Moving out for the first time and tThat first set of keys comes with more than a new address. It’s a handful of decisions, budget, roommates, lease terms, internet, furniture, that feel much easier once they’re on paper. This guide takes you through the move in a steady sequence: what it costs, how to choose a place (or a dorm), what to pack, and how to set up the first week so home starts feeling like home.
Key Points (Quick Scan)
- Upfront costs usually include first month’s rent, a security deposit (often 1× rent), application/screening fees, and utility deposits. Student housing may swap deposits for prepayments or guarantor forms.
- Monthly reality runs beyond rent: utilities, internet, transit/parking, groceries, renters insurance, and a small “maintenance & supplies” line.
- Boundaries matter more than décor. Roommate agreements save friendships; quiet hours, guests, dishes, bills.
- Start small with stuff. A basic kitchen/bath/bed setup, then add as you live. Multi-use pieces beat big sets in small spaces.
- For campus moves: check your school’s list of allowed/prohibited items, move-in time slots, and mailroom rules before you shop.
What Does Moving Out Cost (Upfront and Monthly)?
Every city and campus is different, but most first moves share the same building blocks. Use these ranges as planning anchors; your final numbers will reflect your market, unit type, and whether you’re solo or sharing.
| Line | Typical Range (Planning) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First month’s rent | 1× agreed rent | Sometimes prorated if you start mid-month. |
| Security deposit | 0.5–1× rent (often 1×) | Refundable if you leave the unit in good condition; watch timelines for return. |
| Application/screening | $20–$75 per adult | Covers credit/background; non-refundable. |
| Utility deposits | $0–$300 total | Electric, gas, water/sewer, trash; varies by provider and credit. |
| Internet setup | $0–$150 | Activation fee, modem/router if you don’t own one. |
| Furniture & essentials | $250–$1,200 to start | Bed basics, seating, table/desk, kitchen starter kit, cleaning tools. |
| Moving services | Studio/1-bed: $300–$1,200+ | DIY truck vs. container vs. local movers; distance and stairs/elevator drive price. |
For monthly planning, include rent, utilities (electric, gas, water), internet/phone, transportation, groceries, streaming, renters insurance, and a small buffer for supplies and repairs. A simple 50/30/20 budget (needs/wants/saving) works well during year one.
What Timeline Keeps Stress Low?
6–8 weeks before move
Shortlist neighborhoods or dorms, set a budget ceiling, and line up tours or virtual walk-throughs. If you’ll have roommates, talk about quiet hours, cleaning, guests, and pets now; before anyone signs.
4–5 weeks before move
Apply for the unit, review the lease with fresh eyes, and open utility accounts with service dates that match your keys. If you’re going to campus, claim a move-in time slot as soon as the portal opens.
2–3 weeks before move
Gather essentials and start packing non-daily items. Share photos of the curb and entry for any mover you hire so the estimate matches the address. Order internet service with install or self-install timed to your first week.
Move week
Pack an arrival kit (documents, meds, basic tools, bedding, towels, coffee setup, phone charger). Take timestamped photos of your unit at move-in; walls, floors, appliances so your deposit conversation a year from now is easy.
How Do You Choose the Right Place (or Room)?
Start with the daily rhythm you want, then test it with a weekday evening visit. A great listing can feel different when buses are full, the hallway is busy, or parking is scarce. On tours, ask about:
- Total monthly cost: which utilities are included; average electric/gas bills; parking or pet fees.
- Lease terms: start and end dates, renewal increases, sublet policy, and any early-termination language.
- Maintenance: how to submit requests, typical response times, and emergency contacts.
- Noise and neighbors: what the building is known for (quiet professionals, students, families) so expectations match reality.
Roommates: Keeping the Friendship and the Apartment
Even best friends live differently. A one-page roommate agreement keeps things friendly; who buys shared supplies, how often common spaces get cleaned, how guests work, and how you’ll split utilities (apps make this easy). Decide in advance what happens if someone moves out early so the remaining person isn’t surprised.
Lease Literacy in Five Lines
- Rent & due date: confirm amount, grace period, and late fees.
- Deposit terms: understand what’s refundable, what isn’t, and the timeline for returns after move-out.
- Right to entry: when the landlord can enter and how much notice they must give.
- Repairs: who fixes what, and how quickly urgent issues are addressed.
- Subletting/guarantors: rules for adding a roommate, temporary sublets, or using a guarantor if you’re just establishing credit.
Utilities, Internet, and Mail
Schedule electric/gas/water to start the day you get keys, and set internet for your first or second day. If you’re splitting costs, create a shared note with account numbers and due dates so everyone can help.
File a change-of-address and update banks, school/HR, insurance, and any prescription deliveries the same week.
Furniture & Essentials: Start with the Core, Add Slowly
A small, well-chosen set makes a first place feel finished: a comfortable bed, a spot to sit, a table or desk, and lighting that isn’t just the ceiling fixture. In tight spaces, choose multi-use pieces, storage ottoman, drop-leaf table, nesting side tables. A simple starter kit goes a long way:
- Kitchen: 2 pots + 1 pan, cutting board, chef’s knife, spatula/spoon/tongs, plates/bowls/cups/cutlery for 2–4, dish soap & towels, food storage, basic spices.
