Whether you’re excited to start a new job in the big city, saying goodbye to things that no longer serve you, or transitioning from the communal living that comes with college life, living alone for the first time can be both an exciting and terrifying venture.
If you’ve decided to make this big jump, it’s essential to prepare for the most common “culture shocks” of living alone. Because even if you prefer loads of alone time, enjoy constant social interaction, or appreciate a solid mixture of both, moving into your first place solo comes with quite a few new challenges. Check out these tips on living on your own and what you should do to cope with the changes.
Now, when the bills arrive, you’ll be the only individual responsible for doling out cash for things like rent, groceries, and household shopping. That can seem pretty scary, but the best way to cope with this new change is by creating a budget and sticking to it.
Creating a spending plan for your income is an excellent place to start, as it’ll help prevent splurging and ensure that you will always have the money needed to stay afloat. So, take the time to truly consider every detail of your new living arrangement, and make a list of your monthly expenses. Here are a few to consider:
Next, based on those expenses, decide on your budget, and stick to the cash-only method where possible. Do this by labeling envelopes with each expense category (e.g., groceries, utilities), and then put your predetermined dollar amount into each one after every paycheck.
It’s also a good idea to budget for miscellaneous expenses like eating out and going to the movies. This way, when the money’s gone, it’s gone, and you won’t be tempted to overspend or put extra items on your line of credit.
Maybe you’re used to venting about work or school by walking down the hall to your roommate’s bedroom and airing it all out. But now, you’re in your domain, and although a little “me” time can sometimes be just what the doctor ordered, human beings are social creatures.
Becoming preoccupied with negative thoughts and struggling with feelings of isolation can both come with the territory of living alone for the first time—combat loneliness with these tips.
You enter your new space, moving boxes from your cohabitating days are everywhere, and you have no idea what to do with this blank canvas in which you’re finally free to express yourself.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about moving into your own space is the freedom to decorate with your flair as well as clean (or not) at your leisure. Whether your parents furnished their home with items you found questionable, or you heavily relied on your old roommate’s design prowess, starting from scratch can feel both intensely refreshing and also a little daunting.
However, making your new space feel safe and homey is crucial in helping you adjust to these lifestyle changes. Here are a few tips for coping with your newfound autonomy:
As fun as decorating your new space can be, other responsibilities come with living alone, such as dealing with broken appliances, leaky faucets, dirty laundry, and cooking your own meals. The difference now is that resolving these issues is your sole obligation.
As overwhelming as these things can be, you must take them in stride and learn from each task. Because eventually, dealing with these matters will become routine, and you’ll know just what to do should they crop up again. To prepare for this new freedom and independence, consider these tips:
Now that you know a little more about how to live alone and ways to cope when you’re not so confident, are you excited for life on your own? Rent the furniture and houseware essentials you need to liven up your space and embrace your newfound independence with CORT Furniture Rental.
