There’s something both thrilling and slightly terrifying about packing up your life into boxes and starting fresh somewhere new. Maybe you’re leaving your childhood bedroom for the first time, or perhaps you’re making your fifth move and still learning new lessons each time.
Either way, moving out isn’t just about finding a place with four walls and a roof. It’s about building a life that actually works for you, from the moment you wake up to when you finally collapse into bed after a long day.
This guide will walk you through the essentials that most people only learn through trial and error. Let’s save you some of those headaches.
Things to Think About When Moving Out
Moving out successfully means thinking beyond just finding an apartment and hiring movers. Here are twenty critical considerations that will help you transition smoothly into your new space and lifestyle.
1. Your True Budget (Not the One You Want to Have)
Look at your bank statements from the last three months. Really look at them. That number you spend on coffee, takeout, and random online purchases? It’s probably higher than you think. Your rent shouldn’t eat up more than 30% of your take-home pay, but you also need to account for utilities, internet, renters insurance, and all those subscription services you forgot you’re paying for.
Here’s what trips people up: they calculate rent as their only housing cost. Wrong. Add another $150-300 monthly for utilities in a typical one-bedroom apartment, depending on your location and whether you blast the AC all summer. Factor in your actual spending habits, not the budget you aspire to follow someday. That someday budget will sabotage you every time.
2. The Commute You’ll Actually Make Every Day
That cute apartment 45 minutes from work, seems fine when you’re viewing it on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Fast forward to a rainy Tuesday morning when your alarm didn’t go off and you need to be in a meeting in an hour. Suddenly, that commute feels less charming.
Test your commute during rush hour before you sign anything. Sit on that bus. Drive that route at 8 AM on a weekday. Your future self will thank you. Every extra 10 minutes you spend commuting daily adds up to roughly 87 hours per year. That’s more than two full work weeks of your life spent in transit.
3. What Your Upstairs Neighbors Sound Like
Visit your potential new place at different times of day. Go on a weekday evening around 7 PM. Stop by on a Saturday morning. Listen. Do you hear footsteps? Music? Arguments? A building can look perfect during a midday showing but turn into a drum solo every night at 11 PM when the night shift nurse gets home.
Pay attention to the parking lot too. Are there a bunch of cars with loud exhausts? Is there a bar next door that empties at 2 AM? Your sleep quality will make or break your entire moving experience, and you can’t fix noisy neighbors with a strongly worded email.
4. Storage Space for Your Actual Stuff
Those beautiful minimalist apartments in the photos don’t show you where to put your winter coats, cleaning supplies, extra towels, or that box of sentimental items you’re not ready to toss. Open every closet during your viewing. Are they shallow? Can you fit more than five hangers? Where will your vacuum cleaner live?
Measure the spaces you’ll use most. The kitchen is a big one. Count the cabinets. If you cook regularly and there are only four small cabinets total, you’ll be stacking pots and pans like a Jenga game. Some older apartments have almost no built-in storage, which means you’ll need to buy furniture that doubles as storage. Budget for that.
5. The Kitchen’s Real Cooking Capacity
Does the stove actually work well, or does one burner take 20 minutes to boil water? Is there counter space to chop vegetables, or will you be doing meal prep on a cutting board balanced over the sink? Check the refrigerator size. A mini fridge might sound fine until you’re trying to fit groceries for a week and realizing you can’t.
Turn on the faucet and let it run. Hot water should arrive in under a minute. If it takes longer, you’ll waste water and time every single day. Look under the sink for signs of leaks or water damage. A small leak now becomes your problem later, and it’s miserable dealing with maintenance requests for issues that should have been fixed before you moved in.
6. Laundry Logistics That Fit Your Life
In-unit laundry is a luxury that changes everything. You can throw in a load before work and move it to the dryer during lunch. You can wash your sheets on a random Tuesday without planning your whole day around it. If your building has shared laundry, where is it? Basement? Different building? Do the machines eat quarters or use an app?
Here’s the math that matters: if you need to go to a laundromat, you’re looking at $8-15 per week, plus at least two hours of your time. That’s $400-780 annually and 104 hours spent watching your clothes tumble. Shared building laundry usually costs about half that. In-unit laundry costs nothing extra per load and gives you back all that time. Calculate what your time is worth and factor that into your housing decision.
7. Natural Light and Your Mental Health
Humans need sunlight. It’s basic biology. A dark apartment might seem cozy during a viewing, but living in a cave for months will affect your mood, your sleep, and your energy levels. Which direction do the windows face? North-facing windows give consistent but dimmer light. South-facing windows flood your space with sunshine most of the day.
