37 Things You Need When Moving Out of Your Parents House for Australian First-time movers

• September 15, 2021
• Bill Chen

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Whether you’re starting your first year at university, starting a new job, or simply wanting to turn a new leaf in your life, moving out of your parent’s house is always going to be a daunting experience. 

There’s a lot to think about from furniture needs and weekly food shops to managing your monthly expenses and simply too much to deal with on your own. 

So, Australia’s top moving experts are here to help. After helping thousands of people to move away from their parents, we’ve devised a wonderful, comprehensive list of things you need when moving out of your parent’s house for the first time.

Important Things You Need When Moving Out for the First Time

You shouldn’t be surprised when we tell you that moving into your first apartment or new home starts before the actual move. There are many things you need to look out for prior to moving into a place, so why don’t we go through these together?

Your first night’s sleep in your new home helps you feel safe and comfortable. Now, choosing the right bed is essential. Although it may not be in your best interest to purchase a new frame or mattress until you have had time to assess the size of the room, we recommend you get yourself a mattress topper, pillows, duvet, bed sheets, blankets, and any other comforting essentials you have in your bedroom! Once satisfied, see if you can bring your mattress from your parent’s home!

Good Lighting

If you are a student or have a job that predominantly requires you to work from home, then good lighting can go a long way. Ensuring that you choose the best bulbs that suit your needs allows you to feel more comfortable at home. Why not add some personal touches and invest in a funky lamp or fairy lights?

Dressers

The last thing you want to do is have all of your clothes sprawled out on the floor. Why not get yourself a dresser that can act as both a storage unit for your clothes and as a nightstand to rest your phone, book and any other belongings you need within arm’s reach?

Fan and/or heater

Depending on the location of your new home, it may be wise to invest in a personal heater or fan to help you deal with the new climate. Remember, these don’t have to break the budget. If your new place does not have a built-in AC unit or central heating, then these can literally change your life.

Something to cover your windows

If your new apartment comes with pre-installed blinds or curtains, then you’re good to go. If not, then it’s worth measuring your windows and purchasing some depending on your preference. Curtains don’t only help keep sunlight out, but also keep your new home warm.

Desk and chair

Although important, this is still optional. If you work from home or even enjoy the odd video game here and there, getting a desk and chair can help make these experiences much more comfortable.

Coffee table

As much as you like to think that you eat only at a dinner table, we all know that’s a lie. The majority of eating or drinking we do is in the living room in front of the television, so it’s helpful to buy a coffee table to allow you to rest your takeaways and soda. Although glass or minimalist tables are becoming the new trend, why not choose a table with drawers and storage to make your life easier?

Something to sit on

A couch, bean bag, deck chair, whatever you like to sit on, buy it.

For the Kitchen

Depending on how fancy you want to be, here’s what you need for your kitchen:

Coffee maker

If you are a student and on a budget, then you probably don’t need one of these. However, if you’re feeling fancy, a coffee maker can go a long way in helping you enjoy those early mornings.

Utensils

A wooden spoon, spatula, can opener, bottle opener, and whisk are your most essential first-time utensils.

Saucepan and/or stockpot

If you’re moving by yourself, you probably just need the one. Do what we do and get a wok with a lid. Best of both!

Baking dishes

Although you may not bake, you never know when you’ll want to give your mum’s best lasagne a go!

Oven mitts

Pretty self-explanatory.

Cutting boards

Get yourself a decent-sized cutting board. We recommend that you get at least 2, one for the meat and one for the veg.

Knives 

A knife collection that includes a chef’s knife, a bread knife, and a small utility knife is very useful in the kitchen.

Measuring cups and spoons

When boredom hits and you want to start baking, you’ll thank us for this suggestion.

Plates, bowls, glasses, and mugs

Get yourself to generic hardware or a home store nearby and find matching sets for relatively cheap!

For the Bathroom

If you’re planning a house renovation that involves moving, don’t forget to add bathroom shopping to your checklist. Even though it may not seem important at first, taking a look at the moving checklist below can help you decide what essentials you’ll need for your bathroom in your new home.

Bath towels and washcloths

Typically found in abundance at your parent’s place, you will soon realize that towels get dirty very quickly. We recommend you buy 2 of each, to one at least one relatively clean whilst the other is in the wash.

