PREPARING TO LIVE ALONE: how much rent is, logistics & what not to forget, budgeting, advice & more!

[@JennaHong]

Hi guys 💗 definitely did not emphasize enough but location and “newness” plays a BIG factor for rent pricing which I know you guys know! The building I live in is brand new and considered luxury, so put that with a very expensive area and that’s the rent 🥲 I got a good deal for this luxury apartment and wanted to stay in Arlington because it was close to my office and Washington DC💗 I prepared and budgeted for this experience as I know it will probably only be one year living alone and at a place like this, I wanted to be transparent but just don’t forget rent varies depending on your location ❤️‍🔥

[@rachelhajek3351]

I invested in my couch and some nice pans. It’s such a confidence boost being able to fully support yourself and live on your own! Loved the video!! 🤍

[@JennaHong]

YESS nice pans! Do you have a recommendation on brands? And absolutely, such a confidence boost 💗

[@rachelhajek3351]

@@JennaHong I got the Calphalon nonstick space saving set and I absolutely love them! Great set for having in a small apartment and great quality.

[@notforsale6411]

Congrats also that is not an investment

[@Levi-hs6mg]

The pans i could see as an investment, as you need them to cook which is cheaper than eating out,the couch definitely isnt though ​@notforsale6411

[@hezvandermeij]

​@Levi-hs6mg seeing as it is a comfort item, which can aid or break your rest and comfort during the day, I'd say it abso-fkn-lutely can count as an investment. Not to mention cheap couches go 3-5 years if you're careful, more expensive (better quality is _almost always_ more expensive) can easily go 20 yrs. Those things can defenitly count as Investments 😊

[@offthegridcreativity8713]

Omg, I’ve been alone for almost 2 months too! I’m 21 and I was barely given any encouragement and I was made to feel wrong about wanting to live alone. Thank you so much for this video!!

[@JennaHong]

I’m so glad I could give you the support and encouragement you need 🥺 proud of you

[@jenniferscalzo186]

I feel exactly the same way! I'm trying to save money for when I get an apartment. I'm on a waiting list right now.

[@selfobsessed123]

Same girl like my family is just like this but my excitement is on a different level I love living alone no matter what others say

[@ami2474]

My family has really been struggling financially this past year more than we have in a while but I spent most of it enjoying my first year of college in a different city with not much financial burden thanks to a large scholarship and help from external family. This month, I'm moving into an apartment with my boyfriend and I've gotten so many talks about that were lowkey about how I should feel guilty that I'm not staying at home going to community college like my siblings (28 and 24, still live with us, as does the 28 y/o's boyfriend) did so they could save money. I'm the only one who got the opportunity to go to university due to our social class changing and I know that I'm privileged for this but I hate that my hard work and determination is undermined, especially when this is the first year any of my siblings have paid rent or any bills that weren't stricly their own. Not being supported and instead being actively discouraged from living on your own sucks but I know it's absolutely going to be worth it

[@ss-lb6kb]

This is the best video on moving into new house, no bs. For sure an accountant. Love it!!!

[@JennaHong]

Omg thank you!! Haha when I filmed this video I was in consulting at an accounting firm 😂 can’t remember if I said that in the video

[@karolinajoy5998]

I lived alone for a couple years after college. Moved back in with my parents during Covid but starting to look into moving out again. Living alone was amazing but I’m also happy I’ve had time to save up to invest in some big items. I’m planning on getting new pans, a couch and a new bed/mattress. Big items that will last a long time! Luckily I still have a lot of stuff in storage so I’m not starting from scratch. Always fun seeing how other plan for this☺️

[@JennaHong]

So many great pros of living alone and living at home too 💗 I’m glad you were able to save up to invest in those big things definitely the ones that last a long time 💗

[@Avant402]

Yes, I've been living on my own for 3 years now since this past April. And in the beginning it was just ROUGH with the logistics and making sure I had everything mapped out!!! I definitely agree with automatic payments it makes everything so much easier!!! as far as the expensive rent goes, that comes with the territory if you want to live in a clean and secure apartment where you can be happy and safe the expensive rent is worth it. As my mom says "That's life!" So to cut down on some expenses I go to Costco and buy in bulk. My biggest investment was indeed my couch! And I keep on budget with every aspect of living on my own.

