{"id":32432,"date":"2024-01-26T10:15:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-26T14:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/?p=32432"},"modified":"2025-09-05T11:50:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T15:50:24","slug":"dos-and-donts-when-moving-out-for-the-first-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/dos-and-donts-when-moving-out-for-the-first-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving Out for the First Time Checklist: What to Do &amp; What Not to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/moving-for-the-first-time.jpg\" alt=\"Moving out for the first time\" class=\"wp-image-41751 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/moving-for-the-first-time.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/moving-for-the-first-time-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-table-of-content ultp-block-6ef9ce\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-block-toc\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-header\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-heading\">Table of Contents<\/div><div class=\"ultp-collapsible-toggle  ultp-collapsible-right\"><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-open\" href=\";\">[Open]<\/a><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-hide\" href=\";\">[Close]<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-toc-style1 ultp-block-toc-body\"><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"_Challenges\">What you should know when moving out for the first time<\/a><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#_Costly_Mistakes_\">1. Costly Mistakes <\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Time_Management\">2. Time Management<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Moving_Cost_\">3. Moving Cost <\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Cost_Reduction\">4. Cost Reduction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_DIY_or_Movers\">5. DIY or Movers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Packing_Anxiety\">6. Packing Anxiety<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#DO\u2019S_when_moving_out_for_the_first_time\">What to do when moving out for the first time<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#DON\u2019TS_when_moving_out_for_the_first_time\">What NOT to do when moving out for the first time<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>According to statistical data, the average American moves to a new home once every 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What this basically means is that, sooner or later, you yourself will be facing a house move for the very first time, most often a move out of your parents\u2019 house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Discover what affects the cost of hiring long-distance movers!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\ud83d\ude9a How Much Does It Cost to Hire Long-Distance Movers in 2025? \ud83d\udce6\ud83d\udcb8\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NGdF8-m2S-g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And when it happens, you\u2019d better be ready for the occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the majority of cases, moving out for the first time is tough due to the fact that you don\u2019t have any previous experience in moving house. And due to the lack of such move-related experience, it\u2019s fairly common to make some rookie mistakes, and that\u2019s OK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless, of course, the mistake you make happens to be a costly one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you minimize the chance of committing any costly moving mistakes and judgment errors, here&#8217;s what you should do and what you shouldn&#8217;t do when moving out for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What_to_know_when_moving_out_for_the_first_time:_Challenges\">What you should know when moving out for the first time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main thing you should know when moving out on your own for the first time is that the house moving process hides a number of challenges that you yourself are likely to face as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it\u2019s how you manage to deal with those move-related challenges that will determine how successful your move will be in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to use these tips for moving out for the first time to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Costly_Mistakes_\">1. Costly Mistakes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s very likely that you won\u2019t know what to do when moving out for the first time due to the fact that you\u2019ve never been through a house move before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s OK, sooner or later everybody moves house for the first time, so your aim should be to avoid any serious rookie mistakes during your move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/top-moving-mistakes\/\">10 Moving Mistakes You Must Avoid<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Time_Management\">2. Time Management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to your inexperience in moving house, you won\u2019t have a clear idea of how to organize the time you\u2019ve got until Moving day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s exactly why you are strongly recommended to follow a good MOVING CHECKLIST to guide you through the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/moving-checklist\/\">Moving Checklist: The Greatest Moving Checklist of All Time<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Moving_Cost_\">3. Moving Cost <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a first-time mover, it\u2019s normal that you won\u2019t really know what to expect from the move in terms of price &#8211; that is, you may not have the slightest idea how much your residential move will cost you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, you may not be financially ready to cover the moving expenses &#8211; something that will complicate matters even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-movers\/\">How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Cost_Reduction\">4. Cost Reduction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The house moving process is not cheap in any way, but since you\u2019re moving out of your home for the first time, you won\u2019t be familiar with any good ways to lower the moving cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s right, it often comes down to those must-know cost reduction techniques that have been proven to work like clockwork.