What Do You Need When You Move Away From Home?

You will also be able to learn new things, meet new people, and make new friends that might help you settle down and make your stay worthwhile.

One problem is knowing what you will be needing to start this new journey. You would not want to arrive at your new apartment only to realize that you’ll be staying in darkness and without water because you did not pay for them beforehand. Fortunately, we’ve put together this article to help you know all that you need to know and do before moving into your place.

If I am moving out of my parents’ house, what do I need to buy? 

First of all, you should know that living in your parents’ house no matter how old you might think you are, is not a sin. So, please do not overwork yourself or go against some wishes like being in debt just to live like your friends or feel big. 

Most times, living in a rented place for a while to cover up some expenses, car rent payments, and beginner salaries can be a good idea for a start. Moving out of your parents’ house needs a lot of thinking and planning. It is not just an idea that pops into your head and you start going about achieving it immediately. 

Well, surely when you leave somewhere or decide something, you need to have a plan. Here are some of the things you will need to buy when moving out of your parents’ house.

Buy furniture

This should be something you should consider the first time the think of moving away from home. When purchasing furniture for the first time, take measurements of the space, so that you know the sizes of the furniture you would be getting. You would do well to purchase furniture that would perfectly fit the room. If it is the second or third apartment you’re moving into, the measurements are taken to know if your old furniture from your former house would fit into your new space. If you are running low on cash, first consider buying a bed and a nice comfy sofa.

Set up utilities

When moving into your first apartment, you need to set up utilities like electricity, water, and sewer. This is one of the most important factors to consider when moving into a new place. Imagine moving somewhere that does not have water. How do you go about your everyday activities? If you are to move to your new apartment in a week, you should call up your preferred utility service provider and book them for a week or two before you move in. Some of the utilities can be installed the day you arrive such as electricity while some others can be installed a week or two weeks after you arrive.

Buy a fresh coat of paint 

Depending on your preferred choice of color, you should buy a coat of paint. Some people would like to go for mature-looking colors while others might decide to go for bright colors. It all depends on what we would feel comfortable with. If you are planning on renting a house, do well to ask the owner of the house questions about the rules to be followed if there are any. To add fun to the look of your house, you can make use of removable wallpapers, in case it is a rented house and this would be better if you will be moving out soon. This particular option is normally accepted by property owners. 

Set up a mailbox if there’s none

Depending on where you are moving to, there should be a mailbox in the neighborhood or your apartment building. Sometimes, emails can be left in front of your door. Now, if you are the kind of person that loves your privacy respected, you should get a mailbox. Mailboxes (shop on Amazon) are safe and secure, so you shouldn’t worry about it. You could also get one that comes with a lock if you want that privacy extended.

Get entryway accessories

These accessories are normally kept in your entryway. They are the first things your guests see when they come to visit. Entryway accessories include wall hooks, umbrella stands, and shoe racks. These accessories help you to keep your apartment arranged and neat at all times. 

Buy extra sheets and towels

If you want to move into an apartment immediately after getting your furniture, do well to get extra sheets to avoid washing all the time. Having only one bedsheet will make everything stressful for you, especially when you have guests. As minor as this suggestion sounds, don’t take it for granted. 

Buy cleaning supplies

The first time you move into an apartment, you should clean it immediately to avoid dust and contact with germs. Cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes and sprays, detergents, vacuum cleaners, and vacuum bags will be needed on the first day you move in.

Get a toolbox

Whether you are male or female, there are surely some minor jobs that you can handle yourself. Don’t forget to bring along your toolbox when moving into your new apartment. You can get a small portable one which is better than having none. For major jobs, it is advised to call in a handyman and pay for his/her services. Check out toolboxes on Amazon.

What Furniture Do I Need?

Well, furniture is not only picked for their look as there are also other things you should consider when purchasing them. When moving into an apartment for the first time, with no furniture in your possession, first of all, get something you would be able to sleep on. 

Next on the list is something to relax on. This furniture would be for your living room, though it can also be put in your bedroom. Here, we are talking about a sofa or couch. You could equally get a recliner for the moment and use it as a bed and a sofa as long as it’s comfortable for you. 

Something else that you can add to the list is something to entertain yourself with. This could be a TV  or a pool table depending on what you would find entertaining. 

You would also be needing a kitchen table,  just anything that you can eat off. 

Even a coffee table would do just fine depending on the number of people that are going to be staying with you and your budget. You would also need to get chairs for your kitchen table and for your living room. 

Decorations can also go a long way in beautifying your new home. You could get a rug, chandelier, artwork, or a flower vase. Have in mind that you should, first of all, take all the necessities out of the way before proceeding to invest in decorations. 

The basic furniture that you will need include:

• Sofa

Having a sofa is an important suggestion because you would be needing it for relaxation especially when you do not want to go to bed. You could also use the sofa to watch TV in the sitting room and entertain your guests especially if you are the type of person that does not fancy other people entering your private space which is your bedroom in this case. It is a common piece of furniture, so try to get something long-lasting, comfy and nice. 

