How To Successfully Live Independently

Ah, independence. Moving out, whether it’s the next step after university halls or leaving your family for a first place of your own, is a pretty momentous milestone on the somewhat bumpy road to adulthood; it feels like you have the wind in your hair, the world at your feet and suddenly...a truck load of responsibilities.

With so much to think about, from paying bills to remembering to buy hand soap, going it alone can be a real juggling act and while we have no doubt figuring it out on your own - Bridget Jones style - can be profoundly character-building, a little help never hurt anyone. Here, online oracle for knowing how to win at life, The Adult Bible, shares their tips on how to successfully live independently. To get you started, this is a checklist of the fundamental things you’ll need to do when you first move into a new home…

Contents and building insurance

It’s a good idea to take out contents insurance when you move into a new place – this covers you against loss, theft or damage to your home possessions.  Building insurance works in a similar way, but it covers the fees to repair any damage to the structure of your property. If you’re renting a house or apartment, it is usually the responsibility of the landlord to ensure this is covered. If you buy an apartment outright, your service charge can sometimes cover this and if you’re purchasing a house, this is usually a condition of your mortgage.

Register for council tax

For university students, good news, this isn’t something you need to worry about. But for everyone else, you should check your band on the local council website by typing in your postcode as soon as you move in. They’ll tell you how much it costs and typically you’ll get an option to pay monthly, quarterly or yearly. It’s better to register as early as possible, if you leave it and wait for a letter you may get landed with a big bill.

Know who supplies your gas, water and electricity

Make sure you call each utility supplier to check rates because the ones the property currently has may not be the best value for money, and this is the best time to search for a good deal. Search on Confused.com or use Compare the Market's energy bills comparison tool. If you can’t find them or don’t know who your suppliers are you can go to OfGem.gov.uk - if you call them, they’ll be able to tell you who covers your address.

Join your local community’s social media groups.

Sign up to your areas Facebook and WhatsApp groups and the other local community groups nearby – you’ll be kept up to date with local news and events. Plus, it’s also a good way to get to know your neighbours.