A Guide to Moving Out for the First Time

So, you’re finally moving into your first apartment—and out of your parent’s house. Congrats! Here are some things you should know before moving out for the first time. 

Find a Reputable Apartment Mover

Though some choose the DIY route, we don’t recommend it for first-time movers. By finding and hiring a trustworthy local mover in the NYC area, you’ll save yourself a lot of the stress and hassle that a move entails.

Learn How to Manage Your Finances

Moving out of your parent’s house is a big step. It’s wise to make sure your finances are in order before you sign your apartment contract and finalize your moving-out plans. Set a budget and learn how to live within those boundaries without overspending. Know your incoming funds and monthly expenses. You’ll also want to set aside an emergency fund so you can avoid racking up credit card debt if you encounter unforeseen expenses (e.g. a car repair or hospital stay) once you move out.

Scout Out Apartments Ahead of Time

The earlier you start looking for an apartment, the more likely you’ll be to find a place that meets your criteria and fits within your budget. So, give yourself as much time as you can to apartment shop before the month you’re intending to move out of your parents.

Thoroughly Read the Contract Before Signing

It’s important to read the apartment contract thoroughly and ask any questions you have before you sign it. Because once you sign it, an apartment lease can be very hard to get out of. Make sure you know what expenses and routine maintenance the landlord will be covering, and which ones will be your responsibility to cover. Lastly, make sure you know the terms of your lease and whether it’s possible to end the lease early (for personal or financial reasons). Sometimes you can, but only if you pay a hefty “early termination of lease” fine. 

Make Pre-Move Arrangements

Before you move, you’ll want to ensure that a few key things are set in place. Schedule an install date for Wi-Fi service, if you need to. Touch base with the landlord to confirm if you need to call the electric company to turn on electric in the apartment. Update your address on important documents like your driver’s license. Update your mailing address on the USPS website to avoid lost or delayed mail.  Ensure that vendors are informed of your new address and when to start using it.

Let Shleppers Help Make Your First Move a Success

Have more moving questions? Give Shleppers Moving & Storage a call. As one of the best local moving companies in NYC, we’re here to help everything go smoothly as you move out of your parent’s residence and into a place of your own.