Moving into your own place is a significant milestone, marking a new chapter of independence and responsibility. It’s a big change, though, if you are used to living with others. It can be an exciting and rewarding time, but you need to know what to expect. From managing finances to finding a place to live and cooking for yourself, here is what to expect.
Organising Your Finances
One of the biggest shocks to the system is having to take full responsibility for your finances. There is no sharing of bills, which means it is down to you to pay and keep on top of council tax, utilities, contents insurance, TV license, among many other things. This can be confusing and daunting for someone who has always lived at home or with others, so make a list of everything and work out how much you have leftover – this is your budget for variable expenses.
Finding the Perfect Space
The hunt for the ideal home is a journey in itself. You need something that aligns with your budget but also a place where you feel safe being alone, can get to work with ease, and have lots to do nearby. Make a checklist of your non-negotiables and use online property sites to find what you are looking for. Your location of choice will determine what you go for. For example, if you’re considering moving to a city, you’re likely going to be looking at apartments to rent in Manchester or London. Preferring somewhere quieter? You may opt for terraced properties in surrounding areas like Didsbury or Altrincham, or Bexley or Borehamwood.
Keeping the Place Clean
You may already have some experience in tidying up after yourself, but now all these tasks come down to you and only you. You need to establish a regular cleaning routine – clean your surfaces and floors, take out your bins, do your washing, etc. Stock your kitchen with the essentials and learn to master a few recipes. Figure out where to find things such as the fuse box, alarm system, and water stopcock.
Making Friends
Living alone offers freedom but can lead to loneliness at times, particularly at the beginning. If you don’t know many people around you, make an effort to get to know your neighbours, join social media groups designed to bring communities together, or sign up to local clubs.
Living by yourself can be an enriching and rewarding experience, but it is not without its challenges. Hopefully, this post will help you overcome these challenges and make the most out of the experience.
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