Living alone for the first time in an apartment can be an exhilarating experience. You are free to make your home your own. You can choose the décor, which TV shows to watch and what music to play.
For many people, living alone can make them feel anxious. But there are plenty of ways to get comfortable with being on your own.
Start With a Budget
Worrying about money isn’t uncommon, but when you live alone the household expenses are all on you, which can generate some anxiety when you are new to the experience.
Skip the stress and set up your household budget before you start looking for a rental. Browse rental ads to get a feel for average rent prices, research utility and food costs in your area, and compare those expenses to your income. Once you have a budget set up, you will know how much rent and household costs you can afford and you won’t have to stress it later.
Look for Security Features
At first, living alone can have its spooky moments. Unusual noises, late nights and even scary movies can make you a little jumpy. Typically, the nerves fade as you get used to living by yourself, but a bit of security can help keep your fears at bay from the beginning.
When you are apartment hunting, look for rentals with added security features like:
Living alone should be fun. Before you even move in, start planning how you want to decorate each room. Choosing color schemes and décor themes ahead of time can help calm your nerves and make you excited to get into your new place.
When you are packing, don’t forget to bring a few cherished items from your old home. Blending these items with your newly purchased belongings will help make your rental feel like home.
Finally, once you have moved in, spend a weekend or two decorating. Hang pictures on the walls, add curtains in the living room and bedroom to give the space warmth, and use funny refrigerator magnets to hold up your favorite photos (and take out menus) in the kitchen. If you spend the extra time decorating early on, you’ll start to appreciate your new space.
Meet Your Neighbors
Having a sense of community really helps make a rental feel like a home. After you have given yourself time to adjust to your new rental, take some time to meet the neighbors.
If you have a community pool, visit on the weekend when people are likely to be out. If youhave a dog, take walks around the neighborhood and introduce yourself to the other pet owners. Before long, you will know everyone in the neighborhood and feel right at home
Author: Angela Colley
Original Article:
http://www.realtor.com/advice/live-alone-first-time-love/
For many people, living alone can make them feel anxious. But there are plenty of ways to get comfortable with being on your own.
Start With a Budget
Worrying about money isn’t uncommon, but when you live alone the household expenses are all on you, which can generate some anxiety when you are new to the experience.
Skip the stress and set up your household budget before you start looking for a rental. Browse rental ads to get a feel for average rent prices, research utility and food costs in your area, and compare those expenses to your income. Once you have a budget set up, you will know how much rent and household costs you can afford and you won’t have to stress it later.
Look for Security Features
At first, living alone can have its spooky moments. Unusual noises, late nights and even scary movies can make you a little jumpy. Typically, the nerves fade as you get used to living by yourself, but a bit of security can help keep your fears at bay from the beginning.
When you are apartment hunting, look for rentals with added security features like:
- Gated complexes
- Exterior security doors
- Deadbolt locks
- Interior door chains
- Alarm systems
Living alone should be fun. Before you even move in, start planning how you want to decorate each room. Choosing color schemes and décor themes ahead of time can help calm your nerves and make you excited to get into your new place.
When you are packing, don’t forget to bring a few cherished items from your old home. Blending these items with your newly purchased belongings will help make your rental feel like home.
Finally, once you have moved in, spend a weekend or two decorating. Hang pictures on the walls, add curtains in the living room and bedroom to give the space warmth, and use funny refrigerator magnets to hold up your favorite photos (and take out menus) in the kitchen. If you spend the extra time decorating early on, you’ll start to appreciate your new space.
Meet Your Neighbors
Having a sense of community really helps make a rental feel like a home. After you have given yourself time to adjust to your new rental, take some time to meet the neighbors.
If you have a community pool, visit on the weekend when people are likely to be out. If youhave a dog, take walks around the neighborhood and introduce yourself to the other pet owners. Before long, you will know everyone in the neighborhood and feel right at home
Author: Angela Colley
Original Article:
http://www.realtor.com/advice/live-alone-first-time-love/
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