Are you thinking of moving out of home but don’t know where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Moving out for the first time is an exciting time – no more nagging parents and you can do things whenever you like. But it is also a big life decision!
So, we are here to help!
Our moving tips below will help make the transition as smooth as possible (no cap!) and ensure you’re prepared for the responsibilities and finances that come with the move.
Moving out of home expenses
It is crucial that you know the expenses that come with moving out of home so there are no unexpected costs. There are both ongoing and individual costs to consider when making the move:
Ongoing Costs
- Rent
- Utility bills such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone
- Weekly supermarket shop
- Transport such as car or public transport costs
- Contents insurance
Individual Costs
- Rental bond
- Fees to set up utilities and internet connection
- Moving costs such as hire fees
- Basic furniture such as a bed, seating, table, and storage
- Kitchen utensils and cooking appliances such as a kettle, pots and pans, a toaster and cutlery
- Housekeeping supplies such as a vacuum, mop, broom, and cleaning products
- Whitegoods such as a fridge, washing machine and dryer (if needed)
- Parking permit (if applicable)
Before moving out, you should consider whether you can afford these costs by creating a realistic budget, particularly in the long term to ensure your move remains a success. It is not cheap!
Money tips when moving out
- Set up a savings account to save up before your move
- Take into consideration your current spending habits (don’t be a material girl)
- Save money on the expenses of moving out by:
- Moving in with friends or your partner
- Buying second hand furniture and homewares (Facebook marketplace and Gumtree are great sources of second hand furniture)
- Canceling any unnecessary memberships or subscriptions (or use your parents Netflix account without them knowing)
- Ask relatives or friends to help on moving day to avoid van or removalist costs
- Don’t buy/hire moving boxes!
- Try saving all your online shopping boxes in the weeks or months leading up to the move (including bubble wrap and padding), and ask friends and family to do the same.
- You can also get free cardboard boxes from most Bunnings stores (at the front of the store near checkout). Local businesses might also have spare cardboard boxes that they’re happy to pass on to you. And keep in mind, you always need more boxes than you think!
- Create a budget to ensure you won’t be out of pocket at any stage or for long
- Sell unwanted items to get some extra cash or borrow belongings from family and/or friends
- Get another job to bring in more income
General tips when moving out
If you’re moving in with flatmates, it’s important to establish an agreement so there are common ground rules. Your agreement will include how the rent and household expenses will be divided amongst all flatmates.
Bills are often the biggest worry when moving in with other people so you should establish how the bills will be paid for and who will do it to make sure they are paid for on time. If bills are not paid on time, your credit score or rental arrangement could be affected.
Note: Ensure that all flatmate’s names are on the bills as this shows who is responsible for the costs.
It is also time for a deep clean! Channel your inner Marie Kondo (IYKYK) and get rid of any unnecessary belongings that you don’t need or won’t be able to bring with you in the move. You may want to sell your stuff to get some extra money or just donate to those who may need it.
When moving out, it is also okay to ask for help from your parents, relatives, and friends. Most of them have been through the process already and will be able to give you good advice on moving, bills and finances.
If you’re renting a place, it is crucial that you know the rental laws in your state/territory. Before moving in, make sure you know what must be included in your new home, what your rights and responsibilities are and the landlord’s role and responsibilities. It is also important to thoroughly inspect your house on arrival. This includes taking photos of the place and any existing damage to ensure the landlord doesn’t blame you for the previous tenant’s actions.
Some other things to do when moving out are:
- Create a checklist of what needs to be done so nothing is forgotten
- Have a clearly marked ‘essentials box’. This will be the first thing that you move into your new place and should be put in an easily accessible place with any things you may need on the day. This box should contain:
- Full water bottles
- Tissues
- Toilet Paper
- Bandaids/First Aid
- Phone Charger
- Snacks
- Torch
- Change your address for important mail and subscriptions
- Check the furniture situation before you move – The place might already come furnished or if you’re sharing with flatmates, you might only need to furnish your own room
- Don’t forget safety items! – Does the house already have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket? Do the doors and windows lock properly?
- Keep in touch with your parents and family – It is important to go back for regular visits or call your parents as it is a big change for everyone. You may miss the nagging more than you think!
We know moving out of home for the first time is a big transition. We hope our tips make moving out an easy and positive experience for you. You’ve got this!
We want you to remember that moving out is a personal experience and while getting help from loved ones is helpful, you shouldn’t compare your situation to others – not everything on social media is real! You should set up a living situation that works for you and that you can afford.
If you need extra assistance or advice, call or visit:
- Kids Helpline: Ph 1800 551 800
- Lifeline: Ph 13 11 44
- Home Ground Services: Ph 1800 048 325
- Relationships Australia: Ph 1300 364 277
- Centrelink Crisis or Special Help: Ph 13 28 50
- Local Victoria house authority for help
