July 13, 2022
Relocating cross country to a new home is a stressful process, especially if you are moving out for the first time. You’re probably confused, a bit anxious, and don’t know where to start. To help you cope with your moving stress, and to help you deal with the logistics behind every long distance move, we’ve gathered some basic tips for you to read before you move.
Check how much your move would cost
Free Quote
Make a Budget Before Moving Cross Country
First things first – make a budget and expense checklist. This is important because your budget will show you whether or not you’re going to be able to financially take care of yourself or your pet if you are considering moving with pets. Figure out what’s your maximum when it comes to rents and how much do you need to save for different kinds of expenses (bills especially).
Know Your Cost Of Living
You can start by writing down how much money you spend on a daily basis and on what. The list will show you what’s your biggest expense in a month and what you should cut down on – in a nutshell, how much money you’ll need on a monthly level just for your basic necessities. You can also try to put aside the rent money you’ll be spending, so you can see how much money you will have at the end of each month.
Be Sure To Get Renters’ and Health Insurance
In case you are younger than 26, you are able to leave your health insurance on your parent’s name. If not, you need to explore different options for federal health insurance or you can apply for a local one. It is wise to apply for renters’ insurance too since it can help you with your valuables.
Calculate your monthly expenses, so you can have a clear idea of how much money you’ll need when you move out.
Moving in Alone Or With A Roommate?
One more thing you want to think about is whether or not you want (and are able) to live alone. Having a roommate can be a fun experience and a real money-saving option when you find the one you can actually coexist with. On the other hand, living by yourself is quite liberating, allowing you to figure out on your own what kind of person you are and organizing your home the way you want it to look. Whatever you choose, choose wisely!
In case you want to live with someone, you can check out these 5 best roommate websites.
Don’t rush into living with your best friend! Sometimes being roommates with your bestie can lead to serious problems and arguments.
Pick The Perfect Home
Picking the right home can be a real challenge. The best thing to do is to make a list of things that are absolutely important to you when it comes to relocating. Do you want your rent to be under $2,000, does it have to be close to a gym, or close to work, do you have to have a separate bedroom, etc. With a list like this, you’ll definitely make the right choice.
Double-Check If Everything Works, Like Appliances And Outlets
When it seems that you have found your perfect home, be sure to double-check everything, and we mean everything, in the house or apartment. Check appliances, scratches, nudges, all outlets, windows, walls, anything that needs to be repaired and noticed by your landlord before you move in.
Be sure to ask the landlord any questions that you may have regarding your new place.
Make A Moving Checklist
Once you’ve found the house you want to live in, it’s time to start planning and organizing your moving process. You should definitely create a checklist of all the things you have to do and have to pack before moving day because it will help you stay focused and save you a lot of trouble. If you don’t know how to create one, be sure to read different tips on how to prepare for a move and sell unwanted items. You can always book professional packing services, in case you don’t want to or can’t do it all by yourself.
Tips On Packing And Moving
If you’re interested to learn some simple tips and tricks for moving long-distance, check out this video:
Hire Professional Movers
Hiring a reliable moving company that offers a variety of affordable moving services, can help you save a lot of time and money, and prevent you from making some common moving mistakes. Be sure to contact movers to get a free quote for your long-distance move. With a professional crew, your items will get to the new house safe and sound.
Professional movers will know exactly what to do with all your boxes and fragile items.
You’re Going To Need First Apartment Supplies
Once you get to the new place, you’ll have to go to a local store and buy necessary supplies in order to have some basic living arrangements. We suggest buying these items for your house first:
- spreads
- dairy products
- bread
- coffee and tea
- pasta, noodles, sauces
- salt, pepper, sugar
- olive oil
- ham
- fruit and vegetables
- cleaning supplies
- toiletries
Since day one, you will be using the kitchen, the bathroom, and the bedroom extensively.
Update Your Personal Information
Remember to update your personal information on all documents, especially those that involve bills and shipment. When you move cross country, you need to change your ID and driver’s license. In case you reserve car shipping services, you will have to update your vehicle’s registration too. Also, if your license was issued before you became of legal age, you want to get that renewed.
Don’t forget to update your personal information.
Take Your Time On Settling In After Moving out for the First Time
For some people, the first few weeks can be really difficult. Others adjust very quickly, some never do. You should let yourself adjust to the concept of living without your parents at a pace that best suits you. Get to know your neighborhood, go out and meet new neighbors, try things that you’ve never tried before. Use the extra hours to learn how to cook, wash, clean, and do other household chores as well. After a few weeks, you’ll notice how much you have evolved and grown into an adult, and you’ll be proud of your amazing place.
