Solo Living: Get The Best Out Of Your Experience!
There's a certain magic that comes with living alone. It allows us to discover ourselves, cultivate our independence and create a space that truly reflects who we are, and whether it’s by choice or circumstance, see if as a chance to embark on a new adventure. Maybe you’re an empty nester living alone after your children have moved away, or perhaps a divorce, death or separation has meant you will now be flying solo. It could be a result of choice- whether or not you have a partner some of us just prefer to live alone and find thats what works best for us! No matter what has lead you to live alone, there’s plenty to learn and enjoy on the journey, read on to find out the things to consider to get the best out of it.
Solo Living: Get The Best Out Of Your Experience!
Finances
Living alone gives you the opportunity to take control of your finances. When you're the sole decision maker in the household then you’re able to tailor your budget to fit your needs and aspirations. Start by creating a financial plan that covers all your expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation, savings and more. Then work out exactly how much you have coming in, and what extra this leaves you with for luxuries and extras so you never overspend. You could get advice from a financial advisor to ensure you're making informed choices and setting achievable goals, or use a finance app to keep everything tracked. By managing your money wisely, you'll build a solid foundation for a fulfilling solo lifestyle.
Safety
Safety is always priority, but when you’re living alone (especially as a woman) it’s no doubt something that weighs heavily on your mind. For this reason it's essential to take measures that create a secure living environment for you. Try not to worry or spoil your experience of living alone because of this, but do take the steps needed to give yourself peace of mind. You could install a reliable home security system, including sturdy locks, smoke detectors, and smart lighting. This allows you to control the lights in your home from your phone even when you’re not there, always giving the impression that someone is in. A good burglar alarm is a great investment too, and you could even consider joining local neighbourhood watch groups so that you and your neighbours look out for each other. When you’re considering which area to move to, use postcode checkers to search for crime stats, these are readily available and free and can give you all kinds of information that can help you to make your decision.
Home Maintenance
When you live alone, you’re the one responsible for all home maintenance. Although this might seem a little difficult, with enough knowledge and planning you'll find it manageable and you might even find it empowering. Think about learning some fundamental DIY skills for simple repairs, and create a network of dependable workmen, such as plumbers, electricians and handymen for larger problems crop up. Maybe you want to do some renovations and have an extension built, a new bathroom or a home electrical wiring repair service- if so you’ll of course need the right professionals. Ask friends and family for recommendations or use a website that lists trusted tradespeople so you know you’re using a reliable company.
Finding The Right Property
Choosing the perfect property is key to a successful solo living experience. Consider things like your lifestyle preferences like whether you want to live in a bustling city or a quiet village. Think about your proximity to essential amenities and transport options when you’re searching for your new home. How close is it to where you work, friends and family, places you like to visit etc. It’s worth taking the time to explore different neighbourhoods and envision how they align with your interests and needs. The perfect property should be affordable for you too so be sure to really go into your finances with a fine tooth comb, you should have enough to pay all bills, rent/ mortgage and have some leftover to save and be covered for unexpected extras. It can be expensive living alone because the bills you pay are the same as if you were splitting them with someone else. So making it work financially is really important.
The Neighborhood
Living alone isn't simply having a place to call home; it also involves integrating yourself into the neighbourhood you’ll be in. When you've found the home of your dreams, always look around your neighbourhood before you sign on the dotted line. If you take part in neighbourhood activities and events and make ties with your neighbours this can give you a sense of community and establish a network of support. Investigate the accessibility of necessary services too, including things like healthcare facilities, supermarkets and public transit. The perfect house might win you over but it needs to be in the right location for you for you to have the best experience.
Living alone as a woman really opens up a world of possibilities and personal growth. Look at it as a way to embrace the journey of independence and work on creating a fulfilling and empowered life on your own terms.
Have you ever lived alone or is this something you ever plan on doing? What advice would you give to others hoping to achieve this?
Have you ever lived alone or is this something you ever plan on doing? What advice would you give to others hoping to achieve this?
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