Top 10 Tips to Follow When You Are Living Alone

I know firsthand that living alone can be an adjustment. When I moved into my own place after college, I was excited about the freedom, but underestimated the responsibilities. Over the years, I’ve learned some key things that have made solo living not just manageable, but enjoyable.

Moving out on my own was thrilling at first. No roommates or RA’s – I could truly make my space my own. But pretty quickly, I realized I was 100% accountable for all the household duties. The dirty dishes didn’t just magically get cleaned like at mom’s house!

Here are my top tips for thriving while living alone:

1. Safety

Living alone for the first time can definitely make safety a top concern. I’ll never forget my first night in my new apartment – every little noise made me jump! Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years of solo living that help me feel secure:

• Make copies of your key for trusted friends. I gave one to my sister who lives nearby, so she can check on things when I travel.
• Get to know your neighbors. Just exchanging names and numbers can build community. I’ve even traded dog walking favors with the neighbor below me.
• Install smart locks and lights. With my phone, I can remotely check if doors are locked and turn lights on/off. Gives me peace of mind when I’m out.
• Keep emergency contacts handy. I have a list on my fridge with plumber, landlord, etc. So I’m prepared when issues pop up.
• Don’t ignore safety hazards. I do regular checks for things like gas leaks, frayed cords, flashlight batteries. Prevention is key.
• Take a self-defense class. Knowing some basic moves empowers me if I ever felt threatened.
• Trust your instincts about people. If someone gives me weird vibes, I avoid them or only talk outside my door.

With some practical habits, I’ve turned my place into a safe sanctuary. Living alone is so worth it for the freedom. A few precautions go a long way to peace of mind. Let me know if you have any other safety tips!

2. Lonely: Solitude Can Be Sweet

I can certainly relate to the mixed emotions that come with living alone. While I cherish finally having my own space, the solitude took some adjusting to after years with roommates.

This experience has taught me to embrace this period as a gift rather than a burden. Without distractions, I’ve had time for self-reflection that has helped me grow. I started a daily meditation practice that’s been so centering.

I agree – this alone time is fleeting. One day I’ll likely have a partner, kids, pets – a lively home filled with loved ones. I know I’ll miss these quiet moments then. So for now, I try to savor the peace while also nurturing meaningful connections so I don’t feel isolated.

How we spend our alone time defines us in a way. I’ve been reading more books that challenge me. Experimenting in the kitchen. Dancing around my apartment like no one’s watching! This solo chapter is helping me learn about myself.

The key for me has been striking the right balance between treasuring the solitude and still socializing to stay upbeat. With the right mindset, living alone can be an illuminating experience. I appreciate you sharing these thoughtful perspectives on making the most of this unique period of life.

3. Food: Smart Cooking

As someone who loves being in the kitchen, I totally get the post-meal clean-up fatigue that can come with cooking for one. My tiny apartment kitchen can feel like a disaster zone after I cook up a big meal for myself!

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up after trial and error:

Embrace one-pot meals. Things like stir fries, stews, and sheet pan dinners keep dishes minimal. I cook meat and veggies on one sheet pan and voila – easy clean up!

Use paper plates sometimes. They aren’t fancy, but cutting down on washing dishes is worth it occasionally. I keep a stash for those nights I don’t want to deal with.

Cook in batches. Whipping up a double batch of chili or a casserole and freezing half saves time over multiple nights. Bonus – leftovers for lunch!

Let the appliances help. My Instant Pot and air fryer are life savers for quick, easy meals with minimal cleanup. The food still tastes great!

Have grab-and-go snacks. Fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, and cut veggies satisfy snack attacks so I don’t have to cook multiple times a day.

Cooking should still be enjoyable, not a chore, when you live solo. Following a few strategic tips keeps my kitchen from becoming a nightmare to clean. Eating healthy, homecooked meals is important, even when you’re only cooking for yourself.

What are your favorite ways to make mealtime easier on your own? I’d love to hear your tips!

4. Hygiene

Ah, the never-ending battle to keep things clean and tidy when you’re living solo! I’ve absolutely had my share of coming home to towering piles of dishes and dirty laundry covering my bedroom floor. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that staying on top of hygiene is not optional when you live alone.

Here are a few habits that have helped me keep my little apartment from descending into chaos:

• I bought an over-the-door shoe organizer and use it to corral cleaning supplies – sprays, rags, brushes are all there when I need them. Easy access means I actually clean more!
• Weekday mornings I wipe down the bathroom and kitchen, and do a quick vacuum. It’s become a routine that takes 15 minutes but keeps messes from building up.
• I run the dishwasher every night, no matter how few dishes are in there. Coming home to a clean sink is the best feeling.
• Sunday I do a deep clean – scrubbing the tub, mopping floors, washing sheets. My weekly reset to start the week fresh.
• For things like dusting, cleaning the oven, washing windows – I set calendar reminders so it gets done monthly.

