Living alone is a beautiful experience. You have a whole space all to yourself to enjoy as you please without parents hovering or roommates interfering. Living alone means no longer dealing with other people’s messes, rules and noise. It’s all about enjoying a space that’s entirely your own.
There are many great benefits to living alone in Phoenix, like our The Del Mar Terrace Apartments in West of Central Phoenix. Having your own place means privacy and self-discovery. There is no one else there to borrow your clothes, remind you to take out the trash, or make your leftovers disappear. You get to handle everything at your pace and whichever way you see fit. Without realizing it, all of that will help you understand who you really are.
While it may seem like a far out dream for some, it doesn’t necessarily have to be if you plan accordingly.
How to Afford Living Alone
The biggest thing that usually stops people from living on their own is money. Even if you don’t have the means to live on your own right now, you can start planning for it, so you’re ready in the near future.
Start a savings account
Make sure to have at least three months of rent in your savings to cover first month’s rent, a security deposit, moving costs, rental fees and other expenses that come with moving.
Be proactive about your credit
Before doing anything else, check your credit. It is available to you for free once a year, so make sure to check your credit score at least once annually. If you’re just starting out and building your credit, it may be a good idea to check it at once a month.
If your score is low or you’re still relatively new to building your credit, consider seeking financial advice. Financial advisors, in banks or nonprofits, can suggest ways to help you obtain the credit score you’re looking to obtain.
Do your research
It’s a good idea to know what you can afford before even starting the apartment hunt in the Phoenix area. Not only will it make the search quicker but it will let you know how much you need to invest in your savings.
Look for move-in specials
Part of saving for a new place is saving up as much as possible; another part is reducing costs. Apartment properties will often have move-in specials with reduced rent for a certain number of months or offer a service bundle. Research if any apartments you’re interested in offer such deals and during what times of the year they usually do so. If they don’t, consider looking for those that do.
Save by not living alone
The best way to save is to have reduced expenses, so opt for living with roommates or, if possible, your parents.
Learn how to budget
The best way to prepare for and survive living alone in Phoenix is to learn how to budget. Budgeting will help you manage your expenses so you can save up for your apartment while also preparing you for living on your own and handling all costs yourself.
How to Live Alone
Living alone means freedom and that can easily get to anyone’s head, but the only way to maintain that freedom is to not let it get to you. When you live on your own, you have to maintain a certain lifestyle to avoid not living alone – in other words, moving back in with your parents or having to find a roommate. Here are some tips for living alone to help you do it successfully.
Stick to your budget
Know everything you’re going to be spending on and include it in your budget, even miscellaneous spending and the occasional splurge.
Avoid overspending
For things, you have to buy such as work attire, food, etc., look for deals and sales. Don’t be afraid to check out the clearance aisles. Also, look into shopping for second-hand furniture and clothes.
Also, avoid temptation as much as possible. Don’t go into stores you don’t need to, even if it is just to browse.
Cook more and eat out less. Home-cooked meals are much cheaper and often healthier than takeout.
Increase your income
Consider freelancing during your free time to boost your income.
Heers Management
If you think you’re ready to live alone, check out one of Heers Management properties in Phoenix, Arizona. Not only are the apartments ideal for those looking for their own space; in addition, the affordable cost of living in Phoenix makes residing in the area a smart choice.