Preparing to move

noffgurl

So H and I had the plan to move to Utah in the spring when he was with his old job that had a terminal there. Now that he is with this new job we really can't move very many places and since I love my job. . . We found an apartment a couple small towns away that are only $750 a month and will allow our dog. We have tried moving out twice before and crashed and burned both times. I want to do everything right this time so how should I prepare? I know we will need to come up with first months, deposit, pet deposit, electric, water, possibly trash and sewer (we haven't talked to them yet but those are usually included with the water bill). We would do all moving ourselves. What else should I think of and how much would you estimate on each? For now we will leave me off the lease until I can pay what I owe on the townhouse and we will then add me in (technically illegal-but I'm stuck).

Xstatic3333

Do you own any of your own furniture?  Assuming no, I'd say:

Bed frame: Probably doable for $100 on Craigslist or the simplest Ikea frame.  We like to use platform beds that don't need a box spring.

Mattress:  Maybe $400 since you don't want to go used here unless it's from someone you know

A sofa: Again, maybe doable for $200 if you could buy used from a friend of a friend.  I don't like to buy fabric items used from strangers.  This could be procrastinated if you are desperate. 

Blinds for windows: Can be found cheap for $5/window at discount stores

Pots and pans: Buy used or a new starter set in the $100 range

Plates, flatware, etc.: I'd definitely buy used

A table or two: $20 each from Craigslist or Ikea

Bathmat and shower curtain: $30 total

Trash can: $20

Sheets and a blanket: $50?

Pillows if needed: $20/each

I'd make it known to friends/acquaintances that you're in the market for used furniture and would appreciate any leads.  In the past when I've done this, I sometimes get offered things for free if I'll take them away.  

The above is my bare minimum list since I know you're looking to move ASAP.

I'd also budget around $40 for the couple of inevitable meals that you won't be able to cook at home due to things being packed or in transit.

For boxes, ask if you can take them away from a local liquor store.  You can also make it known at work that you're planning a move and someone may bring you boxes; this happened to me.  I also tend to pack clothes in trash bags for local moves.  Hey, it works!  For wrapping fragile things, try to get newspapers from someone who you know receives them daily.  

I'm sure others will think of many things I missed!

Erikan73

Cleaning supplies like vacuum, trash cans, cleaning supplies like glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, mop for washing floors. Also I didn't see cable, internet or cell phones in the list of monthly expenses. Also don't forget car insurance and renters insurance. It's hard to tell you how much to budget for on utilities because that can be impacted so much by the area you live in. But you might be able to find out from the apartment manager is they happened to know what the average utilities bills are for tenants there.