Plan your move out! Learn now how to find the best place to live alone after 18 and how to manage your new life.

First of all, it's no secret that living alone after the age of 18 is a dream, even though it may seem like a pretty scary challenge...

I've certainly been through this and I can guarantee that with a lot of planning and organization, it's possible to make this transition much more natural and smooth.

So, I'd love to share some strategies that worked—and continue to work for me—and that can help you achieve this independence sooner. Check them out!

Evaluate your financial situation very carefully

First, when I decided to leave my mother's house, away from the comfort, family laughter, warm food, and paid bills, I made a detailed inventory of all my income and expenses.

After all, the first step to living alone is understanding your financial reality, especially when you have to support yourself.

Tips:

• List all your expenses: This includes rent, electricity, water, internet, supermarket, pharmacy, transportation and leisure bills.
• Create an emergency fund: Before you actually leave, try to save some money for unexpected situations, always prioritize your food and your rent.
• Seek a stable income: Whether it's a steady job, freelance work, or your own business, make sure you have money coming in every month, especially if you can't count on your family for help.
• Talk to your family: An open and sincere dialogue with your parents or guardians can be the answer to a more peaceful, smooth transition and even the key to receiving that little help that always comes in handy!

Choose the right place to live

Undeniably, this real estate crisis has made rents super expensive, especially in big cities.

But my strategy has always been to look for more economical alternatives. That idea of “focus on the basics and then focus on luxury”, is the key!

Tips:

• Research a lot: Compare neighborhood prices and see where the cost-benefit is best, always thinking about the best logistics for going to work, going to the market, accessing hospitals, medications, etc.
• Consider sharing a home: Sharing an apartment reduces costs and makes this transition easier. Check to see if any friends have the same idea and talk about it.
• Pensions and republics: Renting a room in a safe boarding house is a great option, as the house is usually already furnished. Choosing a shared apartment if you're a public university student is also a good option.
• Check additional costs: Some condominiums have high fees, so pay attention to every detail of the contract.

Creating a realistic budget

In fact, it was only when I started living alone that I realized that some expenses were much higher than I imagined.

Therefore, a realistic budget is essential.

Tips:

• Use financial apps: Apps like Mobills, Organizze and Guiabolso help control expenses.
• Set priorities: Cut unnecessary expenses and focus on the essentials. Do you need two new sneakers, or can you buy just one and fill your fridge for the month? Choices!
• Avoid unnecessary debt: Credit cards can be traps if not used wisely, so be very careful!
• Margin of error: A technique I love to use is to always round up the value of your expenses. If your electricity bill comes to, for example, R$$93.00, round it up to R$$100. Set aside that money and only spend it on leisure after paying everything. This way, “whatever is left, is profit” and, sometimes, it’s even possible to go out unexpectedly on the weekend.

Unfortunately, your dream furniture may not be available right now…

Without a doubt, a common mistake is wanting to furnish your new home all at once.

When I started, I swallowed my vanity and had to focus on the basics and gradually buy the rest.

You won't have the most aesthetic house in the world right away, but it will be the essential, then you improve – you can do it!

Tips:

• Prioritize essential items: Mattress, stove, refrigerator and shower are the first purchases, vital for your quality of life.
• Buy second-hand: OLX, Facebook Marketplace and Shoppe, are great options.
• Take advantage of multifunctional furniture: Sofa beds, folding tables and niches optimize places with very small spaces.
• Visit fairs, thrift stores, and buy and swap groups in your city: These places are great for finding affordable furniture and home accessories. You can often negotiate prices and get unique, high-quality pieces at a much lower price.

How to save on everyday bills?

When I started living alone, I was really scared by the price of the energy and supermarket bills.

But with a few simple changes, I was able to save a lot.

Tips:

• Avoid waste: Turn off unnecessary lights, check for leaks in faucets, don't leave your appliances plugged in all the time, and use LED bulbs.
• Cook at home: Eating out is expensive, so preparing meals is a big money saver.
• Buy wholesale: Sharing your purchases with friends or family reduces costs.
• Use smart shopping apps: Apps like My Cart and Softlist help you compare prices.

Organizing your routine and responsibilities

Of course, being independent means managing time, work and household chores alone.

At first, I found it difficult to balance everything, but I created a system to make it easier.

Tips:

• Have a cleaning schedule: Setting aside days for each task helps keep everything in order.
• Learn the basics of cooking: Simple dishes like rice, beans, steak, fried eggs and pasta save the day (but remember the vegetables, which are also essential)
• Automate payments: Direct debit accounts avoid fines and forgetfulness.
• Use organization apps: Apps like Google Calendar, Trello and Notion help keep everything in order.
• And employment? Sites like LinkedIn, InfoJobs and Catho are essential to find good opportunities and in addition, you can learn new skills with free online courses, look for these apps in Google Play.

Dealing with loneliness and mental health

Whatever the case, living alone has its lonely moments, and at first, I felt this firsthand, and I cried many nights thinking I was on the wrong path…

However, with a few small doses of attitude, I was also able to transform this experience into something more liberating.

Tips:

• Keep in touch with friends and family: Video calls, phone calls, groups on WhatsApp and face-to-face meetings are essential and help a lot.
• Do it yourself: Watching movies, going for walks, developing new hobbies and reading are all good for your mind.
• Seek support if necessary: Therapy or support groups are great options. And you can get them for free through the SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System).
• Use wellness apps: Apps like Headspace and Calm They always help me control my anxiety and relax.

How do I find the apps mentioned on Google Play and Apple Store?

Now that you know all the tips, you must have noticed that I mentioned some apps that helped me a lot, right?

Therefore, I feel obliged to teach you how to find them:

• Use the search bar: Enter the name (or niche) of the application in the Google Play Store (Android) or in Apple Store (iOS).
• Check the rating and comments: Choose only apps that are well-rated and have good recommendations in the comments.
• Check if it is free or paid: Some apps have free versions with limited functionality.
• Download and test: Install the app and see if it meets your needs before you start using it daily.

So, is it worth living alone after 18?

Despite the challenges, living alone after 18 is an enriching experience! After all, independence brings a wealth of learning, responsibility, and personal growth.

If you also want to take this step, start organizing yourself today, because with patience and determination, it is entirely possible to achieve this freedom without falling into traps.

So, have you worked up the courage to plan and move out on your own? Share your questions and experiences in the comments!