- Bed & bath: mattress + protector, sheets, pillows, duvet/blanket; 2 bath towels + 2 hand towels, shower curtain/liner & hooks, bath mat.
- Cleaning & tools: trash bags, broom/dustpan or small vacuum, sponges, multi-surface cleaner, toilet brush, basic toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, tape measure), surge protector, light bulbs.
Packing Without the Stress
Label by room + contents + priority so the first night is easy. Heavier items ride in smaller boxes; lighter items fill the bigger ones. Wrap plates and glasses so they don’t rattle, and tape a simple floor plan to the door of the new place so anyone helping knows where things go. If the kitchen feels overwhelming, many people have pros pack just that zone and any fragile art, then do the rest themselves.
Safety & Maintenance Basics
When you arrive, find the breaker panel and water shutoff, test smoke/CO detectors, and note the best lit route from parking or transit at night. Keep a small “unexpected” kit; flashlight, batteries, bandages, spare phone charger where you can reach it in the dark.
Money Systems That Work in Year One
Automatic payments for rent, internet, and insurance cut late fees. A basic budget, an emergency cushion (even a few hundred helps), and a “home” envelope for recurring supplies keep the month predictable. Review your spending after the first 60 days; groceries and utilities usually tell you where to adjust.
Moving to Campus: Dorms, Residence Halls, and Student Apartments
Campus housing simplifies a lot; utilities are bundled, internet is typically included, and your RA becomes a go-to for questions. The trade-off is space and rules. A quick pass through your school’s housing portal usually answers the big ones: what’s included, what’s prohibited, and how move-in day is staged.
What to bring (and what to skip)
Focus on twin-XL bedding (if applicable), a compact laundry setup, a shower caddy, a small toolkit, and a surge protector. Many halls prohibit open coils, candles, space heaters, and certain appliances. Microwaves and fridges are often shared or limited to specific sizes; check your hall’s list before you buy.
Roommates & shared space
A simple written agreement helps. Quiet hours, guests, cleaning, and how you’ll share small appliances. Earplugs, a clip-on lamp, and a small fan often make sleep easier when schedules don’t match.
Move-in day flow
Most campuses assign time slots and a route to the residence hall. Label your bins, keep documents and IDs in a small crossbody or folder, and bring a collapsible cart; easier to store once you’ve unpacked.
For campus-adjacent apartments, expect standard leases and separate utility accounts. Ask about student discounts on transit, gym access, and rental insurance bundles through your school.
If You’ll Commute Instead of Live on Campus
Build your week around the longest class day. A reliable transit/parking plan, a shared class calendar, and a small “go bag” (snacks, water, chargers, umbrella) make long days manageable. Pick an on-campus spot that becomes your default; library floor, quiet lounge, or department commons; so there’s always a place to land between classes.
People & Routines That Make the First Month Easier
A quick text chain with parents/guardians or friends “arrived, installing internet, first shop went fine” goes a long way. On campus, your RA, advising office, and student health center are core supports. Off campus, introduce yourself to the building manager and learn the best way to submit maintenance requests. A weekly grocery run and a simple meal rotation keep costs steady; a basic bedtime routine makes the new place feel safe and familiar.
First-Week Setup Checklist
- Photograph the unit’s condition and upload the images somewhere you’ll still have a year from now.
- Assemble bed and curtains first; sleep and privacy make everything else easier.
- Test smoke/CO detectors; find breaker panel and water shutoff.
- Place a small bin by the door: keys, ID, spare mask, wallet, transit pass.
- Set up autopay for rent and internet; calendar the due dates for anything manual.
- Walk your block at dusk once. Lighting and routes feel different than at noon.
FAQ
Do I need renters insurance?
It’s small money for big peace of mind. Policies commonly cover theft, certain kinds of damage, and personal liability. Some landlords or campus apartments require proof before you move in.
What’s the difference between a guarantor and a co-signer?
Both help you qualify if you’re new to credit or income. A guarantor is responsible if you don’t pay; a co-signer shares responsibility from the start. Landlords use the terms differently; ask how your building defines them.
How do I avoid losing my deposit?
Document move-in condition, report maintenance issues promptly, and review move-out cleaning expectations 30 days before you leave. Keep proof of your notice date and return-of-keys.
What kitchen gear do I really need?
One medium pot, one small nonstick pan, a baking sheet, a cutting board, a chef’s knife, and a spatula/wooden spoon set. Add a kettle or coffee maker if that’s part of your morning.
References
- FTC – Renting a Home: Your Rights and Responsibilities
- HUD – Tenant Rights, Laws and Protections
- USPS – Change of Address & Mail Forwarding
- Federal Student Aid – Preparing for College
- Ready.gov – Home Safety & Preparedness Basics
- Consumer.gov – Making a Budget
Local rules, deposits, and move-in systems vary by city and school. When in doubt, ask your building manager or housing office for their move-in checklist and timelines.