[@JennaHong]

Absolutely it comes with the location and newness and ease too of the area / place! Thank you for being so understanding 🥺 a big transition for sure but so worth it in the end 💗

[@tatianabritton6258]

Is it a massive savings going to Costco vs a traditional trip to the grocery store?

[@curlyhairlove]

This was so interesting since I've never lived alone but always have dreamed of it as an introverted homebody lol! Glad you're getting this year to give yourself the space to freely create content and do your own thing 😊

[@JennaHong]

Thank you kasi 💗 it has been so freeing I love it so much

[@barbaramosley8493]

I love this video, because I work for a university and I am going to share this great information to my graduating students who I know. Important information for everyone to know.

[@JennaHong]

I’m so happy you found this helpful Barbara, thank you for wanting to share this others. Thank you 💗

[@MischiefManaged0429]

Great video! You mentioned the expensive cost of cleaning supplies and paper towels. Try getting a pack of microfiber towels to clean with. Pick up dirt and you can throw them in the wash. My investment piece has definitely been getting a Peloton!

[@JennaHong]

I use those but weirdly I gravitate towards the paper towels still 👻 so odd but definitely better for the environment and mommy wallet. Love that you have a peloton 💗

[@ic3482]

I have another useful tip I learned in my 20s. Ask your apt if they have any income restricted units available. You pay a certain percentage of the market rate based on your income level.

[@JennaHong]

Such a great tip🤩🤩🤩 thank you for sharing

[@DeshasReadingCorner]

Definitely wish I watched a video like this before I moved into my first apartment. I'm in my second apartment now, moving to my 3rd next month. Moving and rent are just so dang on expensive 😫nothing really prepares you for life like living on your own and supporting yourself.

[@JennaHong]

It definitely hits big in the beginning but I promise you will slowly figure it out 💗 I try to just dump money in my savings when I get paid to help and sometimes it’s smaller than other months, sometimes it’s more, but we work with it and try our best 💗

[@alexiskiandra6017]

My investment piece was definitely my couch as well! I believe in quality/comfort so I wanted to make sure my couch would have longevity in those areas yet still be cute/aesthetic enough to fit my decor. Thank you so much for sharing Jenna! I’m almost at the end of my first month living alone so this video was so beneficial to me in so many ways. 🤍

[@JennaHong]

I’ve been there with the cheap couches and it is just so not worth the pain and discomfort 😭loved investing in the couch 🤪 i hope youve been loving living alone alexis! ❤️‍🔥

[@gina_jean]

Girl! I feel you girl. Adulting is amazing yet so stressful. I live in San Diego and girl the rent here is ridiculous 😭

[@JennaHong]

Oh man I can only imagine what San Diego is like! Ugh… but somehow it’s worth it 🤪

[@princesalifee]

Agreed! I love San Diego but I’m still struggling to understand how people afford to live here while in college🥲 I’m looking to move out of my family’s place

[@converselovr]

I have really enjoyed living alone. I have been living alone since August and it has been so much more peaceful. I will probably be living with my boyfriend next year too, so I just want to soak it all in. I think knowing I can do it alone financially is really empowering too.

[@JennaHong]

YES I’m so glad you relate. We need to spoil ourselves more, it’s only one life we get!

[@Bombus_bees]

I’m currently investing in a couch and desk area. I’m a huge people person and want people to be comfortable in my space so the couch and living space was a huge thing. I’m also going through online college courses so my desk space was a good investment to keep myself working hard 💪

[@JennaHong]

Yes a good couch and desk are the best investments for sure ❤️❤️

[@ItsAmandaWan]

loved this video! so informational and as someone who hasn't moved out yet, this really helped me figure out some things and learn things that i never really thought about before!

