Hey you! Is this your first time? living on your own? How cool that you are finally going to take this big step! We understand that your head is overflowing with questions. What do you need? Where do you start? Don't worry, we've got your back! At Moving.nl we have put together a super complete checklist for you. Whether you have found a cozy rental flat or your own place, we will help you on your way to your new adventure.

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Before you move: The basics for living for yourself

Okay, let's start at the beginning. Before you pack your boxes, there are a few things you need to take care of. See it as the foundation of your new life:

Take your wallet: Living yourself is great, but not free. Make a list of what comes in and what goes out. This way you know exactly where you stand.
Choose your spot: City or village? Rent or buy? Follow your heart (and your wallet).
Arrange those insurances: Yes, boring. But oh so important! Home contents insurance protects your belongings and liability insurance will save your skin if you accidentally knock over your neighbor's planter.
Save some money: Believe us, unexpected expenses always come at the most unexpected time. Be prepared!
Plan your move: Are you going to tow yourself or do you let others do it? Both options have their charm (and their price).

“Do you know what the secret is to successfully living on your own? Good preparation and the right mindset!” – Emma, 25, just moved

The ultimate removal list: What do you need?

Now comes the fun part: shopping! But where do you start? Don't panic, we will walk through your new home together:

Living room

Your living room is where the magic happens. Here you Netflix, chill and receive your friends. What do you need?

A comfy sofa or armchair (test it, you will spend a lot of time on it!)
Coffee table (handy for your chips and dip)
TV cabinet (if you have a TV, of course)
Lighting (think of a standing lamp and a table lamp for that cozy atmosphere)
Curtains or blinds (unless you like 5am wake-up calls)
Carpet (for fun and to avoid driving your neighbors crazy with your dance moves)
Decoration (show your personality with cushions, posters, plants)

Pro tip: Choose furniture that suits your style. A vintage sideboard can be just as cool as a sleek Scandinavian one. It's your house, your rules!

Bedroom

Ah, your own kingdom. This is where you can relax after a long day:

Bed and mattress (invest in this, you will spend a third of your life in it!)
Bedding (duvet, pillows, sheets – go for soft and cozy)
Wardrobe (to keep your fashion game in order)
Bedside table (for your phone, water, and that book you're really going to finish reading one day)
Desk lamp (for those late-night study sessions or Netflix marathons)
Curtains or blinds (unless you like sunrises)

kitchen

Even if you are not a star chef, you need a well-equipped kitchen. Check this list:

Basic kitchen utensils	Electrical devices	Kitchen textiles
Cookware set	Coffee machine	Tea towels
Specifications	Kettle	Pot holders
Plates and bowls	Sandwich iron	Aprons
Glasses	Mixer	Dishcloths
Cutting boards	Microwave	Tablecloth

And don't forget the little heroes: spatulas, whisk, and a can opener. You don't want to find out in the middle of the night that you can't open your can of beans!

Bathroom

Your own spa experience starts here:

Towels and washcloths (the softer the better)
[Shower curtain or wall (unless you like flooded bathrooms)
Bath mat (to prevent slips)
Toilet brush and holder (not sexy, but necessary)
Trash can (for all your empty shampoo bottles)
Storage solutions (for your 101 beauty products)

Cleaning supplies

Okay, not the nicest topic, but important. You don't want to live in a pigsty, do you?

Vacuum cleaner (your new best friend)
Mop and bucket (for when your smoothie doesn't make it to your mouth)
All-purpose cleaner (the magic potion for every surface)
Cleaning wipes (for when you don't feel like doing the big cleaning)
Dish soap (unless you plan on eating out every day)
Laundry detergent (because no one likes smelly socks)
Iron and ironing board (for that one time a year when you need to wear a shirt)

Administration and finance

Okay, now the less fun part. But hey, this is also part of living on your own:

Address change: Let the world know where your new palace is. Think of the tax authorities, your bank, your boss, and your grandmother who always sends birthday cards.
Insurances: In addition to your home contents and liability insurance, you also need health insurance. Because yes, superheroes also need a doctor sometimes.
Rent allowance: Do you live in a rental house? Check whether you are entitled to housing allowance. Free money is always nice!
Budgeting: Start a household budget. Sounds corny, but your wallet will thank you.

Tips for a smooth move

The big day is coming! Here are some tips to make your move as smooth as possible:

Start packing on time: Seriously, start a month in advance. You have more stuff than you think.
Label like a pro: Write on each box which room it should go into and what it contains. Future you will thank you.
Make a survival kit: Pack a box with essentials for the first few days. Think toilet paper, a bottle of wine, and your favorite mug.
Enlist your friends: Reward them with pizza and beer. Moving is so much more fun (and faster) with help.
Clean first, then decorate: It's so much easier to clean in an empty space. Plus, it feels like a fresh start.

Living yourself: The first weeks

You've moved, congratulations! But now the real work begins:

Explore your neighborhood: Where is the nearest supermarket? And more importantly, where is the best pizzeria?
Make it cozy: Take the time to decorate your home. Hang up that poster, put out some plants. Make it truly your home.
Become a chef: Okay, maybe not exactly a star chef. But learn a few simple recipes. You can't eat pizza every day (unfortunately).
Build a routine: Find what works for you. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Adjust your routine accordingly.

Ready for your trousseau?

Wow, that was a lot of information! But you know what? You're going to rock this! Living on your own is a wonderful experience. Yes, there will be times when you wonder how exactly your laundry works or why there is no toilet paper again. But there will be many more moments when you proudly look around your own place and think: “This is mine!”

“Living on your own is like learning to ride a bike. You may fall a few times at first, but before you know it, you'll be cycling without hands!” – Tom, 28, living independently for 2 years

Do you want to be sure that you don't forget anything? Then download our super complete checklist. This way you can be sure that you have thought of everything.

Receive 3 free moving quotes

On behalf of the entire Moving.nl team, we wish you lots of fun and success with this new phase in your life. And hey, do you need help with your move? We are happy to help you! Inquire now for free and without obligation moving quotes via our website. Because let's be honest, moving is more fun when you don't have to do it alone. Good luck and enjoy your new adventure!