Moving out of a college dorm and into your first home or apartment is a major milestone. Whether you’re trading shared dorm spaces for a cozy apartment in Chicago, settling into a charming Portland bungalow, or embracing the sleek high-rises of Miami. It’s an opportunity to create a space that reflects your unique style and priorities. From finding the right neighborhood to setting up utilities and furnishing your new home, this guide will help you navigate every step of the transition with confidence.
Check for virtual tours before applying
One thing you definitely want to avoid when moving out of your college dorm and into your first apartment is any unexpected surprises. In some cases, such as when relocating for a new job or as a college student moving across the country, you might not have the opportunity to see the apartment in person before your move-in date.
“Visit the property website before applying to see if they have video tours of model floor plans and amenities so you can get a sense of the space prior to moving in. This will help you to plan for furniture, layout, and find the best model floor plan for your needs.” – Dave Freund, Co-Founder at LeaseLeads
Plan ahead for essential expenses
Moving out of college dorm life and into your first home can be exciting, yet scary. As you settle into your new home, it’s important to approach the process thoughtfully and with a clear financial plan. From basic necessities to practical steps for saving money, managing your expenses from the start can make all the difference in creating a space that’s both functional and affordable.
“Start by writing down the things you’ll need for your new home and how much money you have to cover those costs. You’ll need furniture, cleaning supplies, and even a basic repair kit.
Find more cost effective ways to make your house as aesthetically pleasing as you like, use dupe.com to find cheaper versions of furniture and products so you don’t break the bank. And speaking of breaking the bank, put all your utilities on autopay so you don’t get late fees and risk having them turned off for non-payment.” – Clarissa Moore, Clarissa Explains Money, LLC
Make moving day stress-free
Moving can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Staying organized and enlisting the help of experts when necessary can make the process much easier and less overwhelming. Proper planning is the key to a smooth transition to your new home.
“Start by packing your belongings in sturdy boxes and labeling them clearly for easy unpacking. For larger furniture, disassemble what you can and protect fragile items with padding. Most importantly, find a reputable moving company to handle the heavy lifting and transportation, ensuring your items arrive safely and efficiently. A professional mover can help you avoid common moving-day stress so you can focus on settling into your new space.” – Harris Thompson, Owner, Wolf Moving You LLC
Furnish smart with budget-friendly finds
Moving into a new home is a chance to create a space that reflects your style and meets your needs. However, it’s important to approach this with careful consideration of both your space and budget. Finding ways to maximize value while making smart choices can make the process much smoother.
“Invest in versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes — such as storage ottomans, modular seating, or expandable tables — so you can maximize your space while adapting to your needs. You don’t have to splurge on showroom-quality furniture; instead, shop within your budget and explore options like Facebook Marketplace, where you can often find high-quality pieces from people moving who need to sell quickly.” – Kristen Bender Daaboul, Founder and Certified Interior Designer, Kadeema Rentals
Plan your décor with intention
Decorating your first home can be an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming, task, especially after just moving from a college dorm and into a larger space. It’s important to take your time and approach the process thoughtfully to avoid impulsive decisions. By being intentional with your purchases and sticking to a plan, you can create a beautiful and personal space that fits both your style and budget.
“Take a moment to plan your home decoration. Don’t rush into every trend or what’s popular right now. Wise buys are crucial with your first home, so treat each purchase as an investment. Create a list or board on Pinterest to explore options and budget-friendly alternatives. I often find items that are very similar to expensive ones, but at a better price. When decorating, start with basic, neutral colors and pieces. You can add statement pieces and color as you go, so don’t let it overwhelm you. Enjoy the process — moving into your first home is a beautiful experience, so have fun.” – Jenny Patricia
Get comfortable with new responsibilities
Moving from a dorm to your first home is a big change, full of new responsibilities and opportunities for growth. While adjusting to managing bills and maintenance tasks can feel overwhelming, taking a proactive approach will set you up for success. This is your chance to create a space that feels uniquely yours and supports both your current and future needs.
“Transitioning from a dorm to your first home means adjusting to new responsibilities, like managing utilities and maintenance. Take time to set up and budget for monthly expenses such as electricity, water, and internet. Establishing a system to track due dates and stay on top of minor repairs can help reduce stress.
As you create your space, combine familiar comfort items with new pieces that reflect your evolving style — this balance will make your home both personal and functional. Embrace this opportunity for growth and create a space that reflects who you are now and who you’re becoming.” – Molly Rosenstein, M.ED, LGPC, North Star Psychological Services
Live within your means and plan for the future
As you begin your career after moving out of college dorm living, it’s important to live within your means and make financial decisions that support your long-term goals. Avoid the pressure to maintain a lavish lifestyle and focus on saving for the future, whether that’s for retirement or your first home. Smart choices now can help set you up for success down the road.
“Many families believe college costs are “skyrocketing,” but tuition and fees have actually stayed relatively flat at many schools. What has increased dramatically in my 16 years as a college planner is not just room and board, but lifestyle expectations. Look for ways to live within or even “beneath” your means as you begin your career.
You might want underground parking and fancy fitness centers, but that doesn’t mean you should choose them or assume they’re the best use of your money. Take that extra money you’d spend on an expensive apartment and invest it for retirement, or better yet, for a downpayment on your starter home. Live comfortably, not extravagantly. Learn to cook, shop for your own groceries, and consider splitting expenses with a roommate.” – Tom Kleese, OnCampus College Planning