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/cut-moving-costs\/\">How to Reduce Moving Costs: 15 Ways to Save Big<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_DIY_or_Movers\">5. DIY or Movers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizing a self-move when you\u2019re moving out of state for the first time is an overly ambitious decision that often proves to be a big judgment error in the end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But here\u2019s the next challenge for you: you don\u2019t really know how to find a good moving company either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/hire-movers-or-do-it-yourself\/\">Hire Movers or Do It Yourself: 10 Questions to Help You Decide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"_Packing_Anxiety\">6. Packing Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s normal to be experiencing high levels of anxiety about moving out for the first time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In reality, the mere thought of having to pack up all of your things for moving is enough to fill you with panic as you\u2019ve never packed for a move until now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, you won\u2019t know what items to take and what items to leave behind either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/packing-timeline\/\">Packing Timeline: What to Pack When for Moving<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"DO\u2019S_when_moving_out_for_the_first_time\">What to do when moving out for the first time<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"850\/500\" width=\"850\" height=\"500\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/dos-when-moving.jpg\" alt=\"What to do when moving out for the first time\" class=\"wp-image-32440 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/dos-when-moving.jpg 850w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/dos-when-moving-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/dos-when-moving-768x452.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The thing is that it won\u2019t be easy to overcome the clear disadvantage of not having enough house-moving experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And yet, you can manage your upcoming move just fine by knowing what you should do and what you shouldn\u2019t do when moving out of your parents\u2019 house for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s your personal must-do checklist when moving out for the first time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CREATE<\/strong> a moving checklist &#8211; a detailed to-do list that will contain all the move-related tasks that you need to complete on time. Remember to add only tasks that relate to your specific move &#8211; that is, to personalize your moving checklist to reflect your own needs. For example: don\u2019t bother with <em>Take Rex to the vet <\/em>if you don\u2019t own a pet dog.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ORGANIZE <\/strong>your time with the help of the moving checklist you\u2019ve set up for yourself. Think about that moving timeline as a calendar that will guide you, day by day, until you find yourself in the new home. Bear in mind that proper time management is key when you\u2019re moving out on your own for the first time. [<a href=\"\/move\/things-to-do-before-moving\/\">Ultimate Moving Checklist<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SET UP<\/strong> a budget to monitor your moving expenses. As a first-time mover, you won\u2019t really know how to properly budget for your move and you may soon find yourself spending (much) more money than you\u2019ve allocated in the beginning. A moving budget should help you stay within your financial limitations &#8211; after all, the last thing you\u2019d want is to overspend on your move. [<a href=\"\/move\/moving-budget-checklist\/\">Moving Budget<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>INVENTORY<\/strong> all the items in your home and create a detailed inventory that will help you decide which things to move to the new home and which things to get rid of before you move away. One of the biggest mistakes when moving out for the very first time is to move everything that you own without asking yourself if you\u2019ll ever use some of those items or not. [<a href=\"\/move\/moving-inventory-sheet\/\">Moving Inventory<\/a>]&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SORT OUT<\/strong> your possessions and determine on a case-by-case basis what to do with each one: TAKE it or LEAVE it. Maybe the best advice when moving out for the first time is to take <strong>ONLY<\/strong> the most essential things with you. And here\u2019s why: the more items you\u2019re moving to a new home, the higher the moving cost will be because of the extra weight. [<a href=\"\/move\/how-to-declutter-before-moving\/\">Declutter Your Home<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GET<\/strong> rid of the things that you do not plan to use in the near future. Consider selling some of those things for profit &#8211; moving seems to be an expensive affair so any cash you earn from the sale will be more than welcome. Organizing a profitable garage sale before moving away is always a good idea. [<a href=\"\/move\/moving-sale-tips\/\">Garage