Leaving home for the first time is an exhilarating feeling – being on your own is liberating and terrifying all at the same time. Moving out and being self-sufficient is one of the first steps of being an adult.

As exciting as the prospect of making your own rules are, there are many things that you will need to take into consideration before spreading your wings and leaving the proverbial nest. This article will highlight five of the most important things to do before moving and hitting the eject button.

1. Start Saving Long Before

Everyone knows that moving costs money; few people know that it is way more than you would think. Paying your security deposit, rent in advance, and moving fees is going to add up quickly. Before you know it, you’ll need to shell out way more money than you’d budgeted.

Take the time to consider ALL of the costs involved in your move, and then save a little extra – just in case.

2. Contact Your Landlord

Contact your new landlord before you move to ask some pertinent questions. You’ll need to know when you can move in, how and when you will receive keys, and what kind of service systems are in place for moving large items of furniture.

If there is anything else you’d like to know, you should probably ask those questions before you move in. Find out where you can park, as well as how your utilities will work and be billed.

3. Have The Place Cleaned

There is nothing worse than going through all the effort of packing boxes and labelling everything in your life, only to arrive at a place that isn’t clean. The previous tenants should have left the place clean and move-in ready, but sometimes apartments can be vacant for a while before the new person moves in – that results in dust and critters most of the time.

Hire a special event cleaning service to make sure that moving into your new apartment is a joyful experience for you.

4. Read Your Lease Thoroughly

As tempting as it is to TL;DR your lease agreement, you need to read your lease agreement. That document contains vital information, and you need to make sure that you’re aware of everything contained in it.

That way, you are well aware of what is expected from you when it comes to paying rent, pet policies and roommates. It will also inform you about rights and responsibilities are as a tenant.

5. Ensure That You Have The Essentials

It is wise to pack a box filled with essential items beforehand. That box should include items like toilet paper, soap, shampoo, a towel, and pillows. Your first night in your new apartment will be a little manic, and you probably won’t feel like unpacking as soon as you arrive.

Moving into your own space is such a fantastic character-building experience. Remember to keep your new place clean and tidy, and always pay your bills on time – there will be a lot of those.