Living Independently For The First Time: What You Need to Know

Living Independently For The First Time: What You Need to Know. Thinking of living alone for the first time? Chances are it will be one of the best experiences of your life, it won’t always be easy but you’ll learn so much about yourself and your abilities and it can help you to become a better person. Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge. 

Get your finances right

The first thing you’ll need to do when you’re considering living alone works out if you can afford it. Living independently always costs more than living with others, so sit down and figure out exactly what you have coming in, and what is likely to go out. Things like gas and electricity, rent, water charges, phone and broadband, shopping, and a vehicle if you own one will all need to be taken into account. Find out if you’re entitled to any help from the government, depending on what you earn and your situation you could get some help with benefits or reduced bill costs. Anyone that lives alone for example is entitled to a single person’s discount with council tax which will at least reduce that large expense a little. 

Find a suitable place to live

Living alone and independently, especially if it’s for the first time in your life will require you to find the right place to live. Maybe you’d feel comfortable living close to family and friends, but the size of the property is important too. If you have any additional needs such as mobility problems, you’ll need to ensure the home is on the ground floor and if there are any steps and things that a handicap ramp can be installed. One of the main concerns lots of people have when they live on their own for the first time is safety and security, so finding an area and a building that is safe and low in crime will probably be a top priority. You can run postcode checks of any home you plan on moving into which will tell you things like crime rates and other statistics which can help you to make your mind up. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Just because you’re living independently doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help if you need it. Whether it helps to move, helps with decorating, setting up furniture, or anything else, don’t feel as though you need to muddle through. Ask for help and advice if needed, in many cases, you might just need someone to show you how to do something once and you’re able to go it alone after that. Living alone is all about standing on your own two feet, but that doesn’t mean you’re expected to be a superhuman that suddenly knows how to do everything.