Whether you’re fresh out of college and looking for a job or a current employee who wants to live near work, the idea of living alone might have crossed your mind. Yes, living alone is indeed an exciting experience, but it is also nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time. 

 

Imagine you have to figure things out all on your own. The light bulbs in the restroom are not functioning properly. Do you need to buy a new one? Or do you just simply check if there’s something wrong with the wiring? 

 

The wifi isn’t working–does it need a quick restart only, or do you need to call for wifi services to have it fixed? You’re feeling hungry–are you going to cook or order for yourself? Well, it’s either. You can’t just call your mom to cook you food, especially if she lives miles away. 

 

Living alone is a constant battle between the inner child in you who would like to ask for all the available help from others and your independent self who would like to conquer things on their own. 

 

Good thing there’s no one to witness your breakdowns, especially when these two sides just don’t go well with each other–specifically when you want to use the restroom, but a spider is lurking out near the toilet. Are you just going to shout or cry your lungs out or muster your strength and get the broom to shoo the arachnid away?

 

No matter what you’re feeling regarding this whole new experience that awaits you, you can absolutely live alone without fearing that you may not be able to conquer all of these situations. Here are some tips on how to survive living alone for the first time. 

 

1. Prepare a budget plan. 

You may have already experienced this when it comes to budgeting your money. But there’s a big difference between budgeting the allowance given to you by your parents during college and budgeting your hard-earned money to handle household expenses. 

 

Always remember that you’re no longer spending your money on your personal expenses. You’re already going to have to deal with a bigger responsibility. So take time, sit down and spend the time thinking about what you’re going to spend your money on. 

 

Put into priority your bills–this includes your food, rent, water supply, electricity, and internet. Also, since this is your first time living alone, include your estimated expenses for needed furniture and decor inside your house in the budget list. Allot, as well, money for emergencies and even for your spontaneous shopping and eating out.  

 

Through this, you’ll be able to live without constantly worrying about whether you still have money to spend on important things.

 

2. Immediately Change your Locks

It is natural to feel scared when it is your first time living alone. However, there are measures that can be taken to make you feel a little better and safer. 

 

Although there are already built-in locks on the apartment you’re staying in, it is still important to ensure that you’re completely safe. Whether the place you’re renting is newly built and you’re the first tenant, or it has already been rented out before, changing locks should be one of your first priorities. Ask your landlord/landlady if the locks are changed after a tenant moves out. If not, propose paying to have your locks changed, or if you prefer, you can do it yourself.

 

This can help give you an added layer of security even when you’re in an unfamiliar place.

 

3. Compile a list of Emergency Numbers

Suppose you have experienced an emergency where you slipped while putting the last touches on your living room in the middle of the night; what are you gonna do? This second tip will help you get through these situations. 

 

It is important that before you even settle down in your new apartment, you have already created a list containing all the emergency numbers you can contact in emergency situations.

 

This list should contain your emergency contact people like your parents or a sibling, the number of the fire station in your area, the contact information of the local police station, the number of your landlord/landlady, the nearest hospital, your local emergency response team, as well as your electric and internet service provider. 

 

You’ll be extremely thankful that you’ve done this. This can be truly life-saving. 

 

4. Establish Relationships with Neighbors

Aside from having an emergency list ready, one thing that can get you through emergencies is your neighbors’ help. Let’s be honest here. Emergency service providers may take some time before arriving at your place and offering your needed help.

 

If you know or have established good relationships with some of your neighbors, you can be assured that you won’t be alone in times of need. These relationships, when handled well, can also serve as an added layer of protection.

 

However, when creating relationships with neighbors, don’t lose the idea that they are still strangers, especially when you’re still very new to the place. Be smart with who you choose to be close to because sometimes, those who are closer may still cause danger to you. 

 

5. Make a Stockpile of Essential Supplies

Remember how your mother always stock up on essentials at home? This is your duty now. 

 

As a solo dweller, you won’t have someone who can provide these things for you. Essential supplies are needed, especially during emergencies. Keep stocks of over-the-counter medicine for common illnesses such as fever, cough, flu, allergies, and headaches. 

 

Also, include thermometers and tissues. That way, you won’t have to leave your apartment to buy them. 

 

It is also important for you to stock on essentials for when there are natural calamities. Keep non-perishable foods in a kit with flashlights, batteries, candles, and matches. 

 

Moreover, essential supplies also include things that are needed to maintain cleanliness in your household. Make sure you have a broom, dustpan, mop, rags, sponges, trash bags, and cleaning agents to make your cleaning easier. There’s no one to do that for you other than yourself. (Well, there is if you have money to spare to hire cleaning services–which we would not advise because we know you can do it on your own!)

6. Be Gentle with Yourself.

The first few days of living alone will challenge your will and determination. You’ll be in constant battle with yourself, asking questions like, “did I make the right choice?” “Am I really fit to live alone?” “Is this really for me?”

 

We’re telling you that is normal. And it is your mind’s natural response to being in an unfamiliar environment. Be gentle with yourself. 

There you go! When paired with courage, these tips can get you by for a long time living independently. May these be helpful in your journey as a solo dweller. 

 

Learning to live independently can be the most rewarding experience you’ll have in your life. You’ll get to know yourself more in the process. You’ll be able to see how much you can do without relying on others and be able to test your capabilities which will be helpful as you continue living. 

 

The journey won’t be easy, but you can manage. Maybe in a few weeks, you will be at your best again. You got this!