Moving Out On Your Own

From Foster Care to Freedom: Guiding the Next Chapter

Living Alone

When I first moved into the community, I thought I was ready. I was so excited, but deep down, I was scared. No one checking in every few minutes, no one to ask, “What’s for dinner?” It was just me. It felt freeing, but at the same time terrifying. If you’re about to live alone or have just moved into your own apartment, here are some tips that I wish someone had told me:

1. Create a routine

You don’t have anyone telling you when to wake up, eat, or go to school anymore, and while all that freedom can feel good, it can also be overwhelming. Creating a small routine helps me stay grounded, especially on harder days. Things like waking up at a certain time, self-care in the mornings, etc.

2. Make your space your own

You might not have the biggest space for your first apartment, but you still deserve to feel safe and at peace in your home. Put up photos/art that reflect you, get candles to have your space smelling fresh, etc.

3. Learn how to budget

Living alone means paying bills…Rent, groceries, and utilities can add up. Start small: track what you spend, prioritize needs over wants, and never be afraid to ask for help; these things can be overwhelming at first. Look into assistance programs; there’s funding out there for people in our situation.

4. Fight the loneliness, not yourself

When living alone, it gets quiet at times. Sometimes the silence can get too loud. Call a friend, put on music, go for a walk, and find hobbies. Don’t fall into a pattern of isolation; living alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely- connection still matters.

5. Be proud of yourself

Being able to live alone is a big deal, especially with so many odds against us with everything we’ve been through. You’re not going to be perfect, but every “failure” is an opportunity for growth. You’re doing something powerful and building a life of your own.

You’re not just surviving anymore- you’re living!

Resources:

Need to Know: Getting My Own Place

Need to Know: Smart Money Management

Budget Calculator