Is my apartment hotel-worthy clean every day? Definitely not. But staying on top of the little daily tasks prevents things from ever getting out of control.

My home feels cared for, and so do I. I welcome any other hygiene tips you may have! Cleanliness when living solo is totally doable.

5. Stay Organized

I wholeheartedly agree that staying organized is critical when living alone! My first few months on my own, I was scrambling to find lost keys and rummaging through dirty laundry every morning. Finally, I realized I needed a system. Here are some tips that have worked for me:

First, I invested in some inexpensive storage items – baskets, bins, magazine files. Assigning “homes” for my stuff keeps things tidy. For example, I have a basket by the door for my purse, keys, and mail. No more hunting when I’m rushing out!

Second, I started a calendar just for home tasks. I schedule out cleaning different rooms on set days so it’s evenly dispersed. Laundry is every Sunday; kitchen deep clean is Friday, etc.

Third, I do quick 5-minute pickups in the evening to reset for the next day. Dishes in the sink, surfaces wiped down, throw any clutter into its assigned bin. Makes mornings smoother.

Lastly, I immediately put things back where they belong after using them. It only takes a second to rehang clothes or put spices away after cooking.

Staying organized does take some initial work to set up routines. But it has brought me so much peace of mind along with a tidy home!

Let me know if you have any other tips that have worked for you. Thriving in a solo living space relies heavily on getting organized.

6. Personalize Your Décor

I couldn’t agree more that one major perk of living alone is getting to design a space that’s all you. When I first moved into my little studio apartment, I was so excited to finally decorate based only on my own taste with no roommates’ input!

Here are a few tips that helped me create a home I love coming back to after a long day:

• Pick a cohesive color palette. I chose tranquil blue and green hues that feel peaceful. My bedding, throw pillows, artwork all tie together.
• Incorporate meaningful memorabilia. Photos of family and friends, travel souvenirs, my concert ticket stub collection – they make it uniquely me.
• Focus on multifunctional furniture. Because space is limited, items like a storage ottoman or roll-top desk save room and keep clutter at bay.
• Add personal touches throughout. Twinkly string lights, fluffy blankets, scented candles, fresh flowers – it’s the little things that make it feel cozy.
• Rotate new pieces in over time. Vintage shops and flea markets are great for affordably refreshing the look.

The best part is coming home and feeling my stresses melt away because the environment is so soothing. Having full creative control makes this my happy sanctuary.

Let me know your top tips for decorating a place all your own!

7. Natural Scents

First I’ll just say – I totally agree that synthetic air fresheners seem so unhealthy! I used to use those chemical-laden sprays and plug-ins all the time until I realized they could be doing more harm than good.

Since living alone, I’ve switched to natural aromatherapy using essential oils and I am hooked! Coming home to those wonderful scents instantly relaxes me. Here are a few aromatherapy tips I’ve picked up:

I invested in a basic ultrasonic diffuser – it was around $20. Just add water and a few drops of any essential oil, and it fills my apartment with fragrance. So much safer than synthetic fresheners.

Some of my go-to scents are lavender and eucalyptus for winding down in the evenings, lemon and grapefruit to energize my mornings, cinnamon and clove for fall and winter coziness. I mix and match based on my mood.

I also keep a little essential oil vial on my nightstand and rub a calming blend on my wrists before bed – it really helps me sleep.

One bonus I didn’t expect – since incorporating more natural scents, I find I can actually breathe deeper and easier. My home just smells clean and refreshing without any chemical undertones.

Let me know if you have a favorite essential oil or aromatherapy trick to make your space more inviting! Ditching synthetic fragrances has been one of my best solo living decisions.

8. Entertainment Essentials

After a long day, lounging at home can sound way more tempting than rallying to go out, especially when you’re living alone. PJs and Netflix just call my name some nights! I’ve figured out a few entertainment essentials that make my nights in super cozy:

A comfy spot to nest. My papasan chair with throw pillows and a soft blanket is my reading nook and streaming spot. Lighting, whether lamps, candles, or string lights, also sets the mood.

Quality headphones. Since I watch shows and listen to music on my laptop mostly, a good pair of over-the-ear headphones makes my listening experience so much better. Worth the money.

Fun snacks on hand. Microwave popcorn, chocolate, favorite teas or wines – whatever small treats make a night in feel special.

Good books and magazines. It’s easy to get sucked into nonstop streaming. Offline reading helps me unplug.

