What tips do you have for someone living alone for the first time?

1. spend less than you earn.
   — GrumpyJ1000


2. Clean as you go. Everyday is no pants day!
   — Pink_Flash


3. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about your decor. It's your fucking place, put the stupidest shit out on show if it makes you happy. I've got fairy lights everywhere and tiny glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs guarding my bedroom and I fucking love it.
   — pennyroyal51






4. Get a toilet plunger. Get it now before you need it.
   — roboninja


5. I don't usually like repeating comments others have already said, but this is important enough to emphasize. Though no one will hold you accountable for it, keep your place clean. It's way easier to clean a little bit often than it is when you realize you haven't cleaned in weeks and the place is a mess.
   — PMMeKaraokeRequests


6. Done using it? **Put it away RIGHT NOW**. Weekend cleaning is a breeze if all you have to do is some laundry, sweep/vaccum, and a little scrubbing in the bathroom. **Keep a detailed budget**. When I first moved out on my own I did my bills then withdrew spending cash until I started to grow accustomed to what I had to spend vs. what I needed to save. If you can't cook, **learn to cook**. Start small, don't try anything crazy. Get a basic cookbook (something like a $20 book) with weights and measure on the inside flap and cooking temps for meats. Pick three easy dishes and rotate them to start, pack leftovers. Plan to make meals in advance rather than wait until you're starving so you don't say "fuck it" and go get take out. **Explore your neighborhood.** If you lean towards solitude, enjoy it! Living alone is the BEST THING. But if, like me, you could easily withdraw to the point where you'd never see anyone, do **make sure you go out to meet folks for fun**. EDIT: I almost forgot a big one, **on payday, set aside 10% of the money for savings**. The goal is to get three months expenses built up--but don't stop there. Do this **BEFORE** you even pay bills (if possible). Also, your first two months, be very careful with your spending money. You might *think* you know what your bills will be, but I guarantee it will be more at first as you run out to grab little items you forgot to plan for. It might be cleaning supplies, or hook-up fees, whatever. It will add up quickly.
   — Gamilon






7. Make sure your locks work. Doors and windows.
   — heaven-in-a-can


8. Buy lots of toilet paper Have hobbies where you get out. It's very easy to fall into depression when you're by yourself, alone with your thoughts
   — spaghatta111


9. Shit with the door open
   — sillyness






10. Chew your food. *Chew your fucking food*. There's nothing more terrifying than choking on some stupid muffin and thinking you're going to die alone. On that note, if you don't have nonslip surfaces in your bathroom, install some. Rugs, anything. Get one of those ugly knobbly plastic tub mats. Nothing like coming to after smacking your head on tile or a faucet because you dropped the soap and fell down. Your bathroom is one big hard surface to bounce off of. Buy surge protectors or power strips to plug expensive shit into. Consider function before form. Plan your space for your own convenience and think of ways you might hurt yourself navigating it. If you trip over something during the day it will be a hazard in the dark. Clean up accidents immediately. If you're renting, get renter's insurance. Take pictures of *everything* before moving in so you can dispute anything when you move out. If it's broken now, it needs to be fixed immediately. That's all from my own experience; there's more, but I can't think of anything else right now.
    — littlebitsofspider


11. Probably not what you’re looking for but if you live in a safe enough area, don’t always leave your blinds closed during the day. Open them, let some sun in. It can help you feel less depressed and gloomy if you’re having issues like that. Being locked up in a dark gloomy room is only going to make you feel worse. Also don’t be concerned about buying everything new. Second hand stores will be a life saver.
    — RhythmicNebula


12. Keep up with being clean. Dust/vacuum often, keep surfaces clear. Always take care of dishes right away, you won't have as many to deal with and you can't make your roommate clean them. Your mess is entirely on you.
    — Ajiatrow






13. Get renter’s or homeowner’s insurance. Don’t ever think fires, floods or accidental damage can’t happen to you.
    — Ohsoeasy