Getting out of your college dorm and moving into your first home or apartment is a big milestone. Whether you want to swap out spaces in a cozy Chicago apartment and shared dorm space, settle in a charming Portland bungalow or embrace the sleek skyscrapers of Miami. It’s an opportunity to create spaces that reflect unique styles and priorities. From finding the right neighborhood to setting up utility to furniture for new homes, this guide will help you navigate every step of the transition with confidence.
Please check the virtual tour before applying
One thing you definitely want to avoid when you leave your college dorm and move into your first apartment is the unexpected surprise. In some cases, when you are a college student who moves to a new job or travels around the country, you may not have the opportunity to see your apartment in person before moving in.
“You can visit the property website before applying to see if there is a video tour of model floor plans and amenities, and get a sense of space before moving. This is a piece of furniture, Plan your layout, helps you find the best model. Floor plan for your needs. “- Dave Freund, co-founder of Leaseleads
Plan for essential costs in advance
Moving from college dorm life to your first home can be exciting yet scary. Once you settle into your new home, it is important to approach the process with thoughtful and clear financial planning. From basic essentials to practical steps to saving money, managing your expenses from the start makes a huge difference in creating a functional and affordable space.
“Start by writing down what you need for your new home and how much money you need to cover those costs. You’ll need furniture, cleaning supplies, and even a basic repair kit.
Find a more cost-effective way to make your home as beautiful as you like, and use dupe.com to find cheaper versions of furniture and products so you don’t break your bank . And when it comes to breaking the bank, there’s the risk of putting all the utilities on AutoPay, not receiving deferred fees and turning them off because of unpaid. ” – Clarissa State Clarissa state explains Money, LLC
Make your moving day stress-free
Moving can be a challenging task, but with proper preparation, there’s no need to be stressed out. Continuing to organize professional help when necessary and participating when necessary makes the process much easier and overwhelming. Proper planning is key to a smooth transition to a new home.
“You start by packing your belongings in a sturdy box and clearly labeling them for easy unpacking. For large furniture, you can disassemble what you can and padding protect your vulnerable items. Most importantly. The thing is to find a reputable moving company to handle heavy lifting and transport so that your items arrive safely and efficiently. A professional mover will help you make your new space It helps you avoid the general moving stress so you can focus on calming down.’ – Harris Thompson, Owner, Wolf Moving You LLC
Provides smart with budget-friendly discoveries
Moving into a new home is your chance to create space that reflects your style and meets your needs. However, it is important to approach this by carefully considering both your space and budget. Finding ways to maximize value while making smart choices will help you make the process more smooth.
“We invest in a versatile piece that serves multiple purposes, such as storage ottomans, modular seats, and expandable tables, so we can maximize space to suit our needs. There’s no need to splurge on showroom-quality furniture. Instead, shop on your budget and explore options like the Facebook Marketplace. Here you can find high-quality pieces for those who need to sell quickly.’ – Kristen Bender Daabol Kadeema Rentals, founder and certified interior designer
Plan your decoration intentionally
Decorating your first home is sometimes overwhelming, especially after moving from your university dorm to a larger space. It is important to take your time and approach the process thoughtfully to avoid impulsive decisions. By being intentional about purchasing and sticking to your plan, you can create a beautiful, personal space that suits both your style and your budget.
“Plan your home decor. Don’t rush to all the trends and popular items now. Sense purchases are very important for your first home, so treat each purchase as an investment Create a list or board on Pinterest to explore options and budget-friendly alternatives. I often find items that are very similar to expensive ones, but at a better price. When decorating, Start with basic neutral colors and pieces. Don’t overwhelm you as you can add statement pieces and colors when you go. Enjoy this process – your first Moving into a home is a beautiful experience, so enjoy it.” – Jenny Patricia
Be satisfied with your new responsibility
Moving from a dorm to your first home is a major change and is filled with new responsibilities and opportunities for growth. Adapting to managing invoice and maintenance tasks can feel overwhelming, but taking a proactive approach will set you up for success. This is your chance to create a unique feeling and create a space that supports both your current and future needs.
“Moving from a dorm to a first home means adapting to new responsibilities, such as utilities management and maintenance. Set up and budget monthly expenses like electricity, water, internet and more. Establishing a system to track deadlines and know minor repairs can help reduce stress.
When creating spaces, combine familiar and comfortable items with new pieces that reflect evolving style. This balance makes your home personal and functional. Accept this opportunity for growth and create a space that reflects who you are and who you are now. ” – Molly Rosenstein, M.Ed, LGPC, North Star Psychological Services
Live in your means and plan your future
When you move out of your college dorm life and begin your career, it is important to live within your means and make financial decisions that support your long-term goals. Avoid the pressure to maintain a luxurious lifestyle and focus on saving for the future, whether it’s retirement or your first home. Smart choices will help you set up for future success.
“Many families believe that college costs are “surged,” but in many schools tuition and fees actually remain relatively flat. What’s been a dramatic increase in my 16 years as a university planner is not just the room and board, but lifestyle expectations. When you start your career, look for ways to live within your means or “under” yours.
You may need an underground car park or a flashy fitness centre, but that doesn’t mean you need to choose them or assume they are the best use of your money. Take away the extra money you spend on an expensive apartment and invest in day payments for retirement or even better, at the starter’s home. Live comfortably, not luxury. Consider learning to cook, shopping for your own grocery, and splitting costs with your roommate. ” – Tom Crease, On-Campus College Planning
