27 Helpful Moving Out Tips People Wish They Had Known The First Time Round

*Saves to bookmarks for when I eventually move out.*

Recently we asked the BuzzFeed Community to share their best pieces of advice for first-time movers. Here are the best and most helpful tips!

BuzzFeed / Getty Images

1. Go over your daily expenses to figure out if you can actually afford to move out.

Studio Ghibli

"Moving out and living alone is often way more expensive than you would think! So before you commit, go over all your recurring bills and weekly costs to see if you're actually ready and have enough in the bank to make the big move."

—purplepaperplane

2. And practice "paying" rent and other added expenses for a few months to make sure it's doable with your budget.

Nickelodeon

"If you're moving away from your parents, this can be a helpful way to simulate what it will actually be like once you're on your own."

—huh448

3. Be prepared to lower your expectations when viewing places.

Comedy Central

"When you first move out, you will have all these ideas about what your new place will look like. But in reality, the space isn't going to be perfect, and it's what works for you in terms of your budget that really matters. Plus, if it's a little older and outdated, it doesn't mean it shouldn't be considered when it matches all the other criteria on your list."

—aloran2

4. And when inspecting, be sure to ask plenty of questions and check out every nook and cranny.

Via instagram.com

"This means opening up all the cupboards, checking the water pressure and temperature of the hot water, seeing if there are any restrictions, and inquiring about how rent will be paid. Basically, there are no stupid questions, and it's much wiser to ask them now than to find out later."

—g4dadd10f7

5. Double-check the natural lighting, phone service, and outlet situation, especially if you're someone who works from home.

Via instagram.com

"There's nothing worse than dreaming up the perfect setup and then realising there are no outlets near your desk, or that it's always dark because the room doesn't get much light."

—chickens

6. If you're choosing not to live alone or can't afford it, pick your roommates wisely.

Via instagram.com

"Living with horrible roommates can make you feel unwelcome in your own place, which is something no one should have to go through. Try to find people who have a similar lifestyle to your own or whom you feel comfortable with."

—sophied4ff030c0a

7. Even if it's the most beautiful space you've ever seen, don't sign a lease on something you can't afford.

Disney

"Remember: You don't need a place to entertain; you need a place to live."

—sarahn4431ae77b

BuzzFeed / Getty Images

8. Declutter all your belongings before you start to pack.

Via instagram.com

"Go through each room, table, drawer, and cupboard with the aim of getting rid of as much as possible. This will be a HUGE time-saver when you actually start to pack."

—c474d54f75

9. Start buying the essentials as early as you can.

Via instagram.com

"Things like linens and kitchenware can be expensive if you have to get it all at once! If you buy a couple of items a week, the impact on your finances won't seem as bad and you can take advantage of all the sales that come up before you move."

—alexp42f9f3419

10. But don't feel like you have to buy everything you need before you move in — especially when it comes to furniture.

Paramount Pictures

"Some furniture pieces, like a couch, bed frame, or even a washing machine, are an investment. You'll be using them for a long time, so it's best to save up your money if you can't afford them right away and to invest in good-quality pieces that'll last."

—brigittaf

11. Pack smart so you can unpack easily down the line.

Via instagram.com

"You'll want to clearly label every container or box with whatever room its contents belong in. Then add a Post-it Note with a brief list of what's actually in the box so you don't have to dig around to find out what's inside. Once you move in, you'll want to go room by room and unpack — but always start with the things you need first (toilet paper, shower supplies, toothbrush, etc!)."

—michellecarpentierp

12. Prepare a bag or suitcase of things you'll need in the first 24 hours.

Primark / Via giphy.com

"Pack important documents, medicines, a change of clothes, all of it! You'll be so happy when you're in need of a Panadol the first night and don't have to search in a sea of boxes for it."

—kimr4ac3db893

13. Save time by packing hanging clothes directly into plastic bags or containers.

BuzzFeed / Getty Images

"You can then move them directly from closet to closet, which will save you so much time unpacking!"

—mouserat

14. And once you move in, immediately set up your bed to have it ready for when you crash later.

Via instagram.com

"That way, when you want to go to bed after a long day of moving and unpacking, you won't have to set up everything!"

—Splash18

15. If you're looking to hire a moving company, don't schedule it for a weekend.

Fox

"Most companies offer lower rates if you can move during the week! Plus, it'll be less busy."

—clarybeary

16. Take whatever hand-me-downs are available to you.

Via instagram.com

"My parents never throw anything away, so I was able to furnish my entire first apartment with old furniture, bowls, plates, cookware, and utensils. Then, after you've gotten established paying rent and utilities, you can see if you've got leftover money to upgrade."

—Moonjock

17. And suss out thrift stores and online marketplaces to help you furnish your place.

Via instagram.com

"Thrift stores and free stuff online can easily get an apartment started! And that way, you can take your time to buy the things you really want."

—alealibroberg

BuzzFeed / Getty Images

18. Once you move in, take photos of any issues and email them to your landlord.

Disney

"Even if it's a minor crack on the wall that doesn't bother you, it makes it so much easier to prove that the damage was already there when you eventually move out. And that way, you don't have to pay for it!"

—tristanthehunter

19. Store important documents, like receipts and tax information, in a file organiser.

instagram.com

"This way, it'll all be in the one spot and easy to find when you need it."

—Caitiebird

20. And use a bill organiser or app to track your monthly expenses.

Via instagram.com

"It's way easier to keep yourself accountable when you're tracking your spending habits."

—Caitiebird

21. Learn how to repurpose things if you want a cost-friendly approach to furnishing and decorating.

Via instagram.com

"When you are financially stable, it's fine to go crazy at a home decor store. But on your first move? Money is probably tight, so it's fun to figure out how to DIY and repurpose things that will bring you a sense of pride and creativity and save you money. For example, try turning leftover salsa jars into glassware by washing them out and painting them."

—g4dadd10f7

22. And become your own handyperson for the small stuff.

Via instagram.com

"Use YouTube to learn how to do easy fixes like changing a tire or helping to build those nasty flat packs. It'll save you time and money — plus, you get the bonus satisfaction of doing something yourself."

—rachelsporyh

23. Change the locks when you move in.

John Karel / Via jjjjjjjjjjohn.tumblr.com

"You never know how many people the previous owners gave a key to their house to, so it's better to be on the safe side. But be sure to double-check with your landlord and local regulations before changing anything!"

—katiem4ab0be32b

24. And build relationships with your neighbours and people in your local community.

Nickelodeon

"Moving out can be a lonely experience for some people, especially when you're kind of broke and staying in a lot. But becoming part of your local community and getting to know your neighbours can make the space feel a lot more like a home!"

—g4dadd10f7

25. Learn how to cook five or six simple dishes that you can throw together even when it's late and you're tired.

Fox

"This will ensure that you're not tempted to order takeout for a whole week straight."

—juliehancock

26. Only buy groceries that you're prepared to use during the week.

Via instagram.com

"Fresh produce can go bad very quickly, and you'll end up throwing out a lot of money if you don't plan accordingly. Be sure to only buy things for THAT week, even if they're having a really good sale."

—EleyTheGreat

27. And finally, if you're struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Nickelodeon

"Don't sit at home and starve yourself because you want to seem like a grown-up! Ask your friends and family for assistance if you need a bit of help to get back on your feet."

—cr1stalfairie

Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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