Tricks for Out of Towners

Living independently

Essential Tips

1. Create 3 "Go-To" Meals

Choose three meals you can make without thinking — cheap, fast, and always doable.

Pasta + pesto
Omelette + veggies
Tuna + rice bowl

2. Do "Micro-Cleaning"

Instead of cleaning for 1 hour, do 5 minutes while something cooks:

Wipe counters
Put clothes away
Empty trash

3. Keep Emergency Food at Home

Always have:

Pasta
Eggs
A can of tuna
Frozen veggies
Bread in the freezer

4. Create a "Night Reset" Ritual (5–10 min)

Small habits make a huge difference when you're alone:

Put dishes in sink
Set clothes for tomorrow
Quick tidy

Motivational Guide

1. Weekly Checklist

Restock the fridge every Monday
Take out the trash 2–3 times a week
Review your bank account every Sunday
Do laundry once a week (choose a fixed day)

2. Starter Grocery List

Pantry essentials:

Pasta or noodles
Tuna cans
Tomato sauce

3. Emotional Survival Kit

Go outside at least once a day, even for 10 minutes
Allow yourself "low-energy days" without guilt
Keep weekends balanced: not too isolated, not too full
Create a small ritual you do every day (tea, journaling, music)
Keep your home cozy: soft lights, candles, clean spaces
Celebrate small wins — nobody sees them, but they matter

4. Things No One Tells You About Living Alone

Sometimes you will eat cereal or cookies for dinner — and it's fine
Your home gets messy really fast, even if it's just you
Cooking for one is harder than cooking for two
You will talk out loud to yourself (and that's normal)