Moving Out For The First Time

The U-Pack Blog hit a huge milestone today... 100 Moving Tips! In celebration, for the next several days we'll be going back into the archives and re-posting some of the most popular. Today's re-post is from way back in 2008, Moving Out for the First Time. Who doesn't need a little advice about that? We hope you enjoy... and learn a little while you're at it.

Deciding to leave home can be difficult. You question yourself - am I ready?  Others question you – are you independent enough? Can you take care of yourself and a home? 

Here's a little advice from someone who's moved a few times in her life… 

Plan a moving budget
You'll need to come up with a moving budget, and once it's set, stick to it.  Make a list of expenses, and categorize them as "N" for necessity or "W" for want.  Then, plan for 6 months of savings as a safety net to help take care of the necessities, or your "W's" go out the window!  (It would be nice to be able to dine out or see a movie occasionally!)  In these tough economic times, you'll want some assurance that your source of income is a sure thing - check out this Salary Calculator .  Have you checked out the cost of living (rent, utilities, etc) in your new area?  Money worries can severely impact your ability to adapt to a new home, workplace or school.

When you're planning your moving budget, keep in mind that your U-Pack moving quote is based on the amount of space you use in our moving trailer or how many ReloCubes® you use. That means you don't have to worry about unexpected costs such as fuel, tolls, or taxes. If you're not sure how much space or how many ReloCubes you need, take a look at our handy moving space estimators. They will help you figure it out.

Take care of yourself
Once you have your moving budget covered, start thinking about your emotional needs, and how to meet them.  Whether you're moving alone or with a roommate, make sure you can take care of yourself.  Learn to cook, clean and do laundry; the internet is a great source of how to tips' when you don't want others to know you're unsure of yourself.  Don't depend on someone else to take care of you, you'll find that if you act independent, you'll become independent. 

Use a moving checklist
You need a plan when you're moving and it's a good idea to find a moving checklist to follow. Our moving checklist gives some great moving tips and suggestions. If you go through the moving checklist step-by-step and check things off as you go, your move will go much smoother.

Getting Settled
When you've settled in, let everyone know your new address with a U-Pack address change card (they're fun and FREE!) - Then you can wait for the great housewarming presents!

Do you have tips or suggestions for first time movers? Comment and share them with us!