Living On Your Own for the First Time
It can be scary and lonely, but it can also be a great experience.
If you're fresh out of high school and going into post-secondary, and for whatever reason, you're moving out of your parents' house — maybe you're moving into a dorm room, feel the need for more freedom, or you're even studying abroad — for you, this is a fresh start. Living on your own for the first time can be scary. You might have depended on your parents for most of your life, and suddenly realize there's a lot you don't know. Now, the time has come for you to learn to depend on yourself. With these few tips we hope that you can turn your stressful moving experience into a fun one!
Relax and get acquainted with your new neighbourhood
When it comes to moving away from home, there's no need to be scared. You might be home sick or feel lost at first, but you'll need a bit of time to settle into your new home. But unpack right away! Having your favourite possessions and memories around will make you feel more at home. In addition, greet your neighbours and try to make friends! If you feel comfortable, go around and introduce yourself. Friendly neighbours are great: they can check up on you, share neighbourhood news, and welcome you into the community.
Pick up some handy skills
Having your own place is a good excuse to take some time and teach yourself the basics of handiwork. You could learn by watching YouTube videos or shadowing someone else, but when you first move out, it's important to have a few simple skills in your toolkit. Consider learning what it takes to fix a leaky sink, a clogged toilet, and dents in the walls. Start thinking about how you can be self-reliant and take on new challenges. But just in case, keep a list of emergency numbers handy. It's good to know the number of a licensed electrician or plumber when something goes wrong.
Learn to shop and cook for one
Being able to cook is an essential part of living on your own. At first, you might want to order takeout every night, but trust us: this will put dents in your budget, diet, cleaning habits, work ethic, and self-reliance. When shopping for one, try to buy only what you really need, keep canned food on hand (stuff that has a long shelf life and makes an easy meal), and buy ingredients for particular recipes, rather than grabbing stuff at random. Always write a shopping list — have an idea of what you'll need for your next few meals, and stick with it.
To conclude, moving can be stressful, yes, but it can also be a great, fun experience. Don't let surprises catch you off guard. Make sure you have everything you need — and everything you might need! — to move into your first home. And if you're living with a roommate for the first time, check out this article on roomie life.
