Have you been wanting to move out and live on your own but aren’t quite sure how to make the transition? Or maybe you’re already in the process of making the move and could use practical steps to help things go smoothly. Either way, this guide is for you!
As a young adult, you may be ready to take the next step towards independence and start living on your own.
Perhaps you feel like you’ve outgrown your current living situation or want to escape from the stresses of roommates and shared spaces. You may be looking for more freedom and autonomy in your life or simply seeking a new adventure.
Whatever your reasons, making the transition to living on your own can be both scary and exciting, but you can make it happen successfully with a little planning and preparation.
In this article, we’ll provide top steps to keep in mind for when making the transition to living on your own so that you can embrace this new stage and enjoy all that life has to offer!
Top 8 Steps For How To Live On Your Own
These 8 steps will help you to make the transition to living on your own:
Step 1: Figure out your budget.
One of the most common challenges and most important aspects to consider when making the transition to living on your own is your budget. When you’re used to splitting expenses with family members or roommates, it can be easy to overspend or undersave when you’re on your own; which is why you need to change the habits that are keeping you poor.
To avoid this, sit down and figure out your regular monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment, and track your spending. If you’re currently working, this process will be relatively straightforward. However, if you’re not employed or are planning to freelance or start your own business, you’ll need to be a little more creative in estimating your income.
Once you have an estimate of your monthly expenses, you can start to figure out how much money you’ll need to bring in each month to cover all your expenses. This may involve getting a higher paying job, downsizing your living situation, or cutting back on certain expenses. Whatever steps you take, remember that making the transition to living independently is an investment in your future and well worth the effort.
Step 2: Find housing.
Another important (and stressful) aspect of making the transition to living on your own is finding housing. If you’re currently renting with someone else, you may be able to stay in your current apartment or house if you can afford the rent on your own.
If you’re looking for a new place to live, keep a few things in mind. First, consider your budget and what you can afford to spend on rent each month. It’s also important to think about the type of living situation you’re looking for. Do you want your own studio or one-bedroom apartment, or are you open to sharing a space with roommates?
Another factor to consider is location. Do you want to live in the city or in a more suburban area? What are your commuting needs? And finally, don’t forget to factor in things like amenities and pet-friendliness when searching for housing.
Once you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, start your search by scouring online listings on websites like Zillow and Craigslist and visiting potential apartments or houses in person. If you’re struggling to find something that meets all your needs, reach out to family and friends for help or consider working with a real estate agent.
Step 3: Set up your utilities and other monthly bills.
Now that you’re all moved in, you need to set up your utilities and other monthly bills, such as rent and utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet, for your new home.
To make this process easier, start by setting up a dedicated bank account for housing-related expenses; this will help you manage your expenses more easily and keep track of your spending.
Next, set up automatic payments for all your monthly bills; this will ensure that you never miss a payment and avoid late fees. If you’re worried about over-drafting your account, you can always set up a budget and link your bank account to an app like Mint or You Need A Budget.
Finally, make sure to choose a reliable service provider, and see if your landlord can help you set up these services if you're currently renting. And if you’re buying a new home, be sure to do your research in advance and shop around for the best rates and quality of service.
Many companies have different levels of service based on usage patterns, so it’s important to consider your usage when choosing a plan. Additionally, be sure to ask about any fees associated with cancelling or changing your service.
In short, managing your monthly bills is all about being organized and prepared. By setting up a dedicated account for expenses, automating your payments, and choosing reliable service providers, you can make the transition to living on your own with ease.
Step 4: Buy furniture, appliances, and other household items.
Once you're done setting up your utilities and other monthly bills, it’s time to start filling it with the things you need to make it feel like home.
When shopping for furniture, keep in mind the size of your new home and the layout of each room. You’ll want to choose pieces that can fit easily and don’t clutter the room.
If you have a small space, look for compact sofas, coffee tables, and chairs that provide ample seating without taking up too much room. Similarly, if you have a large open space like a living room or kitchen, consider investing in larger pieces like sectional sofas, dining room tables, and entertainment centers.
In addition to furniture, you’ll also need to purchase appliances and other household items. If you’re starting from scratch, it’s important to prioritize the items you need versus the items you want. For example, a stove and refrigerator are essential for cooking meals at home, while a dishwasher and washing machine are considered nice. Once you have the essentials, you can slowly start adding in other items like a coffee maker, toaster, and microwave.
Don’t forget the little things that make your home truly yours, this includes personal items like photos, artwork, and knickknacks that you can display around your home; these items will add character and make your space feel more like your own!
Step 5: Cook meals at home instead of eating out.
Instead of eating out, cook meals at home so you can save up and make sure that you are eating a balanced and healthy diet.
To start, think about the types of meals you enjoy eating most. Do you prefer simple comfort foods like pasta or rice dishes, or do you like to try new and exciting recipes? Consider your cooking skills once you have an idea of the kinds of meals you like to eat. Are you a confident cook, or do you need some help in the kitchen?
If you’re new to cooking, start by learning some basic recipes that are easy to follow and require minimal prep work. Many online recipe websites and cooking blogs have step-by-step guides that make it easy to follow, even if you’re new to cooking. Additionally, consider investing in some basic kitchen tools like a good knife, cutting board, pots and pans, and other utensils that will make your cooking experience easier.
In addition to learning new recipes and practicing your cooking skills, you can also make meals easier by streamlining the process. For example, try prepping all of your ingredients in advance to be ready to go when it’s time to cook. You may also consider batch-cooking a few meals on weekends so that you have food to eat during the week. These meals can be easily reheated and save you time and effort during the week.
Don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen! Try new recipes, spices, and ingredients to find flavors you enjoy. Living on your own is the perfect opportunity to explore your culinary interests and learn more about the foods you like to eat.
Step 6: Do your own laundry.
In addition to cooking, another important life skill to learn so that you can save time and money is how to do your laundry, and once you get the hang of it, it’s quite easy.
To start, sort your clothes into piles based on color and fabric type; this will help you avoid accidentally ruining your clothes with bleach or hot water. Next, choose the right detergent for your clothing, there are many different types of laundry detergents on the market, so it’s important to read the labels carefully to find one that is best suited for your needs.
Once you have your laundry sorted and your detergent chosen, it’s time to start washing your clothes. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label of your detergent and any other special care instructions for your clothing. In general, you will want to wash your clothes on a gentle cycle with cold water. After your clothes have finished washing, check them for stains and mildew before drying.
Finally, once your clothes are washed and dried, it’s time to fold and put them away. Again, be sure to take care when folding your clothing so that you don’t crease or wrinkle anything. A good way to do this is by laying out the clothes on a flat surface and then folding them neatly into squares.
Step 7: Clean your own house.
Cleaning your own home isn't fun for many, but keeping your home clean and tidy can help you feel relaxed and organized.
Create a cleaning schedule that outlines the tasks you need to do each week to get started; this could include things like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping your floors. You may also want to take some time each week to deep-clean the rooms in your home that are used the most, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
When it comes to cleaning supplies, stick with a few basic items that work well for a variety of tasks. For example, all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean surfaces like countertops and tables. You may also want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner and mop to make cleaning your floors easier.
If you find that you’re struggling to keep up with your cleaning schedule, try breaking it up into smaller tasks so that it’s less overwhelming. For example, clean one room per day instead of trying to complete everything in one day.
As you embark on the journey of living on your own, with the proper planning and mindset, you can set yourself up for success and enjoy all that living on your own has to offer!