Advice Wanted - Recently Single, Living in an Apartment for The First Time & Living Alone for The First Time

Hi everyone, just after any advice people might have. I'm 27 this year and I've recently separated from my partner of over 5 years and find myself moving into an apartment for the first time and living by myself for the first time!

Does anyone have advice around the dos and don'ts of apartment living? Don't want to annoy strata or other tenants. Anything I should maybe think about that isn't obvious?

And how about living alone? Anything worth thinking about to keep myself sane and secure?

Thanks in advance :)

EDIT: I should have noted I am renting! And own a cat! And I'm a male!

EDIT2: Thank you everyone! I have been reading all of these, but with moving I've not had a chance to reply to very many. Will look to do that soon. Some of you have been very kind and given me some different perspectives, which are always a huge help to me to better sort out my own thoughts!

Comments

          • +7

            @[Deactivated]: Yeah, a natural death is what occured. Sorry to hear you had to go through that, no relationship breakup is easy. Reach out if you ever need to talk!

            • +15

              @Lockdude: Thank you. We did get back together as she was just as miserable without me as I was without her. We have 3 beautiful kids now and very close to celebrating our 15th year wedding anniversary :)

  • +18

    Make sure that you have a spare set of keys and give those keys to someone you know and trust. Like your parents or sibling.

    That way, if you ever lock yourself out of the house because you left your keys indoors, you have someone to call and open the door for you. Otherwise buy a smart lock which can unlock your door with a smartphone.

    you'll also need to learn to cook for one without unneccesary wastage (example: buying too much and the uncooked groceries expiring before you can get around to using it). Google 'how to batch cook' for some ideas on how to do meal prep for one.

    If you're out of the home and want to make it look like it's occupied (to deter people breaking in) you can schedule smart lights and TV's / smart speaker to play music throughout the day. If you live in a crappy neighbourhood maybe consider buying some cloud-connected cameras, I personally have Xiaomi Dafang cameras to keep watch.

    • All good advice, but if you're going to have music play (even just during the day) check the volume level is not so loud to be annoying to other units before you set the timer. Had someone do this in an apartment block I previously lived in, using talk back radio. It was far too loud, went well into the night and irritated everyone. We couldn't contact the resident. At one point another resident cut power to their apartment until we pointed out that any food in their fridge would go off. Then the chief nosey neighbour managed to get a key off the trusted neighbour (who didn't want to get involved) and went in and turned it off.

    • you'll also need to learn to cook for one without unneccesary wastage (example: buying too much and the uncooked groceries expiring before you can get around to using it).

      What are you buying that expires?

      Most of what I buy can be frozen.

  • +1

    Grind your cooking skills

    • I'm pretty okay at cooking, but improving this is something I'm really keen to do! Made sure I found a place with enough space to entertain guests as well!

      • Go find yourself a download of "Gordon Ramsay's Ultimate Cooking Course" if you havent already watched the series. Its great for learning some fundamentals or finetuning some things if you are already pretty snazzy in the kitchen. Also Nigella Lawsons show is great for guest entertainment ideas. After 5 years of being half of a couple, finding that new place where you are one and yourself is great. Great to find new inspiration in ways to cook and entertain guests and friends.

      • Made sure I found a place with enough space to entertain guests as well!

        So when's the party then 😃?
        BYO enelopes ?

  • +11

    Don’t sit at home alone, find a hobby or something that gets you out of the house interacting with people in a social setting

    • +1

      go and pick up someone to bring home

      • Catch 22!

      • +1

        go and pick up someone to bring home

        And don't let them move in again!

  • You will be fine and trust me you're gonna love it. Just try not to think that you're alone, keep the mind strong. You will find things to do in your new found free time. I spent most of my day watching Youtube videos learning new skills and discovering new places to travel.

    • +1

      You will be fine and trust me you're gonna love it. Just try not to think that you're alone, keep the mind strong.

      Just think, you're never alone when you're with all your cool friends on OzBargain who are definitely not socially reclusive neckbeards nor forever alone virgins. :)

  • You're this guy one year in the future after finally breaking off your relationship

    • Whoa! Definitely not me. But poor guy :( Hope he sorted himself out.

  • Don't live in an apartment.

    Oh wait…

    • +1

      How come?

  • Worse thing to actually do if you are liv8ng on your own for the first time, is to own a cat..that alone will keen u single!

