Top 10 Tips: First Time Living Alone Checklist
Here’s how to live alone and avoid first-timer mistakes.
Here’s how to live alone and avoid first-timer mistakes.
Are you ready for solo living? Living on your own can be an exciting new experience filled with joy, challenges, and, most importantly, personal growth. Whether you’re planning to move out soon or already have the keys to your new living space, these tips can help ensure a smoother transition. Are you not sure where to start? Here’s our first-time living alone list.
When you live alone, start with budget-friendly household items and furniture, get a spare set of keys, and invest in home security. Don’t forget cleaning supplies, toiletries, and a plunger. Also, invest in a good mattress, build an emergency fund, and try to stay social.
When you start living alone, you might want to buy only the best household items. However, consider taking the opposite approach. Start with budget-friendly options to see what you actually need and use the most. After a few months, you may decide to invest in a better lamp but skip the $300 microwave. In the long run, this helps you save money.
Also, don’t be afraid of going secondhand. Thrift stores are treasure troves of high-quality items at budget-friendly prices. Consider spending time visiting secondhand stores or checking Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
Living alone means a higher chance of locking yourself out. That’s why it’s a good idea to properly hide a spare set of keys. But, if you have someone you trust living nearby, consider giving them a set as well for emergencies. If you’re uneasy about granting access to someone else, you can install a security camera to monitor who comes and goes remotely.
Home security is a smart long-term investment, and you can build a budget-friendly system without adding to your monthly expenses. For example, Arlo offers security cameras starting at $39.99, like the Arlo 2nd Gen Indoor Wired Camera. You can start with one camera and expand your system over time. With Arlo, subscriptions are optional, and every camera can be self-monitored.
Since most first-time solo dwellers rent an apartment, consider easy-to-install security cameras and alarm systems. These can be removed easily if you need to move out and get your security deposit back.
A plunger might not be on your shopping list, but trust us — it’s better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it. A simple, inexpensive plunger can help prevent disasters, especially in upper-floor apartments. In case of a clogged toilet, it can save you from a major water leak.
Speaking of water leaks, investing in a smart alarm system is a great idea for new renters. Not every threat can be caught on video, so a multi-threat system like the Arlo Home Security System provides added protection — and extra peace of mind. The included All-in-One Sensors can detect eight different threats, including open doors and windows, water leaks, temperature changes, motion, and more.
24/7 Professional Monitoring is worth it. However, if you’re on a budget, you can start by self-monitoring your security system and switch to professional monitoring later.
Sleep is essential for your body and mind to repair and function at their best. Of all the things you can save on, a mattress should not be one of them. Invest in a high-quality mattress from the start and forget about it for the next 10 years or so. Good mattresses tend to last a decade and often come with excellent warranties. In the long run, both your wallet and your back will appreciate it.
Living alone comes with the unexpected. It’s a good idea to build an emergency fund that covers 3 to 6 months of expenses. This might take some time, especially if you’re on a budget. So, take it slow and aim to save a little each month.
Your daily routine will change, and finding time to go shopping may become difficult. However, don’t forget to buy cleaning supplies and toiletries. Essential cleaning supplies include all-purpose cleaner, sponges, trash bags, and dish soap. Toiletries should include soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Also, be sure to stock up on extra paper towels and toilet paper. (Since, you know, there won’t be anyone else around to help when you run out.)
Make sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your new home. You’ll feel more at ease knowing you’re protected from fires, especially when living alone. Also, remember to properly maintain your smoke detectors.
Consider pairing them with a smart alarm system like the Arlo Home Security System. With an Arlo Secure subscription, it can listen for fire and smoke alarms and send a notification to your phone. This way, you’ll be able to stay informed and notify authorities, even when you’re not at home.
Living solo gives you the opportunity to enjoy your own company, but it can sometimes feel lonely. Staying connected with friends and family is important, especially when living alone. If you’re moving to a new city, joining clubs or groups can give you the opportunity to meet new people. And always remember: the people you love are always just a phone call away.
When you feel ready to have guests over, you can organize dinners and parties. A video doorbell allows you to see who’s at the door and greet visitors remotely. Consider options like the Arlo Video Doorbell, which features clear 2-Way Audio, Night Vision, and Motion Detection.
Living alone doesn’t mean living on your own. Stay protected with Arlo security cameras, video doorbells, floodlights, and the Arlo Home Security System. With budget-friendly options like the Arlo 2nd Gen Essential Wireless Camera, you can rest easy knowing you’re truly safe — in your new home, and on your fancy mattress.