An Inspiring view. One thing I splurged on was an apartment with large windows and a little balcony. Gazing at the skyline resets me.

The key for me has been curating little touches like soft textures, calming scents, delicious treats that make evenings in feel like a sanctuary. After a stressful workweek, recharging at home is necessary.

What are your favorite ways to make nights in relaxing and fun? I’d love to get more cozy night tips!

9. Handy Household Hacks

When living alone, handy little home tips and tricks come in so handy! I’ve had to figure out a lot through trial and error. Pinterest and Google have been lifesavers whenever an issue pops up in my apartment. Here are a few of my favorite quick fixes:

• For clogged drains, I swear by a vinegar/baking soda combo. Just pour some down and let it bubble away – cleans the grimiest pipes!
• Rubbing a walnut on surface scratches makes them way less noticeable. I used to think I’d have to live with all my scratched furniture.
• When laundry gets musty, tossing in white vinegar in the wash makes clothes fresh again.
• I always keep a stock of hydrogen peroxide – it’s amazing for lifting stains. Just dab it on, let sit, then rinse. Got wine out of my rug with this trick!
• For fruit flies, a bowl of apple cider vinegar with plastic wrap and holes traps them instantly.

Learning little solutions like these makes solo living so much smoother. I used to stress over every stain or clog! Now I feel empowered to handle issues myself.

What clever home remedies have you discovered? I’d love to pick up any new tips and tricks!

10. Choose Your Location Wisely

Locating an apartment with easy access to public transportation and a manageable commute has been one of the best decisions I’ve made living alone in the city.

Initially, I was tempted by cheaper rent further out in the suburbs. But I ultimately chose a small studio apartment right near the metro because location won out. My tiny space is worth it for the perks.

On days when I don’t feel like driving, I can walk just 5 minutes to the subway station that connects all over the city. No traffic or parking headaches! I’ll gladly sacrifice some extra square footage to avoid rush hour gridlock.

Plus, being downtown puts me in the heart of everything – restaurants, shops, parks and nightlife are all easily walkable from my front door. Running errands is a breeze. No need to drive all over.

I have friends who value peace and quiet in a big suburban house far from the hubbub. And that’s great for them. For me, convenience trumps size. After a long workweek, I’m grateful to effortlessly get home and have the city readily accessible.

Location may not seem important when you’re apartment hunting. But think carefully about your lifestyle. For folks living alone, easy access to transportation and amenities can be a daily lifesaver. The city center apartment was 100% the right call for me.

Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Living Alone: Identifying the Risks for Public Health

As someone who lives alone, I found this research enlightening.

Living alone is definitely on the rise! According to recent U.S. Census data, over 25% of American households now have just one person. That surprised me at first, but makes sense with more people staying single longer, delaying marriage, etc.

Living alone doesn’t mean someone will feel disconnected. I can relate to that from personal experience. Since getting my own place, I’ve made an effort to stay socially engaged by calling friends, joining an online book club, and getting to know my neighbors. While I don’t have a roommate, I haven’t felt lonely.

The distinction between isolation and loneliness also resonates with me. I imagine we’ve all felt lonely in a crowded room at some point, when we lacked deeper bonds. And studies show isolation itself, regardless of loneliness, poses major health risks like higher dementia.

This research tells me it’s important to be proactive about staying connected if you live alone. Reaching out to meet up with friends, joining interest groups, and engaging with your community can help reduce isolation. But it also starts with awareness – recognizing loneliness as separate from solitude, and taking steps to address it.

Both social isolation and loneliness pose serious risks to physical and mental health:

I had no idea isolation could increase mortality risk as much as smoking or obesity. That really drives home why we need to take this issue seriously from a public health standpoint.

And it’s sobering that over a third of middle-aged adults already report loneliness. As trends like living alone rise, we clearly need more interventions to combat this.

Personally, since reading this data, I feel an even stronger motivation to continue reaching out to friends and family. Joining some new social groups also seems wise. And I want to watch for signs of loneliness in loved ones who may downplay it.

Identifying risks is crucial, but must lead to tangible solutions. We need continued research to find evidence-based ways to support those most vulnerable. No one, especially marginalized groups, should have to battle isolation’s effects alone.

With awareness and compassion, I hope we can make real progress in addressing this major public health challenge. I welcome any other thoughts or insights you have! This is clearly an urgent issue facing individuals and society.

In my experience, living alone has advantages if you cultivate meaningful relationships and embrace solitude. But risks like isolation and loneliness need to be actively mitigated.

Articles like this raise awareness and spur ideas for how we can identify and help people who may be vulnerable. I welcome any additional thoughts you have on this important public health topic.