Moving is complicated and stressful, no doubt about that. You must prepare yourself and your loved ones for this step, and on top of that, you must also deal with packing, heavy lifting, finding the rental truck, etc. However, if this is your first time moving, everything will be even more complicated and overwhelming. But do not worry! We are here to help you out. We will share some helpful tips and tricks that will, hopefully, make this move easier. Thus, if this may interest you, keep on reading this ultimate guide for moving out for the first time.

1. Start Ahead of Time

When it comes to moving, starting ahead of time is the key! The sooner you start, the better. This is especially important if this is your first time moving to another country, city, or even just around the corner. By doing this, you will have enough time to organize everything properly, make mistakes, and fix them. Thus, start by setting your moving date first! If possible, set it for the following month or two. Then, create a budget for this. Create a budget for everything moving-related like hiring movers, renting a truck, buying packing materials and supplies, etc. It would be a good idea to get a notebook and write down everything as well. You can also write down your moving plan and to-do list there that will keep you organized and up to date.

2. Find a Moving Agency

When it comes to moving, you have two options - to hire a moving agency or organize a DIY kind of relocation. The first option is, of course, more expensive. But, it is also more favorable if you are moving out for the first time, and you don't know exactly where or how to start. Thus, if your budget allows it, we strongly advise you to hire movers that meet your needs. Today, there are moving agencies for everybody - people transferring for business, students moving to some of the best universities in the US, the elderly, families, etc.

Do not hire the first company you find! Do some research beforehand. Ask your trusted friends and family members for some recommendations or look for movers online. Once you do, start making phone calls. Ask them about their prices and services. Moreover, if you want to save some money, it would be a good idea to hire movers ahead of time. The sooner you book them, the higher discount you will get!

3. Find Help Elsewhere!

If, however, your budget does not allow you to hire movers, don't worry, it's not the end of the world. You just need to find help elsewhere. Call your friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, etc. The more hands on deck, the better. You don't need all these people just so you can pack together and to make your life easier, no. You need them for all the heavy lifting. No matter how much you try, you will not be able to carry that bulky sofa or that dresser down the stairs and into that moving truck by yourself. If you do try, you will damage something, or worse, you will hurt yourself or somebody around you. Therefore, call for help as soon as you decide to move. And, when everything finishes, reward the people who helped you out. Buy some food and drinks, play some music or put on Oscar-winning movies and have fun.

4. Organize and Declutter

Whether you plan on hiring movers or doing everything yourself, you will need to organize and declutter first. Since this is your first time moving out, you will want to bring everything with you to your new home. But, by doing that, you will make two crucial mistakes - your move will be too expensive and you will overcrowd your new home. Save yourself some trouble and declutter before packing. Don't be oversentimental about material things. Pack only the absolutely necessary items, and of course, the irreplaceable and valuable ones. When it comes to everything else, you can either donate it to a charitable organization, give it to somebody in need, sell it online, or on a yard sale.

5. Gather Proper Supplies and Start Packing

Once you have organized and decluttered all of your items, it is time to gather packing supplies and get on with it. The necessary supplies you will need:

1. Cardboard boxes and plastic bins
2. Moving blankets, packing paper, bubble wrap and duct tape
3. Scissors and a permanent marker

All of these you can get either from your movers or in well-equipped hardware stores and stationery shops.

Finally, it is time for packing. Many people believe that it only involves throwing items into boxes and sealing them with tape. But, many of your household items and furniture will be damaged or broken in transport if you do that. So, be careful and get informed before you start packing. We recommend disassembling larger pieces of furniture and wrapping each piece in bubble wrap separately. And, when it comes to packing smaller items into boxes, make sure you wrap everything into packing paper first and then put some packing peanuts inside as well. In the end, do not forget to seal the boxes with good quality duct tape and label everything!