How To: Love Living Alone

Joshua Chadwick By Joshua Chadwick May 25th

According to the Australian Census of Population and Housing conducted in 2021, lone-person households take up roughly 26% of the population, meaning a quarter of Australians are solo dwellers!

Imagine it. No one to tidy up after, no bathrooms to share and no unexpected company to worry about. Whether it be escaping a share house, needing a bigger space, or simply embracing a newfound independence, moving out for the first time comes with its highs and lows.

Say goodbye to negotiations and compromise – you take the best car space, invite guests over as you like and decorate your living arrangements as you see fit. Sound like bliss to you?

There’s no denying that peace and quiet can be a welcome change. However, before you pack your bags and say sayonara to your housemates, make sure you’re also prepared for the challenges that come with living alone for the first time.

Read on for our top tips for staying healthy, happy and sane when you’re solo living.

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Stay Connected

If the pandemics over the last 3 years have taught us one thing, it’s the importance of staying connected to the people in our lives.

While we hope this will be the last of pandemics for at least the next couple of centuries, there is a lesson to be learned from the bevy of lockdowns: if you live alone you must make a conscious effort to reach out to loved ones and maintain social activities and social interaction- in whatever form you can. Hit up an old school friend on social media, join a social club for single people, organise a face time call with your Mum or best friend… there are countless ways to interact, find what works for you. 

Staying connected plays an important role in your mental health and overall wellness. Enjoy the moments of solitude that come with living alone while also maximising your opportunities for social connection. 

Tune Into How You Feel

While solitude can give you space to think and create, there is such a thing as too much alone time, even for the most introverted of introverts!

To help keep loneliness at bay when you live alone, learn to identify feelings of loneliness, stress or anxiety and act on them early by reaching out for support. Simply talking to a trusted friend, family member or mental health care professional can provide some relief and remind you that you’re not alone.

Research shows that social isolation is linked to poor mental and physical health so don’t ignore those niggling signs of loneliness. Remember that everyone feels lonely at times so don’t be ashamed if you’re struggling with strong emotions and reach out if you’re not ok.

Prioritise Self-Care

Now that you’ve got only yourself to look after at home there may be the temptation to become slack with the cooking and cleaning. Resist the urge to become a sloth and rather use the opportunity to ramp up your self-care and make your home a sanctuary.

Be diligent with washing the dishes after each meal, set regular times each week to clean your space and take the time to make delicious, nutritious meals. By looking after yourself and the environment you live in, you will feel healthy, grounded and relaxed. 

It’s also helpful to remind yourself of the perks of living alone! You don’t have to tolerate anyone elses’ dirty habits, you can make noise to your heart’s content early in the morning or late at night and the bathroom is always free so you can enjoy long, uninterrupted showers every day. By focusing on the positives and embracing your newfound freedom, you can make the most of the opportunities that come with living alone.

Utility Connection

Living solo may be the peak of independence, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Remember that nothing is permanent, and sooner or later you may be experiencing the rollercoaster ride of living with another again.

For any questions about moving home as a whole, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to moving house, which you can check out here. If you’re looking to get an early start on maintaining your new home, check out our home maintenance checklist here.

If you need help getting your utilities connected sorted, please call MyConnect on 1300 854 478 or use the Get Connected form here! All residents from Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD), New South Wales (NSW), Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and South Australia (SA) can get connected this very business day. If you’re a first home buyer and you’re unsure about using a utility connection company, this post here can assist you.

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Joshua Chadwick
Joshua Chadwick
SENIOR EDITOR