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| A shot from the day I moved in :) |
Hi guys! In March of last year (March 4th to be exact), I moved into my first big-girl apartment in the metro Atlanta area. To celebrate me living on my own for this long, I decided to compile a list dedicated to encouraging my fellow millennial women to live in their own spaces!
I realize that living alone isn't for everyone. Depending on the person, there are a lot of factors that may go into it - location, finances, personal preference, etc. This list is simply based on my OWN experiences, and in no way am I saying that my opinion would be the "right" move for you - but it was right for me, and could be right for a person in a situation like me.
Let's get started :D
1. The first advantage to living on your own is PEACE. I lived in my mother's house for most of my formative years, then went off to college, lived with roommates, and finally, came back home to attend graduate school - again, staying with my mom. This has been my first proper apartment, and the peace I experience when I come home from work to quiet and freedom is unmatched. There's no noise, unless you want there to be. No visitors, unless you invite them over. No days spent uncomfortably holed up in your room because your roomie has visitors over for the weekend, and you don't feel free to walk around. And there's no one trying to hold conversations with you, when you just don't feel like talking after a long day (the introvert in me, rejoices!). To some people, this might get lonely. To me, its perfect.
2. The second advantage is the absolute freedom to be creative. Your apartment is your chance to incorporate your style into an entire living space, not just part of it. Sure, we decorated our rooms and dorm rooms growing up - but this is different. Every piece of your apartment is a reflection of YOU because its all YOURS - and it should be a sanctuary, a place you feel relaxed and excited to come home to. Not only do you get to spend time decorating your bedroom, but there's the bathroom, kitchen, living room, balcony (if you happen to choose an apartment with this amenity - which I recommend), etc. It can be costly, but there's no rule that says you have to get all the decor done at once. I've actually found that it's better over a period of time. I've been in my place for a year, and while there's furniture in each room, the place is far from being done. And once you're done, the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with designing a space that's all your own is unmatched.
3. Your first apartment is also a crash-course in responsibility. When I was in college, I had one bill: my college cash-back credit card with Wells Fargo. Now, I have rent, utilities, and (unfortunately) a few more credit cards. I never mind paying my rent, because I love my apartment & love the fact that I'm living on my own - but the fact remains that it is a sizable amount of money that comes out of my check every month, and its money I could be using to buy so many other things. Renting your first apartment reinforces that necessities come before wants. Now I'm not that far removed from college, where I thought I was in the real-world - but wasn't AT ALL - with no real responsibility but getting my school work done. Back then, the money I made from any jobs I had went towards clothes, food, and trips. Now, my money goes towards my bills FIRST, my savings SECOND, and then the things I want, THIRD. Scary stuff, but I'm learning to love it. I'm thankful that I'm even able to pay.
4. Even if you're an introvert like me, I would dare to say that hosting is another rewarding experience that comes out of having your own spot. I threw a Christmas party a few months ago with my ATL friends, and it was super fun. I questioned if I really wanted people in my house, and decided I did because I did such a great job decorating and SOMEBODY ought to see it. I went to Pinterest, and made a board that consisted of Christmas decor, eats, and games. Buying things for the party was fun, coming up with activities & setting up the apartment was fun, and getting my part of the food potluck together was pretty exciting as well! I only had about nine friends over, so it wasn't too crazy - but my favorite thing about it was being able to show them a good time (also, already being at home - so not having to leave and go somewhere!). I was so happy when they complimented my space as well as my hosting skills, and mentioned they wanted to do it again. There's a lot of holidays and events (doesn't even have to be either of those) that you can host a group of friends for. Just make sure they're friends that respect your space.
5. The last reason I have for encouraging you to move into your own space, is that first night in the apartment feeling. There's nothing like it. You can compare it to how you felt when your parents dropped you off at college that first night, but it's not the same. There's a sense of awe and gratefulness that overtakes you - at least, it happened that way with me. When I moved from Tuscaloosa to Atlanta, I didn't have any furniture. I was just bringing personal things like my clothes, shoes, books, TV from my room, and makeup. When I got here, I made a run to Target for some household cleaning supplies and snacks, came home & put my clothes away, then set up my air mattress and TV in my room. I didn't have cable or internet, so I spent that first week or two before starting work, laying on my air mattress, watching Tyler Perry plays, and ordering food though Ubereats. I was the happiest I'd been in a while - with no furniture in my apartment! 😂 It was a beautiful thing (probably funny to anyone on the outside looking in), but since then, I've tried to not let that feeling of gratitude go anywhere.
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I hope that if you're a twenty-something like me, and you've read this to decide whether or not you want to live alone, its encouraged you to do so. If you're reading this, with the hope of being able to move out and into your own place soon - keep working for it, praying, believing and manifesting. You'll get there soon! ♥️
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