As college students, we all know that there are various levels of "adulting." Level one is going to college, level two is getting a job, level three is paying your own bills, and the dreaded number four is what I like to call "moving toward independence," otherwise known as moving into your first apartment.
I recently experienced this wondrous journey as I was released from the shackles of residence hall living and ventured to a quaint apartment on the north side of Chicago.
It was a learning experience to say the least, but as a qualified level-four adult, I feel it is my duty to pass on my knowledge so other brave moving warriors can learn from my mistakes.
1. Rent a U-Haul van.
OK, let’s be real here: Your sister’s boyfriend’s cousin’s truck is great and it’ll probably get all of your things to a new apartment in a few nervous and shaky trips, BUT nothing will give you the peace of mind that you need when moving out like renting your own U-Haul van.
As broke college students, it gets a little tricky when it comes to finances, but the investment is well worth it. I spent approximately $60 on a van that got all of my things from point A to point B safely. Most U-Haul centers have a base rate of $19.95 and charge anywhere from 89 cents to $1.50 per mile for roughly six hours. On average, an in-town move will run you $40 to $70.Think of it as an overpriced Uber that will make your life a bit more bearable.
If you’re moving at the beginning of a month, note that it will be prime time for van rentals. To avoid being stuck without a van, be sure to make a reservation either online or in-store a week in advance.
2. Eat breakfast.
I know this sounds silly, but if you’re anything like me and ended up moving on a day where everyone was out of town and/or working, you have to put on your big kid pants and muster up the stamina to move yourself in.
With that said, be sure you take care of your body. Wake up a little earlier than usual to make yourself breakfast and pack a few snacks for later. Most importantly, pack a small cooler with some ice and a few waters for later. When it hits 90 degrees on a Saturday morning, you’ll be grateful for the refreshing ice-cold water.
3. Start early
College for most of us meant the end of waking up early. If you’re doing it right, you haven’t been up for anything before 10 a.m. in ages. However, move-out/in day requires an early morning.
Be up by 7 a.m. and plan to get to your local U-Haul by 8 a.m. If you play your cards right, you should be done moving by early afternoon, which means you’ve got plenty of time to take a nap, go out for a much needed drink, or even spend your night unwinding by playing a fun memory game as you unpack mislabeled boxes. Win-win, right?
4. DON’T STRESS
“Keep calm and carry on” has never held more relevance. The reality is that moving is stressful. There’s a reason it’s not level one adulting—it requires you to stay cool, calm, and collected. Inevitably, things will break, you’ll lose a box, and your arms will hurt from lifting boxes heavier than all your problems. When you feel like the world is working against you on move-in day, take a moment to breathe and pull yourself together. You are a fierce warrior who is partaking in a profound grown-up act. Be proud and keep moving forward.
5. Make a move-out day playlist.
There is nothing like music to help you keep your sanity on a crazy, jam-packed day. A few nights before you officially move out, go through your iTunes account and make a throwback playlist of every song you once loved. I guarantee, you’ll be so busy singing along to an old Natasha Bedingfield song that you’ll forget how horrifying it feels to be an adult.
6. Enjoy the moment.
It sounds irrational, but there is a lot of good that comes with moving into your first apartment on your own. You realize that you can do just about anything you set your mind to if you’re willing to plan things out and believe in yourself. Don’t forget that you’re not just moving in; you’re moving toward being independent, too. With that said, soak in every annoying trip you make up the stairs and the image of the mountain of boxes you’ve stacked because it’s all going to make a good story one day.
Best of luck!
