How to Move Stress-Free: Essentials for Moving Out for the First Time!

Ready to learn the essentials for moving out for the first time?

Moving out for the first time is both liberating and terrifying.

You’re probably wondering, “How much money should I save before moving out?” or “Is $5,000 enough?” (Spoiler: It’s not). And let’s not forget the classic question of adulthood: “Do I really need to buy this?!”

Being prepared is key to making the transition into adulthood much smoother. Hello, 15 million bills just for existing. 

But don’t stress—I got you. When I moved out, I had to navigate everything on my own, from securing renter’s insurance to saving enough for the first month’s rent and a security deposit.

This guide will walk you through financial prep, finding a place, moving logistics, essential daily life skills, and avoiding common mistakes so you can move out with confidence!

This post is all about the essentials for moving out for the first time.

Essentials for Moving Out for the First Time

How to Know If You’re Ready to Move Out

You’ll know you’re ready to move out if you feel financially and mentally prepared to handle the responsibilities that come with adulting.

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Signs You’re Ready to Move Out

If you want to live alone but can’t afford it yet, consider staying with a loved one for at least a year to save money.

Having a financial cushion (like a year’s worth of rent) gives you breathing room in case unexpected expenses come up.

Bills, cleaning, cooking, and everything in between—it can feel overwhelming. 

Even after living on my own for four years, I still have days where I feel like I’m drowning in responsibilities. 

But here’s my motto: Take things one day at a time. If that feels too overwhelming, take it one moment at a time.

But it’s also a beautiful experience that comes with freedom, personal growth, and the ability to create a space that’s truly yours.

Show yourself grace and compassion as you navigate this transition.

💡 Pro Tip: Before moving out, create a trial budget and see if you can realistically afford real-life expenses.

Financial Essentials: Setting Up Your Moving Budget

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Living on your own is more than just paying for rent. Here’s what you actually need to budget for:

Hidden Moving Costs to Prepare For

✔️ Security deposit + first month’s rent (Sometimes last month’s rent too!)

• A security deposit protects your landlord in case of damages.
• If your rent is $1,500, expect to pay 1.5x rent as a deposit → that’s $2,250.
• Total move-in cost = $3,750+ (First month’s rent + security deposit).
• If your apartment requires last month’s rent upfront, add another $1,500.

✔️ Moving Expenses (Truck rental, movers, packing supplies).

• If you have friends and family to help, you can save hundreds of dollars.
• Hiring movers? Expect to pay $200-$400 depending on how much stuff you have.
• U-Haul Rental: Charges a flat rate + per-mile fee ($0.59 – $0.99 per mile).

✔️ Basic household essentials (Toiletries, cleaning supplies, groceries).

• Walmart and dollar stores are great for affordable basics.

How to Save Money on Your Move

✔️ Live with roommates to split rent & utilities.
✔️ Shop for furniture on Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores.
✔️ Set up a moving-out savings fund months in advance. (I started saving 5 months before my second move, and it helped so much.)
✔️ Cut unnecessary expenses (Do you really need five streaming services?).

💰 How much should you save before moving out?

• At a minimum, aim to have the first month’s rent, a security deposit, and enough to cover basic furniture.
• Ideally, double that amount to have a good financial cushion.
• Depending on where you live, saving at least $8,000 or more is a good goal.

Finding & Securing Your First Apartment

What to Look for in a First Apartment

✔️ Location matters – Your new home should be in an ideal location for YOU. (i.e. close to work, cool downtown area, access to public transport)

✔️ Affordable rent – Experts say rent should be 30% of your income, but let’s be real, that’s kinda unrealistic with the cost of living. The math is NOT mathing.

I thankfully live with my partner, but if I were to live on my own—with a decent salary mind you— my rent would be about 47% of my income. 

✔️ Pet policies, lease terms, and amenities – If you have a pet, make sure it’s a pet-friendly apartment!

I have a shih tzu who is my bestest friend in the whole wide world—I’m not kidding lol— so I obviously needed a pet-friendly apartment.

If you have a pet as well—or plan on getting one, then you should definitely include pet-friendly places in your research.

Essential Documents You’ll Need to Apply

✔️ Proof of income (Pay stubs, bank statements, or a guarantor).
✔️ Credit check or rental history.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

⚠️ Scam listings – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
⚠️ Landlords who refuse written leases – Always get everything in writing.
⚠️ Hidden fees – Ask about water, trash, parking, and maintenance fees.

Packing & Moving Tips for First-Time Movers

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What to Pack First

✔️ Seasonal clothes, decor, non-essentials – Pack these early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Moving Day Essentials Bag

✔️ Clothes for a few days, toiletries, chargers, important documents.
✔️ Snacks, water, and basic cleaning supplies – Trust me, you’ll need them!

How to Move on a Budget

✔️ Rent a moving truck with friends instead of hiring movers.
✔️ Ask local stores for free boxes.
✔️ Use suitcases and laundry baskets to pack.