Stand in each room and think about when you’ll be there. If your bedroom faces east and you like sleeping in on weekends, those sunrise rays might become your enemy. If your living room has no natural light and that’s where you spend your evenings, you’ll constantly feel like you’re in a basement. You can add lamps, but they’ll never replace actual daylight. This matters more than most people realize until they’re living it.
8. Parking Situations Before You Need Them
Street parking seems fine until you’re circling the block for 30 minutes at 9 PM carrying groceries. Does your building have assigned spots? Is there guest parking for when friends visit? What happens in winter if your city gets snow? Where do the plows push it all?
If you’re paying for a parking spot, make sure you see it. Some buildings have tiny spots that barely fit a sedan, and forget about it if you drive an SUV or truck. Underground parking is great for weather protection but terrible if there’s no cell service and you need to make a call before you leave. These small details compound over time and turn into daily frustrations.
9. The Pet Policy Fine Print
“Pet-friendly” can mean a lot of different things. Some places allow cats but not dogs. Some allow dogs under 25 pounds. Some charge a monthly pet rent ($30-75 is common) plus a non-refundable pet deposit ($200-500). Read the lease carefully. Are there breed restrictions? Can you have more than one pet? What happens if you get a pet after you move in?
Also, check the practical stuff. Is there grass nearby for dogs? Does the building have a pet waste station? Are your neighbors tolerant of barking, or will you get complaints? If you don’t have a pet now but might want one later, make sure your lease allows it. Breaking a lease because of a pet situation is expensive and stressful.
10. Internet Speed and Reliability
You might not think about this until you’re trying to join a video call and your screen is frozen, or you’re waiting 10 minutes to load a webpage. Before you sign, ask current tenants about internet reliability. Some buildings have exclusive deals with certain providers, which means no competition and sometimes terrible service.
Check what speed you can actually get. If you work from home, stream shows, or game online, you’ll need at least 100 Mbps download speed, ideally more. Some older buildings have infrastructure that can’t support modern internet needs. Finding this out after you’ve moved in and you’re stuck with buffering videos is a special kind of frustration. Ask for the names of available providers and look up reviews specific to that building, if possible.
11. Climate Control You Can Actually Control
Some apartments include heat and AC in the rent, which sounds great until you realize the thermostat is controlled by the landlord and you’re sweating through July or freezing in February. Other places make you pay for heating and cooling, which can add $100-200 monthly during extreme weather.
Check what type of heating and cooling system exists. Radiators? Baseboard heaters? Central air? Window units? Each has different costs and effectiveness. Old windows that don’t seal properly will drain your wallet in energy costs. Stand next to the windows during your viewing. Do you feel a draft? That’s money leaking out. Good insulation and weather stripping make a huge difference in both comfort and cost.
12. Security Features That Actually Matter
A deadbolt on your door is basic, but what else is there? Is there exterior lighting at night? Do the windows have locks that actually work? If it’s a building, is there a secure entrance or can anyone walk in? Does the front door close and lock automatically, or is it propped open half the time?
Think about your specific situation. Do you travel frequently? Work odd hours? Live alone? Your security needs might be different than someone else’s. Check the crime statistics for that specific neighborhood, not just the city overall. Look at the most recent six months of data. Walk around the area after dark if possible. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
13. Maintenance Response Time and Quality
Ask the landlord or property manager about their maintenance process. How do you submit requests? What’s the typical response time for urgent issues versus non-urgent ones? Who do you call if something breaks at 2 AM? Look up reviews online from current or past tenants. Search for the property management company specifically.
A broken AC in August or no heat in January isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. Some landlords are responsive and professional. Others will leave you hanging for weeks. This is one area where you really need to do your homework before signing. Talk to current tenants if you can. Ask them directly about their experiences with repairs and maintenance. Their answers will tell you a lot.
14. What Actually Comes With the Place
Does the apartment include a refrigerator? Stove? Microwave? Dishwasher? These aren’t always givens, especially in older buildings or certain rental markets. Make a list of what’s included and what you’ll need to buy. A refrigerator alone can cost $500-2000 depending on size and features.
Check the condition of what’s included. That ancient stove might technically work, but if the oven temperature is wildly inaccurate or the burners are dying, you’ll struggle every time you cook. Ask about the age of appliances. Most major appliances last 10-15 years. If they’re at the end of their lifespan, you might deal with breakdowns and repairs soon after moving in.
