Lessons learned leaving home?

Question

Hi all,

I'm 21, just graduated from University and got a full time job about 200kms from my home.

I've just left home and moved into my own place on my own. Just wondering what is the best advice you guys have for learning to live on your own?

~Mitch

Answer 1

Learn to Budget!

I remember that was the first thing I struggled with because there always seemed to be something popping up! EG, Car repairs, a biller higher then normal etc I had to learn to put abit aside for those rainy days!

Goodluck!

Answer 2

Moving out of home can be difficult & scary, make a list of things you will need such as;

Towels, tea towels & dish cloths

Sheets/blankets and quilts & quilt covers

Pots & pans, dinner set, cutlery etc

Containers and canisters to put food & things in

Broom, dust pan, rubbish bin, toilet brush etc

Furniture such as bed, dresser, kitchen table & chairs etc

Fridge & washing machine

Vacuum cleaner

These are fairly expensive to purchase in one hit, so buy some things each week, over a period of time to lessen the cost.

Also is very handy is buy pantry items a few weeks before you move out, as your first grocery shop is going to be a shocker. I would buy things like tea/coffee, sugar, cereal, flour, rice, ketchup, kool aid, pasta, soap, toilet paper etc.

Set aside two afternoons a week to clean the house, includes doing washing, it is easier to keep clean if kept tidy, if done regularly.

When your going to go shopping plan your meals for the week, and then make a list, try not to buy stuff you don't really need.

Try to put a little money aside each pay, to cover the cost of utilities such as gas & electricity, these bills are bit expensive too, and trying to put a little money aside makes it easier to pay the bill on due date.

I learnt the hard way having left home at 17, to manage bills etc. The only good thing was I had a fairly good glory box full of towels, sheets etc.

Good luck and have fun (within reason, the fun that is).

Answer 3

1. Keep a budget and stick to it including a seperate savings account even if you save a little every week.   2. Avoid using credit to buy anything other than a car.  (second hand is better).  3. Cook for yourself when you are at home, it's cheaper.  Write a shopping list for the week and buy frozen meat & veg. so it won't be wasted.  Buy a microwave if you don't already have one.  4. Keep in touch with your parents and family.  Ring home at least once a fortnight to touch base.  Remember family birthdays, mother's day, fathers' day etc. even if it's a phone call and always send a card.

Answer 4

have a  limited supply of dishes and cutlery even just 1 plus 1 extra so if you run out you have to wash----inconvenient sure but at least things won't pile up in the sink. Keep your socks pinned together when you take them off (SAFETY PINS large ones) then they don't get parted and you are left with a draw of singles (OK only if you are one legged) learn to drink lots of water especially when you go out---good for you and lots cheaper too. Start a saving account and learn to budget. Make up your own lunches good for your budget and better nutrition. Keep your living area tidy and your sleeping area in case you get lucky. A little tidying up is better than leaving it go till it gets out of hand. You cannot  blame anyone now so be responsible. So good luck and go to it. Don't procrastinate by thinking you will do it later----do it now!

Answer 5

Boy oh Boy ! Mine will sound all so negative !

* Don't trust anyone

* Save always something for a rainy day

* If you value some privacy, make set days for everyone

to visit and tell them all .

* Ring your family always and on certain days if you like,do the

same with special friends, every week

Best Wishes