You have lived with your parents for your whole life. For the last few years, you have looked forward to going away to college. Now the time has come, and you’re ready to pack up your stuff and move out for the first time. But here’s the bad news, no matter if you are going away to a big school like Ohio State, or a smaller community college like Columbus State: life going forward will never be as simple as the life you are leaving behind. Don’t stress, everyone has been there before. Moving on is part of life. Moving out on your own is an experience that almost everyone goes through, eventually.
1. College Living Options And Tips
There are many living options when starting school from dorm life, to living at home and commuting to living in an apartment. Living at home the first semester may help take off the extra stress of paying for rent, utilities, etc while you adjust to your studying technique. When you do decide on moving out having a roommate will help save a significant amount on your rent, Columbia Gas, and food costs. To save even more money it is important to conserve your resources and practice energy efficiency as well as comparing prices and rates on all services such as energy, internet, and cable companies
2. Moving Out For The First Time
No matter how much homework you do before moving out, you still end up buying the wrong kind of toilet roll or getting waylaid by rent payments that are overdue. The first step, then, is to get things together in a place that will help you sort through your thoughts about moving out and settling down. If you are living off-campus, you may be responsible for your own utility bills. Be sure you compare both electric and gas rates among the various providers so you can get an apples-to-apples comparison. Make sure you get a utility plan started ahead of time, so you don’t have to wait for service after you move in.
3. College Moving Day And Living Tips
If you are moving into a dorm at school, a lot of things will be easier for you. Fewer choices and decisions to make. If you are living off-campus, and renting an apartment, there are some pitfalls to watch out for.
First things first: when it comes to renting a place, don’t just hand over your checkbook and your personal information to anyone who asks for it. Ask for at least three references from the person moving out for the first time. Ask why they are leaving their home. The best landlords will be glad to give you a few references – after all, they want you to stay in the home as long as possible.
Renters need to know the kind of place you live in, and they also need to know how much rent they’re expected to pay. Ask what kinds of materials and possessions you’re packing up, and don’t be afraid to ask for a breakdown of the cost of everything. This includes moving items and can give you a good idea about how much you can reasonably expect to move in. You don’t have to sign a contract for the rent, but it’s better, to be honest than to be surprised when you try to pack away your stuff and only discover that your refrigerator is too full. If you have any questions, be sure to call the moving company or landlord right away to discuss these items.
And while you’re packing up your things, consider getting one of those helpful new apartment locating devices. These are great for making the big move easier and can help you find your perfect new apartment even if you aren’t sure where it is. The portable device looks like a bulky video camera, and it has a laser that easily locates your new house within a matter of seconds. If you can trust your eyes, it’s an excellent tool for helping you find your new place.
Bottom Line
Moving out for the first time can be scary, especially if you’re not sure how you’re going to move. But there are plenty of tips and tricks for making the move easier so that you can make it through and feel like you’ve finally found a new home. Pack your boxes, label them for easy storage, and get moving! With these helpful tips, you’ll have no problem at all making the big move.