Living on your own for the first time: 5 things to arrange

Will you soon be living on your own in a rented flat for the first time? Congratulations! Now you will really be standing on your own two feet and you can start furnishing your own place. Living on your own also means that you have to arrange some things and have more responsibility. That's why we have listed 5 important things you need to arrange!

1) Gathering essentialsIn

your own home you will probably need a lot of things that you didn't have before. Of course, you don't have to buy everything new in one day, but a number of essentials will come in handy. For example, a fridge, freezer, coffee machine, kettle, hoover, mop, pans, crockery and towels. In the course of time you will probably find things you miss and you can always buy them later. Also, your entire furniture doesn't have to have just come from the shop. Ask around among your family or friends. There is always someone who has things you can take over.

2) Contracts for energy and internet/tvIf

you are going to live in your own house, you have to take care of contracts for gas, water and electricity yourself. In addition, you will probably also need internet and television. You can use Utility Provider to arrange a package at an affordable price. They can completely unburden you and help you find the best offers at the moment. It is wise to find out well in advance with which provider you want to conclude your contracts. That way you can be sure that you will be connected on the day of the move.

3) Check whether you are entitled to rent allowanceIf

you are going to rent, you may be entitled to rent allowance. Do you earn enough in relation to the rent you have to pay? Then a rent subsidy will give you a bit of a helping hand. Whether you are entitled to a rent subsidy depends on your age, income, the amount of your rent, your living situation and your own assets. In this article you can read more about the conditions for rent allowance in 2020

.4) BudgetingHaving

to live on your own also means having to deal with a different spending pattern. To keep a grip and overview of your financial situation, it is useful to keep track of your income and expenses. In this budget you can map out your fixed costs. Think for example of the rent, gas, water and electricity, telephone subscription, municipal taxes and insurances. Don't forget to look at your rental contract to see which things are already included in the rent. Sometimes municipal taxes are already included. By making an overview of your fixed monthly costs you can be sure that at the end of the month you still have enough money to go shopping. This way you avoid unpleasant surprises.

5) Pass on your moveNot

only your family and friends appreciate knowing your new address, the government and other institutions also want to be able to send you mail. You can do this up to five days after moving. The municipality automatically informs the tax authorities of your new address. Other organisations such as the bank, sports club and your work will also need to be informed of your change of address. If you are going to live on your own for the first time, the advantage is that for the time being you can collect your mail from your parents. These tips will hopefully ensure that the move to your first rental property goes smoothly. We wish you a lot of living pleasure!