Living alone sounds like freedom until you realize there is nobody coming to remind you that the gas is finished, the light bill is due or there is nothing to eat.

Before you move out, know these things:

You will spend more money than you expect.

Rent is not the only expense. There’s electricity, water, internet, transport, food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, repairs and those small expenses that somehow add up.

Learn to budget before you move, not after your money starts disappearing.

Learn at least a few basic meals.

You don't need to become a chef. Just know how to feed yourself when you are tired, sick or trying to save money.

Learn basic home maintenance.

Know how to reset your circuit breaker, change a bulb, unclog a drain, check for a gas leak and know who to call when something is beyond you.

Keep emergency supplies.

Torch, power bank, basic first-aid items, toiletries, some food that can last and a little emergency cash.

You will have days when you don't want to clean.

Clean anyway.

A messy house becomes much harder to deal with when you've ignored it for two weeks.

Be careful about who you give your keys to.

Not every friend, partner, neighbour or relative needs access to your home.

Learn to be comfortable with your own company.

Some nights will be quiet. Very quiet.

You may have nobody to talk to after a long day, and that can feel strange at first.

Have people you can call, but don't make loneliness the reason you let the wrong people into your space.

And please learn to say no.

Someone asking to “just stay for a few days” can easily become someone who has been living with you for three months.

Living alone is freedom, but it is also responsibility.

You are now the person who has to notice when something is wrong, make the call, pay the bill, clean the mess and figure out what to do next.

And honestly?

That is also where the confidence comes from.