Sale<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ATTEMPT<\/strong> to score free moving boxes so that your limited budget doesn\u2019t get burdened more than necessary. Budgets seem to be rather restricted for first-time movers, so ask your friends if they happen to have cardboard boxes that they don\u2019t really need. [<a href=\"\/move\/get-boxes-for-moving\/\">Free Moving Boxes<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PREPARE<\/strong> the rest of the required packing supplies as well: wrapping paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap (Saran wrap), furniture blankets, and packing tape. Get black and red markers for labeling boxes as well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ASK <\/strong>your parents and your friends to help you pack up your stuff. Hiring professional packers is rarely realistic when moving for the first time (due to the limited budget), so your best bet is to rely on timely packing assistance from the people close to you. Here\u2019s an idea: organize a packing party and invite your good friends to it. [<a href=\"\/move\/friends-help-you-move\/\">Ask Friends for Help<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>USE <\/strong>a good packing checklist to organize the packing task in the best possible way. Losing precious time during the most time-consuming job during a residential move is always a bad idea. So, follow a detailed packing timeline and stay one step ahead at all times. [<a href=\"\/move\/pack-your-home-in-60-steps\/\">Packing Checklist<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>START <\/strong>packing up your things as early in the process as you possibly can. You probably don\u2019t know this but the task of packing a home for a move takes forever to complete &#8211; in effect, it begins from the moment your move is confirmed and ends on the move-out day. Initiate the packing task from the rooms that are harder to pack up &#8211; attic, basement, garage, and other storage areas. [<a href=\"\/move\/how-to-pack-for-a-move-quickly\/\">Pack in 3 Days<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>BE <\/strong>careful when packing fragile items &#8211; things that can get easily broken during the move due to their delicate nature. Use sufficient padding materials to protect your breakables, including inside the moving boxes to stop them from shifting during transit. [<a href=\"\/move\/pack-fragile-items-for-moving\/\">Pack Fragile Items<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LABEL <\/strong>each box the moment you\u2019ve packed it up. Write down the content, destination room, and special handling instructions, if any: FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE, THIS WAY UP, and so on. [<a href=\"\/move\/box-label-system-when-moving\/\">Label Moving Boxes<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CHANGE <\/strong>your postal address before you move out. While this task is not as essential as the other ones in your moving checklist (you can change your address after the move too), there\u2019s always the risk of losing an important piece of mail if fail to do it prior to Moving day. [<a href=\"\/move\/change-address-when-moving\/\">Change Your Address<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SHARE <\/strong>your new postal address not only with your friends, but also with major government institutions (IRS, DMV, etc.), financial institutions (banks), insurance companies, and other important organizations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>REQUEST <\/strong>in-house surveys from top-rated moving companies. Have movers come to your home for accurate price calculation and potential risk assessment. When you\u2019re moving house for the first time, you just have to know the estimated moving price in advance. [<a href=\"\/moving-cost-estimator.php\">Request Cost Estimates<\/a>]&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>COMPARE <\/strong>the moving cost estimates you\u2019ve received from the professional moving companies. Since you\u2019ve never compared moving quotes before, it\u2019s important to be on the lookout for price offers that appear to be too good to be true. Why? Moving quotes that are way lower than the rest could be a sign of moving fraud. [<a href=\"\/move\/protect-yourself-from-moving-fraud\/\">Avoid Moving Fraud<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>RESEARCH<\/strong> the movers you plan to use as your partner &#8211; check whether they have been licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and read customer reviews to gauge how reputable and dependable they are. And when you do make an informed decision, book your movers ASAP for a chance to get a discount for early booking. [<a href=\"\/move\/compare-moving-companies\/\">Compare Movers<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WEAR <\/strong>appropriate clothes and shoes on Moving day to minimize the risk of personal injury. Pick clothes that won\u2019t restrict your movements but are not baggy either for fear of getting caught on something. Wear the most comfortable pair of shoes you own, closed ones with anti-slip soles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WELCOME <\/strong>your professional movers and show them around the house. You should still stay actively involved in your own move in case the pros have any questions for you. However, in most cases, it\u2019s best to just let the movers do their work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/pros-and-cons-of-moving-out-of-parents-house\/\">Pros and Cons of Moving Out of Parents&#8217; House<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"DON\u2019TS_when_moving_out_for_the_first_time\">What NOT to do when moving out for the first time<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"850\/500\" width=\"850\" height=\"500\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mymovingreviews.