Whether you just finished school or landed a job in a new city, moving for the first time is an exciting adventure! At the same time, it can feel a little scary and overwhelming—especially if you’re not sure how to begin or what steps to take.

Instead of stressing out, focus on the fun part of moving by using our guide to make your first move smooth and easy.

Where to Start

Your first move begins with finding a place to live. While looking for your dream home, you also need to keep your budget in mind. A common rule is to spend about 30% of your income on rent but that doesn’t fit everyone’s situation. Use it as a guideline, then think about the cost of living in the new area and whether you’ll be sharing the place with roommates.

Once you find a few places that fit your budget, take time to read reviews from current and past tenants, drive around the neighborhood to get a sense of the community, and set up a tour with the building’s management.

After you’ve signed the lease, it’s time to start getting ready for your move!

Book a Moving Company

Many first-time movers think about renting a truck and asking a few friends to help in exchange for pizza and drinks. But this kind of DIY move can sometimes cost just as much—or even more—than hiring a professional moving company.

Professional movers work fast and know how to get the job done. They have the right tools to protect your fragile items and usually offer insurance in case something gets damaged (though it’s less likely with their help). If you’re moving in or out of a place with several floors, having a team of movers makes it much easier to safely carry heavy items up and down the stairs.

Before hiring movers, check that the company is licensed by the FMCSA, see if they are part of the American Trucking Association ProMover program and read customer reviews about their services. These steps will help you choose a reliable moving company and protect yourself from possible moving scams.

Try to book your movers for a few days or even a week after you get the keys. This gives you enough time to look over the place and make sure everything is ready before moving in.

Pre-Move Checklist

Now that you’ve got your new place and booked the movers, here are a few final things to take care of before moving day:

  • Make sure to set up your utilities (electricity, internet, gas) before you move in. Many apartments ask for proof that your electricity is ready before giving you the keys and you don’t want to move into a hot, stuffy place with no Wi-Fi.
  • Use the time between getting your keys and moving in to make sure your new place is clean. If it’s been empty for a while, it might be a bit dusty. You can also plan where you want your furniture to go ahead of time.
  • Pack! Collect moving boxes from offices or grocery stores and use your suitcases to save money on packing supplies. Avoid buying new household items before the move so you’ll have fewer things to pack.
  • Update your address on utilities, credit cards, your driver’s license and other important accounts. Also, let the post office know your new address so your mail gets delivered to the right place.

It’s Time to Move!

By preparing in advance and hiring a professional moving team, you can enjoy a smooth first move and start settling into your new home without stress.

STI Moving & Storage is here to make your first move a great one! With over 21 years of experience and skilled agents, we have the knowledge and ability to give you a hassle-free move every time.