What you should know before you start living alone

If moving itself hasn’t been exciting enough for you, if you just needed it to be just a tiny bit more exciting, then you must be the lucky fellow that has decided to live alone. And if you have found yourself reading this article, that probably means that you are doing it for the first time. Well, you sweet summer child, keep reading, because you are going to need some help.

It doesn’t matter if you have just started college or you are closer to that light at the end of the tunnel and beginning your actual adult life (less books but also less booze), that still doesn’t mean that you are entirely ready to live alone. We are here to break it down for you, in a couple of easy, very applicable advice, and point you towards everything you should know about living alone. And if you don’t get in right the first time, feel free to contact us, we would be more than happy to watch the video of how you managed to flood the apartment by pressing the wrong button on the washing machine. Sorry to tell you, but you wouldn’t be the first.

1. It takes time to get used to living alone

Living alone: loneliness or freedom?

If you are moving from your dormitory or your parents’ house, if you have spent some time living with just one roommate, one thing you should know before you start living alone, is that it is going to take some adjusting. The important thing is that you should be ready for it, and that you should let yourself go slowly through all the changes. It is good to be independent, but that doesn’t mean you should feel lonely, which often happens when people start living alone. When you start living on you own for the first time, you are going to feel the urge to spend a lot of time surrounded by people because the change will probably be overwhelming. But try to resist it, because then you can learn to spend some quality time on your own, and explore your neighborhood, decorate your apartment etc. Living alone has a lot of perks, but if you only opt for the “I can watch the game in my underwear”, then perhaps it wasn’t so necessary for you to move.

2. If you are living alone for the first time, you should invest in some additional security

Living alone: are you safe?

Regardless of your sex and physical experience the mere fact that you are living alone, can increase your chances of finding yourself in an unpleasant situation. First and foremost, security means not only looking out for potential burglars, but also being extra careful yourself.  So, tips for living alone when it comes to your safety include:

• When picking your first solo apartment, look for places that have additional security features, such as extra set of doors, higher fences, alarm systems and neighbors watch.
• Make sure that your apartment is well protected, always shut your doors, invest in some additional locks, and perhaps consider an alarm system. If you are living alone, this is entirely your responsibility.
• Safety isn’t only external. If you are not being careful, you could hurt yourself. Tips on living alone also include paying special attention to water & electric installations, heat systems and shutting off the machines we use every day.
• Always double check things and make sure that everything is in its proper condition when you are leaving your place.
• One of the best and the cutest solutions is to get a dog. Perhaps he won’t do much in the time of danger, but he for sure is a friendly companion.

And if you are still feeling a little too exposed, check this article for additional tips.

3. Take care of your first solo apartment

It’s important to have a tidy apartment even if you are living alone

Let’s just say for argument’s sake that not a lot of people are visiting you in your apartment. That isn’t an excuse for being lazy and turning your beautiful living room into the fortress of dirty laundry. Also, the bathtub isn’t meant to be scrubbed only when your mom comes to visit. When you start living alone, everything is your responsibility and that can be difficult, but also empowering. Use the best out of every situation and go get that mop and bucket. Besides, you never know when you might receive a surprise visit. It can be considered rude to leave your guests waiting for you in the hallway while you are trying to gather all that trash in just one garbage bag. Besides, you know very well that the smell won’t go away so easy.

4. If you start living alone, master the art of DIY

Even you have decided to treat yourself right and get a very luxurious apartment, there will always be something to fix. Or to make. Or to redecorate. Or paint. You get the point. It is not cheap nor useful to call a handy man more often than your mom. They are not your mom. They are not your friend. You are your friend and you can do it alone. Besides, these days you can learn just about anything on the internet, so don’t use any excuse, be a responsible adult and use the money you saved to buy beer. We meant pay your bills. Seriously. You are a responsible adult, who just started living alone. So, be responsible and recycle those beer cans.

Living alone has its ups and downs, but the most important thing you can gain is your independence and the profoundly satisfactory knowledge that you can do something yourself. It is, without a doubt a huge step, but you are a college student (perhaps even a graduate), so don’t let the fear stop you. It might get a little bit lonely in the beginning, but freedom that comes with living alone is insanely empowering. And if you are having doubts about where you should go check out this useful article, and good luck!