[@JennaHong]

YESSS you got this I hope this helped 💗

[@victoriamcclellan5295]

I wish I had my own place! I always wanted my own place. But as for you, I’m happy for you! Wish you all the best 😊

[@JennaHong]

thank you 💕

[@vanesszabertalan8087]

I’m about to move out of my parents’ house in a couple of months and the one thing I will invest in for sure is gonna be my bed, quality sleep is really important🥰

[@JennaHong]

Yessss invest in that bed 😍😍

[@Dermatillomaniac]

This was great info! My investment piece was my mattress bc I need a lot of sleep. I live with a roommate and just wanted to add that there's nothinf wrong with choosing to stay with roommates, for whatever reason. It is better for my mental health to live with someone. Our culture tends to glamorize living alone/with a partner as the measure of a 'successful' adult. If that's your choice, great but wanted to add another perspective.🌿

[@JennaHong]

Absolutely! I have a really good friend who would never prefer living alone because the loneliness is hard on them mentally. I definitely understand that perspective 💗 you do not need to live alone in order to be successful for sure. Just something on my personal bucket list in life 💗 thank you so much for sharing

[@wintry_enchantress7279]

Super informative and straight to the point 👍 When I started living on my own, I invested in kitchen appliances such as stand mixer (I highly recommend Kenwood) and in desk and office chair. But it is also important to find some funds for decorations as they make your space more cosy 😊

[@JennaHong]

Love that you invested in kitchen things 🤩 thank you so much for sharing Anna!

[@FabriciaA]

As I am watching this you are at 9,9k subs can’t wait for the 10k celebration Jenna🎊🎊 If I move out one day my biggest investment would be in “a nice and comfy bed and couch” I just love coziness and being in my own bubble and those two things are just important to me!

[@JennaHong]

YESSS A GOOD BED AND COUCH literally so so important!! Thank you so much for your love and support 🥺

[@JennaHong]

What is an investment piece you made when you moved out / started living on your own? Recs always welcome 🥰 love you guys, happy Monday

[@thehiddenlife4109]

Fridge, washing machine..etc. All the big appliances in trusted brands💯

[@RachelVinn]

A couch 🤩 it took me two years to mentally be okay with spending so much money on my dream couch, but I could NOT be happier now!!!

[@hannafromatlanta]

I want to invest in decorations! Like a nice green, yellow, white, bohemian style ☺️ Since I lived alone in college as an RA I already have a lot of stuff needed to be successful in a one - bedroom! Thank you also for making this video! I was feeling guilty for wanted to be on my own to be healthier in my 20s

[@JennaHong]

@@thehiddenlife4109 omg I can’t wait to invest in a good washing machine one day 🤩

[@JennaHong]

@@RachelVinn YES omg Rachel I love your couch too

[@SelenaTrevino]

yessss this video is what I needed before ever moving out, so helpful 💗 it’s still so wild to me how much more your rent is but you’re also in a super modern building and lively area so it makes sense!

[@JennaHong]

I know it’s crazy Arlington is SUCH a price hike 😭😭

[@selflove428]

I personally think your doing well. I'm proud of you.

[@JennaHong]

thank you!

[@ingeniousoracle5825]

This is the best video I’ve watched on living alone, thank you for all of these amazing tips! ❤️

[@JennaHong]

So happy it helped 🥹

[@jasminegooden]

A few months before I got my first apartment I won a free couch from Interior Define. I didn’t really have to think much about it, but the quality ended up being excellent. I’ll be getting my next couch from them too. I’m in a house now and I feel like I’m constantly saving for investment pieces. My most recent was a new mattress and bed frame. Definitely expensive, but worth it!

[@JennaHong]

Omg I love that you won a free couch 🤩 I’m so happy it’s a good quality too. YES a good mattress!

[@rainahd4255]

Hey girly 😘 you made the perfect decision! Based on your circumstance! I love it ! I’m going to be moving alone in Miami I’m In a 1 bedroom 1 bath in Miami fl. I’m born and raised here and felt like I deserved more to feel good with a luxurious community.You helped me tremendously! I’m not scared anymore lol 🙏🏾😀😄

[@JennaHong]

It’s amazing living alone🥹

[@monalyca]

im living in a studio apartment and i just bought a fridge yesterday and let me tell you, its a good investment !

[@JennaHong]

Omg I can’t wait to have my own good fridge 🤩

[@jackiielloyd]

Love this Jenna!! This was really helpful being someone who is living alone. The first piece of investment I made was my couch! 🥰

[@JennaHong]

YESS COUCH🤩💗 thank you so much

[@ayre613]

If you don't already use the shop blue paper towels for cleaning, highly recommend - you can get it from costco in the auto section.

