Living on Your Own: A Mini-Moving Guide For Solo Newbies
There’s no feeling like that of gained independence, but for those who are first-timers in getting away from the nest, the transition can make for a rocky start unless one is methodical about the takeoff.
If you’re planning on living on your own, don’t be a stranger to the following mini-moving tips.
Safety
Living alone is lonely, but for some, especially women, it can be scary. If you move to a lower-income area to save money, violence and crime may be more prevalent, and a cause for greater concern.
Seek apartment complexes with locking gates or coded accessibility. Also, there’s a greater concern for personal safety (What happens if you fall or cut yourself with a kitchen knife while cooking?) regarding first-aid kits and up-to-date smoke detectors.
Consumption
Worldwide and real time marketing and advertising constantly remind us to be consumers. We can buy instantly from smart phones, mobile devices, and millions of on and offline outlets.
However, prepare a budget suitable to living alone. You’ll find you have less disposable income when living alone. Things, such as trash bags, cleaning supplies, and trips to the Laundromat will eat into savings. Spending, like you did while living at home, won’t work when living alone; it will work against you.
Society
When you live with others, there are people always around, whether you wish for their immediate presence or not – likely not, if you’re moving out. But once you move, prepare to ‘get out’ more often rather than opting to stay inside, secluded from previous social circles and interactions. You’ll want to keep friendly ties as well as pay visits to family, so you’ll have to plan social time more effectively.
Maintenance
Depending on whether you’re renting or buying, and the protocols set in place regarding maintenance, you’ll have to learn to address common household appliances, like the refrigerator, sink, heater/cooler, etc.
If you’re not handy (or don’t have a friend or family member who is), you’ll have to budget to pay for service people to come and fix appliances. In some cases, an apartment complex’s repair people will lend a free, helping hand.
Cleaning
Aside from maintenance of appliances, you’ll want to avoid living in squalor (or looking like you do) by maintaining living quarters, sweeping, mopping, dusting, and conducting daily cleaning duties.
If you have added money in your budget, you can hire cleaning people to come by once per week, several times per month, or once in a while to maintain the quarters, yet cleaning services are not cheap, and those just starting out should eliminate as many ‘extra’ expenses as possible.
Cooking
If you previously lived with a cooking parent or roommate, you’re likely spoiled by the convenience of having food prepared…or perhaps having any food at all. Eating out is a common solution to those who cannot cook (or opposed to it), yet opting for delivery or quick pickup, quickly drains one’s budget.
At the end of the month, you may find that a significant portion of allotted funds went toward eating, which, unless you have sufficient amounts of disposable income, will start to eat away at your monthly budget, taking away from the opportunity to go out, buy clothes, and go on dates.
Check out all the healthy and easy recipes we have on The Fashionable Plate so you can cook your own meals and save money!
Culture
If moving to a different area of Australia, or moving there for the first time, be mindful of differences in culture and social norms. Rather than being identified as an ‘outsider,’ pay attention to different dialects, slang use, and the lifestyle of your chosen location.
Get all visa requirements squared away and prepare to know if you qualify to become a temporary citizen. One may seek general and focused help regarding the acquisition of a temporary visa.
Living alone is incredibly exciting; yet, don’t take away from the experience by being poorly prepared for the new challenges that go along with moving. Preparation is a sure way to guarantee you’ll be living in the lap of luxury.
GUEST BLOGGER: Julian Hosking has lived on his own for a long time now. An avid writer, he likes to help others live the solo life by providing helpful tips and pointers. Look for his articles on various homeowner and real estate blog sites.