8 Tips for Living Alone
Date posted November 28, 2022
8 Tips for Living Alone
Leaving your parents’ nest and starting a new life alone is always an exciting step. Whether you’re moving to another city to study or work or simply want to lead a more independent lifestyle, living solo can provide you with a lot of new experiences that will teach you valuable life lessons.
However, living alone in a condominium unit may also be a nerve-wracking experience. Now that you can only rely on yourself, you might find it hard to keep your space tidy, keep a healthy lifestyle, maintain your social life, and enjoy your independence at the same time. To help make your experience more pleasant, here are some tips for living alone that you should follow:
Make a Budget
Now that you're responsible for your finances, you need to create a budget to ensure that your costs—one-time purchases and recurring expenses—don't pile up. Getting this out of the way will help you enjoy financial freedom while living solo.
To create a budget, you need to calculate your income, including any passive ones or side hustles. Then, make a list of all the fixed expenses that you need to pay monthly, such as your rent, car payments, and utilities. You should also set a budget for any variable expenses that you may have, which can include your groceries and gasoline. Make sure your income can cover the budget you set for each type of expense.
As you spend money throughout the month, you should keep your receipts and record your expenses. At the end of the month, go back to your budget and expenses and see if adjustments need to be made.
Have Spare Keys Made
If you're living alone, you should have at least two keys to your condominium unit. However, if you only have one set of keys, you should go to a local hardware store or locksmith to have some spare keys made.
Having spare keys is a great idea, especially if you're living solo, because you can lose your keys no matter how organized you are. To ensure that you remember where your spare keys are, you can leave them with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member you can contact immediately.
Befriend Your Neighbors
Your neighbors can be a big part of your independent-living experience. So, if you want a pleasant condominium living situation, getting to know your neighbors is always best.
You don't have to make them your best friends, but it would benefit you if you at least knew their names and had a cordial relationship with them. This way, you can rely on them if you need help, whether you need an extra pinch of salt for your recipe or borrow tools. In addition, your neighbors can also be your eyes and ears when you're not around, which can help keep your condominium unit safe.
Stay Connected
No matter how much you enjoy living solo, it doesn't mean that you have to be isolated from your friends. Now that you manage your time, you can easily arrange a get-together and catch up with your buddies.
But if you're not a "people person," you can always adopt a pet or get a plant. Having something that depends on you to live will make you feel less lonely and have a sense of purpose in life.
Master Grocery Shopping
If you're used to buying groceries for your family or housemates, you need to modify your shopping list to accommodate your new lifestyle. When you're living alone in a condominium unit, you need to be more mindful of the food you’re buying to avoid wasting money or eating unhealthy foods.
To do this, you must create a list of the meals that you want to eat for the week. Once you have your list, check your pantry and fridge to see if you already have some of the ingredients. Then, make a trip to the grocery store and buy only the needed items.
Decorate However You Want
Do you want to paint your walls bright pink? How about putting up posters of your favorite celebrities? When you're living solo, you can finally decorate your space however you want without having to compromise with anyone.
Of course, you still need to be mindful of your condominium's rules. But as long as you're not breaking any rules, feel free to express yourself through your decor.
Stay Safe
When you're living solo, your safety should be your top priority. Investing in security devices is one of the tips for living alone to ensure safety. You can buy high-tech security systems to make you feel at peace in your unit or a simple door-stop alarm to alert you of intruders.
In addition, you should have a notepad that contains emergency numbers. This way, you can easily contact the police or fire department in case of an emergency. Keep this notepad accessible at all times, such as on your nightstand or fridge.
Enjoy Yourself
Lastly, don't forget to enjoy your independence! Now that you're living alone in a condominium unit, you have the freedom to do whatever you want. So, make sure to take advantage of it and live your life to the fullest.
Choose a Condominium That Meets Your Needs
If you're still looking for a place to move into, you should consider looking at condo units for sale in Shaw Boulevard. The area is accessible, safe, and bustling with life, which makes it perfect for young professionals who want to maximize their condominium living experience. Contact us at Ortigas Land for more information on our properties.