Others include:

• Side tables
• TV stand
• Guest bed
• Sleeper
• Recliner
• Coffee table
• Bed frame
• Mattress
• Desk and chair
• Dining room set

What bedding do I Need?

Your bedroom is like your own little world, so do not forget to stock things that would keep you cozy and relaxed. Having a bedroom is not the only thing to consider when looking at comfort. There are accessories or furniture you could keep in your bedroom that’ll make you fall asleep quickly and peacefully. As mentioned earlier, don’t forget to measure your furniture before buying, so you don’t end up with an expensive bed that doesn’t fit into your bedroom space. 

Here is a list of other things you would be needing in your bedroom:

• Bed frames 
• Boxspring
• Desk
• Bedsheets 
• Blankets
• Pillows 
• Duvet
• Rug
• Mirror
• Chair
• Trunk
• Wastebasket 
• Drapery
• Closet organizers
• Hangers

What kitchen equipment do I need?

Just like the living room, the kitchen is also an important room. If you plan on cooking steadily, you should get yourself enough utensils and kitchenware, so you do not end up borrowing from your new neighbors. If you’re moving in with your family, do not forget to have your chairs and kitchen table in possession. Calculate your kitchen needs before heading on to buy some kitchenware. This is mentioned because some people end up purchasing utensils they would not be needing, for example, too many plates, pizza cutters, or even an ice-cream spoon. If you are running low on cash, you could get paper cups and plates or also use bar stools in your kitchen till you are ready to go for the main kitchenware and furniture. 

The list of what you will need in your kitchen include:

• Kitchen table and chairs
• Barstool
• Plates and cups
• Cooking sheets
• Microwave
• Utensils
• Pots
• Mixing bowls
• Blender
• Coffee maker
• Dishwasher 
• Toaster
• Peeler
• Trash can
• Tea kettle

What Stuff For The Bathroom Do I Need?

Like every other room in your new apartment, your bathroom needs to be functional. If you are unable to flush your toilet, run hot water in the sink, or even drain the water from your tub, it would not do you much good. Here are the things you will be needing to make your bathroom function.

• Towels

You will need to invest in a set of durable bath towels or bath sheets to dry off after a shower unless you like to drip dry.

• Toilet Plunger

Every bathroom needs a toilet plunger  (shop on Amazon) because pipes sometimes get clogged, toilets stop functioning, and water overflows. So, you need to get the plunger before you need it.

• Bath Mat

It’s almost impossible to avoid getting your bathroom floors wet. So, to prevent yourself from slipping when you get out of the shower, you need to have an absorbent bath mat on the floor and in front of your shower.

• Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is one thing you can not have too much of as it does not go bad. So, stuck up your bathroom by buying toilet paper in bulk so that you will never have to worry about running low.

• Mirror

A mirror is a must-have for a bathroom because it’s not only to check how good you look but also to make sure you have toothpaste running down your chin when you are done brushing your teeth.

• Storage containers

A few storage containers  (shop on Amazon) are normally all you need to get your small bathroom organized.

• Art Work  (shop on Amazon)

There is absolutely no reason for your bathroom walls to be left bare. You can hang a framed print or two on the wall as a way to give your bathroom a personal style.

• Wall Shelves

Whether your bathroom is small or spacious, having a few floating wall shelves  (shop on Amazon) is a perfect way to create room for decorative items. You can use them to hold your storage containers and candles when you hang them.

• Lighting

Just like your wall sconces and vanity lights, your lighting fixtures  (shop on Amazon) can make or break your entire bathroom design. So, always go do one that can help create a perfectly coordinated look in your bathroom.

• Blinds or Curtains  (shop on Amazon)

If you have a window in your bathroom, you need to cover it because a bathroom requires privacy. There are lots of options to choose from when deciding what to use to cover up your windows like roller shades, wooden blinds, and fabric curtains.

• Toilet Bowl Cleaner

There are different cleaning products to be used to clean multiple surfaces but having a specific toilet bowl cleaner  (shop on Amazon) will make your cleaning job a lot less stressful. When getting a toilet bowl cleaner, opt for one that has an angled neck so that you’ll be able to easily get up and under the bowl.

• Vanity Set

Getting a vanity set  (shop on Amazon) for your bathroom that includes a soap dish and tissue box cover will give your sink or countertop a serious style.

• Candles

Store a few candles in your bathroom so that whenever you want to create a spa-like atmosphere to help you relax after a long day, you wouldn’t have to go over to a store to purchase one.

• Shower Curtain Liner

Although a shower curtain provides you with the privacy you need while taking a shower, you still need to get a shower curtain liner  (shop on Amazon) as it helps ensure that you don’t get water all over your floor.

• Canisters

Canisters  (shop on Amazon) aren’t to be used only for holding sugar, flour, and coffee in the kitchen. They are perfect for holding cotton swabs, cotton balls, and makeup sponges. 

