Moving out of your family home for the first time is definitely exciting, but let’s face it, it can also be a little overwhelming. How much money do you really need? What should you pack (and what should you definitely leave behind)? And what’s the deal with housemates vs renting solo?
Whether you're moving into your own place or sharing with others, this guide is packed with all the essentials, tips for success, and a few things you might not have thought of.
Contents
Up until now, you’ve probably been enjoying the perks of living at home—laundry done for you, meals cooked, and no bills to pay. But now you're ready to move out of home, it’s time to face the reality of moving out. The good news is—there's a way to get around it being overwhelming. Start by making a list of what needs to be done, and break it into manageable chunks. Take your time and tackle one thing at a time. The earlier you start, the less rushed it will feel, and you’ll feel way more organised by moving day.
Don’t underestimate the power of sorting out your personal details when you move—it’s one of those small but mighty tasks that can save you a heap of stress later. No one wants their bank statements, online shopping hauls, or grandma’s birthday card turning up at their old address. So, make sure you update your details with the ATO, Medicare, Centrelink, your bank, your driver’s licence and car rego, your super fund, insurance providers and any other relevant service. Future you will be grateful.
Here’s a checklist to get you started but be sure to add on any of your own personal memberships, subscriptions or contacts that may not be included here.
Packing for your first move is equal parts exciting and total chaos—but a bit of planning can make it way less stressful. Start by being realistic about how much space you actually have at your new place.
If you're moving into a sharehouse or a tiny studio, chances are you won’t have room for your entire life in boxes. Take the essentials, leave the "maybe one day" stuff at Mum and Dad’s (their garage was made for this, right?).
If you're moving to study or into a place with housemates, remember it’s probably not your forever home—so no need to bring everything you own. Have a chat with your new roomies first to see what's already there. There's no need for five can openers, three toasters and seven chopping boards fighting for drawer space.
And keep in mind, anything you leave in a shared area is basically fair game—so maybe leave your favourite mug or fancy olive oil in your own cupboard. When it comes to packing, label your boxes clearly (yes, even if you swear you’ll remember what’s in them), and try to pack by room or purpose.
A lifesaver tip: pack a small essentials box or bag with the things you’ll need on your first day—like a change of clothes, toiletries, phone charger, and maybe a snack or two—so you’re not digging through six boxes just to find your toothbrush.
Use our guide for a smooth and easy packing process.
If the entirety of your worldly possessions fits into one or two small boxes, you might be able to get away with just borrowing a mate’s car (or roping in your parents’ SUV). But if you’ve got a decent stack of boxes, some furniture, or anything that requires two people and a trolley, booking a removalist is a total game-changer. Professional movers handle all the heavy lifting—literally.
They can pack, move and even place your boxes and furniture in the right rooms at your new place, saving your back and your sanity. Plus, you can rest easy knowing your stuff is being properly protected in transit—unlike when it’s squeezed precariously into the back seat or roof of your Toyota Camry, with a rogue mirror rattling the whole way. If you do decide to book removalists, it’s worth comparing quotes and service inclusions.
Platforms like Upmove make that super easy by helping you find affordable, trusted movers in your area—so you can spend less time stressing and more time planning how to decorate your new space.
Setting up the core services in your new place is one of those jobs that can be easy to forget in the chaos of moving—but trust us, sorting it all out before move-in day makes everything feel a whole lot lighter. Nobody wants to spend their first night in a new place with no power, water worries or zero Wi-Fi. Here are the key things to get sorted:
If you're moving into a rental where utilities are included—lucky you. That’s one less thing on your list. But make sure it’s crystal clear in your lease who’s responsible for setting them up or keeping them connected. If they aren’t included, it’s on you to organise your energy accounts before moving in. That way, your lights and hot water will be good to go when you arrive, and you won’t be left rummaging around in the dark while unpacking.
Water bills can be a bit of a mixed bag in rentals. In some states, tenants only pay for water usage, while landlords cover service fees. In other areas, it’s all included in the rent, or the landlord handles the bill and you reimburse them. Check your lease or chat with your property manager to confirm what’s expected of you—every state and territory has slightly different rules, so best to get across it early.
We all know internet is basically a non-negotiable these days. Depending on your provider and the property, you may need a technician to physically come out and connect your service, especially if there’s no existing NBN setup. And heads up—there can be wait times, so book it as soon as you have your move-in date locked. No one wants to spend their first week in a new place trying to hotspot their entire life from a mobile phone.
Bins and recycling: not glamorous, but very important. In most rentals, the bins should already be provided by the council and left at the property, but it’s worth double-checking. Also, take note of which days are bin day in your area, and whether you need to register for council services (some councils require you to set up an account for green waste or bulk waste pickups).
If you're trying to figure out how much money you'll actually need to move out—spoiler alert: probably more than you think.
When moving out, it’s recommended to have at least 3 months’ worth of living expenses saved up. This includes rent (typically 4 weeks upfront), bond (usually 4 weeks’ rent), and initial setup costs. Depending on where you’re moving, rent could range from $1,000–$2,500 per month, and bond could be in the same ballpark.
In addition to this, you’ll need money for utilities, moving costs (around $250–$1,000), and setting up any new services. So, a safe estimate is to have around $6,000–$10,000 saved up to cover the first few months. This will ensure you’re comfortable financially when you make the leap.
Moving out for the first time means you’ll have to stock up on a few essentials. Up until now, you’ve probably had access to everything you need but now, it’s time to build up your own supplies.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to go overboard at the start—just focus on the basics, and you can gradually add more as you go.
Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need to get started:
You don’t need to deck your place out like a fancy furniture showroom on day one, but you will need the basics. Think of this as your starter pack - so you don’t need to spend your days sitting on milk crates.
