After I graduated from College I immediately planned for my next goal which is to move out of my family’s house. It’s been my dream ever since I was young to have my own place, my own space and I know that it will only happen if I can make my own money and move out.
So, for those who also wanted to take this path, or maybe you are already and just planning to move to the next residence where you are solo. Solo living is another level of independence, it’s a very common scenario for us Filipinos that if we separate or live outside our family’s house we took the most affordable one which is a “boarding house”. The boarding house is a house where you have either housemates or roommates depending on the set-up of the place. Some boarding houses will give you small rooms good for 2 to 4 and independent while others are like a house and you can occupy only one of their bedrooms.
I’ve been living alone for more than a decade now, and I’ve experienced too being a tenant and a housemate and after all those experiences I have realized that there are a few essential things that should not be out from your list if you are planning to move out or if you are living to a new place. So below I curated them just in case you need help.
The appliances you must have
- refrigerator – if you live solo in a room or apartment, this will help you save your time and money. You can store and extend the lifespan of your food; you don’t need to go to the market every day to buy meat or fish. You can store beverages like beer or soft drinks too for you to consume later on.
- microwave oven – if you have a fridge you need something that will thaw the frozen or cold food. The microwave oven can actually replace your coffee maker, I do this often actually. I just put a microwavable mug with water to warm it then put my 3-in-1 coffee. There are also recipes online that you can try using a microwave oven as a device for heating.
- induction stove or butane stove – not all food can be accommodated by the microwave oven and sometimes you want to exercise your cooking skills so a stove is very important too. Depending on your landlord’s policy sometimes they don’t want a stove that ignites a fire so you better go with an induction stove. Personally, I recommend the induction stove because it’s easier to clean, and you don’t need to worry if you still have gas, you have control over the temperature as well as set a timer so your food will not be overcooked.
- aircon or electric fan – there’s even a meme about the Philippines’ humid climate, it’s either we are closest to the sun or we are next to hell. So better get an aircon or a fan depending on your budget. This will save you from sleepless nights and scorching headache-inducing mid-days.
Essential cookware
If you have a stove you need cookware, so below are the most essential among all cookware.
- non-stick pan
- casserole
- saucepan
Moving out of your family’s house is the most rewarding experience that will change your life forever. It will let you grow on your own and discover things about yourself. You will also understand your parents or guardians very well why they nag you before. I highly suggest to all teens and everyone who are still living with their immediate family to try living independently, I tell you, whatever the outcome of that experience, it will always be something that you will never forget. Happy independence and I wish you good luck!