Moving out for the first time is one of the rare moments in your life where everything is completely new and you, for the very first time in your life, are able to choose everything...but that also means you get to deal with all of the consequences. I recently left my parents' home and while I do not live completely alone now, I have come to realize that my life is forever changed. So here is a list of the 10 things I learned when I moved out.
1. I finally saw what my parents meant all these years when they told me I had a lot of stuff.
In my life, I have done my fair share of moving, but for the very first time, it was completely my responsibility. I finally realized that I did not need those essays I wrote freshman year and, though I still had it stowed under my bed, I hadn't laid eyes on my middle school binder (containing nothing but love notes and an assortment of sharpies) in years. Suddenly it seemed much easier to part with mementos of the past because it is a thousand times easier to throw something in the trash than to pack it up, move it to my new house and then unpacking it and finding somewhere for it to sit untouched for the next five years.
2. I actually have to buy shampoo now.
You're probably laughing right now but this actually hit me on a deeper level. Yes, I do have to buy my own shampoo but it's not just that! I realize now that there are plenty of things that I use on a daily basis that I never thought too much about until I didn't have them in the cupboard anymore. And while it would seem simple enough to run to Wal-mart to pick up Q-Tips, anyone that knows me understands that I avoid that place at all costs (refer to the time that I had a full-blown panic attack at the check-out and fainted in front of what felt like hundreds of people). It turns out that being an adult means actually being aware of what you need and going to the store to buy it.
3. Coffee is less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
In high school, I'd spent many a lunch hour driving to the local coffee shop for a quick refill to get me through the day, not because I needed it but because...Hell, why not? Now I have to drag myself out of bed in the morning and the idea of getting a freshly brewed cup of coffee is all that gets me out the door (and through the day). The strangest part to me, simply because it displays my lack of sleep, is how silly I must look when I order a caramel macchiato and drink the espresso directly off of the top instead of mixing it. Yes, life is looking good 5 sips in...
4. Keeping track of the days is a bit harder now.
I find my life is a constant blur because I'm no longer constantly looking forward to the weekend, but actually looking forward to 6 0'clock every day when I get to go home and do whatever I want (which usually means watch Netflix, eat dinner and go to sleep). 90% of the time I'm not sure of what day it is. I just know that it's not Friday-Sunday. I'm also suddenly very aware of the fact that Saturday is my happiest day. I don't have to work today, I don't have to work tomorrow, and my roommates always greet me with a late morning breakfast feast.
5. My cat really is my best friend.
Moving out made me realize that at the end of the day, the only person that is going to be around for every emotional breakdown, workout phase and sick day is my cat. I have officially gained a new appreciation for animals and I'm forever thankful that they exist. Humans can be pretty terrible and sometimes you don't actually want to talk and cats...well, they won't even attempt to make awkward conversations.
6. One job isn't enough and two probably won't be enough either.
Now...I'm not saying it is impossible to live off of one or two jobs (It's quite possible), but I am saying that it may not seem like enough to suit all of your wants. Moving out makes it quite easy to draw the line between wants and needs and I can guarantee you that you will learn to live without some things. At a time in your life when you finally have complete control of everything you do, it's pretty normal for you to want to do everything. And more often than not, these things involve money.
7. Sleep is incredibly valuable.
While it is easy to get caught up in all of the freedom of being an independent adult, it is also exhausting and one of the most important things you can do is make sure to get enough sleep. Take advantage of all of the free sleeping time you get because you never know when that will be compromised. Naps are okay, hell, they are amazing and without them, I don't know what I'd do.
8. Knowing yourself is the biggest favor you can do for yourself
Suddenly a million decisions are being thrust in your face and you have to decide what to do and what is best for you as an individual. You have to decide if living alone is for you, if going to college is best for you or if it's better for you to work. Knowing who you are is incredibly important and without knowing oneself, people are forever destined to make decisions that corrupt your happiness.
9. Family is incredibly important
I cannot stress this enough: family will be your rock through the most difficult of times and I'm not necessarily referring directly to blood-relatives. You will build relationships with people that will be long-lasting and they will become family. Keep them close because life is challenging and unpredictable and you must be prepared for everything. Everyone can be obnoxious at times, but don't let patience and egos get in the way of love.
10. Love yourself...the rest will come on its own time
I think that was pretty self-explanatory. Life is hard and the only person you will always be required to live with is yourself and accomplishing this is always a challenge. Don't expect perfection. Expect errors. Expect hardships. Expect heartbreaks and challenges and worries. Expect happiness. And only then will everything fall into place.