    • +4

      Absolute bollocks. Cats are chick magnets. A guy who owns a cat is not a macho a-hole. If you have a sliding door balcony put in one of those temporary cat doors and put the tray in a small kennel on the balcony; tall enough for the cat to use the tray. Keeps the tray smell out of the flat and the kennel keeps it dry, point the entry towards the balcony door.

      • +1

        Cats are guy magnets too!

        Unless she has too many and is probably crazy…

        but crazy chicks can be great in bed…

        but definitely not relationship material!

  • +44

    While others have said the perks include being messy, not showering, eating easy meals, I'm going to recommend the opposite.

    Living alone, everything you do is for you, it's a gift to yourself, and a sign of self respect.

    Your clean kitchen, thats because you want to care for future you by giving you a nice clean area to cook a good meal. And then cook that good meal, not to impress anyone else, but because you deserve it, you're clever, you have skills, and it is worth working on them because you'll get to enjoy it.

    Having a tidy place when you get home from work will help you relax, and will just be a pleasure on the eyes when you walk in the door. Future you will appreciate past you for being so kind and thoughtful.

    All of this may sound silly, but when you have come out of a relationship where you were presumably focused on the other person's wellbeing, it is important to learn to focus on your own. I'm sure you can be a really caring and thoughtful person, imagine how pleasant it would be to turn some of that warmth towards yourself.

    Tldr - be clean, be healthy, be organised, because when you look after yourself, you internalise the belief that you have value.

    • +1

      +1 - if you have a routine that you used to follow for cleaning, stick to it. Having some stability in your routine is good for your mental health in a time of a large emotional change. Make it easier on yourself by not disputing the good (even if it's the lame good).

      Similar with groceries - meal plans and buy good groceries (order online, pickup to avoid temptation) is another good way to avoid slipping into the "ugh, why bother" mindset where you don't have to cook for another person too. It's too easy to make a packet of noodles when nobody is going to call you out for it.

      Friends have been called out above - find your good friend and have them over for dinner to give you a reason to cook a reasonable meal, maybe have a drink or two. Saves money, keeps you social, gives you an excuse to show off your new digs.

      Keeping the place clean is also handy if swiping right pays off.

      If you took possession of some "communal" things, maybe replace them if they have mental attachments (e.g. go buy a new quilt cover etc so it's your bed, not your former couple bed). Sometimes you got to throw away parts of the past to move on.

      Go find your own new cafe, supermarket etc - don't keep visiting your old places where you might run in to your ex. Start fresh. Enjoy the change too.

      Keep an eye on Gumtree for furniture if budget is tight - often people selling good stuff at ridiculous cheap prices if you are looking for particular things.

      Make a point of saying hi to your neighbours when you see them in your hall / garbage room / washing / carpark - you don't have to be mates, but it's good to have some level of rapport with them, even if you don't know their names. In the last 12 months, my neighbours on one side got locked out and phone was flat so I let them call the locksmith, the other side had their storage locker broken in to so we discussed security and the others across the hall didn't know what to do when the power went out (no elevator) with no awareness their key would open the fire stairs to come up and down. Nothing major, but good civility.

    • I believe in taking care of myself and a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine. In the morning if my face is a little puffy I'll put on an ice pack while doing stomach crunches. I can do 1000 now. After I remove the ice pack I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower I use a water activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb-mint facial mask which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an after shave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm followed by a final moisturizing protective lotion.

      • +1

        Wow, my acts of self love in the morning are far less palatable to strangers. Well done.

        Ok the missus just highlighted it's a Bateman quote. Whoooosh.

  • +2

    Apartments tend to have thin walls so if you are doing beers at yours move to the pub by 10pm

  • +3

    Buy a small freezer. You can still buy meat etc in larger and cheaper quantities without wasting. Then cook a bit more ambitiously and store your excess dishes in the freezer. I love cooking - find it quite therapeutic after work - and i get quite proud of my dishes! On nights you cant be bothered, youve got dinner in the freezer (did I mention buy a microwave for defrosting…slowly?).

    • +3

      Would you like fries with that salt ?

    • +6

      Thanks for painting me with broad strokes. I certainly hope I can find someone with a better attitude towards men than you.

