Being a student is exciting and filled with big moments. Moving into a new apartment for the first time is a huge step, there’s a lot you will need to do during this transition. But where do you start? We have compiled a list of all the things you will need.

But first, here are some useful tips and things to consider when moving out:

Are you ready?

Are you moving out for the right reasons?  Are you ready to live independently? These are the main two questions you should ask yourself. Think about it calmly and if you are moving out for the right reasons, then go ahead with it.

Find the right place

Ask yourself some serious questions. Do you prefer to live alone or is a flatshare a better option? What can you actually afford and where? Ask yourself these questions because you’ll need to work out what kind of property best suits you and your lifestyle.

Start searching online but don’t just stop there, make sure you attend several open houses so you can get a sense of what your budget really buys you. And if you want to live with someone, check out the place and make sure you meet your potential flatmate before you move in.

Finances

Leaving home isn’t cheap and it doesn’t take long for bad budgeting to lead to financial problems, so make sure you plan ahead.

This situation can be avoided by planning a monthly budget for food, bills, transport, entertainment and extras. Also, always pay any bills and rent on time to avoid a bad credit rating.

Always remember that when you move out there are also other establishment fees such as a rental down payment (usually a month’s rent in advance), TV, electricity or internet connection fees, as well as the costs of furnishing rooms or equipping a kitchen.

Managing your money well is the best foundation to living independently and this will have to follow on effects to all aspects of your life, regardless of how much money you have.

Tip: It’s also smart to take out home contents insurance, just in case.

Here are 10 basic things you will need for your new place:

A bed – Please, don’t just put a mattress on the floor. You can get affordable good quality beds at eHome.

A nightstand – You don’t want to have to get out of bed to turn off the light, do you? Get a big nightstand to hold what you need, be it books, a drink, alarm clock and even a laptop if you’re a workaholic or a social media addict.

Something for your clothes – Whether it’s a wardrobe, hanging shelves, a dresser or the closet, you need somewhere to keep your clothing.

Something to sit on and a coffee table – Get a couch, sofa, or a chair, just be sure to get something comfortable. A table is also essential whether it is a coffee table or a side table. It’s helpful to have something to put your snacks and drinks on, also consider something with drawers for your remote control and magazine or book storage.

Something for your TV – Be it a TV stand, or an old desk, put your TV on something. It’s helpful to have some media storage as well so you don’t have stacks of Seinfeld DVDs lying around.

Lighting – It can be any type of lamp, as long as your rooms will be well-lit.  A dark place looks dirty and uninviting. A well-lit home looks warm and welcoming.

Dining table and chairs – If you can’t afford everything, you can buy these at a second-hand store. And don’t worry if the chairs don’t match, matching is so 2010.

A desk and chair -These are optional but useful to keep a computer or laptop on, your books organised, and for when you need to do some work.

Other things you will need:

Trashcans – For the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.

Cleaning supplies – The include a vacuum, broom, dust pan, mop, bucket, paper towels, scrub brush or sponge, toilet bowl cleaner and brush, duster.

Towels – You will need kitchen, bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths and cleaning cloths

Iron and ironing board – If you care about your appearance.

Fire extinguisher – Just in case.

Light bulbs – The lights won’t work without them, after all.

Toolbox – You can buy a basic set just about anywhere.

A Vacuum – hate manually vacuuming the floors?