Are you considering a move to Seattle, or are you thinking of making the switch in the other direction and heading to sunny California? Regardless of your plans, there’s one thing you need to think about before taking the leap – how to live on your own without relying on support from friends or family. If you want to move and become self-reliant, make sure you memorize our tips and make the transition smoother.
Make Sure You’re Financially Secured
One of the most challenging and scariest things about living in the parents’ nest is becoming financially independent. It is important to start planning and saving money for the move as early as possible to make sure you are prepared to take on this responsibility. Relocating to another city alone and achieving financial stability is achievable with hard work and dedication.
It’s wise to start practicing financial responsibility ever before the move. Try:
- Setting aside a certain sum each month – this will help you build up a base that you can tap into when you need it,
- Investing in yourself – take courses or get training that will make you more marketable in the workforce,
- Living below your means – spend less than you earn and be mindful of your spending habits,
- Staying disciplined – follow your budget, stick to your savings plan, and avoid impulse purchases.
How Much Money Do You Need to Live on Your Own?
It’s impossible to provide a definite response to this question, so don’t be let down if you were hoping for one. You must factor in all relocation costs, including living expenses in the new city and the price of getting long-distance moving services, additional help, and packing materials. There are simply too many variables to calculate the precise amount.
The ideal amount is $10,000 because it will cover all living-on-your-own expenses for the first few months, even in expensive states such as Washington and California. But not everyone has that type of money available, so for many, saving before relocating for the first time is a must.
Create a Realistic Relocation Budget
Making a relocation budget will help you track your expenses and ensure that you are not spending more than you can afford – and it starts with determining all the relocation expenses that await you. So, how much does it cost to live on your own? The answer will depend on the prices of:
- Mortgage or rent,
- Utilities,
- Food,
- Groceries,
- Transportation,
- Insurances,
- Hiring a cross-country moving company (or renting a relocation truck)
- Getting additional services, such as packing service or professional car shipping,
- Plane or bus tickets (or fuel if you’re driving when relocating to a new state).
Additionally, make sure you include unexpected expenses in your planned budget. No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something unpredictable will come up during your move. That’s why it’s a good idea to set aside some money for things like emergency repairs or last-minute travel costs.
Explore the Job Opportunities and Apply to Suitable Positions
Finding a job is essential for achieving financial stability promptly, so it should be one of the main items on your to-do list. It can be a daunting task, but there are plenty of resources available to help you find the right job for you. Use some of the best job searching apps, check out the classifieds and job fairs, or connect with people who work in your desired field and let them know you’re looking for a job.
You can also consider temporary work if you’re unsure what you want to do or if you’re just looking to make some extra money until you find a more suitable position. A staffing agency can be another great resource for finding a job, but be sure to ask about their fees before you sign up, as they can vary significantly.
Note that you can start your job search even before the move – and get hired. This is not hard with today’s technology, as long as you find a way to present yourself as the best candidate. Take a look at the video below for some valuable tips on how to get a job before the move:
Think About Your Future Housing Situation
After leaving the parents’ nest, it is important to think about your future housing situation and what kind of place you want to live in. Do you want to live in an apartment, a house, or a condo? Is a city, a suburb, or a rural area suitable for you? Which neighborhood is your best fit? Each type of housing has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to think about what type of lifestyle you want to have – and how much money you have at your disposal. Once you know what you want, you can start looking for a place to live that meets your needs.
Consider Getting Roommates After Relocating From Your Old Home
There are many benefits to getting a roommate after the move. For one, it can help to split the living expenses such as rent and utilities, which is an excellent solution for those struggling financially. Additionally, having roommates can provide companionship and help to make the transition to a new place easier – as long as you get along with them.
However, there are also some challenges that come along with this solution – you will need to be comfortable with sharing your space with other people, sometimes even strangers. Additionally, you will need to be able to compromise and work together with your roommates in order to make everyone happy.
The ultimate decision should be on you but note that being on your own doesn’t imply that you must live alone after the move.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask For Help
There’s no shame in admitting that you need help when relocating. In fact, it’s actually quite smart to ask for assistance when you’re undertaking such a big project. After all, there are a lot of things to think about and coordinate during this process, and it can be tough to do everything on your own. If you have friends or family members who live close by, see if they’re available to help out with relocation day preparations.
The same goes for financial assistance. Parents are often happy to help their children financially when they move out by providing a deposit, first rent, or relocation essentials. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, don’t hesitate to ask your parents for help – they’ll likely be more than happy to provide it.