  • Yes, so important to enjoying your own company and persist with tbis no matter what. Solo time is precious ans will teach you a lot, just be open to.it doing so.
    It's hard, if you've been used to close living with someone close, but keep facing and looking forwards toward a much better future…and don't rush toward that, let it unfold.as you mention, yes, being mindful of others within close proximity is important, even when some might not do so toward you. You need to feel comfortable within yourself of behaving as you ought.
    Watch your dietary intake and very importantly, increase and maintain good contact with good and worthy friends - they are incredibly valuable for your growth and wellbeing, provided they are not disruptive to your life journey (as some 'friends' are apt to be!
    Don't rush toward the future - loneliness can get to us, but be strong, and by doing so, you will become even stronger and vastly improved….all true!!
    Good luck, stay strong and resolute…the solitude is beneficial and good, though it rarely feels so. These breaks, sojourn in different directions, are useful and very necessary landmarks in life.

  • +2

    Get an inside dog if you are allowed too. Join a club like a walking group or whatever you like to do. Enjoy your alone time, Because once you marry and have kids you end up being last on the list. So enjoy as I really took my alone time for granted. Also plan little travel holidays with friends or on your own for example a weekend in Melbourne go to see a comedy show, go to a day spa have a massage go for a walk into the city. Sit at a cafe and watch the world go by

    • Sit at a cafe and watch the world go by - just love that!

  • I wouldn't worry about your influence on others in the complex, it sounds like you're a fairly normal person so you won't be the problem probably. It's the multiple families with 6 kids down the corridor that you've got to watch out for or the neighbor who loves punching the walls and swearing … also beware the garden courtyard if you have one - other people will complain unless you keep it perfectly kept.

    Best advice is, never - and I mean never, live in an apartment alone in those circumstances. Return to your family or start your life over in another city is the best advice I've got for you. If you must stay due to work, look hard for good housemates but beware that 4/5 housemates are absolute filth. Good luck!

    • Don't get a pet of any type and definitely don't play music. I'd recommend getting into cycling, bush walking or volunteering with your local SES, RSPCA, Dog shelter, CFS/CFA/Whatever they're called, or something else that interests you personally. I speak of all of this from first hand experience

      EDIT: definitely don't go looking for a new partner or beat yourself up about the past, you need your alone time now I'd say

    • +1

      I'm going to go ahead and disagree that the best thing to do after a breakup is move cities or go home to your family. Strokes for folks though I guess.

  • +14

    rub one out

  • +1

    as u say its your first time living alone, don’t let chores consume you. Careful wth those friends that always wants to party.

    Rest of the things, you’ll figure out slowly, give it time. Good luck!

    edit: apartment living could be fun. just don’t make far too much noise to piss off your neighbours and that’s about it. (been living in apartments since 2011). one thing you will miss is the garage space though. if renting, try to get into an apartment that’s closer to where you work. There is no point traveling for 60-90 mins each way while renting and living alone.

  • +4

    Living alone as a young bloke is gooooooooood. Do exactly what you want, when you want. Keep the dream alive, young man!

  • -2

    You will be fine.
    I'm sure
    If not just cally daddy

    Its no different to going to work really.

    Or did you want advice about that too?

    Oh you poor thing.
    Maybe just move back home.

  • -5

    ditch the c&^t, oops I meant ditch the cat, that's my advice. Travel, holiday's, care to arrange for cat, cat accomodation etc… pffff….at your age, ditch the cat, dont get any more pets, go meet people, it is possible to not be lonely without a cat :) your welcome :)

  • +2

    can i see your pic please?
    I am a male too and very single ahahahaah

    • +12

      ಠ_ಠ

  • +2

    Get some of those motion-triggered LED lights like this and/or this. That way you're less likely to bang your head in the middle of the night and die a lonely death.

    Another thing is to have an arrangement where someone contacts on a regular basis - or there's a daily message or SMS - just in case you bang your head and die a lonely death, over days.

    You could also leave a key out in the wild somewhere - maybe tape it to a magnet and attach to the back of a drainpipe down the next street or something. Even if someone finds it they won't know it's to your place if you're careful when you place it.

    Maintaining a tidy & clean place is really quite easy when on your own - ignore all the BS above about paper plates etc.

  • +1

    I'm at similar age and had tried living alone in an apartment around 2 years ago. My advice is to have a daily meal plan and build a grocery run routine during weekend, as I found myself buying way too much take away/ordering uber eat before.

