Adulting 101 Moving Checklist: How To Move Out At 18

Moving out at 18 is a thrilling milestone. It’s your chance to embrace independence, take on new responsibilities, and start a brand-new adventure. Whether you’re leaving your parents’ house for college, work, or you just feel that it’s time, it’s essential to have a moving plan to make the transition smooth and stress-free. This guided checklist will walk you through the most important things to consider, ensuring a successful move into your own place.

Now, before we get started I want to take a few seconds to explain the thought process and structure of this particular checklist. As a new adult looking to move out, it is important to first ensure that you have the financial understanding and security that comes with such a major step of adulthood. So, that’s the beginning part of the checklist – addressing the financial readiness. I think this is the best way to start simply because if the money is not in order, then you are setting yourself up on a shaky foundation and risking your future financial independence. The final 3 parts focus on apartment hunting and the actual moving process. The caveat here is that if you ensure that parts 1 and 2 are solid, then the actual moving out will be so much easier.

So let’s dive in!

1. Preparing for Your Move

The First Step: Deciding If You’re Ready

The decision to move out is a significant step. Ask yourself if it’s the right choice for your current situation. Do you have a steady income, a support system, and the skills needed to manage on your own? Taking this big step at 18 can be a challenge, but with the right preparation, it’s a rewarding move – no pun intended – well actually, a lot of pun intended.

Many young adults face this decision with a mix of excitement and apprehension. While the prospect of living independently offers freedom, it also brings new responsibilities, many of which we discuss here at Adulting Starts Here. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Again, are you financially stable enough to handle monthly expenses like rent and utilities? Do you have the life skills necessary to manage living expenses, cook meals, and maintain a household? These questions form the foundation of your readiness to move out.

If you are looking for a more numbers-based way to determine if you are ready for the financial responsibility that comes with moving out, here’s an evaluation I’ve personally completed and always suggest to others. It has two parts. The first thing that I recommend you do is create an “adulting budget” and start using it now. The second thing is to create a “rent cushion”. Let’s discuss these more in-depth.

Your adulting budget is simply the budget that you develop to mirror your income and spending patterns as if you were already out of the house and living on your own. Does gas in your new location cost more? Do you now have to pay a monthly parking fee? These are things to incorporate into your new budget.

You can glean a lot from an exercise like this. Every time I get ready for a move, this is my go-to practice to determine any major gaps that could arise in my finances.

Now, let’s talk about the rent cushion. You want to determine the average rent in whatever location you want to move to and save at least three months of that dollar amount. This money will give you a rent cushion in case any unexpected loss of income happens.

So, if you do this exercise and determine that your income can’t cover as much as you thought, that is okay. It is good to know now before you move out. Your plan should then shift to what you can do to get your income up to meet the demands of your “adulting budget” or you can find other housing options in your budget to cut costs.

Create a Moving Budget

Creating a moving budget is crucial to understanding how much money you’ll need. Factor in costs like hiring a moving company or renting a moving truck, purchasing packing tape, and buying supplies like bubble wrap for fragile items. Don’t worry though, we will touch on all of this later in part 4. Just keep reading for now.

A great tool for determining your budget is a moving cost calculator. It can give you a better idea of the total costs, help you outline all the costs associated with moving, and help you remember anything you might have forgotten.

Proper budgeting becomes even more critical for those with little money to spare. You’ll need to allocate funds for essential items like a security deposit and find ways to cut costs. Consider borrowing supplies from friends and family and finding free stuff through online community groups. Budgeting may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a skill that will serve you well throughout your adult life.

2. Organizing Your Finances

Setting Up Bank Accounts

If you haven’t already, open a bank account and a savings account. These are essential for managing your monthly income, paying bills, and saving for the future. Staying on top of your finances is key to avoiding credit card debt and maintaining financial stability, especially as a young adult.

When choosing a bank, look for one that offers little to no fees and quality digital tools to help you track your spending. Consider setting up automatic transfers to your savings account to ensure you consistently save a portion of your income. Building good financial habits now will set you up for success in your adult life.