Must-Know Life Skills Before Moving Out

✔️ Basic Cooking Skills – Ordering food out is expensive. I’m super guilty of this 😅 I love cooking but you know sometimes I just don’t want to do it.

So try to strike a balance between ordering takeout and cooking your own meals. Your wallet will thank you.

TikTok and YouTube have tons of easy, budget-friendly recipes! Literally just type “budget-friendly meal ideas” into the search bar.

✔️ Laundry & Clothing Care – Read laundry labels, use the right detergent, and avoid shrinking your clothes. 

When I was a teen I accidentally added a red shirt into a laundry load filled with white clothing. Let’s just say, I never did that again.

✔️ Cleaning 101:

• Kitchen: Wipe counters, do dishes daily, take out trash.
• Bathroom: Scrub toilet, sink, and shower weekly.
• Bedroom: Wash sheets every two weeks, vacuum regularly.

✔️ How to Pay Bills on Time – Set up auto-pay for rent, WiFi, and utilities.

What to Buy First vs. What Can Wait

✅ Buy First:

✔ Bed, mattress, pillows, bedding
✔ Couch, TV, TV stand, lamp
✔ Basic cookware (Skillet, saucepan, spatula, knife).
✔ Toilet paper, hand soap, first aid kit, shower essentials.
✔ Cleaning supplies (All-purpose cleaner, sponge, trash bags).

⏳ Buy Later:

✔ Extra furniture & decor (Rugs, wall art).
✔ Specialty kitchen gadgets (Blender, toaster oven).

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Out

🚨 Not reading your lease carefully – Look for hidden fees & rules.
🚨 Overspending on unnecessary stuff – Stick to your budget!
🚨 Not setting up utilities in advance – Schedule your electricity, water, cable, and WiFi at least one week before move-in.
🚨 Forgetting renter’s insurance – Protects your stuff in case of theft, fire, or water damage. I use Lemonade—it’s like $10/month!

Adjusting to Life on Your Own: #Adulting

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Adjusting to independent living comes with challenges—especially when it comes to homesickness, maintaining a clean space, and balancing responsibilities. 

Here’s how to make the transition a little easier.

Dealing with Homesickness

Even if you were ready to move out, it’s completely normal to miss home, family and friends, or simply the comfort of familiarity—especially in the first few weeks. 

To ease homesickness:
✔ Stay connected with family and friends – Schedule regular calls or even quick texts to check in.
✔ Make your apartment feel like home – Bring personal touches like familiar scents and photos to create a comforting environment.
✔ Decorate your space intentionally – A well-decorated apartment that reflects your personality will make your place feel like home.

Balancing Work, Chores & Social Life

Managing work, home responsibilities, and social time can feel super overwhelming, but having a routine helps.

✔ Set up a weekly cleaning schedule – Your apartment will get cluttered fast if you don’t stay on top of it.

 I like doing a weekly declutter session to keep things neat and stress-free.

✔ Meal prep to save time and money – Cooking daily can feel like a chore, so I meal prep my weekly lunch meals on Saturdays and my dinner meals on Sundays.

✔ Prioritize self-care – Adulthood can be hectic, but taking time for yourself is essential. 

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive—sometimes, it’s just reading a book, watching a comfort show, or taking a walk.

The key to adulting? Give yourself grace and show yourself compassion. It’s okay to take time to adjust to this new stage in life.

Learn as you go, and figure things out one step at a time. You got this!

FAQs: Essentials for Moving Out for the First Time

What should I buy first when I move out?

When moving out into your first apartment, focus on getting essential items first—like a bed, couch, basic kitchen supplies (i.e. pots and pans set, dish soap, sponge, silverware set, dishes), bathroom necessities (i.e. toilet paper, toilet brush, plunger, shower curtain, and liner), and cleaning products (i.e. disinfecting spray, wipes, mop, vacuum). 

You don’t need to stress about having your entire apartment perfectly set up on day one. It’s totally normal to take a month or two—or more—to fully set up your new home.

What do I need to know before I move out for the first time?

The most important things to know before you move out for the first time is to create a realistic budget, find an affordable place, and save up for your security deposit and living essentials.

You have to consider all your monthly expenses in your budget—like rent, car payment, car insurance, phone bill, credit card bill, utilities, groceries, gas, etc.

Make sure that you’re able to handle all of these financial responsibilities before you move out.

What’s the best way to move out on a budget?

Buy second hand items—think Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores, live with a roommate to save on rent, use free moving boxes, and set priorities—buy only what you need at first.

Concluding Thoughts

Congrats! Moving out is a huge milestone. It may feel scary but with the right planning and mindset, you’ll be fully prepared. 

Remember to focus on your financial readiness, daily life skills, and smart planning to make your transition smooth.

This post is all about the essentials for moving out for the first time.