Living Independently (Yes, Including Laundry)

Leaving school, college, or university is exciting — suddenly, you have freedom. You can make your own choices, eat cereal for dinner if you want, and stay up as late as you like. But that freedom comes with responsibilities. A lot of little things that add up and, honestly, can feel overwhelming at first.

Learning to live independently isn’t glamorous. Laundry, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping — these aren’t “fun adult things,” they’re just the things that make life work. And the truth? No one is naturally good at them. We all learn by doing… and sometimes by messing up a few times along the way.

But that’s okay. I’ve been there, and I promise: it gets easier.

Laundry: Yes, It’s a Thing

Laundry sounds simple until you shrink your favourite jumper, mix your whites with your colours, or end up with socks that have gone missing somewhere between the washer and the dryer.

Here’s a tip: start small. Learn to separate darks and lights, choose a simple temperature, and don’t be afraid to Google “how long to wash chicken-stained clothes.” Mistakes happen — and trust me, they’re part of the process. Soon, folding your laundry won’t feel like a life-or-death situation.

Cleaning: Tiny Tasks, Big Difference

Cleaning your space can feel never-ending at first. Dishes pile up, dust collects, and suddenly you’re staring at a mess wondering where to even start.

Big sister advice: don’t try to do it all at once. Ten minutes a day keeps things manageable. Focus on one room at a time or one task per day. Your space doesn’t have to look like a magazine; it just needs to feel like home.

Cooking: Start Simple

Cooking for yourself is one of the most empowering adult skills — and one of the most frustrating when you start out.

Don’t aim for perfection. Pick 5–10 easy meals you actually enjoy, stock your pantry with basics like rice, pasta, frozen veggies, and eggs, and give yourself grace when things go a bit wrong. Burnt toast or over-salted pasta? Totally normal. Every mistake is a lesson, and you’ll improve faster than you think.

Grocery Shopping: Planning Without Panic

Grocery shopping can feel like a mini exam the first few times. You want to buy enough, but not too much, and not spend a fortune.

Big sister tip: make a list, check what you already have, and try batch cooking if you can. Keep it simple. You don’t need to plan a Michelin-star meal every week — just feed yourself without stressing.

Everyday Life: It’s the Little Things

Living independently isn’t just about the “big” tasks. It’s about juggling the tiny ones too: paying bills, scheduling appointments, remembering your laundry day, keeping track of household essentials. It’s a lot at first, but it becomes second nature with time.

Here’s a secret: no adult has it completely figured out. We all make mistakes. We all Google “how to clean a microwave” at 11 PM. And honestly? That’s the way life works.

A Big Sister Reminder

You’re going to mess things up sometimes — and that’s okay. What matters is that you try, you learn, and you keep going. Laundry will get easier. Cooking will get easier. Cleaning won’t feel like a battle every single day.

Independence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up for yourself, little by little, and slowly building confidence in your own abilities. And trust me, every small victory — a meal that didn’t burn, a clean bathroom, a week of laundry caught up — feels so much bigger than it seems.

You’ve got this, and I’m here cheering you on.