The Perfect Guide to Surviving Living on Your Own

by Borkalicious on December 10, 2024

Posted in Adulting

So, you have moved out or you are planning to move out. Exciting and also terrifying at the same time. But you also want to know how to live on your own… I’ve totally got you.

When I first moved out, I moved into a dorm on my college campus. So not quite living on my own, but halfway there if you think about it.

I now live in my own apartment with my lovely roommate and have pretty much mastered how to live on my own (or I like would like to think so lol).

There is so much freedom that comes with moving out but also an overwhelming number of responsibilities that now fall right into your hands.

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Finding the Right Place

There are many things to consider when you first move out.

Here are 5 valuable and important things to ponder:

Is this apartment in my price range? (Ideally, you should make 3x your rent to be stable enough)

Do I want/need roommates and if so, how many?
Is the location convenient?
What is the neighborhood like?

Does the lease agreement fit my expectations and needs?

Budgeting should be your main focus when you first move out. Understanding your finances and how to distribute them among needs and wants is extremely crucial. I find using a physical notebook to track my expenses helps me the most. I use a simple planner but useful in the long run!

You can see the specific notebook I use here

Based on your budget, you may not be able to afford the most glamorous apartment that you dream of. However, there are some diamonds in the roughs and really great apartments for low prices.

When I first started looking for apartments, I downloaded the apartments.com app and the Zillow App.

Both websites are easy to navigate, and you can adjust the filters to your budget, if you have pets, and the amenities you want included. I also recommend using the map feature to see the general locations.

10 Important questions to ask your landlord or property manager:

What is the rent and other additional fees?

How long is the lease?
Are there going to be any ongoing renovations and updates?
What are the rules regarding guests?

What is the pet policy?
What are nearby amenities (grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.)?
How is garbage and recycling handled?

What is the process for moving in and moving out?
Is renters’ insurance required? If so, what coverage is needed?
What are the rules in terms of decorating and making changes to the unit?

Read. Your. Lease.

I am literally not joking. Read it. Don’t skim it. Don’t you dare. Landlords can be sneaky sometimes and hide some interesting responsibilities in the lease. Know EXACTLY what you are getting yourself into.

Take a look at quiet hours and such. Know how to NOT get into trouble.Little tid bit: RESEARCH YOUR LANDLORD You want a landlord who cares about your state of living and is genuinely involved with problems that may arise in their apartments. Say your garbage disposal breaks down and stops working. You now find out after you move in that your landlord doesn’t care and will get around to fixing it at THEIR convenience. That sucks. And also, stinks. Real bad. Do your research. Please. Make a physical note of any extra fees, rules about guests, and potential yard work that you may be getting yourself into.

Negotiate and advocate for yourself. Say you live in a duplex with one other roommate in the top part of the house. The 4 people that live below you are obviously going to use more water and electricity.

Normally, bills are split equally amongst both units. You and your roommate should definitely negotiate prices if you aren’t comfortable with paying for part of the downstairs neighbor’s bills.

Keeping Your Finances in Check

Your first initial purchases and bills will add up very quickly. Make sure you are ready for those charges and be prepared! I mean, who knew Olive oil is around $20? I didn’t know that! It was a smack in my face, I will tell you that much.

Olive oil is usually a household staple. I only use olive oil as an example because some things are just more expensive than you actually thought.

Bills: they will absolutely come fast, and they will absolutely add up quick!!! Make sure you’re budgeting and if you absolutely need a budget planner… feel free to take a look at this one.

Apartment Essentials:

Cleaning Supplies
Tupperware

Pots/Pans
Cutlery
Towels

Storage
Toiletries
Tool Kit

Hamper

These are just some basic essentials that are a MUST/ I definitely left out a ton, but it is to give you an idea of what you need to be prepared for. Emergency Fund: You MUST set aside an emergency fund. This is so crucial. You never know what may happen and it is better to have money to fall back on if you absolutely NEED it.

I personally, recommend 3-6 months’ worth of rent and expenses. This is just what I use and what works for me!

Create a Cozy Environment

It is YOUR home…customize it! Make it your own. Seriously. You can find some pretty cheap decor on plenty of different websites (such as amazon). I have found some awesome home decor there.

Whether it be for your room or to spice up your place a bit. If you don’t feel like you are at “home” in your apartment, things will just feel bland and dull.

It is your place, again, make it feel like YOU! Simply adding some candles, blankets, rugs, and soft lighting can make ALL the difference.

Another way to spice up your new place is to create a CLEAN environment. Have some essential storage bins, declutter and purge through your things, and get some great scents flowing through.

I love to use candles every so often, but honestly, my go-to are diffusers. I love essential oils and there is nothing better than having peppermint or lavender running through your home at all times.

Navigating Life with Roommates

Ah. The dreaded discussion of roommates. You may enjoy it, and you may not. The perks of having a roommate is that you both have to split the costs of utilities, bills, and rent. Although, it isn’t a built-in best friend. However, you are splitting your home. That is NOT easy.

Everyone comes from different lifestyles and homes. I lost one of my best friends after living with her. I couldn’t stand how she lived and kept her space.

On the other hand, I made a best friend with someone I didn’t even know. It will be a hit or miss with anyone that you decide to live with. Trust. Your. Gut.

ALWAYS meet your roommate before living with them. ALWAYS. Interview them and get to know them. Establish rules. Set Boundaries. Be Kind.

Roommates are hard and they do not always end up bad. Be patient with them and yourself. You and your roommates are not perfect. Learn to compromise and have an open mind!

If they truly are not a good fit, you just gotta ride it out and remember that it is only temporary!

Maintain Your Well-Being

Find a good balance between socializing and having alone-time. This can be a hard one to navigate, especially with roommates. But having time to yourself is crucial for maintaining a positive headspace.

Create a goal for yourself that allows you to understand how many days a week you wish to socialize and the days you want to yourself. Asking friends and family how they navigated their balance between the two could also be a big help.

I know that I want to socialize with friends/roommates 3-5 times a week (depending on how I am feeling). The other days I make time for myself to do the things that I want to do.