We get it, you're a single guy or gal, a lone wolf, a Han Solo who wants nothing but to live on their own without a partner or roommate to share their living space.
However, living alone may not be for you. Here's what to consider before deciding to move in somewhere by yourself.
The cost
 One of the major downsides to living on your own would have to be the many costs that are associated with running a home or apartment, specifically the various utilities you require/desire to live your life in a comfortable manner.
Before making the move to be on your own, ask yourself if you will be able to afford:
- Rent/mortgage
- Gas
- Electric
- Water
- Internet
- Cable
- Phone
Not to mention all the expenses that you wouldn't normally share with a roommate or companion such as:
- Food
- Clothing
- Various individual bills (cell phone bill, credit card bill(s), etc.)
- Loans (school loans, car loans, etc.)
- Insurance (medical insurance, dental insurance, car insurance, rental insurance, etc.)
- Basic cost of living (haircuts, doctor’s visits, etc.)
- Any emergency expenses (parking tickets, injuries, etc.)
The chores
Yet another downside to living alone is not having anyone to assist in the daily household chores that are required to keep your living space as livable as possible. All of which you will need take care of in addition to your normal errands and tasks such as cooking, doing laundry and going grocery shopping.
Common household chores you'll be required keep on top of (assuming you actually do chores) include but are not limited to:
- Washing dishes
- Sweeping, mopping and vacuuming the floors
- Dusting and cleaning surfaces
- Washing towels, hand towels, bath mats and other common room items
- Taking care of garbage and recycling
The companionship
Depending on the type of person you are, you will either revel in the quiet of living on your own or absolutely loathe the alone-ness of it all.
If you are the former type of person, you would probably prefer to live on your own. If you're the latter, you may want to think about finding a roommate (stranger or pal depending on your preference) to share your living situation with you.
The help
Despite how independent of a person you are, sometimes a little help is required to get things done. For example: killing spiders, dragging the groceries inside or putting furniture together.
Of course, you can always maintain your independence by having a friend on call who will help you with various two or more person activities like the above.
The upside
On the other hand, there are many benefits to moving out and choosing to live on your own.
- Decorating and stocking your home may be done entirely your way
- Not having to clean up after other people
- There will be no one who forgets to put the seat down or replace the toilet paper
- When food goes missing it's because you ate it
- Not having to wait for another person to pay bills in a timely manner
- No stumbling across passive aggressive notes
- Being able to have friends and family over without getting your roommate's approval
- The sweet, sweet freedom of doing what you want when you want
- Quiet and solitude
- Solo dance parties can occur at any time (pants optional "Risky Business" style)
To live alone or not to live alone, that is the question. When in doubt about whether to live by yourself, make a pros and cons list to help you decide which option is best for you. |