Moving Out: The Real Adult Starter Pack

The time has come. You’re ditching the family nest. No hard feelings—you’re an adult now, and you need your own space. Enjoy the freedom, no curfew, and a door you can actually lock. You’ve found a spot… but have you truly thought of **everything**?

Here’s the guide nobody gives you—the real stuff.

1. Rent Is Just the Beginning (Watch out for the Sneaky Costs)

The Sneaky Extras that Ambush First-Timers

• Utilities are a Trap: Expect costs for water, electricity (prepaid or billed), Wi-Fi, levies, municipal rates, and "security fees". These are often **not included**. **Always confirm the average monthly utility cost** with the landlord or agent.
• The Big Initial Hit: Expect to pay **1–2 months’ rent for the deposit** plus **your first month's rent upfront**. Get a written receipt and understand the deposit return terms (usually 7–14 days after inspection when you leave).
• Getting Kitted Out: Your wallet will cry the moment you realise you own zero furniture, zero plates, and possibly have zero clue.

2. Starter Home Goods: The Bare Necessities

Every home starts on the ground floor—literally. Unfurnished means **everything is on you**—sometimes even a fridge or stove.

3. Meal Prep & Laundry (Mom’s Machine Is Gone)

Food: The Budget Killer

• Meal Prep is King: Cook large batches of rice/pap, chicken, or stews on a Sunday. This saves money and stops you from buying expensive takeaways on busy weeknights.
• Know Your Grocery Cost: Don't just go shopping when you're hungry. Make a list and stick to a **weekly R300–R500** budget for single person basics.
• Bulk Buying: Buy long-life items (oil, rice, beans, maize meal) in bulk when on special.

Washing Machine 101

If you have an appliance, these are the golden rules for keeping your clothes (and the machine) alive:

• Separate darks/whites.
• Use **cold water for delicates**.
• Never guess with wool—it becomes doll-sized fast.
• Know Your Detergent: Only use machine-specific washing powder/liquid. Never use dish soap!

The Alternatives

• Laundromat: Costs approximately **R40/load** (worth it for heavy items like bedding and jeans).
• Hand-wash: Use your bucket and the classic **Sunlight soap bar** for those items that cannot be put into a machine.
• Efficient Hack: Wash your socks & undies **while showering**. Water saved, dignity optional.

4. Dealing with Loneliness & Mistakes

There Will Be Times of Loneliness

You’ve won your freedom… until it’s 7 pm and the silence feels deafening. That’s normal—everyone goes through it.

• Phone Home: It’s cheaper than therapy. A 5-minute call with a parent or friend resets your brain.
• Join Something: A running club, church group, gaming crew, or book club. **One social plan a week** keeps the blues in check.

Independence doesn’t mean isolation.

You Will Mess Up (It’s Fine)

Burn the rice? Miss a bill due date? You’re learning. Adulting is basically a series of **small failures and quick recoveries**. Laugh. Fix. Move On.