Leave the Logistics and Heavy-Lifting to Professional Long-Distance Movers
There are plenty of professional moving companies out there that can help you move efficiently, avoid potential relocation mistakes, and make your move much easier. They can do all the heavy lifting for you, plan the move, and even pack furniture and the rest of your belongings. This can take a lot of relocation stress off of your shoulders and make the whole process a lot smoother. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your upcoming move, all you have to do is choose a long-distance moving company to help you move safely and stress-free.
Residential Relocation Service
Feeling rushed about your long distance move? We can help you organize and budget so you have everything in place.
Corporate Relocation
Are you given the responsibility of the office move? It can be stressful but we can help you plan and get things rolling.
Storage Services
Looking for storage space while you get settled? California-Seattle Express provides 30 days free storage with your move.
Make Friends In a New City to Avoid Feeling Lonely
When you move to a new city, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone. Even if you have family or friends in the area, it can be tough to make new friends and lasting connections. But there are plenty of ways to make friends in a new city – you just have to get a little creative. Here are a few ideas:
- Join a club or organization related to your hobbies or interests,
- Attend local events and festivals,
- Volunteer for a local charity or non-profit organization,
- Go to popular tourist spots and have conversations with people from all over,
- Get involved with your local sports teams, whether it’s playing or cheering them on from the stands.
Create a List Of Chores That Await You When Living on Your Own and Know How To Complete Them
Assuming you’re relocating on your own for the first time, there are a lot of new responsibilities that come with the territory – aside from budgeting. It can be hard to know where to start, especially if you’ve never had to do these things before. To help get you organized, we’ve created a list of essential chores every adult should know how to do.
Learn How to Cook
This doesn’t mean you need to be a master chef, but being able to whip up a few simple meals is essential. Not only will it save you money by eating out less, but it’s also a great way to show off your culinary skills to friends and potential dates.
Clean Your House
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how quickly things can start to pile up – and no one wants to come home to a messy house. Whether you’re doing a quick tidy-up before guests arrive or embarking on a deep clean of your entire home, knowing how to keep things spick and span is an important skill to have.
Do Your Laundry
While it may seem like a simple task, there’s more to it than just throwing your clothes in the washing machine and pressing start. From sorting your laundry into colors to getting those pesky stains out, there’s a lot to learn – but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’ll be a breeze.
Maintain Your Living Space
This includes things like changing light bulbs, fixing leaky faucets, and unclogging drains. While it may seem like a lot at the time, trust us – learning how to do these things will save you a lot of money (and headache) in the long run.
Do Your Taxes
This is something that a lot of people dread, but it’s actually not as difficult as it seems – and it’s something that every adult should know how to do.
Take Care of Your Health Insurance
You should have health insurance coverage in case you get sick or injured and need medical care. Your parents’ health insurance plan can cover you until you turn twenty-six. Still, if you’re older or their insurance doesn’t cover your care, research your options and sign up for a plan that will protect you in case of an emergency.
Take Your Time To Emotionally Prepare For A Change
You’re doing it – you’re finally moving out of your parent’s house and into a place of your own. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be a little daunting. After all, this is a big change that needs time to get used to. Make sure you talk to your friends and family about your decision. Let them know why you’re doing it and how you’re feeling. This way, they can provide support and understanding as you make this transition.
Another way of dealing with this step is making a list of relocation benefits. Maybe you’re looking forward to having your own space, being able to decorate however you want, or being in charge of your own schedule. Whatever it is, write it down so you can remember why you’re doing this and what you have to look forward to. You should also try talking to someone who’s already been through it and ask them how they coped with the challenges.
Finally, give yourself time to adjust to a new town. Don’t expect everything to be perfect right away. It’s okay if things are a little chaotic at first. Just take it one day at a time and remember that you’re doing this for yourself.
Now That You Know How to Live on Your Own, It’s Time to Get the Best Cross-Country Movers and Start Your New Life
If you find yourself ready to start living on your own – congratulations! This is a huge milestone in your life, and it’s one that comes with a lot of new benefits as well as responsibilities. However, with our long-distance relocation tips, you’ll be completely prepared!
All that is left for you to do is choose the best movers from Seattle to California (or movers from California to Seattle, depending on your chosen direction) to help you with the big move. Find a team that is experienced in handling long-distance relocations and secure yourself a smooth and stress-free move.
