How to Live on Your Own

Whether you are moving out of the house for the first time or just getting out of a long-term relationship, finding how to live on your own can be nerve-wracking. You have many factors to consider from housing to cooking for one and even learning to enjoy the peace that comes with the quiet.

As hard as it may be at first, recognizing that living alone is not uncommon can be helpful. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 survey, over 28% of U.S. households are single occupancy, making that around 35 million people altogether.

There are many reasons people live alone, whether it be by choice or by necessity. Whatever your reason may be, living on your own can be a great way to grow, embrace your independence, and find your center.

Not sure where to start? Finding a place to call home is a perfect first stop on your journey to living alone successfully.

Choosing the Right Apartment Complex

The very first task is choosing a suitable apartment. There are many options out there, with more complexes opening every day. Apartment complexes with pools, gyms, business centers, and available community lounges are an everyday occurrence.

Modern apartments are taking it a step further and offering amenities such as:

Community events
Golf simulators
Package lockers
Gated parking
Game rooms

Amenities like these are becoming more commonplace in apartment communities. They create a sense of community for those living in the complex. A sense of community can be very important when you are living on your own.

Determine Wants Vs. Needs

While modern amenities are enticing, choosing the right place to live on your own comes down to which items check off your need list. Community extras are considered perks of being in the building; however, your rent per month will likely be higher. It will be more important to focus on what makes your apartment more feel like home and falls into your budget.

Set Your Budget

The first thing you need to determine when searching for your new apartment is what is within your budget and make sure you don’t allow flashy amenities to push you over that budget.

According to an article published by CNBC, you should spend no more than 30% of what you gross monthly on housing. Most apartment complexes require you to make at least 2x the rent, with some of them requiring your income to be up to 3x the rent. Therefore helping you account for this in the approval process.

Your Housing Budget Should Include Utilities

One thing to be aware of, though, is that you should be including the cost of utilities in that 30% as well. When you are living solo, you are shouldering all of the cost of living plus the add-ons of your Internet, cable, and other general monthly expenses.

One way you can offset this is by tailoring your apartment search to complexes who have predictable options. Apartment complexes offer a variety of options, including utilities like water, sewer, and trash in your monthly rent, and you are just responsible for your heat, electricity, cable, and Internet.

Complexes also offer a “convenience bundle.” You pay the same monthly rate for your water, sewer, trash, heat, and electricity directly to the apartment complex. All of these things can make a difference when you are creating your budget.

Another factor that can affect your apartment budget is your location.

Location

Location is essential when figuring out how to live on your own. There are a couple of different factors to take into account in considering your apartment.

The location of your apartment can be a huge factor in how much the apartment costs per month. The more central the area, the higher the cost.
Picking a location needs to directly correspond with where you work to not have a lengthy commute.
You want to choose a location that is easily accessible to major freeways.
Being centrally located and having restaurants, movie theaters, grocery stores, and malls can be very convenient.
The most important thing you want to take into account when looking at a location is also safety.

A helpful site is the Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics. They compile data from law enforcement agencies with the help of the FBI. You can use their search tool to locate your city and state to learn more about what the statistics are in your area.

Picking Your Space

Apartment complexes offer a variety of studio and one-bedroom options that can range from 250 square feet to as large as 1000 square feet. Trimmings come in a myriad of offerings such as stainless steel appliances, hardwood throughout and vaulted ceilings.

You want to pick an apartment that best represents your needs, your personal style and makes you feel at home.

Amenities

Apartment homes offer more than just the typical amenities. Complexes are now creating an experience to differentiate themselves from other communities. Communities need to differentiate works in your favor when you are living solo.

Apartment companies are spending a lot of time catering to their renter’s needs and, in doing so, are renovating many of their properties to include the latest and greatest with features like hardwood, best thermometers, and keyless entry.

These features not only add to the convenience level of your solo living situation, but they can add a level of comfort too Especially those in-unit washers and dryers!

According to Zumper, these features are becoming more prevalent, and it may be hard to determine which ones you need and which ones fall more into the want category. Check out their analysis here to help you get a better idea of where amenities fall on that scale for you.

Community

The sense of community within your apartment complex is vital. Finding a place that suits your personality style is very important. You want a place that will make you feel like you are home. Friendly staff, neighbors, and community events can make all the difference when you are living alone.

Whether you are an introvert and like quiet nights in, an extrovert who loves to hang out by the pool, or a workaholic who likes to order in and get your trashed picked up from your front door, there are options out there for you. An excellent resource for finding your perfect fit is Apartments.com.

You can search for studios or one-bedrooms in your area, and you can narrow it down by location, amenities, and community features that fit in with your personality. Not sure what your apartment personality is? Apartments.com even has a handy little quiz for that too. Check it out here.

Safety

A significant consideration for living alone is looking out for your safety. Making it is imperative in your apartment hunt too. You want to pick a safe location and want to be able to have safety features within the complex itself.

