Venturing out in the world on your own for the first time can be exhilarating – and sort of scary. You may find yourself feeling giddy with excitement one moment and wondering how you will make it through this adventure during the next. Although you may not realize it, your feelings are totally normal, and you are not alone. Every year, thousands of people begin the adventure of moving out on their own for the first time. Here are 15 random tips to help you weather the emotions, skills, and thoughts you may face when you live alone for the first time.

Mindset

If you just left your parent’s home, you may be thrilled to be out in the world. If the last of your children left the nest, you might not be thrilled about being alone. Realize that your ideas about how you feel about living alone can have a huge impact on how you deal with the situation.

Pets

You may want to rush out and fill the void you feel in your life with a pet but resist the urge for at least six months. That is how long it will take you to get to know who you are and how you feel about the world around you as you settle into your new world.

Loneliness

Being alone is not the same thing as being lonely; in fact, many people claim to be lonely in a room full of people. It is important to know the difference between the two, so when you feel alone or lonely, sit for a moment, and analyze your feelings. Being alone can mean freedom.

Keys

No matter how hard you try, you will probably end up locking yourself out of your apartment or car at some point in your life. That is why it is a good idea to give a spare set of house and car keys to someone you trust that lives close to you.

Freedom

When you answer only to yourself, you can find a sense of freedom that is exhilarating, but be responsible with that new freedom. Staying out until 3 a.m. one night when you must be at work at 8 a.m. the next morning may get you fired and cause a whole lot of problems for you.

Credit

Many of the financial decisions you make in life will be dependent upon your credit score. That is why you should know your score and how to increase it. Find a service and check your credit reports monthly to make sure no one has stolen your credit information.

Family

In all the excitement of leaving home or being left at home, don’t forget to visit with your family members. Invite them over for a meal or meet up at your favorite restaurant. If you live too far away, remember to use a media app to talk to them once in a while.

Illness

Almost everyone gets ill during the year, and when you do, you may not feel like heading to the store. Keep some cold or flu medication handy – just in case.

Security

When you are on your own, it may be tempting to leave the windows and doors open to air the apartment or house out, but it would not be wise. Invest in window locks that allow you to open the window a few inches and get a fan to help circulate the air. Stay safe and secure.

Friends

Invite friends over for a game night, to watch a movie, or for an old-fashioned ice cream social. Staying social can boost your serotonin levels and help prevent the depression that can sometimes set in when people live alone.

Tools

Buy some basic tools and keep them handy. You never know when you will need a hammer to hang up a picture, a screwdriver to tighten a loose door handle, or a measuring tape to see if the new bookcase will fit next to the couch.

Neatness

For some people, living alone can bring out the messy side of them. Try to keep your home organized and neat so you can always feel comfortable. As to the dishes, don’t let them pile up until they stink and attract insects.  

Shopping

When you go shopping for food, remember that you are only buying for one person. Don’t purchase so many fresh food items that they spoil before you can eat them; and if you live in a humid climate, don’t forget to put any food products you open into an airtight bag or container to prevent the remainder from becoming stale.

Preparedness

You never know when the power will go out, when you will be left without heat, or when you will be asked to evacuate the area. Keep a blanket, flashlight, protein bars, water, and warm clothes in a to-go bag. You can also include a change of clothing.

Savings

Expenses may drain your weekly paychecks, but it is important to save what you can every month. You may need money for emergencies, for an unexpected gift, or a million other things that come your way. So, be prepared and save all the money you can.

Living on your own can be an amazing experience if you have the right mindset for the adventure. Remember to trust yourself and your instincts, and don’t be afraid of trying new experiences with friends as your world expands. In the end, you can enjoy the moments of silence and peace – by yourself.