Little tricks to make the leap to adulthood
Tips for creating a functional space that makes everyday tasks easier for you when you venture out to live alone for the first time
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Dining room and living room
Create functional zonesIf you're short on space, opt for multifunctional furniture (such as coffee tables with storage space). This will allow you to keep the space well organized when you want to relax or when you have guests. Disconnect from distractions.
Take advantage of the moments to relax. The living room should be your refuge after a day of work. Arrange it to be comfortable and pleasant. Use soft lighting and pillows to make it more inviting.
Work area
If you use the living room or bedroom for work or study, set aside a specific area for this. A quiet space will allow you to concentrate better and avoid distractions.
Kitchen
Organize mealsNot only will it save you time, but it will also help you avoid impulse purchases. Spend some time each week deciding what you are going to cook for each meal. This way you will avoid the stress of not knowing what to eat.
Buy smart. Prioritise foods that keep well (rice, pasta, legumes, etc.) and combine them with fresh vegetables and fruit. Buy in small quantities to avoid waste, and don't forget frozen foods, which are a good solution when you're short on time.
Cooking in large quantities. Making a big meal once a week and portioning it out can save you time on the days you're feeling rushed.
Room
Maintain a minimal cleaning routineYour bedroom should be a place of rest, so spend 5 minutes each day tidying it up. Making the bed, picking up clothes and wiping down surfaces makes the space look cleaner and more pleasant.
Optimize spaceIf you have little space, use boxes or containers to store clothes and other items that you do not use daily.
Get into a regular rest routine. Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. Maintain regular sleep schedules and avoid using your bedroom for work or looking at screens.
Washbasin
Organize yours efficiently. Use organizers to keep bathroom products organized. You can use a basket or a clothes rack to keep them within reach without them taking up all the space.
Do daily cleaningIf you can, spend a few minutes every day cleaning the sinks, mirror, and floor. This will prevent dirt from building up and making a deep clean necessary. It will also keep the space pleasant and odor-free.
Prevents the consumption of products. Don't accidentally run out of bathroom essentials. Keep a small stash of shampoo, soap, and other products to avoid having to go out and buy at an inconvenient time.
5 apps that will make your life easier
Second-hand buying and selling platform where you can find furniture, appliances, clothing, technology and much more.
IKEA's augmented reality app that lets you see how their furniture would look in your home before you buy it.
Financial management application that automatically organizes your income and expenses.
Platform with guides and tutorials for repairing electronic devices, appliances and other household items.
Application that fights food waste by putting unsold products or foods up for sale.
The latest report from the Emancipation Observatory of the Spanish Youth Council, which has found that during the first half of 2024 the number of young people (between 16 and 34 years old) who lived outside the family home - that is, who had left home with their parents - stood at 16.8. This is 4 percentage points less than in the same period in 2023 and, however, the Catalan data is the second best in the whole State. In Spain as a whole, only 14.8% of young people had managed to emancipate themselves during the first half of 2024: the worst figure since 2006.