Practical Tips When Living Independently For the First Time

Moving to your first place is a sign of independence. Years of living with your parents may have left you somewhat unprepared for the responsibilities that come with living by yourself. Yet it is a necessary rite of passage for most of us to be independent. The initial thrill of living alone includes going home anytime of the day, having visitors and guests without having to worry about parental consent, and generally being able to do most anything you want. Yet there are bills to pay and chores to do as well. No one will clean your place, cook for you, wash your dishes, and do your laundry. You are on your own. Here are some tips that may help you acclimatized to living independently:

- Scavenge what you can from your parents. This is most true especially when it comes to kitchen ware and other products. The cheapest washing machine is the one that is given to you. If your folks give you their old one, be gracious enough to say thank you and accept it. If they offer to buy you one, which may also be the case, getting one that is not branded is a good option. There are new unbranded washing machines that act the same as the branded ones. If you are on your own, you can even get one that has loads of 5 kg so it is more inexpensive. Try to get an integrated washing machine as space may be a problem especially in your new place. Old microwave ovens and kitchen stoves that they don't want, accept them wholeheartedly. You don't necessarily have the money or budget for new things so getting hand me downs are alright.

- Learn simple recipes from mom to survive. Want to save money? Don't eat out every day when you are on your own. Basic staples of survival consist of bread, jam or peanut butter and jelly, milk, and lots of cereal. Aside from these comfort foods you know so well having had them as children, these are easy to make. Also learn how to cook eggs, fried or scrambled, from mom. If mom can teach you how to cook steak and pork, you will do fine. Small things like buying canola or olive oil, some seasoning like salt or pepper or the all purpose Kikkoman Japanese soy sauce is good. Start simple by grilling or cooking things with oil. These will help you through the weekend. If you already know how to cook, then cook and store. Have a lot of microwaveable storage that you can use. Cook during the weekend and eat these during the weekdays when you get home. If you really want to save up, cook meals which you can brownbag to work. If you do that, you can save at least another 15 to 20% of your expenses by doing your own meals for lunch and dinner.

The challenges of living alone are not easy, nor are they hard. They are just part of the things that need to be done, learned, and experienced in your new chapter in life.

Don't let household expenses ruin the fun of being independent! When it comes to choosing your appliances, choose those that are affordable yet durable. Cheap Washing Machines for example are easy to find if you know where to look! Learn how to get the most of your money with the cheapest washing machine today!

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