There comes a time when you finally decide to step out of your comfort zone and move out of your parents’ house. It’s exciting, liberating, and a little scary all at once.
Suddenly, you’re responsible for your own meals, your own bills, and making sure the place you live in actually feels like home. But the thrill of independence can quickly fade if you realize on your first night that you forgot half the things you actually need.
To make the transition smoother, it’s important to think beyond just packing clothes. From the obvious essentials to the little details you may overlook, here’s a guide to everything you’ll want to have on hand when you start your new chapter.
Before you even think about furniture or dishes, start with the non-negotiables: your documents. IDs, bank papers, lease agreements, and any work or university files should be stored neatly in a folder or lockbox. The last thing you want is to be digging through boxes looking for your passport the day before an important trip. Having these in one safe place makes you feel instantly more in control.
You’ll quickly realize how much you relied on your parents’ kitchen when you move out. Even if you’re not planning to cook gourmet meals, you need a few basics. A frying pan, a saucepan, a couple of plates and bowls, and simple utensils will go a long way.
Throw in a kettle or coffee maker if you’re someone who can’t function without caffeine. Stock up on everyday groceries too, such as rice, pasta, spices, or canned food. It might feel like a lot at first, but the first time you come home hungry and don’t have to order takeout, you’ll be glad you invested in the basics.
Your bedroom will be your retreat, so make it a place you actually want to come back to. Start with a good mattress because no matter how much you try, you won’t get a good night’s sleep on a thin foam sheet on the floor.
Add some bedding, curtains for privacy, and a desk or chair if you’ll be studying or working from home. Even simple things like a laundry basket and enough hangers for your clothes can save you from a lot of chaos later.
One of the fastest lessons you learn after moving out is that nobody is going to clean up after you. Having cleaning essentials from day one makes life easier. A broom, mop, trash bags, and multipurpose cleaning sprays will cover most needs.
If your budget allows, a vacuum cleaner is a worthy investment, especially if you hate sweeping. Don’t forget laundry detergent either, because nothing says “adulting fail” like running out of clean clothes and realizing you don’t even own soap to wash them.
These are the items people often forget because they’re so used to having them stocked at home. Towels, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and skincare products should be on your moving checklist. It’s also wise to keep a small first-aid kit with bandages, painkillers, and any medicines you might need. You never realize how much you rely on these things until you don’t have them within reach.
Now comes the big question: how are you actually going to move all this stuff? Carrying boxes, transporting furniture, and managing logistics can be overwhelming. This is where having reliable help makes all the difference.
Instead of stressing over borrowing a friend’s car or making endless trips, you can use Lalamove, which allows you to book everything from a car to a truck, depending on how much you need to move. With the option of hiring helpers, too, it takes the pressure off you, allowing you to focus on setting up your new place.
Moving out isn’t just about carrying things into a new space; it’s about taking responsibility. Setting a budget for rent, utilities, groceries, and transport will save you from the shock of unexpected bills. Always keep a small emergency fund set aside. A leaking tap, a broken appliance, or a sudden medical need can throw you off balance if you’re not prepared.
Moving out of your parents’ house is one of life’s big milestones, and while it can feel overwhelming, it’s also incredibly rewarding.
And when it comes to moving day itself, don’t let logistics weigh you down. Book a ride through Lalamove, get your essentials delivered safely, and focus on the exciting part: making your new place truly feel like home.
Download the Lalamove app today and make your move hassle-free.