15. Move-In Costs Beyond First Month’s Rent
Most places require first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit. That’s three months of rent upfront. If your rent is $1200 monthly, you need $3600 just to get the keys. Some places also charge application fees, admin fees, and pet deposits. Add moving truck rental or professional movers. Factor in utility deposits and setup fees.
Then there’s furniture and household items. You’ll need basics like a bed, couch, kitchen table, dishes, pots and pans, cleaning supplies, shower curtain, towels, toilet paper. Even if you shop smart and buy secondhand, you’re looking at $1000-3000 to get reasonably set up. Create a spreadsheet with all the upfront costs so you’re not caught off guard. Many people focus on monthly rent and forget about the huge initial cash outlay.
16. The Lease Terms You’re Actually Agreeing To
Read every word of your lease. Yes, it’s boring. Yes, it’s long. Do it anyway. What are the rules about having guests? Can you paint the walls? Hang pictures? What happens if you need to break the lease early? Is subletting allowed? What are the penalties for late rent payment?
Pay special attention to the renewal terms. Does your rent increase automatically after the first year? By how much? Some leases have clauses that allow rent increases of 5-10% or more at renewal. Know what you’re signing up for. If something in the lease doesn’t make sense or seems unfair, ask about it before you sign. Once you’ve signed, you’re bound by those terms.
17. Building Culture and Neighbor Dynamics
Every building has its own vibe. Some are quiet and professional, where everyone keeps to themselves. Others are more social, with neighbors who chat in the hallways and organize building events. Neither is better, but you should know what you’re getting into and whether it matches your personality.
If you’re an introvert who values privacy, a super social building might feel draining. If you’re outgoing and want to make friends, a silent building where no one makes eye contact might feel lonely. Try to observe the current residents during your viewing. Do people smile and say hello? Are there common areas where people gather? Look at the bulletin boards. Active communities post events and notices. Check if there are any ongoing disputes or drama visible in the communications.
18. Your Actual Furniture and How It Fits
That queen bed you have might not fit through the doorway of your new bedroom. Your couch might be too long for the living room. Measure your current furniture and compare it to the dimensions of your new space. Sketch out a basic floor plan. There are free apps that help you visualize furniture placement.
Think about the layout flow too. Can you open the bedroom door fully, or does it hit the bed? Is there room to walk around your furniture comfortably, or will you be doing a sideways shuffle every time you want to reach the window? Where will your TV go, and is there an outlet nearby? These practical details determine whether your space feels comfortable or cramped. Sometimes you’ll need to leave furniture behind or buy smaller pieces.
19. Emergency Preparedness and Exit Routes
Where are the fire exits? Does your apartment have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors? Test them. If they’re not working, that’s a red flag about the landlord’s attention to safety. Know where the fire extinguisher is located. Check the windows. Can they open fully? In an emergency, could you get out through them if needed?
Ask about the building’s history with emergencies. Has there been flooding? Fire? Break-ins? You have a right to know. Check if the area is prone to natural disasters. Flood zones? Earthquake risk? Tornado alley? Have a plan for what you’d do in an emergency. Keep important documents in a waterproof container that you can grab quickly. This might seem overly cautious, but preparedness brings peace of mind.
20. Your Real Reason for Moving
This last one is about you, not the apartment. Why are you moving? Is it for a fresh start? A job? A relationship? Independence? Cheaper rent? Your reason matters because it will guide your decisions and help you prioritize what’s important. If you’re moving for a job, proximity to work might matter most. If you’re seeking independence, the freedom to make your space your own might be the priority.
Be honest with yourself about your motivations and your readiness. Moving is expensive and stressful. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons and not just because you feel like you should. If you’re moving to escape problems, know that problems often follow you. But if you’re moving toward something better, a goal, a dream, a new chapter, that’s different. Your mindset going into this move will shape your entire experience. Check in with yourself. Are you excited? Terrified? Both? That’s normal. Just make sure you’re making this choice deliberately, with your eyes open.
Wrapping Up
Moving out is equal parts exciting and overwhelming, but you’re already ahead of the game by thinking through these twenty considerations. The difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one often comes down to the homework you do before signing that lease.
Take your time with this decision. Visit places multiple times. Ask questions even when they feel obvious. Your home isn’t just where you sleep. It’s where you recharge, where you build your life, where you figure out who you’re becoming. Make it count.