What To Do When Moving Out for the First Time
Moving out for the first time is a huge milestone. It’s exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming. From packing to moving, there is a lot to manage. But don’t stress! With a detailed plan, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. Here are the tips from our U-Haul experts on everything you need to know to make your first move successful.
Research Your New Place
If you’ve already signed your lease, congratulations! That’s a big first step. Before moving in, try to visit in person to make sure everything matches the listing and check out the surrounding neighborhood to see if you like the area.
If you’re still looking for a place, give yourself at least 3-4 months before your planned move. Research where you are moving to, explore different options, check realtor websites, read reviews, and consider factors like safety, transportation, and location.
Prepare for Your Move
A smooth move starts with a detailed plan. You can start by writing down everything you need to do before moving day, such as setting up utilities, purchasing supplies, and packing.
It’s better to have all the necessary supplies such as packing tape, packing paper, and bubble cushion wrap in advance so that you have them ready when needed. We recommend you use the right type of moving boxes to utilize the move. Also, make a list of what to bring and what to leave behind. This will help you save time when you pack.
Keep Track of Your Finances
Moving expenses can add up quickly, so it’s important to set a budget for your move. It should include costs like all the transportation fees such as moving trucks or cars, moving labor if needed, packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble cushion wrap), utility-setup fees, deposit for the first several months, and an emergency fund for unexpected costs.
Pro tip: Keep track of your spending so you don’t end up spending more than expected. Allocating your budget wisely will help you stay in control of your spending and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Pack Smart
Packing takes time, so start early. Instead of packing everything, you should pack based on your packing list. Or if you don’t have one, go through your belongings and donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. This will free up space and make unpacking easier.
If you don’t want to do this all by yourself, ask for help from family and friends. Having extra hands will make the process faster and less overwhelming. You can also look for professional assistance and services like Moving Help® who can take care of everything from packing to loading, so that you don’t have to worry about anything.
Use the Right Packing Supplies
To protect your belongings, use high-quality moving and packing supplies like the Moving Box Kit for secure storage. Make sure to label your boxes by category (e.g., clothes, kitchenware, electronics) to make unpacking easier.
Reserve Your U-Haul Moving Truck
Transporting your belongings is an important part of the move. If you have many items, renting a moving truck from U-Haul is a great option for extra space. For local moves, booking two to four weeks ahead is ideal. During peak seasons (summer or weekends), it’s recommended to reserve your truck at least eight weeks in advance to secure your preferred rates.
Set Up Utilities
Another key step in the moving process is setting up your utilities. This ensures that essential services like electricity and water are ready to use when you arrive at your new home. To set up your the utilities, contact your providers in advance to schedule the activation and be prepared for set up fees or deposits.
Secure Moving Day Essentials
Before you head out, double-check that you have all the necessary items with you, including important documents, valuables, and essential supplies. If you’re driving a moving truck yourself, make sure everything is properly secured for transport. If you’ve hired professional movers, be ready for their arrival and coordinate with them for a smooth moving process.
Settling In After Your Move
Moving your stuff to your new address is only half the battle! There are still a few tasks left to make sure everything is well organized. One of the first things is to unpack efficiently. Instead of opening every box at once, start with the essentials like kitchenware, toiletries, and clothing for the next few days. As you settle in, consider what to do with your moving boxes. You can either reuse, recycle or return them to your neighborhood U-Haul.
Setting up your furniture is another priority. Start with essential pieces like your bed and couch so you have a comfortable space to relax after a long day of moving.
Another task is updating your new address, which can be done right before or after your move. Be sure to update it with your bank, employer, subscriptions, and ID records to avoid missing important mail. You can also set up mail forwarding and change of address with the United States Postal Service for added convenience.
Exploring Your Neighborhood
Congratulations, you’ve officially moved in! Now that the hard part is over, take some time to explore your new neighborhood. Walk around, check out local shops, restaurants, and parks, and get familiar with transportation options. The more you explore, the more at home you’ll feel in your new community.
Are you moving for the first time? U-Haul has you covered! With flexible moving and storage options, high quality moving supplies, and a trusted network of moving professionals, your first move will be smooth, stress-free and unforgettable.