Worried about living alone in your apartment? Fear of being lonely is a huge reason young people think twice about flying solo in an apartment. Whether you’re a freshman on campus or a fresh college grad moving into the professional world, living alone can be a life-changing experience.
Forget about playing Akon’s “Lonely” on repeat. We’ll give you some great tips to help make sure your solo experience is both happy and fulfilling.
1. Engage with the outside world.
Come outside of your cave now and then, the water’s fine! And that warm glow on your skin? That’s sunshine—it’s good for you! Engaging with the outside world, even in small doses, will help you avoid complete isolation and the loneliness that comes with it. Look up cool things happening around you, then go do them. Don’t allow your apartment to become your whole world.
2. Get to know yourself.
It’s best to get to know the person you’re going to be spending the majority of your time with. Living alone is the perfect time to explore your hobbies and passions, your strengths and weaknesses, and other little quirks that make you, well, you!
3. Learn to grocery shop and cook for one.
One great thing about living alone is that all of your grocery bills are going to plummet. Meal prep is one of the most rewarding—and most challenging—parts of “adulting.” But with a little strategy and a lot of home-cooking, you can master it.
4. Practice good organizational habits.
If you’re an organizational guru, don’t sweat this step. Keep up the good work! But if you notice yourself leaving bowls of cereal out for days, or scattering your floor with dirty laundry, living alone can lead to things getting out of control. Set up a cleaning schedule or write down chores on post-its. Do whatever you gotta do to keep things tidy.
5. Buy some added security.
If you’re hesitant to live alone for safety reasons (and if “hesitant” is putting it mildly), then consider buying added security, like deadbolts or an alarm system. You’ll feel a lot more comfortable in your new apartment knowing you’re safe and secure. The only thing you’ll have to fear now is a haunted apartment with ghosts! (Just kidding.)
7. Decorate to your heart’s content.
No one can tell you that your wall art is dreadful when you live alone. Hang it up! When you have your own space, you get to decorate it however you want. A home catered to your tastes will make you feel comfortable and happy.
8. Become your own handyman/woman.
Solo living is the perfect time to practice self-reliance. Instead of phoning your landlord every time your toilet clogs or your light bulb goes out, learn how to. You’ll save money and your pride!
9. Make a budget and stick to it.
There’s nothing like a little budgeting to keep you on the right track. Before you even move into your apartment, come up with a personal finance strategy to avoid problems down the road. When you stick to a budget, you’ll stress less and have more freedom to pursue your short term and long term goals.
10. Invite guests over!
What good is a home if you can’t share it every once in a while? Bring the outside world to you by inviting your friends over for supper, a game night, watch party, etc. Plus, you can show off your awesome decorations!
11. Enjoy your privacy.
You’ll revel in the fact that, after your guests depart, you’ll once again be the sole ruler of your domain. Nobody will be there to judge you for one more slice of cake or glass of sparkling grape juice. You can sleep in the next morning, or spend the day with no pants on. The possibilities are endless when you have your own space. So live it up! And be happy. 🙂
Think you’re ready for your first solo apartment? Find one bedroom and studio apartments at ApartmentSearch.com
