Living with tons of relatives is tough, especially if you’re in a Filipino household, but living alone is tougher. Between the two, a lot of people, mostly young people well into their 20s, choose the latter because it means getting the peace and privacy needed when #adulting. If you’ve been thinking about moving out soon, you have to prepare yourself for this significant shift as early as now. Here are the best ways to get your #adult self ready:
Get your finances in order
While living alone has lots of perks, it also entails a lot of responsibilities. The bulk of it is financial obligations. Thus, before you take the plunge, you should at least have some financial knowledge. First on the list of things that you have to learn thoroughly is the cost of getting your own place. Most young adults go for condos, which are relatively cheaper and closer to central business districts and schools. If you want to take this route, you have to prepare for association dues, membership fees, property taxes, and parking rates. Know your budget range so that when you check out a Cebu City condo for sale, you can filter your options easily. From there, explore loan options. Beyond the expenses in buying your own place, you also need to have enough funds to sustain the maintenance of a home. This includes utilities, like water, electricity, and food.
Learn household chores
Being on your own is the ultimate test for adulting since you count on no one but yourself when it comes to cooking, doing the laundry, washing the dishes, taking the trash out and more. Thus, while you’re still under the care of your parents, learn as much as you can about house duties. Ask your mom to teach you how to make your favorite dish. You don’t want to blow up your monthly salary with restaurant dinners every night, do you? Volunteer to wash the dishes or do the laundry at least once in a while to get the hang of it.
See if the condo complex that you’re eyeing offers a laundry station as part of their amenities. That way, you have this option in case your washing machine acts up. Part of the house duties you have to get used to is paying the bills. You can’t miss due dates unless it’s okay for you to live in the dark for days.
Hone your social skills
Living alone doesn’t mean living like a hermit. Also, it will be an absolute mistake to coop up in your place forever, not caring about your neighbors. You’ll be lonely, and you won’t feel at home during the adjustment period, the most critical time of the move. Now, you don’t necessarily have to a social butterfly. A simple “hi” or smile at the people you meet in the hallway or elevator is enough to build rapport bit by bit. Practice that in your office or current neighborhood.
Living independently is nerve-racking, but with the right preparation, you can make this the best #adulting decision you’ve ever made. Be optimistic as you get yourself ready.