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/donts-when-moving.jpg\" alt=\"What you shouldn't do when moving out for the first time\" class=\"wp-image-32441 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/donts-when-moving.jpg 850w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/donts-when-moving-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/donts-when-moving-768x452.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no denying that being a first-time mover is disadvantageous &#8211; you\u2019ll be prone to making rookie mistakes and judgment errors due to the lack of move-related experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there\u2019s always a first for everyone, so the most important thing is to prepare well for the forthcoming move by following the above-mentioned DOs &#8211; the things you should do when moving out for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let\u2019s take a look at the things that you should not do when moving out for the very first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T ASSUME<\/strong> that you\u2019ll manage to organize a successful DIY move despite the fact that you\u2019ve never moved house before. Instead of risking a total home moving disaster, trust a good moving company that will assist you along the way. [<a href=\"\/move\/self-moving-mistakes-to-avoid\/\">DIY Moving Mistakes<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T HIRE <\/strong>the services of a moving company without researching those movers to make sure they are licensed, reputable, insured, and experienced enough to take care of your valuables.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T LOOK <\/strong>only at the bottom price when comparing moving cost estimates in writing, tempting as it may be. You also need to weigh in other factors such as the charges for any extra services and the reputation of the moving company itself. [<a href=\"\/move\/save-on-extra-moving-services\/\">Extra Moving Services<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T UNDERESTIMATE <\/strong>one of the most critical tasks when moving out for the first time &#8211; packing up an entire home for moving. The earlier you start sorting and packing your stuff, the better the chance of completing the packing task on time. [<a href=\"\/move\/packing-mistakes-when-moving\/\">Packing Mistakes<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T PACK <\/strong>everything you own as it\u2019s one of the most common mistakes when moving out for the first time. It\u2019s imperative that you sort out your things first and get to move only the items that you plan to use in the near future.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T PACK<\/strong> any dangerous items that professional movers are forbidden by law to transport. Hazardous goods include but are not limited to items that are flammable (combustible), explosive, and\/or corrosive in nature. Instead, find the best way to dispose of them properly prior to Moving day. [<a href=\"\/move\/moving-non-allowable-items\/\">What Movers Won&#8217;t Move<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T FORGET<\/strong> to pack a few essentials boxes &#8211; cardboard containers packed with absolute essentials that you\u2019re going to need during the period when your usual household items are being moved to the new address. Remember to pack a change of clothes for each family member as well. [<a href=\"\/move\/open-first-box\/\">Essentials Boxes<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T SKIMP<\/strong> on wrapping and padding materials when packing your fragile items for the very first time. Use plenty of packing paper and bubble wrap as the best way to protect your delicate items during the haul.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T LEAVE<\/strong> any unlabeled boxes in an attempt to speed up the packing process. Bear in mind that a decision not to label moving boxes will be counterproductive as you will lose loads of precious time after the move to find the boxes you\u2019re looking for.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T LEAVE<\/strong> young children and pets unattended on Moving day simply because dangers will be everywhere. Instead, keep your kids and pets in a room that\u2019s far from the house moving epicenter, safely away from harm\u2019s way. [<a href=\"\/move\/moving-day-checklist\/\">Moving Day Checklist<\/a>]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DON\u2019T MOVE OUT<\/strong> without saying a proper goodbye to your friends. There are many ways you can do it &#8211; do it face-to-face with each good friend or invite your pals to a farewell party. [<a href=\"\/move\/say-goodbye-to-friends-when-moving\/\">Goodbye to Friends<\/a>]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/move\/moving-out-parents-house\/\">Tips for Moving Out of Parents\u2019 House: Moving Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to statistical data, the average American moves to a new home once every 5 years. What this basically means is that, sooner or later, you yourself will be facing a house move for the very first time, most often a move out of your parents\u2019 house. Discover what affects the cost of hiring long-distance &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/dos-and-donts-when-moving-out-for-the-first-time\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Moving Out for the First Time Checklist: What to Do &amp; What Not to Do&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":41752,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32432","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","entry"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/first-time-movers.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Joshua Green","author_link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/author\/joshua-green\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Moving Out for the First Time Checklist: What to Do &amp; What Not to Do - MoveAdvisor<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Moving out for the first time can be tough due to inexperience. 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