I moved out of my parents' house at 23 years old. Around a year after I graduated from college, I decided to pack up my things and move from the smallest state of Rhode Island to the Queen City (Charlotte, North Carolina).
The process of moving was 100 percent more challenging than I thought it was going to be. There are so many factors that came into play when leaving the place I called home for 22 years, but two years and three more moves later, I now have a lot more knowledge that I wish I had known when I first moved out.
1. Take advantage of the used market online
This is especially true for furniture. One of the major things I learned when I moved was how absolutely expensive it is to buy furniture. I used to be hesitant when it came to searching for items on used sites, so I always asked a few questions, the biggest being: “Why are you selling this?” What I realized is that most people in larger cities aren’t planning to live there forever.
Because of that, a lot of the furniture I found was practically new — people were selling it simply because they needed to leave quickly. Buying used saved me a lot more money than I expected.
2. Be smart about your bills — especially your phone and internet
Moving out also meant paying bills that I never paid before. Even though I had a general idea of what things would cost, it hits differently when it’s actually coming out of your own account.
One thing I didn’t think about right away was my phone and internet plans. I already had a phone that I’d been using while living at home, so I didn’t need a new device — I just needed a plan that wouldn’t stretch my budget.
That’s why Verizon’s current deal makes so much sense. If you bring your own device, new customers can open a line for $45 a month (plus taxes and fees) on their Unlimited Welcome Plan with Auto Pay, which makes starting out on your own a lot more manageable. It was a simple, straightforward move that instantly delivered value by ensuring I didn't have to overspend on a new device or an unpredictable bill.
It’s also helpful that Verizon makes switching easy. You can bring your bill from AT&T or T-Mobile, and Verizon will review the plan and help you get a better deal.
Best of all, their pricing is backed by a three-year price guarantee, so I won’t have to worry about my base rate going up for a few years. When you’re figuring out rent, groceries, and everything else that comes with living on your own, that kind of predictability really matters.
3. Picking the right Wi-Fi provider matters
Another thing I didn’t fully think about before moving was how important internet access would be in my day-to-day life.
Whether you’re working from home, streaming shows, gaming, or just staying connected with friends and family, having connectivity is pretty much non-negotiable. It’s one of those things you don’t think about much — until it’s slow or not working.
That’s why choosing the right provider makes a big difference when you’re setting up your first place. Verizon’s home internet options make it easier to get set up quickly without overcomplicating things. Plus, right now, new home internet customers can get a Samsung 43” TV and six months of Apple One (then $15/mo) or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G when you sign up.
When you’re moving into a new apartment and already juggling furniture, bills, and everything else, having a straightforward internet setup can save a lot of time and stress. Having connectivity might not be the most exciting part of moving out, but it’s definitely one of the most important things to get right.
Looking back, managing money well and making smart choices about bills and services is probably the best advice I could give anyone moving out for the first time.
You don’t need to overspend to feel settled. Sometimes, the smartest move is finding options that give you the reliability you need without making everything else harder to manage.
Moving can be stressful but hopefully, learning from other people’s mistakes (mine) will make your experience more exciting than overwhelming.
Good luck on your move!
Presented by Verizon.