Living alone for the first time is an exciting and nerve-racking experience. It can seem like you are entering a whole new ball game! Here are five things you didn’t realize you needed to know about living on your own. It takes a lot of bravery to move out on your own, and while living by yourself for the first time is a wonderful experience, it can also come with crushing nerves.
- Keep A Finance Tracker
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You don’t always realize how expensive living on your own is, especially taking on a lot of new costs you aren’t used to having. Between rent, bills, groceries, emergencies and unexpected costs, you need to keep track of where your money is going.
Luckily, many budgeting apps are available to make managing your finances easier! If you aren’t a fan of apps, make a spreadsheet of how much you spend! Finding a budgeting and tracking method that works for you is important.
Facebook Marketplace and thrift stores are great, inexpensive tools, especially if you are looking for some great home decor. An easy way to cut back on electricity is to ensure you turn off the lights every time you leave the room. It’s also recommended to have an emergency fund, sometimes the unexpected happens and it’s always good to be prepared just in case!
- Have A Good Cleaning Regimen
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Messes can stack up, and stack up quickly! It’s important to have a cleaning schedule that adapts to your needs and lifestyle. Everyone has different types of cleanliness, but you shouldn’t let a mess build up until it becomes unbearable.
An easy way to make sure you’re cleaning up after yourself is to do it right away. If you spill something on the kitchen counter, wipe it down as soon as you’re done cooking. Break down boxes as soon as you open them. Do the dishes after you’re done eating. The more you leave things to do ‘later,’ the less likely you are to do them.
Sometimes cleaning can be hard, especially if you have a busy schedule and or struggle with your mental health. Some easy cleaning tips are to make sure your food is being stored properly and thrown away when needed, and to not let dust collect for too long! If you can’t clean your dishes right away, make sure to at least rinse them and dump any remaining food out.
- Make Sure You’re Staying Healthy
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Keeping up with your health isn’t just keeping track of your diet and exercise, although both are important.
Make sure you are visiting your doctor at least once a year for a physical, an eye doctor every one or two years and a dentist twice a year. If you recently moved, make sure you set up primary health care as soon as possible. This is important if you are at risk or have any underlying health issues. Don’t put off scheduling an appointment if you feel like something is wrong. It’s best to be proactive, and you could be saving yourself from costly treatment.
Make sure you are also eating a balanced diet. When you live alone, you don’t think about what you are consuming as much anymore, especially with newly found freedom. Cooking healthy and affordable meals isn’t easy. To save money, try meal prepping and cooking one big meal a week and portioning it out. Your freezer is your best friend!
- Safety First
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When you first start searching for a place to live, make sure you ask about any included security features. It is also good to ask if there are any broken door locks or windows. If your place of living doesn’t provide security, there are also ways to secure your place yourself.
Always use your peephole to your advantage. If you have access to a deadbolt lock, make sure you lock it when everyone is home and at night. Double-check all the locks to make sure they’re in good condition. When you’re living on your own, make sure you have a trustworthy neighbor or nearby friend, who can keep spare emergency keys and an eye out for any suspicious activity and check in with family and friends every once in a while.
Make sure you watch out for common household hazards. Keep your fire alarms up to date, and have a first aid kit on hand. Before you leave or go to sleep, double-check that your stove is turned off!
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
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Living on your own can be scary and a daunting task! You’re not just responsible for the logistics of living but also for your emotional and physical well-being. Living on your own can become overwhelming. It’s okay to be feeling scared, you will adjust even if it takes a while. You’ll soon find a routine that works for you! It’s important to have a support system. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, your family and friends are only one phone or video call away. If needed, consider talking to a therapist. Moving out is a big transition and comes with both negative and positive feelings that might need some guidance to work through!
It’s important to relish in the freedom of living on your own and to enjoy it while it lasts. Even though it sounds scary, remember that you aren’t alone in your process! Celebrate your independence!