[@JennaHong]

Thank you ayre!! 💗 will definitely look at Costco

[@kcj2009]

This was extremely helpful! I am in the process of moving into my first place soon 💜

[@JennaHong]

I’m so happy you found it helpful 💗

[@tori3951]

Im late to showing love on this video but thank you! loved this! Im pretty sure I requested this and it was useful! I know it may have been awkward but thanks for being open and honest about your journey

[@JennaHong]

Yay so happy I could give you what you wanted 🥰

[@miag6211]

Thank God you got t experience living alone before moving in with your guy.. you need that experience. Trust me you do. Good For You

[@JennaHong]

That’s what I am hoping for 🥰 gotta experience living alone first in my opinion!

[@sheresa3893]

This was a great video girly,thank you so much for sharing❤️

[@JennaHong]

Thank you for watching 💕

[@theshelbypalace]

thats a great price for the square footage and your apartment is beautiful!!! I live on my own, and as much as it sucks spending a lot of money, the other perks outweigh that.

[@JennaHong]

Thank you and definitely 💖

[@fantasimms]

I live in the Bay Area so this is a drop in the bucket for our rents. Crazy but great tips!

[@JennaHong]

Thank you 💗 so happy you found this helpful

[@AngelinaSerenaXO]

random but what font is at the beginning? I love it 🖤

[@JennaHong]

It’s called mango 💗

[@natsasmr99]

I live with my s/o and we had to spend SO much money on furniture and it took 3 months to fully furnish (a lot of furniture is out of stock bc covid). Our biggest investment was our couch

[@JennaHong]

It is so much for sure! yay couch twins 🤪🤪

[@tinaf.7941]

Couch investment for sure…plus best mattress you can buy-sleep matters!

[@JennaHong]

SLEEP MATTERS 💗 so happy you also did the couch first

[@JuliaKristine]

SO many insightful & helpful points! I invested in my couch too! So many amazing, post-work naps have been taken there 😂

[@JennaHong]

A good couch is literally the best 🤪 laying in it just makes me SO happy

[@JennaHong]

So happy you loved it Julia 💗

[@innsywincy]

I’m moving out for the first time and my lease starts on Friday!! Love to see your channel talk about the financial aspect of moving bec man that was a lot of $$$ 😂

[@JennaHong]

Definitely depends on location and newness for the rent 💗 best of luck

[@amykflower]

Ugh yes it’s so expensive to live alone, especially in the DC area. I’m in Silver Spring and even though I got a great deal on my apartment with pandemic pricing last year, rent alone is basically half of my monthly net income 😅 I have friends elsewhere renting whole houses for the same price I’m paying for a 1 bedroom apartment. But I also have friends paying more than me for half the space in Seattle and San Francisco so I’m not complaining too much.

[@JennaHong]

It definitely is very location sensitive!! 🤪🤪

[@carolwang5419]

Hii Jenna! Your video made my day! Today was really bad for me because I failed at a job interview:( when I saw your new video uploaded it was just what I needed! Hang out with you! Thank youu 💕

[@JennaHong]

Im so sorry Carolina, I bet you did so much better than you think 💗 but im glad this helped you

[@carolwang5419]

@@JennaHong awwn thank you🥺🥰

[@katyasummer4524]

I live in WA and rent is sooo expensive here. A tiny studio is around $2k. It’s nuts! So $2k for one bedroom doesn’t sound too bad LOL Your place seems sweet. You work so hard, you deserve it!!

[@JennaHong]

It’s crazy when your location is expensive I totally get it 😭 annualized with the two months free helped a lot, I probably wouldn’t have signed without that

[@lulusplannerlifegmz1202]

Omg! Rent is pricy! I pay $650 and $25 late fee if late for 3BR Apartment 2 parking space. That’s a lot for one person but wow coodles to you. 🙌🏼 Thanks for sharing that way everyone has an idea of the responsibility. You work ethic is amazing

[@JennaHong]

Arlington is a pretty expensive area to live so unfortunately that’s just what it is, but all my friends are here so the value is worth it for me specifically 💗 thank you so much

[@bab5355]

Omg what a perfect timing, I’m moving in two weeks to a new place, it won’t be my first time living alone as I’ve been doing so for 2 years. My investment piece is my couch and nice pans! Thank you for the tips. Where is your round mirror from?

