Moving can be a tricky business. Furniture, boxes, household items are all packed neatly into…
For most people, the first time moving out of your parent’s house is a rite of passage. While college life can help you figure out the best way to be independent, there is nothing like finding a home or moving into a new apartment on your own. While the whole experience is rather exciting, there are plenty of things that can set you back, including improper organization and planning. With that in mind, let’s go over a checklist you can use to make your first move into a new apartment a smashing success.
The Essential Checklist for Moving Out For The First Time
Now that you’re ready to move out for the first time, the next step is to get organized and plan your move down to the smallest detail. This will ensure a smoother transition and help you get set up so that your first night in the new place won’t be a drag. To make things easier for you, we’ve broken this list down by room so you can focus on the ones that are the most important to you.
Living Area
For the most part, this space will include things like couches, a TV (with stand), and some other furniture such as a coffee table and perhaps some end tables.
Here are the most important things to consider with this room.
- Transfer any entertainment services (Netflix, cable) to your new address
- Measure all furniture to see how big of a truck you need to get. Also, figure out how many helpers you’ll need to make it as easy as possible
- If you can, wrap your TV in bubble wrap so that it won’t get damaged during the move (See: how to pack TV for moving)
- Get blankets to cover your couches so that they won’t get gouged or stained
Kitchen
This can be a tricky situation depending on where you are moving to (See: how to pack dishes). If the new place has a refrigerator already, then that will help you out immensely. If not, then you'll have to plan accordingly.
- Separate a set of dishes that you can use right away and pack up the rest
- Make sure that all of your dishes are clean before you put them in boxes
- Wrap fragile materials (glasses and ceramics) in newspaper or bubble wrap so that they don’t break
- Measure your fridge for the truck
- Clean and empty the refrigerator thoroughly before moving it
- Get rid of any perishable foods before the move
- Keep food and other kitchen items separate, and label boxes accordingly
Bedrooms
This is where you’ll have a lot of random stuff to pack up, so it’s important that you figure this room out and take your time with it as well.
- Measure your mattress for the truck and see how feasible it is to move
- Wrap your mattress with two strips of thick cling wrap you can use as handles
- Cover your bed with a blanket or tarp to prevent gouges and stains
- Box up everything, even items that are in drawers. This will prevent stuff from spilling in the truck
- Wrap clothes in a garbage bag and keep them on hangers when possible
- Use this as an opportunity to donate or toss out items you no longer need or care about
Cleaning Supplies
Even though you’re moving out of your parent’s house, you should still take the time to clean your belongings after taking everything out. If you don’t have cleaning supplies already, you will need them for your next place, so buy them as soon as possible. Here are some basics to have on hand:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Towels and rags for wiping
- Carpet cleaner
- All purpose cleaner
- Cleaning wipes
- Broom and dust bin
- Mop and bucket
When moving, keep all of these separated from the rest of your stuff so that you don’t risk having a spill or damaging any of your things.
Personal Items
As we mentioned above, moving should be an opportunity for you to downsize the amount of stuff that you have. Not only will this make the transition easier but it will help you declutter your life a little bit as well.
- Put essential items in a separate box from your other stuff
- Keep valuables and documents locked up when moving
- Wrap anything fragile in newspaper or bubble wrap
- Label your boxes with as much detail as possible, so it’s easier to find things after you move
Need Help?
Contact On the Go Moving and they can get you packed up and in your new place in no time. If you need assistance with a move, they are more than happy to take care of you.
More helpful articles on moving out:
Renting A House For The First Time
