February 5, 2026
Moving Alone? How to Set Up Your Life Fast Without Overbuying or Burning Out
Moving can be an exhausting, time-consuming process, and doing it alone can mean every responsibility and task falls squarely on your shoulders....
Moving can be an exhausting, time-consuming process, and doing it alone can mean every responsibility and task falls squarely on your shoulders. Moving to a new city alone in your 20s, or any age for that matter, can be a rite of passage, but that doesn’t mean it’s always fun and exciting.
Though you may not have anyone else to delegate duties to, figuring out how to best prioritize and strategize can help you avoid overbuying while protecting mental bandwidth. Here’s how to quickly create a space that feels like home, while giving yourself grace and patience along the way.
The first tip on any list about how to move without help should be: be easy on yourself. No matter how well you plan or how smoothly your move goes, there may be a bit of an emotional crash once you’re in your new place. You certainly won’t be the first person crying in a sea of boxes, desperately trying to find your pajamas so you can crash on the closest mattress.
Remember that moving is hard, moving to a new city with no friends is even harder, and it’s ok if you feel a bit emotionally spent during those first few days or weeks. Eventually, the dust will settle, and so will your nervous system.
When you first unlock the door, ask yourself one simple question: What do I need to function this week?
You likely need:
That’s it.
Seriously, you do not need much when you first arrive and settle in, so release any pressure you’re feeling to have a fully-furnished home and all of your creature comforts right off the bat. In the beginning, functionality is everything.
Maybe you’ve had a blast picking out paint swatches and comparison-shopping for coffee tables… or maybe the thought of fully “nesting” feels like a Herculean task. Regardless of which camp you fall into, remember that when you first move in, creating a functional space is much more important than creating a Pinterest-worthy one.
Over time, you can lovingly and intentionally create a space that feels as good as it looks, but right now your mental bandwidth should be reserved for making it livable.
It is perfectly OK to have empty corners—even entire empty rooms—after moving to a new state alone. In fact, there is no timeline for filling this space at all.
It can be tempting to click “add to cart” repeatedly, but you’re liable to end up with pieces you don’t actually love or need because of your rush to simply fill a room. Live in your home for a bit. Get to know your space. Take measurements. Take your time figuring out what you truly need and what would fit well into your new home. This process can be enjoyable and low-pressure if you let it!
If you’re prone to overbuying — or avoiding buying altogether — create structure. Think in tiers:
This keeps you grounded. You build your space in layers instead of trying to finish everything at once.
Maybe you’re a chronic over-buyer, or maybe the idea of actually choosing a dining table puts you into a cold sweat. A great way to tackle either habit is by setting specific, attainable goals for setting up your space, whether it’s “Finally decide on a couch for the living room by the end of the day,” or “Only buy one home item per day.”
If you find yourself losing sleep over new-home stress, you may need to set boundaries, too. This may look like taking weeks off from home tasks, setting a strict monthly budget for furniture/home items, or avoiding home tasks for an hour before bedtime.
Setting up your life isn’t just about furniture.
When you move to a new city alone, your space feels steadier once your life extends beyond it.
Furnishing a new home often comes with decision fatigue, financial stress, and overbuying. Renting essential furniture through CORT can be a true pressure-release valve, getting you the furniture you need without a long-term commitment or the added stress of hauling and assembly. Remember, there is no shame in capitalizing on temporary solutions or stress-saving shortcuts. In fact, it may just be the best thing you do for yourself.
It’s time to start your adventure, and we’re here to help. Make furniture one less thing you have to worry about in your solo move with CORT Furniture Rental. With us, there’s no need to haul furniture and coordinate moving logistics. Bring what matters most to you, and we’ll handle the rest of the heavy lifting. Create your home today. Get started online or in store.