    Also as times comes by, you'll encounter different problems eg things break at home, hot water out of order etc.
    Just prepare a mindset that new problems will always come at you

    And have fun!! Enjoy the Metime, and social time when your friends visit.

  • +5

    Hookers, lots and lots of hookers.

    • +2

      you are better off going to those places because the ones that come to your house are usually more expensive and less attractive unless you pay top dollar!

    • Tinder, OZbargain hoez

      • Found that the women on Tinder to be there more for attention and validation than anything remotely hookup and casual sex. Though this is from Darwin where the ratio's are in more of seven guys to one women. Stats wise, out of 10 matches on Tinder, 3 dates, two no show and one that was such as pain logistic wise.

        Cold approaching, as in meeting people on the street the conversion ratio was 1 out of 37 women. From approach to date, 1 in 3 will enjoy watching a movie and chill. Date last no more than 20 minutes. The conversion factor from approach to sex is about (2373)= 222 minutes, 3 dates 20 minutes = 60 minutes. All up 4.7 hours invested for sex, at a rate of about $60 per hour, after tax $45 hour. Time wise, about $188 per women.

        Tinder on the other hand as a dating app has a horrible ROI. From using the app about 7 minutes per day, the matches (Darwin btw) is about one every week. Then a typical conversation is about 10 minutes before a date, and most women who match you aren't really interested, and using the same ratio as cold approaching, one in 37 will go out on a date. So 7 minutes a day for seven days, 49 minutes + 10 minute conversation for 1 match. Now, 1 in 37 women will go out on a date, 2183 minutes or 36 hours. Then out of those dates, 1 will lead to the netflix and chill. 109 hours, and at about 45 per hour, $4911

        No matter the medium you use to meet women, the ratio are simply the same (as in that the women that will enjoy your company doesn't change). It's kind of a universal constant. So doing a ruth break down or time investment.

        $4911 per netflix and chill on tinder
        $188 per netflix and chill on cold approaching.

        Now lets say 10 minutes of netflix is going to cost you $80. Then your ROI is going quicker as long as you keep your plate or lady in the picture for about 18 episodes of friends. Though for a tinder date, you're going to seriously going to have to keep her around to watch friends twice every day for a year.

        In conclusion, if you're attractive and got the look your ratio's are higher than the average guy. So the ROI is there for most attractive guys on Tinder, though this doesn't change the ratio. For most average looking guy's it is better to cold approach as less time can be invested with a higher ROI than a guy who only uses Tinder.

  • +1

    Flush twice after #2s

  • Don't start looking for ghosts friends 😱😱😨

  • +1

    5 YEARS you have spent the best years of you life in captivity my friend! you are free!

    In the words of Gandalf "breath the free air again my friend!"

    • +2

      i thought he was better known for "you shall not passssssssssssss!!!!!"

  • +1

    Rather than a unit get a flat somewhere that does not require a long term lease. Try to get a self contained where bills are included if possible. Great when you don’t have to worry about utility bills coming in. If you get a granny flat or somewhere with a nice family, couple or single you can have your privacy but interact with landlords when appropriate. I am fortunate that the couple where I live invite me to family meal every couple of weeks. Some free beers and good company.

  • -7

    Girls who like cats are emotionally unstable, very needy, which is why I as a female don’t like guys with cats… they like being dependent upon, or are needy themselves. It has Noth8ng to do with being macho. I’ve been many guys with cute small dogs who live in apartments. Oddly enuff all the guys I know who have cats as a pet are single 40 year old guys … just saying

    • I don't like guys with cats either, so let's boogie!

    • Yeah, nah. Guys who own cats understand nuance, they don’t want someone who will slavishly follow them, no matter what. My man and I have been together for nearly 40 years and we have raised 7 cats between us. The guy is an engineer and is, by no means, needy. However he does understand that gentleness and patience will get better rewards than bluster and BS. Cats teach you that; they come to you on their terms but will snuggle in and purr when they are comfortable. Both you, and the cat, have a win win. Besides you don’t need to walk a cat, pick up it’s business and carry it around in a bag.

      • However he does understand that gentleness and patience will get better rewards than bluster and BS.

        Now you tell me…

      • +2

        me and my mum live together and we have 1000 cats. I am extremely emotionally stable..not needy at all. my mummy says all the chicks want to bang me. I'm just fussy.

  • I live alone of and on in life i tell it easy it own space enjoy it. whose part is cooking and shopping? everything in AUS is family size.