Essentials:
Unless you’re planning on eating out every night or living off Uber Eats (not exactly in a new move budget), you’ll need a few kitchen basics to get going. Nothing too fancy—just enough to make a meal that involves more than boiling water.
Essentials:
A mattress is just the beginning—you’ll want to make it sleep-worthy. And no, one sad pillow and an old towel as a blanket doesn’t count as "done."
Essentials:
You don’t need a Thermomix or an air fryer right away (unless you’ve got a soft spot for gadgets), but a few small appliances will make life a whole lot easier.
Essentials:
Cleaning might not be the most exciting part of moving out, but a little effort goes a long way. Having a few basics on hand means you can keep your place feeling fresh, tidy and a little more like home.
Essentials:
Bathroom essentials include much more than just toothpaste and toilet paper—though yes, those are crucial.
Essentials:
We’re talking about all the little (but essential) techy things that make your place actually function. Because what good is a new place if you can't charge your phone or get online?
Essentials:
Unless you’re planning on living on 2-minute noodles for every meal, you’ll need some pantry staples to support your cooking. Obviously, this comes down to taste, but we’ve outlined a few essentials every kitchen cupboard should have.
Essentials:
If your new place has a yard, balcony plants or even one sad-looking pot plant, you’ll need to do a bit of upkeep. Welcome to the world of being a plant parent.
Essentials:
You don’t need a fully stocked hospital wing, but having a few medical basics on hand can save you a late-night chemist run—or at least make life a bit easier when a headache or random paper cut strikes.
Essentials:
These are the random, often-forgotten items that end up being absolute lifesavers when you actually need them.
Finding the right place to live can be both exciting and stressful. You’ll be looking at the rent, sure, but also think about location.
Is it close to work or school? Is there public transport nearby? Do you want to be close to work, your favourite café, or public transport? Maybe you want somewhere quieter, or perhaps you're after that buzzing city vibe.
Take the time to weigh up your priorities. It might be tempting to live in the heart of the city, but it could come with a hefty price tag. Find a spot that’s not only affordable but also fits your lifestyle. A little time spent researching now will make all the difference later.
One of the big choices when moving out of home is whether to live with housemates or rent solo. Renting with housemates can save you money, but it also comes with shared responsibilities—and possibly a few clashes over the dishes. Renting solo means more privacy and control, but it can be more expensive.
Think about your lifestyle—do you enjoy having company, or do you crave your own space? Both options have their perks, so just make sure you choose what feels right for you.
Living with housemates can be a fantastic experience, but it does come with its own set of rules—both spoken and unspoken.
It’s tempting to go all out on décor when you first move in—plush cushions, fancy throws, and statement pieces to make your new place feel like home. But don’t blow your savings on things that are nice to have but not essential.
Light personal touches like photos, plants, or your favourite mug can make your space feel cosy without draining your budget. Focus on what really matters for your comfort and financial security, and add extra touches over time once you’re settled in.
Moving out means more than just rent. You’ll need to account for food, transport, insurance, utilities, and smaller costs like cleaning products and toiletries. These can add up quickly, so be sure to factor them into your budget to avoid surprise expenses.
Life can throw unexpected curveballs—things like urgent repairs or unplanned bills can easily disrupt your budget. Having an emergency fund, even a small one, can save you from scrambling to cover these costs when they arise.
It’s not just about finding a place that looks nice—it’s also about how practical it is for your day-to-day life. Make sure the location is convenient for work or study and has easy access to public transport. Moving too far from these essentials can increase transport costs and time.
Planning is everything. If you wait too long to book movers or sort out logistics, you might find yourself scrambling on moving day. Try to plan ahead, especially if you're moving on a weekend or during peak season when movers are in high demand.
Let’s be honest—moving out for the first time can bring up a lot of emotions. On one hand, you’re excited about your newfound independence and all the new experiences. On the other, it’s normal to feel homesick or a little lonely in the beginning. Don’t worry, this is completely natural.
When you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out to your family and friends by phone or plan visits—it’ll help you feel grounded. Also, take the time to build a sense of community in your new environment. If you’re at school or university, try joining clubs or attending social events to meet new people.
If you’ve just started a new job, connect with colleagues outside of work, or check out local meetups. Even getting involved in your local gym or community groups can help you feel more connected.
It’ll take time, but before you know it, your new place will feel like home, and you’ll have built your own little support network around you.
Moving out for the first time is a big step, and while it comes with its challenges, it’s also an exciting new chapter. By planning ahead, budgeting wisely, and making your new space feel like home, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Remember, the first few weeks might feel a bit overwhelming, but with time, everything will fall into place. And if you need a little extra help with the move, you can find and book reliable, affordable removalists to make your transition as smooth as possible with Upmove.
Enjoy your new freedom.
Upmove helps Aussies find and book removalists and transport services across Australia. The easy-to-use platform allows customers to access reliable, cost-effective, and user-reviewed service providers in just a few clicks. Founded back in 2017, our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for both customers and the professionals they rely on.
It's free and easy to create a request on Upmove.
Describe, add photos and the dimensions of your shipment in your listing — anything that you think will make a difference, will make a difference.
Our platform will reach out to moving companies relevant to your delivery specification in your area.
Movers may ask you a few more details about your delivery before giving you a quote.
Compare prices and get to know movers before accepting their quote by reading previous customer feedback on our platform.
Pick your preferred moving company and arrange collection and delivery.
Prepare your package for collection or if you are moving home, get ready for moving day.
Meet and greet your chosen moving company on your collection day.
Sit back and relax while your moving company takes care of your booking.
Upmove acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
