Tips for Living on Your Own for the First Time

If you’re like me and this is the first time you’re out on your own doing your own thing, you might be a little scared. But don’t be too worried; this is just a natural step in the process of becoming an “adult” (whatever that is …).

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Here are a few tips that I’ve learned since moving out on my own about a month ago:

-       Manage your money

One of the most important things you should be doing is keeping up with your bills and managing your money. Before living on your own, maybe it was a little easier to lose track of how much money you had because the ‘rents were paying the major bills. Not anymore. Now you’ll not only need to have enough money to pay your bills (we’re talking rent, electric, water, etc.), but now you also have to make sure they get paid on time.

If you can’t do this on your own, there are plenty of apps out there that help you remember what bills are due when. For instance, I use MintBills for all of my money-managing needs.

-       Start a savings account (and add money to it regularly)

If my dad has taught me anything, it’s that I need to be putting money in my savings account regularly. Imagine how terrified I was when my computer stopped working on me and I barely had enough money to cover the repair. Please, for the love of all things, keep a savings account.

Savings accounts can be used for unexpected reasons (car breaks down, your apartment floods, computer fizzles out on you, phone drops in the toilet, and the like). Savings accounts can also be used for fun things too! Many people open savings accounts to save up for vacations, expensive concerts, and other fun things like that!

-       Get a roommate

You do not know how much a roommate can save your life. Sure you want to get out there and spread your wings/sow your wild oats or whatever, but the world can be expensive — not to mention lonely. Insert roommate! Roommates are great when it comes to cutting costs in rent, utility bills, and groceries.

They can also make great friends. Just be careful about rooming with strangers or letting strangers room with you. Some of them will turn out to be the best people you’ve ever met. While others turn out to be axe murderers. Stay safe, my friends.

-       Keep clean

No one wants to live in filth. Keep your spaces clean and tidy. Your mind will feel much more at ease, and you’ll be happier entering an area that is clean. Not to mention less time tidying up before you have people over.

-       Don’t live off of takeout and sugar

My mom always asks me how I’m eating these days. Your mom might too. Don’t lie to her. Find out which fruits and vegetables you like, and eat them! Also, don’t forget to get enough protein. Pinterest has a ton of really cool and easy to make recipes, but there are also other websites and food blogs that have amazing recipes too.

Basically, don’t order pizza or Chinese food every night and enjoy a pint of ice cream after. Those things are great every once in a while, but they won’t do anything for your health if you eat them all the time.

-       Get out once in a while

Being in your own apartment or house can be something of a black hole sometimes. It’s just too easy to wake up and sit around watching Netflix to your heart’s content. Remember that there is an entire world out there to explore! Go explore it! Spend the warm, sunny days outside doing new things and meeting new people. Cold, wintery days are to be spent in front of the TV or laptop binge watching your new favorite show.

There are probably 100 more tips I could give, but these are just some that I think are important. What are some things you’ve learned since moving out on your own?