[@JennaHong]

So happy that you’ll be back to living alone 💗 hoping for a smooth transition for you, and it’s from bed bath and beyond! Linked in one of my moving vlogs but I’ll go find for ya 💗

[@JennaHong]

Here ya go 💗 wall mirror: go.magik.ly/ml/19o1o/

[@bab5355]

Thank you ❤️

[@Ssup3rst4rr]

100% investing into a good bed. Sleep is the first step in having a good life in my opinion.

[@JennaHong]

Yes I completely agree 🥰

[@Star-mu3jo]

My boyfriend and I are moving to Philadelphia from California in December and I'm so nervous. I hope we're financially prepared when the day comes to move in!

[@JennaHong]

You got this, still have time to budget and save to prep 💗💗 congrats on moving to Philly together!

[@jenniferscalzo186]

I'm temperarily staying at a personal care home and i applied for low income housing apartments. I'm saving some money to be financially stable upon going 😊

[@JennaHong]

Yesss living at home saves SO much

[@patronus4460]

Thank you, these are great things to keep in mind.

[@JennaHong]

Happy to help 💖

[@remuspierre7573]

I'm thinking about living alone

[@JennaHong]

Living alone is awesome!

[@remuspierre7573]

Alright Cool Thank you for noticing Jenna Hong

[@chrisdeming9287]

Did you try finding cheaper apartments in Arlington? There are definitely good quality apartments that are cheaper than this in Arlington.

[@JennaHong]

Hi! This was a couple years ago and in my budget :) I live somewhere else now that’s more adorable and I live with my partner now

[@gracecpj.]

I will soon move into my first apartment, but I'm scared....😪

[@JennaHong]

You’ve got this!!!

[@charles4924]

super practical information!!

[@JennaHong]

HECK YESS

[@onlinecomment]

The one thing I don’t get from the renters perspective in the USA - after paying $2K for rent, you also need to buy your own furniture 🤯 I get it from the perspective of landlord - renters destroy most furniture, flooring, tiles etc after few years intentionally or not. But to pay so much and also have to spent another 10K on furniture.. That will probably not fit into your next apartment or your dream home you’re buying.. ouch.

[@JennaHong]

I actually bought the couch knowing it’ll go into my next home! Buying furniture was a hard truth to accept so definitely had to budget :)

[@lyciajontal]

I am ready to live on my own and this video is helpful.

[@JennaHong]

i'm so glad you found it helpful :)

[@Colleenyy]

I found this super helpful! I was looking to move to Arlington to be closer to my friends and job so it’s cool to see how much cost of living is there (((:

[@JennaHong]

Definitely there are lots of cheaper options if you need, my first rent when I lived with two others was $1300! Living alone expenses for sure like I said are way higher 🤪

[@mondaypositivitea]

This is so inspiring ❤

[@JennaHong]

Thank you!

[@mondaypositivitea]

@@JennaHong 💓

[@noop5_plans]

I live in the middle of no where in Ohio, and it is so shocking to me when people share how much living expenses are. I also understand the amount people get paid it usually higher though.

[@JennaHong]

Definitely it changes by location. This area is pretty packed and just general cost of living is high here 💗

[@ms.fieryazn76]

Great informative video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻👌🏻OMG my splurge was bedroom set ..way back in my heyday (I'm old🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️😂😅) was working so much never home, I wanted comfy bedroom set to fall asleep 😴on lol ...as I got older older older..I invested in good sectional with end tables etc lolol..SMH gurllll, rent way higher in Manhattan, NYC 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️LOL , God, I remember first condo got with my sissy 2 bdrm in upper west side our rent between 2 us was almost 5k A month🤑🤑🤑🤑teehee...yep, was definitely cheaper living in Texas all my life till my mid 20's ..but ehhh I wouldn't trade it I love 🗽🗽🏙such diverse city ❤💙..ok sorry long post 😬😬😬🤭have great week hun!!🧡💛💚💙💜

[@JennaHong]

Omg I love that you lived in Manhattan 🥺🤩 and now Texas!! I hope you are loving it there I’ve always wanted to go. I hope you had a restful weekend I know you needed it 💗

