How to become independent successfully, in 9 steps

Becoming independent can be an arduous task... we explain how to do it without dying in the attempt.

The process of becoming independent to go and live in a different home from your parents is one of the most drastic changes that can occur throughout your life, and that's why you have to know how to manage it.

It's not all about moving our belongings to a new place and starting to live there; it is necessary to take into account intermediate steps that, if ignored, can complicate our lives..

Brief guide to become independent without problems

Below you can see you can see what are these stages of the evolution that implies to become independent successfully.

1. Reflect on what really interests you

When it comes to becoming independent from home, you may have a stereotypical idea about how this process should be carried out. This is not bad in itself: we all have a way of imagining the "pure concept" of things, and the same goes for the idea of moving to another place. However, it is a good idea to think about whether or not you will be following the "pure concept" of things, you may want to think about whether you might be following too closely what you think it is to become independentinstead of paying attention to other perfectly valid alternatives.

For example, you may assume that the real way to become independent is to move to a central location in a larger city, when in fact the option of moving to an isolated house in the middle of nature is more economically viable.

2. Make sure you have the means to become independent.

It is not necessary to become independent at all costs if you do not yet have the necessary means to do so.. That is why before taking this step it is worthwhile to review the economic situation in which you are and make a pessimistic calculation on how the first months in a new house can pass, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

3. Communicate well with your parents

When the children leave home, it is very common for the so-called empty nest syndrome to appear in the parents' home: a state of melancholy, sadness and boredom that is often related to a worsening of the parents' self-esteem. Of course, there are different levels of intensity in which this syndrome can appear (if it appears), but it is never too much to do our part to help. but it never hurts to do our part to prevent its effects or to cushion this emotional blow where it occurs. where it occurs.

It is therefore a good idea to talk about this new situation with the people who have cared for us for years, so that they do not see this change as a sign that their usefulness has come to an end.

4. Find out about the technical aspects of living abroad.

It is necessary to be aware of the bureaucratic and technical requirements necessary to live in an apartment legally.. This is another of those measures to avoid unpleasant surprises at the last minute.

5. Take into account your work needs

If you work through the Internet, almost any house with a good connection to the Internet will do.But if not, your work space (and the prospects it offers you) should be one of the aspects to take into account when selecting a new place to live. Remember that what you pay for rent has to match your salary and that in these situations it is counterproductive to have optimistic perspectives about possible salary increases or promotions: work on the safe side, since many times our expectations and desires get mixed up with our ability to foresee future scenarios in a realistic way.

6. Search for a house or apartment... but with caution

With the offer of housing and rentals on the Internet have also appeared many new ways to deceive the unwary by making them pay in advance, only to end up without a flat or with one that has been to end up without an apartment or with a ruined one. Be very cautious!

7. Get to know your new flatmates

If you move into a shared apartment, it is good to get to know, even superficially, the people who will be sharing space with you.. Aspects such as prayer, hygiene, noise-related habits and pet care can make the difference between having a place of rest and having a constantly open war front.

8. Plan new routines

Becoming independent almost always means being involved in a situation where some of our habits no longer work.. For example, if until now others prepared our meals, now we are the ones who must cook, and if this situation is not foreseen, we will most likely end up going down the easiest path: an unstructured schedule in which we are constantly eating and a menu consisting of packaged products, pastries and sweets.

The solution to adapt to this change without reducing our life expectancy is to force ourselves to follow a new schedule every day so that these new rules of the game become healthy habits.

9. Get to know the local markets and stores

Once you are settled in your new home, explore the surrounding area in depth to see what kind of products or services we can buy without having to walk a long way is key to without having to walk a long way is key to save time, money and effort. Becoming independent is not just about living in another apartment, it is also about being well integrated into another network of stores. At the end of the day, what we call home does not have to end at the front door of our house.