Other items that you will need include:

• Tissue Box
• Toilet Brush
• Trash Can
• Toilet Paper Holder
• Shower Caddy
• Room Spray
• Rubber Gloves
• Hand Soap Dispenser
• Toothbrush Holder
• Storage Baskets
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Tub and Tile Cleaner
• Hand Towels
• Storage Cart
• Hamper
• Drawer Trays

Home Decor to Consider

This may be the first place you’re getting yours so going crazy while shopping is very tempting but you don’t want to blow all your money on paint, or some trendy pillows, or a crazily expensive rug. It’s okay if it takes some time to finish decorating your home because your priority should be making sure that you have all the basics you need. 

Here are some optional decor pieces you might want to consider purchasing for your new apartment:

• Bookshelves (shop on Amazon).
• Entry table and entry hooks  (shop on Amazon) or coat rack for keeping your keys and jackets.
• Hanging shelves to place either your books, media, knickknacks, or anything you might wish to display.
• Rugs  (shop on Amazon) so that your room will seem a lot cozier and colorful.
• Artwork or interesting accessories to decorate.
• Curtains so that your apartment will be warmer during winter and cooler during summer. It can also be used to cover those hideous vertical blinds.
• Microwave cart or buffet  (shop on Amazon) for your kitchen to create more countertop and storage space.
• Scented candles to ensure that your place always smells nice.

Tips to Make Moving Day Easier

Moving day can be very stressful if you don’t have everything planned out. For this reason, we have compiled a few tips that will help make your moving day easier.

• Create a to-do list or a checklist so you can keep track of yourself.
• It is expensive to buy boxes so make sure you ask around to see who can help you with some free boxes. If you will be moving fragile objects, like glasses, be sure to get bubble wrappers (shop on Amazon).
• When packing, ensure that you pack everything you will be needing for the few first nights in a separate box because the last thing you will want to do is to dig around all the boxes in search of a toothbrush or medication.
• Before moving into your new place, if possible, set up utilities ahead so that on your first night, you’ll have water and electricity.
• If you will be buying the furniture you need for your new apartment ahead of time, be sure to measure the doorways so that you’ll be certain that they will fit.
• If you are planning on doing a DIY move, try enlisting and contacting some of your friends and family members that will be willing to help you. Also, reserve a moving truck and be sure to confirm your reservations a few days before the move.

What Will I Be Spending Money On When I Move Away From Home?

Before moving out, be sure to start saving so that you will have enough money to cover your living expenses. Here are some costs you will likely incur when you move out.

• Rent and a security deposit: You will need to pay your rent whether monthly or yearly. Some property owners may also request payment of a security deposit which will be used to fix any defective fittings/fixtures at the end of your tenancy.
• Moving expenses: Even if you do not hire movers, you might need to rent a U-Haul or furniture dolly, and you might need to buy some moving boxes and bubble wrappers for fragile objects.
• Utilities: If you want to have electricity, water, and internet on the first day you will be moving to your new apartment, you might need to deposit for these services especially if you are yet to establish credit.
• Furniture: In your new apartment, you will be needing a mattress to sleep on and a couch or chair to sit on. You’ll also be needing other types of furniture listed above.
• Renter’s Insurance: It is wise to set up a small emergency fund as you will never know what kind of snags you might run into during your move.

Other Questions to Consider Before You Move Out

Here are a few questions that you should put into consideration before moving out to your apartment or house:

• Do you know the steps involved in paying the bills and do you understand the things you will be responsible for financially?

It is likely that up until now, your parents have been paying most of the bills. If you have any questions, be sure to ask them, and while at it, try confirming what bills you’ll be expected to pay when you move out.

• Will you be living alone or living with a roommate?

Living with a roommate is cheaper as you will be sharing all expenses concerning the apartment. So, if you are on a tight budget or are moving to a city, you might want to consider this option.

• What is your credit score?

You will need to put down your credit scores if you are moving to a new apartment or house so that you will know if you qualify for an apartment or if you will need to put down a deposit for utilities. If you are not credit-established, now’s the right time to work on it.

• Have you set a budget for yourself?

When you start living on your own or start buying the things you will need in your new apartment, you will be surprised how fast your money dwindles. So, you will have to plan and make a budget on how much you plan on spending on furniture and food during your first week.

Conclusion

Remember that moving out from one place to another is going to be expensive. But do not worry about that because you can always ask your friends and family for some of their old furniture or dishes, or even go bargain hunting. You just need to get the basic things you’ll need to set up your apartment and the rest can be done in due time.

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Related questions

What do you need in a kitchen? In a kitchen, you need crockery, glasses, cutlery, pans, ladles, spatulas, potato peelers, canners, dough bowls, grater, glass molds, butter knife, cheese grater, coffee maker, kettle, microwave, etc.

Where can I find a move away from home starter pack? Good and cheap starter packs with crockery, starter pack with gear and starter packs with pots and pans can be found at IKEA.

What can you give away in moving away from home gift? Good moving away from home gifts are, for example, a painting, a nice plaid, a robot vacuum cleaner, a toaster or why not a gift card at IKEA. More good tips on gifts for someone moving away from home can be found here.

How much money do you need when moving away from home? Moving away from home can be as expensive as you like, of course, but if you shop smart, think through your purchases carefully and maybe can get some things from friends and family, you can manage to furnish your apartment for maybe $2000. 

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