10 Tips for Surviving Your First Year Living on Your Own
For many young adults, the milestone of moving out of their parents’ house and into their first apartment is a major accomplishment. It can be an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. If you’re just starting out on your own, here are ten tips to help you make the most of it!

Get to Know Your New Home
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the layout of your apartment or house. Learn where all the light switches, outlets, and appliances are located. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your landlord or roommates.
Stock Up On Essentials
Before you move in, make a list of all the things you’ll need to buy for your new place. This includes furniture, dishes, bedding, towels, and cleaning supplies. Once you’re settled in, you can slowly start to build up your home décor and personalize your space.
Set Up a Budget
One of the most important things you can do when living on your own is to create a budget. Determine how much money you have coming in each month and what your regular expenses are. This will help you avoid overspending and getting into debt.
Be Mindful of Your Food Choices
If you’re used to eating out all the time, cooking at home can be a major adjustment. Meal planning and grocery shopping can help you save money and eat healthier. There are plenty of easy recipes out there that don’t require a lot of time or effort to make.
Keep Your Living Space Clean and Organized
When you’re living on your own, it’s important to keep your place clean and tidy. Not only will this help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, but it will also prevent bugs and other pests from moving in. Set aside some time each week to vacuum, dust, and do any other necessary cleaning.
Don’t Neglect Your Personal Care
It can be easy to let your appearance go when you’re living on your own and don’t have anyone to impress. However, it’s important to continue to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make sure to shower regularly, eat healthy meals, and get enough exercise. It’s also important to find time for activities that make you happy and relieve stress.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
If you’re living in an apartment complex or other type of community, take some time to get to know your neighbors. This can help you feel more connected and less isolated. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone to rely on in case of an emergency.
Stay Safe
When you’re living on your own, it’s important to be aware of your personal safety. Be sure to lock all the doors and windows when you leave the house and at night. If you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to call the police or a friend for help.
Handle Home Maintenance and Repairs Promptly
If something in your home breaks or needs repairs, it’s important to take care of it right away. Ignoring problems will only make them worse and could end up costing you more money in the long run. If you’re not sure how to fix something, be sure to ask your landlord or roommates for help. Or better yet, make sure you have some 24/7 emergency service numbers saved on your phone! From residential plumbing to electrical repairs, having a reliable service to call will give you peace of mind.
Enjoy Your Freedom!
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy this new phase of your life. Living on your own can be challenging at times, but it can also be very rewarding. Take advantage of your freedom and make the most of it!