  • +3

    The number one sign that you're mature and ready to live alone is asking complete strangers on the Internet for tips on how to do it.

  • Good time to start reading Ekhart Tolle

  • +1

    In the end we all die alone.

    Once you wrap your head around that it can be quite liberating.

  • +3

    Post breakup advice - ENJOY single life, reclaim your freedom! Reconnect with friends, family, even hobbies that you've found yourself neglecting. Or pick up something new, exercise more, make yourself feel good. If you're more of the social kind then try to avoid being alone. You would have a solid network of friends/family to fall back on, I'm sure you'll be well taken care of. Take things as they come and don't try to replace your ex because you're lonely/want to get back at them. Only start dating seriously when you're ready.

    • +2

      Don't try to replace the ex, no, but a little rebound lovin' really helps… Nothing stops you pining for the last ex like pining for a new ex.

      • +2

        Haha that is also true. There goes the saying "the best way to get over someone is to get under someone (else)".

    • in the meantime you should definitely hit some ladies up for some action in your bachelor pad. your cat would appreciate some entertainment from time to time.

  • +4

    Having gone through the same thing I only have 2 tasks I'd suggest to focus on.

    Travel. A lot. By yourself if need be. It's so liberating!

    Focus on fitness. Overweight? Perfect time to cut down. Love a sport that you never had time to try? Go do it, accomplish something.

    • Agreed re exercise. For males, treat working out like it is your job, and your life will turn around so quick and effortlessly, because you'll feel good, and be happy. People want to be around other people who give off positivity.

  • +3

    Enjoy this time while it lasts. Being single has its perks-
    - you can be independent
    - house is always clean
    - cook whatever and whenever you like, you can do dishes whenever you want.

    But there are also downsides, it can get a little bit lonely so I always have one of the subscription running, Netflix, Stan or amazon. Try to travel by yourself and in a group, exercise, eat healthy, drink less and live a healthy lifestyle.

    • wait, being single doesn't last forever?

  • +2

    Live naked and fart like a unicorn

    • The rainbows will be very pretty.

  • +4

    Buy only the bare minimum of stuff that you need. Enjoy not having clutter everywhere.

    Go outside. If you're in an apartment then I'm going to assume you're in a pretty built up area? Go out walking. After work, instead of sitting on the lounge, just put on some comfortable shoes and go wandering. This is the thing I miss most about living in the city and by myself. When I was hungry or bored I'd just go walking to find something. Sometimes I'd spend three hours just walking around.

  • +4

    I went a little batty just doing that for two months. My happiest time was time I spent making new friends and just wondering around the city. I tried to avoid going home until late so I wasn't stuck inside all evening. Take care of yourself

  • +4

    If you like loud music get some decent headphones and a dac.

  • +1

    Air fryer is great for small meals

  • +1

    Go speed dating, and keep your place looking like an ikea display.

    • +2

      try speed humping as well.

  • Your freedom should be celebrated!

  • Sounds extreme but establish emergency procedures. If something happens to you home alone, you'll want people to react.
    Tell your boss if you don't show up to work unannounced to attempt contact and contact your ICE contacts, make sure HR has them on file if they don't already.
    If you regularly talk to friends, let them know you wouldn't go radio silent without telling them first.

  • Don't sublet for AirBNB. It's just not worth it..

  • It can be awesome living alone. No one to answer to except the cat! Enjoy!

    • +1

      the cat is the true leader. make sure to listen and follow everything it says.

  • +1

    meetups

    find like minded social people in the areas you live.. you don't have to be lonely if you're willing to step out and meet new people who share interests ..

    learn to manage your own household on your own without being codependent on anyone else.. so everything , cooking cleaning, washing, ironing, finances etc etc..

  • +1

    How are you feeling about the whole thing?

    It's a good time to smash the self-improvement - gym, meditation, sleeping and eating right, invest in good friendships, etc. Some 'You' time.

  • +1

    Get on Tinder, easy to get 4+ dates a week.

  • make use of shower at work to save water, stay at work for those days that you lease your house on AirBnB and you have guests staying, and find some hobbies you might enjoy, reading books for example.

  • +3

    You need to buy a plunger before you need a plunger.

    • I can't remember the last time I needed a plunger. I don't own a plunger.

      • You need to buy and eat more chinese food.

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