Living on Your Own for the First Time
Packing up and moving out sounds like an exciting idea for anyone. Tucson moving companies have seen it all, from young adults moving out on their own, to new families starting a new chapter of their lives. Many of us grew up dreaming about living in our own home or apartment and living by our own rules. One thing we failed to think about as children was how exactly we could afford this dream home of ours. This newfound independence is anything but easy. Finding your own place is such a thrill, but before making the commitment, there are several aspects that go into living independently. Money is one of the largest factors to consider before moving out of your parents house. Moreover, there are several skills you should attain if you plan on living on your own. Finally, there are several fears that may occur along the way.
Money for Living and Moving in Tucson
Living on your own at any age can be difficult and costly. Typically, young adults who decide to move into their own apartment or home will do so with a friend or search for a roommate in order to minimize the overall cost of rent and utility payments.
However, whether you’re moving out on your own or with the help of a roommate, it is always smartest to have a steady income. It is very difficult to maintain a budget and keep up with bills if you are not currently receiving a consistent paycheck. There are many consequences that follow up a late rent check, one of which is a late fee. Some late fees can run from $25 to $50 for every day after rent was due.
If you are working at a stable workplace, then the next step is to make sure you are managing a budget. This is one of the most important habits to develop as a young adult. Many young adults out of college have a hard time establishing a savings account. A savings account though, is crucial. The golden rule is to make sure you have somewhere from three to six months rent in your savings account. That is because you want to be prepared to pay for living expenses in the event that you are laid off or cut back on hours at work. The money in your savings account will not only cover rent, but will provide an ample amount of time to look for another job that suits you.
Learning to budget and manage your money can be difficult, but thankfully there are several resources made available online and in your community. In some cases, banks also offer help for clients who would like to become more financial stable.
Skills for Living Independently
Living on your own also means looking after yourself. That entails cooking and cleaning your new home regularly. You will have to make it a point to pay bills and rent on time. As we discussed earlier, managing your money is crucial. This will allow you to save a considerable amount along the way. Budgeting allows you to see where you are spending too much money and where you can afford to cut back or splurge a little more. Moreover, time management becomes increasingly important as well. As an adult working an eight to five job, you’ll find you don’t have time to dedicate to watching Netflix on your couch for hours on end. There is always something that needs to be done.
Some more basic skills for living on your own are washing laundry. Washing laundry doesn’t always mean throwing everything in your hamper into a washer. As a working adult, you may have been hired at a work place that requires formal or business casual attire. Whether your wardrobe consists of silk ties or cashmere sweaters, you may have to dedicate smaller loads to each of these categories. You may even have to separate your laundry by colors, something you might’ve skipped out in college considering most of your outfits were t-shirts and shorts.
Buying groceries and cooking simple meals are also a big part of living alone. Considering you have adopted a budget to live by, you may not be able to splurge on the same kind of meals your body once craved such as frozen pizza. Instead, try to learn a handful of healthy simple meals you can prepare every week. Most commonly, chicken, rice and vegetables are great meals to learn to cook and love as a young adult embarking on the “real world.”
Not everyone lands a six-figure job right out of college, so, it is safe to say your apartment or home will not be the newest establishment. Therefore, it is highly beneficial to have a toolbox on hand. You may have to fix small things around your place. One of the simplest tasks you’ll find yourself doing most often is changing light bulbs around your apartment or home. Some tasks such as plumbing and electrical work should be left to the professionals. With simpler duties though, do your best to reach out to your parents for instructions and advice.
SEE ALSO: Moving to a New Apartment in Tucson
Fears of Moving and Being Out on Your Own
Whether you are moving out for the first time, or moving out for the tenth time, there are concerns about this big decision each time. It is easy to feel like you don’t know what you are doing. You might feel nervous and altogether anxious about the idea of living on your own. There are a lot of things you will not be sure about just yet. One thing however, is certain—the anxiety, nerves and fear you are experiencing are perfectly normal.
The best way to overcome this type of adversity is to take it head on, with a sufficient amount of planning beforehand of course. You should never revert from seeking out help. Luckily, local Tucson movers are always happy to help young adults going through this huge transition. Moving out and into a new place is a scary experience for anyone. The preparation for such a big step can seem overwhelming. Ultimately, the opportunity to begin an independent lifestyle can be extremely rewarding.
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