Moving out of your parents house is an exciting step into adulthood, but it can also be a scary and challenging step. Start by planning your move well in advance so that you’re financially and emotionally ready. Give yourself plenty of time to save up enough money, make your preparations, and find a place that you can realistically afford. Be open and not afraid to talk to your parents for advice or financial help incase you need it. Becoming fully independent is a process and you should not rush to do it overnight. Your parents are the best people to start with for wisdom and advice on the process.

#1: Budget Your Money

Create a realistic monthly budget based on your income. Start by calculating how much you’ll need monthly for important things like rent, utilities, credit card payments, emergency saving, bus pass expenses, car expenses, insurance, groceries, medical expenses, phone and internet bills, and so on. Then, calculate how much you spend monthly on non important things like entertainment and new clothes. Add this bills up and compare them to your monthly income. Ask yourself can you easily cover those costs with your current income without working extra hours? If your expenses are higher than your income then you might need to take up a second job or reduce your expenses. The rule of thumb is, your income should be about 3 times the cost of your monthly rent.

#2: What Are Expenses Associated With Moving?

Moving can be an expensive process and the amount needed for the first month will be significantly higher than your other monthly budgeted expenses. Research everything ahead of time, so you don’t get a surprise expenses on the moving day. Such as  you may need to rent a moving truck and tools to transport your belongings, hiring movers, paying for a storage, rent security deposit at your new place, utility setup fees. 

Always look around the new place and identify if there are any damages and all things are working. Once you accept the keys to the unit, you are most likely held responsible for the repair fees.

#3: Organize Your Move

1. Find a place within your price range. Location is important, do you want to live close to work or school or in between.

2. Look over the unit carefully before signing agreement.

3. Agree on a Move-in date with your landlord and sign the lease. Confirm the length of the lease and are there any charges associated in the move-in date. Some new condos in Vancouver charge elevator (move in) fees. Usually between $300-$500. Make sure you know between which times you are allowed to Move-In.

4. Setup your utility services the day of the move or after.

5. Ahead of time rent a truck if you are moving yourself or search for a professional movers in your area.

6. Change your address with Canada post to forward your mail to the new address.

7. Update your ID to reflect the new address

#4: Furnishing Your New Place

1. Get everything you need for your kitchen so you can make meals

   1. Storage containers

   2. Utensils

   3. Oven towels

   4. Aluminum foil

   5. Tea kettle

   6. Blender

   7. Mixing bowls

   8. Paper towel

2. Get cleaning supplies.

   1. All-purpose cleaner

   2. Disinfectant wipes

   3. Laundry detergent and bleach

   4. Toilet cleaner and toilet brush

   5. Dish soap and sponges

   6. Broom & scoop and vacuum cleaner (if your new place has carpet)

   7. Trash cans and trash bags

3. Get toiletries

   1. Toothbrush and toothpaste

   2. Hand soap

   3. Shampoo and conditioner

   4. Body wash and face wash

4. Invest in basic home maintenance tools to be prepared for anything.

   1. A first aid kit

   2. A Sewing kit

   3. Fire extinguisher

   4. Power strips

   5. Plunger

   6. Multi-Tool kit( screw driver, pliers, zip ties,…)

5. Buy New or Used furnitures

   1. Couch

   2. Coffee table

   3. Area rug

   4. Lamps

   5. Kitchen table and chairs

   6. TV Stand

   7. Bookcase

   8. Bed frame and mattress

6. Essential grocery shopping list

   1. Cereal and milk

   2. Fresh fruit

   3. Loaf of bread

   4. Canned soup

   5. Salt and pepper

#5: Communicate With Family and Friends

Since you are about to start living independently for the first time in your life, it’s best to keep good communication with family to discuss any issues that may come up. Trying to solve any issue alone could overwhelm you, so don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends for help.

We can help guide you on your first move go smoothly. Contact Skip Moving Now!