I’ve shared a ton here at Adulting Starts Here about personal finance and how to start building financial literacy. Be sure to take some time to check out the Personal Finance section of the blog or just search a keyword in the search bar to see what we have on that topic.

Read More: Personal Finance and Adulting 101

Create a Plan To Grow Your Emergency Fund

You are 18 years old, so no one is expecting you to have a bank account with six digits. However, you should start thinking about how you can grow your savings account and have enough money to help you handle any unexpected expenses that will eventually arise, now that you are moving out. I’ve talked a ton about the importance of setting up an emergency fund and how to go about doing that. So, I’ll link that blog post below for you to review when you are ready. Don’t overlook this step. It is very important if you want to give yourself the best chance at a successful move and sustain your newfound independence.

Plus, this is a great place to hold the funds for your rent cushion so you can earn a decent APY.

Read More: How To Create An Emergency Fund As A New Adult

Some Quick Notes About Organizing Your Finances

1) Don’t overlook recurring costs like car insurance, gym memberships, or even subscription services. These can add up quickly and should be included in your monthly expenses. If you’re moving into your own apartment, factor in utility bills and rent payments. Remember though, you should be spending in accordance to your budget. Staying on top of that will make it almost impossible to overlook recurring costs.

2) Minimize your living expenses by finding free stuff or discounted items for your new home. Local Facebook groups often have furniture, kitchenware, and other essentials for free or at a low cost. This is a great way to furnish your space without overspending.

3) Consider shopping at thrift stores or waiting for sales to purchase household essentials. TJ Maxx and Ross are elite-tier stores in my opinion. Great products at great discounts. Small savings here and there can add up, giving you more room in your budget for other priorities. So stay vigilant.

3. Start Apartment Hunting

Researching Rental Properties

Start by researching rental properties in your desired area. Consider the housing market and the cost of living in your new city or different state. Look for listings that fit your monthly budget, but don’t overlook extra costs like a security deposit, application fees, and utility bills.

It’s also important to evaluate the neighborhood. Look for a good place with access to essentials like grocery stores, public transportation, and your workplace or school. I’m a big advocate of finding a place that is close to a library or a movie theater. If stuff like that matters to you, make it a part of your filtration process.

You also want to consider the amenities in the building or community. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common amenities to consider.

1. Laundry:

Some places include in-unit washers and dryers, some include hookups for you to bring your own machines, some have laundry in a common building outside of your apartment, and some don’t have any laundry services at all. Basically, you’ll just have to decide whether you’re willing to leave your apartment to wash your clothes every week. Oddly enough, a laundromat can be a great place to meet people and make new friends.

2. Pet policy:

If you plan on living with a furry friend, make sure to read the pet policies of the apartments you look at. Some places don’t allow any pets, some only allow cats, and some only allow certain breeds of dogs. Additionally, some pet policies require that you pay a few hundred extra dollars a month as a “pet rent.” Your best bet here would be to reach out to the property manager directly and get your answers.

3. A/C:

You’d be surprised at how many apartment buildings do not have A/C, especially real central A/C. So, if A/C is a must for you, make sure to check to see if the apartment buildings you look at offer it.

Pro tip: Check and see if the apartment has window-unit A/C or central A/C. They are two very different things.

4. Kitchen appliances:

Most places come with a refrigerator and an oven, but many places don’t come with a microwave or a dishwasher. While purchasing a microwave tends to be cheap, buying a dishwasher can be a much larger investment. Additionally, you’ll have to check to be sure that the apartment even has a hookup for your dishwasher before buying one.

5. Parking:

If you plan on bringing a car, be sure to check to see if the places you’re looking at offer designated street parking, parking deck parking, or no reserved parking at all. In big cities like New York City, San Francisco, and DC parking can be very expensive. So if you intend on bringing a car, this is a major category to consider in your total cost of housing.

6. Package receiving:

Some places can be tricky with their package delivery system, so be sure to ask about how it works or as I mentioned earlier, consider living close to a local post office.

7. Furnishings

Many apartments do not come furnished, which means you’ll have to buy your own furniture. Bigger pieces of furniture like couches, bed frames, mattresses, and dressers can be pricey. It helps to account for the cost of furniture upfront by making a list of everything you’ll need to buy along with approximate prices. Some great places to buy furniture include IKEA, Wayfair, Target, Amazon, and more! Depending on where you buy furniture, it will probably end up costing you several thousand dollars.

