money is extremely tight.
Find a roommate or negotiate a lower rent if your current place is unaffordable.
Boost income with a side gig if needed to cover expenses.

Be diligent for the first few months. Once settled, reassess areas to cut back or make more money.

The sense of freedom living alone or with roommates brings is exciting. But be sure to start out on solid financial footing using this moving guide and budgeting wisely. Staying disciplined from the start prevents stress and struggles down the road. The independence will feel much more rewarding.