Living alone comes with its own pros and cons. On the one hand, you are free to do whatever you want when you want. No one will complain if you go to bed at 3 am or eat lunch at 2 pm. On the other hand, it can be quite lonely when there is no one to talk to, and no one to help immediately.
However, if you can master these “survival” tips while out on your own, you can temporarily rest assured that you are one step closer to independence.
Make a spending plan
Living alone is really a big challenge in financial management because you are the only person responsible for the household expenses, and the monthly bills.
To avoid running out of money by the end of the month, take the time to calculate your budget and have a specific spending plan for the month. And equally important is to stick to the spending plan that you have set out.
Make a cleaning schedule
The habit of cleaning up is very important when living independently. (Photo: Pinterest)
You can’t expect anyone to do the cleaning for you. You have to learn how to do it yourself. Many busy people often skip cleaning until they can’t stand the smell of the room. To avoid this problem, have a clear cleaning schedule.
For example, tidying up the clutter in the bedroom and washing the dishes can be a daily routine. Jobs that require more time such as vacuuming and changing and washing bed sheets can be arranged twice a month…
Make it a habit to double-check everything before leaving the house
No one will come after you to give you the key or the phone you left at home. Above all, never forget to check electrical appliances before leaving the door. Make sure that electrical appliances are turned off, unplugged, and faucets are locked…
You don’t want your bills to skyrocket or face the risk of a fire. So the best thing you can do is double-check the room/house one last time before going out.
Carefulness is one of the virtues that need to be developed more when alone. (Photo: Pinterest)
Stock up on essentials
When I was still with my family, every time I was sick, my parents went to the pharmacy to buy medicine, and cook porridge with onions to eat… But now you are living alone, all you have to do is rely on yourself. Prioritize shopping for necessary medicines, as well as candles, flashlights, etc. similar useful items for use in emergencies.
Learn cooking
Eating out, in the long run, will be quite expensive. Plus, the calories, preservatives, and other additives you consume from these foods may not be the healthiest choice.
That’s why you have to learn to cook, even if it’s something as simple as fried eggs, braised meat… It doesn’t have to be delicious, it’s important to be able to cook.
Be nice to your neighbors
Neighbors may not be perfect friends, but will sometimes be the first to support you when you need them. (Photo: Pinterest)
You don’t have to be your neighbor’s best friend, but it’s certainly beneficial to know their names and faces and exchange a few words of courtesy with your neighbors sometimes. Be kind when you first move in and try to get to know your neighbors. At the very least, this can help you get the support you need when you have a problem or need to ask for help.
Build a healthy “time killing” hobby
When you’re bored with the loneliness in your home, starting to binge on one movie after another can be unhealthy. Instead, you should temporarily step away from the TV, computer, and phone and engage in other relaxing time-killing activities. It can be knitting, reading, yoga… with these hobbies, you will surely shake off the boredom of living alone.