Features to look for are:

Gated parking. Complexes are available with gated parking with a keyless entry that keeps out random drop-ins.
Key Fob Entry. Key fob entry is not just for the gates anymore. More modern complexes are even using this feature to gain access to the building as well as your apartment.
With package theft rampant, many complexes have mail rooms where your packages can be delivered securely, and some even alert you when you have a package waiting.
An added benefit, especially when you are on your own, is having a security guard on-site, adding an extra layer of protection and comfort.

I Found an Apartment, Now What?

Once you find your apartment, whether it be a one-bedroom, a studio, or something in between, you need to make it feel like it is truly your own. The best way to successfully be able to live on your own is to make sure you are comfortable in your surroundings.

Making yourself comfortable in your surroundings can be as simple as adding in personal elements, keepsakes, and selecting furniture and decor that matches your style and personality.

Picking Your Furnishings

Picking your furnishings does not have to be an immediate adventure. Since you are living on your own, there is not a lot of pressure to have everything you need in an instant. You can start with some of the basics and go from there. Taking your time may be a great way to establish the personality and style of your home and make your styling touch shine through.

According to ApartmentGuide.com, the first thing you should focus on is picking furniture by function. They recommend starting with this following list:

Somewhere to sleep
Somewhere to sit
A little storage
Utensils for cooking and eating
A place to eat and/or work

Their list is only a suggestion. You will need to sit down and make your list of what is important to you. What will make you feel at home? What will make living on your own easier? Once you have established your list, then you can start finding your pieces.

Should You Rent or Buy?

Furniture stores are abundant, as are second-hand options. Renting furniture is always an option as well. Furniture is rentable through companies such as Cort, Aaron’s, Rent-A-Center, and Brooks. Most of these companies can be visited in a brick and mortar location or on their websites.

Cort, for example, has showrooms located throughout the U.S. that you can visit, speak with a sales associate, and determine your exact needs. They offer items from linens and silverware up to entertainment centers and bedroom furniture, all depending on your needs and your budget. They even have the option of buying furniture from their outlet.

Furnishing your apartment can be an expensive endeavor, but there are ways to do it cost-effectively.

Facebook Marketplace. Many items are listed here for a low price and are of excellent quality.
Download the Nextdoor app. Register in your area to see what your neighbors are selling.
Thrift stores. Many thrift stores have great pieces that either can be used as-is or just need a little TLC.
Consignment and second-hand stores. Depending on your needs and the area you live in, you can score some great finds.
Department stores. Don’t discount the value of department store sales. Clearance events and changing of seasons can make for some deeply discounted furniture pieces.

Decorate Your Apartment

Decorations add to the warmth and welcoming nature of your home when you are living on your own. Adding decor will bring in a personal touch and help get you that homey feel. Decorations can be simple.

Soft Decor. Picking out cozy throw pillows and blankets can add that extra bit of comfort.
Art Work. Find a couple of pieces of artwork that truly speak to you and bring you joy.
Putting up pictures of friends and family will make you feel more comfortable and be a constant reminder of all the important people you have in your life.
If painting walls are an option, pick a color that is fun, playful, and bring a smile to your face. It will not only make you feel at home but will be an instant mood booster.

A great plus to living on your own is that you do have the freedom to decorate your apartment; however, you want. You don’t have to consult anyone else. Use your decor as a chance to truly express yourself and your style. So dig in deep, and don’t be afraid to add a little self-discovery to your living alone journey.

How Do You Cook for One?

As you are getting used to living on your own, one of the things you have to take into consideration is cooking for one, primarily if you are used to cooking for multiple people. Many recipes are made for larger groups of people in mind.

Stocking Your Pantry

A trip to the grocery store to stock your pantry is a great place to start. You cannot cook much of anything if you do not have much in your home. Start a list of what you need, and continue to things that you like and grocery items that you want.

Start with your staples. Condiments, spices, pasta, rice, and some canned goods are all great places to begin. You can make almost anything with a handful of these items.
Vegetables and fruit. Since these are in bulk bins, it is effortless to get a selection for your meals for the week,
Pre-cooked meats. Most grocery stores carry cooked chickens. Chicken can be cooked with rice or pasta for dinner, lunch on top of a salad, and in a variety of other ways throughout the week.
Prefer to cook your own? Smaller grocery stores carry chicken and red meat in two packs. Perfect for dinner one night, with chicken left-over to make lunch the next day. You can always put one in the freezer for later in the week as well.

Opt for Alternative Cooking Methods

Are you not sure what to cook? Tired of your go-to options? Don’t grab that box of cereal. There are a variety of options to add some variety to your meals.

Meal Planning. Planning out your meals for the week is an easy way to grab and go with your meals. Cook all your meals on one day, usually Sundays are best and have them ready to go for the rest of the week.
Food Subscription Boxes. Getting food delivered to you has become quite the craze. There are so many options now that cover all dietary needs, budgets, and some even have microwave options! Want to find out which is best for you? Check out My Subscription Addictions list of 16 Best Boxes.
There is always the old standby of getting take out from your favorite Chinese restaurant and bringing it back to your apartment to eat while binge-watching your favorite show.
Don’t want to leave the house? DoorDash and Uber Eats can deliver your favorite meal to you with a push of a button.

