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At one point in our lives, we mature enough to make it on our own. However, no matter how “independent” we think ourselves to be, we always need a helping hand, be it family, friends or neighbours. Yet, we choose to leave our parents’ home and move in to our own place.

This can be one of the largest and most significant moves in our lifetime – aside from joining the military or purchasing a family home.In short, moving out can be a formidable but worthwhile experience.

The best advice is to plan your move. However obvious this may seem, even experienced movers who have moved from town to town or even country to country can fall victim to poor planning. That said, planning is not the only important factor; preparation is just as crucial.

Empty Your Wallet

Moving out means you’re going to need some new possessions, which doesn’t always come cheap. Groceries, furniture, toiletries and household goods like towels, bed sheets and the like are expensive.

It’s a good idea to buy these belongings before you move. Visit some jumble sales, car boot and white elephant sales and pick up items you may need. In addition, start stocking up on toiletries. All of these things are necessities, and it’s better to pay for them now before having to lay out money for rent and utilities.

Also, open your own checking and savings account. It’s worth putting some cash in each account, as you will need it once you’re in your own place.

Aim Low

Try to find a flat on the first floor. Although stairs are an unavoidable reality the world over, take a room on the first floor and let your house mates live upstairs. This will quickly pay off when you’re hauling furniture inside and carting in bags of shopping.

Take-on New Responsibilities

Moving out on your own means independence – but not from bills and house hold chores. While chores are a part of most people’s lives before they move out, bills are another matter entirely. While having to pay for your own car insurance or mobile phone can be a good learning curve, expenses will quickly add-up so it’s wise to learn how to get on top of them.

Keep in mind that bills won’t be your only responsibility. You’ll have to put yourself in charge of you. This means getting up on time, going to bed at a reasonable hour and setting goals for yourself.

Bond with House Mates

Sharing expenses won’t make you lifelong friends – but developing a friendship will. This can easily be done with a little mutual respect; respect each other’s space and respect each other’s privacy. Above all, be sincere with your housemates.

Distribute Household Chores

No one enjoys chores, but in order to effectively maintain a household, they must be done. It’s important to come to a mutual agreement with the house as to who does what. One can take on recycling the rubbish, another can clean the floors, etc. Switch it up now and again. And remember, the less of a mess the house makes, the less there is to clean up.

Spell It Out

Write down your budget and your moving plan. Ensure that you check out the weather report before you physically move. Put as much as you can in boxes, labelling the boxes and placing them in the appropriate rooms. Make arrangements for utilities to be turned on prior to the move, and check your list at least twice.

With a bit of planning and some preparation, your move should be incident free.

Dane Cross writes on behalf of One UK, a UK based estate agents who specialise in flats and apartments in Leeds.

Long Island Movers