Living On Your Own For The First Time

So, you are headed to one of the first big milestones towards adult life. Whether you are going to university, but decided on ditching the usual room-mate troubles, or you have just graduated and are ready to dive into life adventures as a grown-up, you’re going to face a difficult time of adjustment. At first. But then you are going to absolutely love it, and this is a promise!

First of all, here are a few of the features accompanying adult life, which might be inconvenient in the beginning, and even get you scared silly in your sleep:

1. Money Troubles.

Most likely your financial knowledge is limited to how to distribute your parent’s weekly/monthly allowance, and spend it for mostly unnecessary and useless purchases. However, when you move out you will be forced to acquire some basic budgeting skills fairly quickly. Otherwise, you risk to get broke in your very first month of rocking it as an adult. Start by figuring out how much you will need to pay your rent and bills. These expenses are non-negotiable every month. From there, create a rough budget for your groceries. What is left is yours to spend however you wish. It’s a good idea to go through some budget tutorials and find a way to start saving (the earlier you start filling up the piggy bank, the better for your finances and conscious).

2. Healthy Living.

The moment you leave your parents’ nest you will realise taking care of yourself and your health is not all that easy. Your well-being requires a lot of effort on your side. You are not a kid anymore, and your mum won’t be around any time you get a soar throat, or to note you haven’t eaten veggies all week. You have to learn the basics of healthy living, and most importantly to follow them. Otherwise, you risk regular colds, feeling sluggish, and lacking concentration. When you create your budget, do not spare money on quality food, supplements, and gym memberships. If you take care of your body and health, you will have more energy for all the adventures living alone can offer you.

3. Take Care Of Your Residence.

Most likely, the first dwelling of your own will be rented. Although, it is convenient and standard first step, it involves some tricky circumstances. First and foremost, read carefully the lease agreement before you sign it. If some of the clauses do not appeal to you, try to negotiate. Be careful and keep your place tidy and clean. This will not only save you some trouble with the owners, but also when you live in a hygienically clean house you will be healthier and more organised. Take care of the furnishing and appliances, and try not to break them. Usually people are more flexible and prone to changing their residence when they rent. So when the time for a move approaches, it will come in handy if you find a reputable vacate cleaning company you can rely on.

Enough said about the troubles and mishaps of life on your own. If you try to be a little bit more sensible from the beginning, you will get used to your new grown-up responsibilities pretty fast. And then, it comes time to enjoy and get complete advantage of this new dimension of freedom. It’s your little asylum, so only your rules (and those of your landlord) apply. Here is why you will absolutely love to be on your own:

1. You Write The Guidelines.

Hint: No Guidelines IS an option. You can eat what and whenever you want. Late cereal dinner at midnight? No mean looks and remarks, because there is simply no one else there. You can dress whatever you feel like when you’re home (including that old, worn-out jersey, which just feels so comfy, or nothing at all - your choice). You decide if you should watch movies till 3 a.m., this won’t interfere with anyone’s sleep. The freedom to cook, dress, sing, dance and roll your way is invaluable. You will quickly realise it, and will never want to give it up again. Freedom of choice is the best bonus of being an adult, so enjoy it fully before you start a family life again.

2. Home Design.

According to what you have agreed to with your landlord, you can choose the décor of your new nest. You can pick the colours and shapes you like most. A bright red bedroom, a yellow living room, a huge purple beanbag, superheroes plates, you name it! Put the artwork you admire, or just display your own creations. Paint your wardrobe, or DIY some catchy bookshelves. Customise your home to you likes, it has to welcome and inspire you every time you open the front door.

3. Guest Lists.

Remember the time when you had to ask your parents for permission to invite friends over? Those days are long gone. Now you decide who and when will visit “su casa”. Cousins, girlfriends, boyfriends, friends with benefits, just friends, colleagues, you can host all the sleepovers you want. You can even throw a glamorous party on a Wednesday (just be careful to not disturb the neighbours). But here comes another adult responsibility. Be cautious! You are the person in charge of your own safety now, so be careful to invite only people you trust and know well. Your home is your sanctuary, so keep it safe.