[@ms.fieryazn76]

@@JennaHong my parents and gmas immigrated Texas when I was 3yrs old ..since dad passed 2yrs ago only mom there now, we still sorting dad's stuffout in Probate (covid backlogged courts) but, I'm moving her with me 2 New Jersey, I still have place In Manhattan I still do Realtor there🙃😉gurl, no u don't wanna visit Texas in summer..it's heat you can wear horrible ick ick 🥵🥵🥵

[@bibohomsi_19]

I’m just curious about when you said your living expenses shouldn’t be above 30% I live in the uk I’m 19 I live on my own and usually after I pay all my bills like rent phone Wi-Fi bill tv licence gas electric food and more I have around 200-300pounds left and is with a salary of around 1600 a month I’m just not sure if that’s good or bad or what direction should I go in if someone can advise me on something it would be great

[@bibohomsi_19]

I’m open for advise because I’m young and I feel like I have no opportunity to save or do anything with my life

[@JennaHong]

It's just a general rule of thumb but differs for everyone, I would say if you still have room to save every month then calculate how much you can save after bills and still giving yourself room for fun expenses!

[@bibohomsi_19]

@@JennaHong thank you for your advise your really helpful ❤️

[@vivianchenwork]

Investment piece: mattress!!

[@JennaHong]

YESSS

[@drpippak]

I know old vid. But could you rent out your parking spots?

[@JennaHong]

No!

[@drpippak]

@@JennaHong oh that's a shame

[@remuspierre7573]

Good Advice

[@JennaHong]

Thank you 💓

[@sowbakya24]

I’m 17 and getting my own apartment in a week and I’m so terrified and excited! Can you give any advice about monthly food expenses?

[@JennaHong]

I'm so excited for you! if you're using a credit card, i would say check it every week to ensure that you're not spending more on food than you can pay off for sure. food can be hard and varies if you go out with friends, if you have a meal kit service, get groceries, etc. so it depends on your preferences, but i would look at your monthly income after tax and save around 30%-40% for food!

[@sowbakya24]

@@JennaHong thankyou so much for the advice! ill implement it 🫶🏼

[@mecoa2006]

Very helpful thank you

[@JennaHong]

Happy to help!

[@nikkiannfierce]

Where are you guys living at with those low rent prices?

[@JennaHong]

I live in Arlington VA! A pretty corporate heavy environment so the high rent for me makes sense. I wonder where everyone else is 💗

[@elyssahoag7676]

I'm waiting to be qualified for an apartment in NY and if I get it my rent is going to be $1,147. I'm on a mental health housing list so that's how I'm getting it.

[@JennaHong]

i hope you get the apartment!

[@elyssahoag7676]

@@JennaHong I did!!

[@Zouhra07]

@@elyssahoag7676in which area if you mind me asking

[@elyssahoag7676]

@@Zouhra07 Coram

[@chill3346]

I wanna live alone so much

[@JennaHong]

It’s the best💖 I miss it!

[@Zouhra07]

@@JennaHongyou no longer live alone?

[@JennaHong]

@@Zouhra07 I moved in with my partner last year!

[@Mg6Babe]

I’m living with my Ex and it’s horrible…can’t wait to move out🤢🤮

[@JennaHong]

Ah I’m sorry! I hope moving out comes soon!

[@styleunveil_]

Tysm

[@JennaHong]

Happy to help❤️

[@jackiehutton1023]

Good video

[@JennaHong]

Thank you Jackie 💗

[@remuspierre7573]

Jenna Hong

[@withlara7687]

Hay

[@JennaHong]

HI💗💖

[@withlara7687]

@@JennaHong bb

[@AhmedAliNizamani]

V Nice sharing my dear respected friend Full Support and Big from Ahmed Ali Nizamani,

[@JennaHong]

Thank you so much!!

[@Jsyers97]

👑

[@JennaHong]

You’re the best J 🤩

[@alondrasanchez8133]

1:57

[@alondrasanchez8133]

2:15

[@alondrasanchez8133]

4:18

[@alondrasanchez8133]

4:30

[@Wordsbyquentin]

Invest in a good trash can cause bugs are no joke

[@JennaHong]

yes so true!