Don’t forget to check for extra, more luxurious amenities that the apartment building might offer. These kinds of flashy amenities can include things like a pool, a gym, a movie room, a game room, and even elevators.

While these kinds of amenities might be essential for you, bear in mind that most places won’t have all of these available. Additionally, these extra amenities can increase rent by hundreds of dollars through something called an “amenity fee”, so, depending on your total cost of living budget, you might want to go without some of these amenities.

Understanding Upfront Costs

When renting, you’ll likely need a good credit score and a clean credit history to secure an apartment. Additionally, you’ll need enough money for the security deposit, the first month’s rent, and other setup costs like turning on utilities.

For those with limited credit history, consider asking a parent or trusted family member to co-sign your lease. This can improve your chances of securing a rental. However, this also means they’ll be financially responsible if you can’t make payments, so it’s a responsibility to take seriously.

Read More: Credit Score 101 For New Adults

Choosing a Good Place To Call Home

Think about what’s important to you. I already mentioned that being near a library and a movie theater is important to me. What’s important to you? Is proximity to grocery stores, your full-time job, or public transportation a priority? Finding a good place that fits your needs will make your transition much easier because you will have the small comforts to lean on when the loneliness kicks in – and it will.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, visit the properties in person, if at all possible. Check for maintenance issues and ask the property manager questions about utilities, parking, and rules for renters. This ensures your new home will meet your expectations.

4. Planning Your Move

Create A Moving Timeline

Alright, we have made it through all of the preliminary information. Now we are focusing exclusively on the move. The best approach to achieving any successful move is to start by creating a timeline. You should have already developed your initial moving budget in phase 1. You are now refining your budget and developing a timeline that fits what you need to do money wise. This should include both the move-out date from your previous residence and the move-in date to your new home. Since you’re likely relocating for a job or school, you should build your timeline around your first day. Instead of focusing on the present, start with your target date and work backward from there.

For example, if you know your job or school begins on September 16, use that as your goal. Then, determine the necessary steps to ensure you’re moved in and settled before that deadline.

Choosing the Right Help

When planning your move, exploring both moving truck options and professional moving companies is important. Comparing prices and reviews can help you decide which is the better idea and more reliable service for your needs. On the other hand, if you’re a do-it-yourself mover and on a tight budget, asking friends or family for help could be a cost-effective solution. All in all, though, this is a big move for you. So, just be sure to dedicate some time to making sure you get the right people to help you complete the move.

Packing Like a Pro

Start packing well in advance of your important dates. Use bubble wrap for delicate or fragile items and secure boxes with packing tape. Label everything clearly to make unpacking in your new place easier. Don’t forget to pack important documents like your birth certificate and driver’s license where they’re easy to access.

For packing efficiency,  tackle the packing process by utilizing a solid box labeling strategy and rent a storage unit to hold larger items (if necessary) that you no longer need but plan to transfer to your new residence. This combination allows you to create more space for packing while maintaining a structured and transparent approach, which will greatly simplify the unpacking process in your new home.

I’ve recently written a detailed explanation of the best methods for labeling your moving boxes to streamline the moving process. If you’re interested, be sure to check it out in the “Read More” section below.

Read More: How to Best Label Your Moving Boxes

Also, remember to plan to pack a “first-night” bag with essentials for your initial night in your new location. I only pack items in this bag that I cannot easily find at the local Walmart or Target. Additionally, don’t forget to bring your important documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards, and medical records, for immediate access.

5. Settling Into Your New Home

Once you’ve moved, there are still tasks to complete to ensure a smooth transition. Set up your utilities with utility companies, update your contact information, and submit a change of address to the post office. These steps are crucial for avoiding disruptions in mail and services. If you’re moving to a different state or new city, take some time to explore your surroundings. Learn the local public transportation system, find good places to shop, and make an effort to meet new friends to build your personal life in this new chapter.

I hope this has been helpful and as always feel free to see what else Adulting Starts Here has to offer!