Are you worried about moving out? There’s a lot to think about that people might not consider, so to help you out we’ve got a moving out checklist. Follow this and you’ll be ready to leave the nest in no time at all!
1. Important documents
When you move it is really important that you make sure you know where all of your important documents are and that you have them all together in one place (a box, safe or folder). This includes your birth certificate, passport, ID, bank statements, wage slips, P45s and any disability or benefit-related documents. These will all be super important in getting any DSA, work and when you move in the future.
2. Electrics
It may seem obvious, but when you move out you should make sure you have everything you need electrically. This includes:
- chargers (phone, laptop, iPads, games consoles)
- extension cords
- lamps
- games consoles
- television
- laptop
- computer
- any PC mice, keyboards, headphones
Without these, you’ll quickly find yourself at a loss for what to do. We live in a very technological world, after all!
3. Clothes
Obviously, you need your clothes when you move. You can’t get away with just wandering around in the same clothes each day! So make sure you take enough clothes with you to keep you going. If you’re moving out to the university, you don’t necessarily need to take all of your clothes, but several pairs of trousers, a good amount of t-shirts, some dresses/dressy clothes, a swimming costume and some summer clothes, then some jumpers and comfy clothes will do.
Essentially, you need enough clothes that you have clothes to wear when your other stuff is dirty/in the laundry/drying. Of course, you are entirely likely to buy clothes after moving, too, so make sure there’s some space in the wardrobe for your new exciting purchases!
4. Kitchen supplies
When you’re moving out of your childhood home, many people quickly realise that they did not get the right stuff to make all of their meals. Suddenly your parents aren’t making Spagbol for you, and it is important you pick up all of the necessary things to make it for yourself! That includes:
- Crockery (plates, bowls, mugs, small plates)
- Cups
- Cutlery
- Utensils (wooden spoons, spatulas, bread knife, slotted spoon, sieve, sharp knives, whisk, pizza cutter)
- Pots and pans (a few saucepans, a wok or frying pan, a smaller frying pan, a steamer)
- Baking trays
- Ovenproof dishes
If you know there are other kitchen supplies that you use regularly, like perhaps a brownie dish or a cupcake tray – then make sure you take those with you (or buy some) when you move out.
5. Softgoods
This is a very vague point, and that is why many people accidentally forget certain soft goods when they move out. You need to make sure you have soft goods for your bedroom, your living room (if you have one) and your bathroom. Most people tend to just take a blanket and think that’ll be enough. But they are sorely mistaken. You need to make sure you have blankets, a duvet, duvet covers, pillows, curtains (if you need them), towels, flannels, a dressing gown (especially if you have a shared bathroom!), slippers, and a bath mat.
6. Decor
One of the most exciting things about moving out is that you finally get the chance to decorate your own place. At least a little bit, anyway. It is important to make sure you get things to make your room or flat feel like yours. You can get some of this once you’ve moved into the new place, but little trinkets, lights, lamps, mirrors etc. can be taken in with you!
It’s always worth having a little browse in Primark Home, Typo, and other cheapish homeware shops, as well as Pinterest for any ideas – we love a mood board.
7. Hobbies
Are you into anything? Do you regularly do one thing or another that requires equipment or anything similar? Perhaps sports like badminton, lacrosse or tennis, or something like music production that requires launchpads? Regardless of whatever hobby you might have, make sure that you take everything that you might need to do all of the things you enjoy.
8. Miscellaneous
This sounds incredibly vague, but it essentially means… everything you’d never think of. Every house has a miscellaneous drawer, and whilst it might seem really important – it is. Things like batteries, spare cables, hand fans and painkillers are really useful! You might not have them all when you move in, but filling this drawer (or a box, or whatever else) is one of the first things that you should do when you move out of home for the first time.
9. Cleaning supplies
Whilst landlords are supposed to clean the properties before you move in, sometimes you’ll find that your new place is less than clean. If that is the case, you’ll need some cleaning supplies! Nobody wants to unpack into a room or a flat that’s grimey or dirty, so Cif and Cillit Bang will be your absolute heroes.
Of course, you will also need these for later too. You’ll need to clean at some point whilst you’re living alone – mum isn’t there to do it for you anymore! So get some sponges and some multipurpose Dettol, and you’ll be able to keep your new place squeaky clean all day every day.
10. Furniture
This doesn’t apply to everybody, as it depends on what kind of place you’re moving into. If you’re moving somewhere furnished there is limited furnishing for you to do. Otherwise, you’ll need the basics – a bed, a chair, a desk, a fridge, etc. Often, some furnished places are only part-furnished and whilst you might get a bed and a sofa, you might need things like a desk, a wardrobe, and other important furniture.
Even in furnished places, you can bring small furnishings to put your own touch on your new place. Perhaps a beanbag chair or a rug would suit your new room? Or even just some shelves that you can attach to the wall. Make your space yours.
11. Laundry basket
So many students and new movers forget that they will need at least 1 laundry basket when they move. Without a laundry basket, your room will just have an ever-growing pile of laundry in the corner that won’t look the most appealing – let alone smell! It is best to get a laundry basket, preferably one with a lid to prevent any unpleasant smells escaping from your after-gym socks and depression-pit hoodies.
12. Toiletries
You take them when you go on holiday, so of course, you’re going to need to buy some for when you move out. Without toiletries, you’re going to be stuck unable to keep yourself clean! It is worth getting a cheap bottle of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and toothpaste to tide you over when you move in until you can get yourself to the supermarket. If you really want to be prepared, pick up some suncream, moisturiser, hand gel and soap too!
14. Security
Living on your own is exciting and fun, but it can also be risky and a little bit frightening for both you and your parents! To add some extra security to your new home you can do a few things:
- Add a chain to your door
- Invest in a portable door lock
- Install a camera doorbell or a security camera
- Change the locks when you move in (if you can)
Any of these will help to improve the security of your flat and your room, and it will keep both you and your parents feeling satisfied that you’re safe and sound at home.
15. Make a budget
This should really be done before you even find a flat or a house, but failing that you should definitely do it before you move. You will need to know what things are going to cost you before you move in so that you know what you have to spare. This is one of the hardest things about being an adult, but it’s also one of the most important things about being an adult!
To come up with a budget, write down everything you have to pay on a monthly basis along with when they need to be paid (or for direct debits, the date that they leave your account) and then everything that you get paid. Include small things like your daily bus to work or your weekly coffee – otherwise, you’ll end up shortchanging yourself!
Last Updated on September 11, 2024
Published on August 24, 2023