Create Your Routine

As you are figuring out how you’re going to live on your own, it is often best to establish a routine. A level of predictability gives you something to look forward to each day. A few things you can do to create a routine are:

Plan out your days. Having a daily structure can lead to more fulfilling and productive days.
Head to the gym. Gym time is not only good for your physical health but your mental health too. Setting aside a couple of days of the week to go to the gym can add extra structure and can be placed easily around your work schedule.
Set a day to spend time with friends. Pick a Friday night to go out and get together with friends. A night out with friends will give you something to look forward to throughout the week.
Call your mom. As corny as it sounds, picking a specific day to call your family can be a comforting part of your routine. Maintaining your family connection while living alone can also boost your mental well-being.

Looking for ideas on how to create an effective routine? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Becoming Your Best Self.

Meet New People

Be mindful of how much time you spend in your apartment alone. Getting out and meeting new people can be a great way to expand your horizons and add some variety to your week. A wide variety of options exist based on your interests. You can even start slow and just do something once a month. Some resources for activities include:

Facebook Groups. There is a Facebook group for almost every interest. Search by your hobby and your area and join the group. Many of these groups meet in person too.
Facebook Events. Put in your area, and it will spit out a list of events in your surrounding area. You can also adjust your radius if you want to travel outside your immediate area.
Meetups are still going strong. You can find groups in your location and pick a night to check them out.
Nextdoor Events. Nextdoor is a great all-around resource. The events section will give you an idea of what is happening around you.
Local Art Studios. Art classes are a great creative outlet. Even if you don’t have any artistic talent, the experience alone is worth it.
Community Colleges. Taking a class in a subject you’ve always wanted to learn more about can be fulfilling and fun.
Local event calendars. Sign up for your local event calendars. You will get weekly events delivered directly to your inbox.

Find Places to Volunteer

Helping others can be very fulfilling. So many charities and groups require volunteers. Spending a couple of hours a week or even a month can genuinely go a long way towards your well- being and the well-being of those you are helping.

According to TrueFriends.org “Part of finding the right volunteer opportunity is being honest about what you hope to learn and accomplish.” There are a wide variety of options out there to lend your time.

Centers often need volunteers to bring a bit of joy into senior’s days and break up their monotony.
Pet Rescues. Most pet rescues are volunteer-run and can use all the help they can get since they take in a large number of cats and dogs. You will also get your puppy and kitten fix!
If you like spending time with kids, there are programs available for mentoring. Community programs are always looking for help as well.
Help with preparing food and more.
Food Banks. Help sort and bag up food for distribution.
Use your talents to help with groundskeeping, youth groups, vacation Bible school, and more.

By volunteering, you will get the opportunity to meet new people all the time and may even make some lasting relationships.

Learn to Enjoy Your Alone Time

Living on your own can be a very positive experience. It can teach you more about yourself and allow you to explore new avenues. Relish your alone time and try some self-care routines.

Take time to read. Have a shelf of books that are just waiting to be cracked open? Make an effort to pick up something new. Joining a book club can help too.
Catch up on your favorite shows or finally start that series you always wanted to try.
Take up yoga or Pilates. Yoga and Pilates can help with overall well being as being good exercise.
Find your center, relieve stress, and learn to be ok with the quiet.
Always wanted to try sewing? Living alone gives you time to try new things. Break out those nutting needles and queue up some YouTube how good.

Is it Time to Get a Pet?

If you find that you do not enjoy coming home to an empty apartment, adopting a pet can be a great solution. Shelters are full of a wide variety of cats and dogs who would love to be your new plus one.

According to My Animals, “Pet’s can help you socialize with other people by “forcing” you to go outside. They improve your self-esteem and give you a sense of responsibility, two things that are very beneficial for single people.”

Other reasons to get a pet are:

Contentment. They are happy to see you when you get home.
Responsibility. Having a dog or cat gives you something to care for others than yourself.
Opportunities to meet new people. Going to the dog park is a great way to meet new people, and Fido can be a good ice breaker.
Dogs need to walk frequently, giving you the added benefit of fresh air and exercise.
Pets are all-around good company. They are a positive energy force in your life.

According to the Denver Post, more single people are adopting pets, giving them an edge over families with pets. Make sure you take your time in choosing your furry friend and don’t rush into anything. Dogs and cats can be great companions when you are trying to live on your own, but fish, birds, and even hamsters are great places to start too!

Living Solo, But Not Alone

Always remember that while you may be living alone, you never are truly alone. Make time for friends, family, and get to know your neighbors. Be aware of how much time you are spending alone in your apartment and strike a balance between enjoying your alone time and your social activities.

Life is about finding that balance, and living on your own is no different. Give yourself time to adjust to your new living arrangements and allow yourself to feel comfortable in your own skin. Set yourself up for success, and you will find your groove. You never know, you may find that you enjoy the independence and freedom of living on your own.