You have stayed with your parents for years. Whether you like it or not, you have to leave their home someday to start your own life. This is a prospect that quite a number of people do not look forward to. This is probably because they are leaving their comfort zone where they get everything to start a whole new life adventure which is to live on their own. This can be very daunting.
Regardless, you have to know that you have no choice than to move out. Not to worry, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares helpful tips for living on your own for the first time.
Budget before you move
Money is essential in everything you do. This is why a budget is essential. Hence, before you move into your new apartment, prepare a budget showing your current income and your possible expenses. For expenses, don’t forget to put a price to them even if it is estimated. After you have moved, make budgeting a habit.
You don’t need to recreate the comfort of your parent’s home
A mistake a lot of young people make when they first move out on their own is to attempt to reconstruct every part of how they used to live. This is risky because you will go broke. You have to gradually furnish your home to your own taste. The mantra should be slow and steady.
Buy quality and durable items
In a bid to be very comfortable in your new home, you buy second hand, cheap and substandard products. Of course, you know that these products are not likely to last. This is because it will be a waste of resources if you are buying the same product 6 months after. So, be patient and save up to buy quality.
Imbibe the maintenance culture
The truth is that many of us lack maintenance culture. It is not until something crashes before we take action. So, try to maintain your gadgets by cleaning and preventing them from dropping. This will prevent you from racking up repair expenses and you know these artisans can rip you off.
Evolve a system for paying bills
Living on your own usually means you will have quite a number of bills to pay on top of whatever bills you already had. If you don’t have a payment system in place, you will be unable to keep track of your bills and you will fail to make a required payment as at when due. Find a bill-paying method that works for you. If you can completely get rid of the recurring bill, it is better.
Create a borrowing network
This may be difficult because everyone seems to be minding their business. However, if you are in the midst of young people it can work. This is because you cannot buy every piece of equipment you might ever need. So, you should know who has these items you might occasionally need and are willing to borrow you.
Learn how to cook
You must eat because you cannot starve yourself. So learn how to cook if you do not want to finish all your money on mamaput. Also, try as much as possible to buy in bulk.
Adeniyi Ogunfowoke is a PR Associate @ Jumia Travel
