Leaving home for the first time can be both an exciting and daunting experience. There are so many things to think about, from finding the right place and budgeting for your new home, to packing everything up and getting yourself set up in your new space. This guide will walk you through all the essential steps you need to take when preparing to move out of home for the first time.
Explore our steps to take when preparing to move out of home:
- What to consider when moving out of home for the first time
- How to find the right place to live
- How to budget for your new home
- What to pack when moving out of home
- How to get settled into your new space
- Change of address checklist
What to consider when moving out of home for the first time
1. Budget
When moving out for the first time, it is important to have realistic expectations of how much moving into your new home will cost. It is vital to include all of your expenses, such as rent, bills, food and transport within your budget. It is also recommended to have savings set aside for unexpected expenses such as emergencies.
2. Location
Before you move into a new house. You should think about things like the distance between your property and public transportation, as well as schools and businesses. If you have a job, you’ll also need to think over how far a home is to commute to work.
3. Accommodation type
When you move out of your home for the first time, you should take into account the variety of living arrangements available such as apartments, houses, sharehouses, and granny flats. Depending on your requirements and budget, you should evaluate various living choices. For example, if you have a limited budget on the lower end, you may want to give thought to options such as a sharehouse or granny flat as they can be typically cheaper.
4. Housemates
If you’re going to live with housemates after you move out of your parents’ home, it’s crucial that you pick carefully. Prior to moving in, consider different factors about your potential roommates, such as their way of life, interests, and sleep patterns.
If you want to live in a sharehouse, you should also try to meet everyone before you move in so that you are compatible.
5. Furnishings
If you’re moving into an unfurnished property, you’ll need to buy or rent furniture and white goods. You should factor this cost into your budget and allow yourself time to shop around for the best deals.
Also if you’re moving into a furnished property you may want to take into account whether the furniture is in good condition and if it meets your needs.
6. Cleaning and maintenance
Prior to moving out and into a new property, you should make sure that it is clean and in good repair. If there are any issues with the property, such as a leaking tap or a hole in the wall, you should try to get these fixed before you move in.
If you are moving in with housemates you may also want to create a cleaning schedule for yourself and your housemates so that everyone knows what needs to be done and when. This will help to keep the property clean and tidy.
7. Lease terms
When signing a lease, it’s important to understand your rights and obligations. Make sure you’re familiar with the length of the lease, any break clauses and the amount of notice you need to give if you want to move out early.
When you are signing a lease, it is vital that you understand your rights and obligations. Prior to signing the lease, you should ensure that you understand the duration of the lease, any break clauses (tenancy agreement clause allowing either tenant or landlord to end the tenancy agreement during fixed term) and the amount of notice you need to give if you want to move out earlier than the end date of the lease.
8. Insurance
If you are planning on renting you must ensure you have contents insurance in place in the event that your possessions are lost, damaged or stolen. If you are purchasing your first home, you must also ensure that you have building insurance in place to protect your investment.
9. Connections
Depending on where you move, you may need to organise connections for utilities such as electricity, gas and water, as well as broadband internet. Make sure you understand the costs involved in setting up these services and factor them into your budget.
10. Mail
When moving out of your home, you must update your address with Australian Post and redirect your mail to your new home. You may also need to notify any organisations that send you important correspondence such as banks and government agencies. If you have your spending and driver’s licence you will also have to update your address with the relevant authority such as Services NSW.
11. Pets
If you’re moving out of your home with pets, you should think about the living arrangements necessary for your pet, such as the size of the backyard. You must also think about if pets are allowed when renting, and account for the cost of your dog’s food and medical expenses if you weren’t already paying for them while at home.
How to find the right place to live
1. Research your options
When looking for a home, it’s critical to do your homework and look at all of your alternatives. Location, budget, housing type, and lease terms are all considerations.
2. Inspect potential properties
Once you’ve shortlisted some properties, arrange to inspect them in person. This will give you a better idea of the size, layout and condition of the property.
3. Check out the neighbourhood
Before making a decision, take some time to explore the neighbourhood and see if it’s the right fit for you. Walk or drive around the area, check out local shops and amenities, and talk to residents if you can.
4. Make an offer
If you find a property you like, make an offer to the landlord or agent. They will then either accept, reject or counter your offer.
5. Sign the lease
Once your offer has been accepted, you’ll need to sign the lease and pay any deposits or fees that are required. Once this is done, you’ll be ready to move into your new home!
How to budget for your new home
1. Work out your income and expenses
Now that you have found your new home, it is important to work out your income and expenses. Make a list of all the sources of income you have, such as wages, investments or government payments. Then, make a list of your regular expenses, including the cost of your rent or mortgage, bills, food and transport.
2. Calculate your surplus
Once you’ve worked out your income and expenses, calculate your surplus (or deficit). This is the amount of money you have leftover after all your regular expenses are paid. If you have a surplus, you can use this money to save or if you have a deficit, you’ll need to find ways to reduce your expenses or increase your income.
3. Set a budget
Once you’ve calculated your surplus, you can set a budget for your new home. Make sure you include all the essential costs, such as rent, bills and food. You should also factor in some money for entertainment and other discretionary expenses.
4. Make a plan
Once you’ve set a budget, you should make a plan on how you will stay within budget. If you don’t stay within your budget you could risk getting into debt or not being able to meet your financial obligations.
5. Stick to your plan
The final step is to stick to your plan. This means being mindful of your spending, sticking to your budget and making regular payments into your savings account.
What to pack when moving out of home
So, you are about to move out of home for the first time, but are you arent sure what you will need to pack for moving out of home? Here is a list of things you may need when moving out of home:
- Clothes
- Furniture
- Kitchen appliances
- Bedding
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Cleaning supplies
- Electronics
- Kitchenware
We know that packing for a move can be stressful, so if you need more help we have already compiled a list of how to pack for a move with 50 tips and tricks.
How to get settled into your new space
Now that you have moved into your new home, it is time to start settling in. Here are a few tips to help you get settled into your new space:
1. Unpack as soon as possible
It can be tempting to leave all the unpacking for later, but it’s important to unpack as soon as possible. This
will help you to feel more settled in your new home and will make it easier to find things when you need them.
2. Set up your furniture
Once you’ve unpacked all your boxes, it’s time to start setting up your furniture. It’s important to take some time to plan out where you want everything to go. This will help you to make the most of your space and will prevent you from having to move furniture around later.
3. Decorate your new home
One of the best parts about moving into a new home is that you get to start fresh with your decorating. This is your chance to create a space that reflects your personal style. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Need help moving out of home?
Well done, now you know everything you need to know about moving out of home for the first time!
If you want to make your moving day more streamlined and less stressful, consider hiring Gentle Giant Removals and Relocations, we can help you with the heavy lifting. From packing up your belongings to loading them into the truck, our professional removalist team can take care of everything for you. So, if you’re ready to move out of home, contact one of our expert removalist today!
