What moving my brother out has taught me

Moving out of home is something a lot of teens and young adults think about with glee. Having our own space; no more demanding parents to tell us to get out of bed; the opportunity to decorate as we see fit. It's something we dream about without thinking deeply enough to really understand what comes with this big life change.

It's generally only when we make the big move that we learn exactly what it all means, but sometimes we get to learn from other's experiences.

Living out of home is EXPENSIVE

Rent, bills, transport, groceries. Living expenses can quickly add up when you're living alone, and budgeting can quickly lead to financial hardship. Make sure you're tracking income and not spending above your means. If you're moving out for the first time, you might need some extra cash tucked away for first expenses; think couches, kitchen utensils, bedding, as well as your deposit which is usually a months rent.

Ask for help or hire it

Moving in is HARD WORK, whether you're on the ground floor or a 3 flight walk up. Older buildings typically don't have lifts, so you'll potentially be lugging your belongings up multiple flights of stairs. This can be a real struggle for heavy items like fridges, washing machines, mattress and large pieces of furniture. Professional movers can be hired for the big day to make this process a little easier (trust me, it's worth the splurge!). Consider asking your parents, siblings or close friends to help with the smaller items and general unpacking of the place. More cars = less trips!

• Removals Compare

• Airtasker - Removalists

There's more to consider than you think

The first thing people generally look at (after factoring in no. of bedrooms/bathrooms, maximum rent p/w etc) is how close to public transport you are. But there are actually a lot of important things you need to consider when moving to a new area, especially if you don't have access to a car. Eventually you are going to need a new doctor, which can further potentially include pharmacies (drugstores only carry so much) and specialists like a dermatologist or a chiropractor.

Most online advertisements will detail how close they are to local supermarkets and such. If you live in a high traffic area, consider whether it would be worth it to drive, or to invest in personal shopping trolleys and walk everywhere.

If you're an avid online shopper you might be going to the post office to collect various packages/important mail that cannot be left at a regular address. How close or accessible is your local post office?

An important thing to consider is what type of neighbours you'll have. Certain areas can sometimes have a well-known population of a certain age group. This might seem insignificant at first, but come a years time, it can make all the difference in a pleasant daily life and wanting to move back home.

You have A LOT more than you think

There is a common misconception that females always have WAY MORE to move compared to their male counterparts. In actual fact, men can have just as much to move; it's just different in terms of WHAT they are moving.

For females, the typical usually applies; clothes, shoes, beauty items, personal memorabilia, bags etc. These are things that can generally be moved in various boxes, large bags and suitcases.

For males, some items that are typical included computers, gaming equipment and work out equipment. This can be a bit tricker to transport as you can't just throw things in boxes or bags. This is where having multiple cars and helpers on the day can really come in handy. Laying monitors on the back seat of a car, putting hard drives on the floor and small items like controllers and consoles in boxes or bags will work. Any large equipment like work out equipment may have to be taken in a hired truck, van or trailer.

You'll have to do EVERYTHING from here on out

Maybe you've already thought about this or been reminded of this by your parents and various relatives.

"You'll have to cook EVERY night for yourself!"

"You will need to clean every weekend!"

"Make sure to do your weekly shop!"

This won't really hit you until maybe a week or so in. Suddenly you are responsible for everything. For keeping the toilet paper stocked up. Making sure you have milk in the fridge for a morning coffee. Vacuuming the floors each week. If you have a yard, you'll have to mow the laws or hire someone each month.

Keeping a schedule can help with things like this. Blocking out a few hours on the weekend to do the general cleaning and grocery shop can make it seem less daunting. Writing on a white board the things you need, like milk or fruit or cereal, can remind you to include it in the shop.