It is so hard to leave—until you leave. And then it is the easiest thing in the world.

JOHN GREENE

I MOVED OUT!

…cue the excited hysteria and panicked smile!

When I was planning on moving out, I called myself 7 shades of crazy because what was I thinking? On one hand, this could be a growing experience for me and I get to step out of my comfort zone like I promised myself I would but on the other hand, bills and responsibility. I had to make sure I was ready (mentally and financially) for that step and I took the time to talk to my nana and my mum on my plans.

I was anxious and worried that I would not make the jump, that things would not go as planned and I would fail. Failure was my biggest fear but hey, how can one fail something they have never tried? It makes me happy that I am actively working towards everything I planned for this year on my 2023 vision board.

Here are a few things that helped me prepare for the big move:

Location

Some places are more expensive than others and this is something you should discuss with your budget and your income. There is no other way, honestly. Factors such as proximity to roads, town, and facilities affect the prices of housing in the surrounding area. I was looking for something close to work because I get there early and I knock off late and so, proximity to work was a major determining factor when picking a house and it paid off well. You can also have other deciding factors: does the place have parking space? Do you want to live close to relatives? Is the security in the area okay?

It would help to make a list of all the things you will be looking for in your future residency. Or its just me and I love making lists.

Upfront costs

I saved up! Yes, that is the krabby patty secret formula that worked tremendously well for me. I saved up for 3 months rent and a security deposit (it is important to know if your landlord requires a security deposit and I cannot stress this enough) and not only that, but I put money aside for my first months groceries and utilities. However, the petrol crisis was at peak when I was making my move and gathering things and transporting things really shot my budget up a few kwachas. I tried to be flexible with my budget (big mistake btw) and underestimated inflation.

Budgeting

I will be the bigger person here and honestly say that I got carried away fantasising about my perfect apartment. Pinterest was showing me decor ideas, bedroom ideas, kitchen ideas and I could not, for the absolute life of me, stop scrolling.

What I should have been doing was looking at my budget and my bank account balance, more specifically, the things I could afford as a first time mover starting from scratch. I had already picked out essential items such as a bed, mattress, cleaning supplies and cooking utensils. It was after moving out that I started making the budget for furnishing my apartment; couch, fridge, cooker, etc. I would suggest you have someone give your budget a once over because chances are, you have added more than a few unnecessary things.

Declutter

Are you a hoarder? Me too! It took a lot for me to part ways with my things. Clothes, shoes, bags and anything that i deemed ‘important’ and ‘i might need it someday’. I did not want to have so many things to carry during the move and I did not want to clutter my new living space, hence the decision to part ways with more than a few items.

Old things, things I hadn’t used in months, things that did not fit, old receipts, documents I had no use for, were discarded or given away. And that is how I ended up with only one suitcase of clothes! A truly freeing experience, I should add, because I let go of things that were of no apparent use to me and halved my packing time.

Hey, if you are thinking of taking that leap out of the nest, do it. You have the courage and hopefully, the means to support yourself and stand on your own. I thought I had a lot of growing up to do before I thought of moving out but I have quickly learned that this is my learning curve, this is where I learn to be your own person. We all have different cues as to when to move away from what we call normal or comfortable, there is no rush (unless there is). I am rooting for you and fingers crossed, you get exactly what you are bargaining and saving for!

With absolute and utter love,

The girl who dreams in colors yet to be discovered.