Was Moving Out a Mistake?

    

                                       Was Moving Out a Mistake? 

    Last week, I found myself standing in the kitchen of my new apartment, staring at an empty fridge and wondering if moving out was the worst decision I’ve ever made. Don’t get me wrong—I love having my own space, but the reality of cooking for myself and paying bills hits differently when there’s no one around to share the load (or the Wi-Fi).

    My brain went into overdrive:

• “What if I can’t keep up with rent?”

• “What if I accidentally burn down the apartment trying to make grilled cheese?”

• “What if I forgot to forward my mail, and now I’m missing important bills?”

    Moving out isn’t just about packing up your stuff; it’s about learning to quiet the voice in your head that keeps screaming, “You’re not ready!” Truthfully? None of us are. But you figure it out, one day (and one slightly burned grilled cheese) at a time.

                                           Decorating on a Broke Girl Budget

    

    When I first moved into my apartment, the walls were bare, and my furniture looked like it came straight out of a clearance bin. But slowly, I learned how to make my space feel like home—without maxing out my credit card.

1. Thrift Stores Are Your Best Friend: My $15 coffee table is from Goodwill, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite finds.

2. Fake It Till You Make It: Can’t afford a fancy gallery wall? Print out free art online, slap it in a dollar store frame, and voilà—instant aesthetic.

3. Plants Make Everything Better: Even if you have a black thumb like me, a couple of succulents can make your space feel alive.

    Your apartment doesn’t have to look Instagram-perfect. It just has to feel like you.