Shower curtain

Get yourself a PVC-free shower curtain so you can wash it easily by just sticking it in the washing machine.

Toilet bowl scrubber and plunger

Buy these before you really need them. Trust us.

Bath mat

Take your pick at whichever bath mat tickles your fancy! These not only help dry your feet but also prevent the bathroom from getting as dirty.

Toothbrush holder

If you have enough money left over after your essential items shop, we recommend a toothbrush holder. These will help stop your toothbrush from getting dirty.

Toilet paper

We don’t think an explanation is needed here…

Hand soap

Stock up on hand soap! You’ll never know when you’ll run out and it’s relatively cheap.

Toiletries

Get your favourites and arrange them wonderfully! You will thank us for having all of your toiletry necessities aesthetically arranged and ready for you.

Other Things You’ll Need

Trash cans

Remember, trash cans are essential for every room in your new home. You don’t want to walk around with rubbish, so why not get a trash can suitable for your kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, and even in the hallways?

Iron and ironing board

If you care about how you look and want to make a dashing first impression on your new colleagues or friends, then an ironing board is essential. It’s worth calling your parents for tips as they won’t be around to iron your clothes for you!

Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors

These should already be present in your new home. If not, buy one. If the smoke or carbon monoxide doesn’t kill you, your mum might if she knows this was missing!

Fire extinguisher

In case you fancied making an extravagant meal and burning the kitchen down…

Light bulbs

Otherwise, all the lighting equipment you have bought will have very little use.

First-Aid Kit

A first aid kit should be added to your living expenses. Having one of these in an easily accessible place can and will help you if you have any minor accidents.

AA and AAA batteries

Running out of battery on your TV remote at midnight whilst on a Netflix binge is quite irritating. Imagine not having a replacement? We can’t. 

Alternative lighting source

If you happen to experience a blackout, having safety candles and flashlights helps you get around.

Extension cords

These are very useful for not only trying to get that little bit of extra reach for your phone charger but also to plug in multiple appliances behind the TV (games consoles, DVD players, speakers).

Storage Bins

Organised storage bins are essential in tidying up any clutter left from your big move. You can store all of your items here once you have moved. Having multiple bins organised for various items can truly make your life easier.

Duct tape

There isn’t much out there that duct tape can’t fix.

Household Cleaning Supplies

Maybe the previous tenants have left some unsightly stains, or moving in all your belongings has resulted in muddy footprints all around your new home. No matter the situation, general cleaning supplies are always needed. Not to mention how wonderfully therapeutic cleaning your home from top to bottom is. 

Make sure you always keep a vacuum cleaner, antibacterial spray, dustpan, broom, bucket, mop, paper towels, tea towels, sponges, laundry detergent, etc.

How Will Bill Removalists Sydney Help You With Your Moving?

Here at Bill Removalists Sydney, we promise to take all that heavy lifting off of your hands and help to make sure your move into your new home is hassle-free. 

Moving house can be daunting, sad, and exciting. So why make it stressful too? Our network of friendly and helpful staff is available at your soonest convenience to make your move relaxing and easy. We offer multiple house-moving services from packing and packing furniture and big van hires to a full room and house cleaning service.

The best part? All this comes at a competitive price. Contact us as soon as you like for a quote and to start your new chapter.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any more questions or worries, then check out the section below.

How much money should I save before moving out of my parent’s house?

Before making your move, you should save. Saving money allows you to comfortably pay for a deposit, sort out utilities such as WiFi, electricity, and gas, and let you get all of your furniture without the stress of maxing out a credit card.

Additionally, it’s safe to have an emergency fund just in case your boiler breaks or your home is damaged by other factors.

What is the average age to move out of your parent’s house?

According to various studies, the average age to move out of your parent’s house is 25. However, most people graduate from university at around 21-22, and most start university at 18, all of which typically require a move.

What will I need to do at my parent’s house before I move out?

Make sure your billing address and any other mail are forwarded to your new address.

What are the laws when it comes to moving out of your parent’s house?

As long as your move is made with the consent and your parents are happy to help, there are no laws (given that you’re over 16). Just make sure that this is the best decision for you.

How does rent work?

When renting, you are expected to sign an agreement with a reputable estate agent. This contract allows you to stay in a property for an agreed period of time. You will then usually be prompted to make a deposit and set up a payment of choice to make monthly payments as agreed with the landlord.