Moving out of home and into your first own apartment is a big step – an exciting milestone on the way to adult life! Freedom, independence, and the opportunity to arrange everything according to your own ideas await. But with this new freedom also come new responsibilities, especially in financial and organizational terms. To ensure a smooth start to your new life, we have summarized the most important tips for you here.
1. Budget Planning: More Than Just Rent
Before you move into your dream apartment, you need to know what’s financially coming your way. Rent is only part of the equation.
- Rent and utilities: This is the largest item. Pay attention to the utilities (heating, water, electricity, waste fees), which often accrue in addition to the basic rent.
- Deposit: Plan 1-3 months’ rent as a deposit. This money is blocked until you leave the apartment again. There are alternatives such as deposit insurance, but these incur monthly fees.
- Moving costs: Even if you do a lot yourself, costs will arise for:
- Rental van: If you can’t fit everything into your own car.
- Moving materials: Boxes, tape, packing paper.
- Food for helpers: A thank you for friends and family.
- Furnishing and basic equipment: Not to be underestimated! Furniture, kitchen utensils, lamps, cleaning supplies, bedding – all of this adds up.
- Running costs:
- Electricity, internet, TV fees (Serafe): Conclude contracts early!
- Health insurance: Premiums in Switzerland are canton- and age-dependent.
- Living expenses: Food, hygiene articles, leisure, public transport/transport.
- Plan a buffer: Always set aside a small buffer for unforeseen expenses.
- Tip: Create a detailed list of all income and expenses to get a realistic overview of your monthly budget. There are also many free budget apps that can help you with this.
2. Basic Equipment: What You Really Need – And What Can Wait
The temptation to buy everything new is great. But setting priorities saves money and nerves.
- Bedroom: Bed (mattress, slatted frame, bed frame), bedding, bedside table, lamp.
- Kitchen: Basic cutlery, plates, glasses, cups (2-4 pieces each), one pot, one pan, cutting board, knives, kettle, refrigerator. Consider whether you really need a microwave or an oven immediately.
- Bathroom: Toilet brush, soap, towels, toilet paper, shower curtain/bath mat.
- Living area: A seating option (sofa, armchair), a small table, a lamp.
- Cleaning: Vacuum cleaner, cleaning cloths, bucket, broom, all-purpose cleaner, dish soap.
- Tools: A simple cordless screwdriver, hammer, screwdriver set, pliers – the absolute basic kit for getting started.
- Smart Saving Tip: First, see what you can take from home or get as a gift from family/friends. Second-hand shops, “Brockenhäuser” (charity shops), or online marketplaces are also true treasure troves for inexpensive furniture and kitchen utensils.
3. Useful Insurances: Security in Adult Life
Insurances are a dry topic, but essential to protect yourself from financial risks.
- Health insurance: Mandatory in Switzerland. Pay attention to the choice of deductible and model.
- Liability insurance: This is extremely important! It protects you from the financial consequences if you unintentionally cause damage to third parties or their property. This also applies to damage to the rented apartment (e.g., scratches on the parquet floor).
- Household contents insurance: Covers damage to your property in the apartment (e.g., by fire, water, burglary). Consider whether the value of your furnishings justifies this.
- Tip: Get advice from an independent insurance consultant to find the right and useful insurances for you.
4. TIXPI: Your Simple Helper for Getting Started
Especially when moving into your first own apartment, the budget is often tight and experience is limited. Here, a modern service provider like TIXPI can be a great help:
- Single pieces of furniture or small quantities: If you don’t need to transport the entire household, but only a few key pieces of furniture or your existing belongings, TIXPI is ideal. You don’t pay for an entire moving truck.
- Transparent prices: With TIXPI, you receive a transparent fixed price for your transport. No hidden costs, no unpleasant surprises – you know exactly what you’re paying. This is important for your limited budget.
- No stress with vans and hauling: You don’t have to worry about renting a van, securing the load, or tedious hauling. The TIXPI team takes care of the work.
- Saving opportunity: With TIXPI’s cashback system, you can even save more if your transport can be bundled with other deliveries.
Moving into your first own apartment is an adventure. With solid budget planning, a focus on the essentials in terms of equipment, and the right partners for organization and transport (like TIXPI), you lay the foundation for a successful and relaxed start to your independent life. Are you ready for your first own home and want to approach the move stress-free?