r/MadeMeSmile • u/hoheyhi • Sep 05 '26
Good News Next week I’m moving into my first place, all by myself at 31 years old. I’m proud of myself for getting to this point I my life, I may not have done it on the typical timeline but I overcame a lot and I’m so excited for this new experience! (OC)
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u/Zara_R Sep 05 '26
There's no timeline you need to follow. You should be proud of yourself. May this be the start to the best chapter of your life so far.
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u/hoheyhi Sep 05 '26
I hope so and you are totally right about that!
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Sep 05 '26 edited Sep 06 '26
[deleted]
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u/neotearoa Sep 05 '26
Success is never late, Frodo Baggins. Neither is it early. It arrives precisely when it means to
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u/sonibroc Sep 05 '26
I betcha you got more out of your experience starting at 27 than you would have starting at 18. Neither start age is wrong. I work at a Community College and our older students, bring wisdom into the classroom, the younger students bring hope and energy. The Mashup is great.
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u/DickBfloppin Sep 05 '26
I feel like most of the people your age wont own a house when they are 60. The timeline makes it impressive, at least to this peasant.
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u/xtothewhy Sep 05 '26
Hope you enjoy your new home and I suggest putting some plants by those windows. It will help make it homey.
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u/kimmielb1973 Sep 05 '26
Not only will they make the home look better, they absorb Carbon Dioxide and release Oxygen. Best of luck with your humble abode.
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u/rolfraikou Sep 05 '26
I'm 40, working a desk job, saving money. No idea how people live alone. 1 bedroom apartments are maybe a $200 difference in price from 2 bedroom in my area. And the two bedroom, with a room mate, is hardly doable.
Not only would I not be able to save if I did my own place, they would deny just based on their minimums of 3 to 3.5 times the rent.
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u/Sharp-Corner6239 Sep 05 '26
my passed 15 years have been alone and I've had to do cray shit to work round the minimum income
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u/houseWithoutSpoons Sep 05 '26
Yeah some people do it at 18 cause they're option-less. Others do it and end up destroying their finances. The stigma is stupid you need to move out young.do it when your ready if possible
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u/maymay578 Sep 05 '26
That’s one of the things I tell my kids. We get this idea that there’s a process, an expectation of life that we have to follow but your life doesn’t have to match everyone else’s. Find happiness. Maybe you find it later, maybe you have to start with a new career, end a long relationship, etc, but just be happy. That’s all I want for my kids.
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u/small_trunks Sep 05 '26
This. When your kids are happy and stable and independent, you've made it.
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u/Thin-Ebb-9534 Sep 05 '26
Your timeline is perfect for you. The fact that you feel good about your accomplishment is, quite literally, the only thing in the entire universe that is relevant to evaluating your situation. Congratulations. Also know that there will be disappointments and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. But one step at a time. You will figure out the next step and get there also.
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u/Difficult-Rooster383 Sep 05 '26
My sentiments exactly from a fellow whackadoo timeliner and proud of it 😆
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u/TheWhomItConcerns Sep 05 '26
I honestly find it so strange how long this myth has persisted that a person's life is basically over if they don't have their shit together by their mid 20s. Only 5 years ago, I was in the worst state in my life - I was utterly incapacitated with anxiety and existential dread, and I was both not taking care of myself at all and struggling with suicidal ideation.
Now, I'm about to turn 32 and I'm in by far the best state I've ever been in - both my mental and physical health are the best they've ever been, I'm about to graduate with a great degree from the most competitive uni in my country, and I have my own online business that's doing pretty well. Ironically, the very stigma that I had against my own situation was a major cause of my existential paralysis.
I don't care what anyone's age is; it's not too late to pursue a life which yields fulfilment and to achieve self-acceptance. Sure, you're not going to win gold at the Olympics in the 100m sprint, but to so narrowly limit one's aspirations to such things is quite frankly self-sabotage.
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u/lavender_girl15 Sep 05 '26
Thank you for this been the first comment. I’m 34 years old still living at home and I feel guilty and bad at time like I’m doing something wrong.
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u/AdditionalPost1107 Sep 05 '26
its so easy to get caught up in where you think you should be by a certain age instead of just appreciating what youve actually done
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u/Thelastreddditor Sep 05 '26
Thirty-one is a perfectly on-time first key. Hope the first quiet morning in that place feels huge 💛
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u/NovaForceElite Sep 05 '26
Congratulations!
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u/hoheyhi Sep 05 '26
Thank you!!
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u/BeezyBates Sep 05 '26 edited Sep 05 '26
Dude there is no timeline. If anything, waiting is almost always better in the long run. Dated my wife for 7 years, had my first kid at 37. As a result we’re happy and can raise our son more financially sound and mature.
People do it way sooner too. It’s fine. But there is nothing wrong with what you consider a late start. You’re taking your next step on more solid ground and it’s often just being responsible to your situation.
Grats, by the way. Enjoy the peace.
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u/hoheyhi Sep 05 '26
Love that!
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u/rcknmrty4evr Sep 05 '26
31 is muuuuch more typical than you think. At least in the us, the majority of people in their 20s live at home with their parents, for example. You’re totally fine and are doing great :)
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u/Snackasm Sep 05 '26
What if you never reach that pinnacle no matter how hard you tried?
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u/UmExcuseMeBish Sep 05 '26
Comparison is the thief of joy. Explore gratitude and try to acknowledge the joys you do have in your life. This may be a cliché, but you’re likely in one of the richer countries in the world and our lives really aren’t so bad compared to a lot of people on this planet. Don’t blame yourself, work with what you’ve got, and enjoy the sunlight when it falls on you.
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u/uptown_squirrel17 Sep 05 '26
Congrats!
It looks lovely! Such nice natural light and wood flooring. 😍
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u/hoheyhi Sep 05 '26
It’s very charming to me, thank you!
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u/Ok-Blueberry7914 Sep 05 '26
It looks like a great place! The floors are excellent. You will have lots of fun setting everything up just like way you want! Congratulations!
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u/Stephs58 Sep 05 '26
That window and those floors are already doing half the decorating. It’s going to be such a cozy first home
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u/AdTop5753 Sep 05 '26
Don't worry about timelines. I was 51 before I lived completely on my own. Widower. I'm still figuring it out.
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u/Suspicious-Read368 Sep 05 '26
There is no typical timeline. Enjoy your journey on whatever timeline is yours.
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u/BlatantConservative Sep 05 '26
People are saying things about typical timelines, but I want to put some numbers on it.
In 2026, half of young adults (49 percent) in the US, 18-29, still live with their parents, according to Fortune and the Federal Reserve. An additional 47 percent receive some monetary assistance from family.
https://fortune.com/2026/07/09/half-young-adults-live-home-financial-support-parents/
By the numbers, OP, you're probably on the more put together side of things.
You are on the new typical timeline. You should not feel ashamed or feel like it took longer than others. You're literally doing about as well as the economy will let you.
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u/zzxxccbbvn Sep 05 '26
They probably also don't live in the US, which means these things are much more attainable for them
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u/BlatantConservative Sep 05 '26
US plug on the wall. Or at least not circle shaped.
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u/hoheyhi Sep 05 '26
Wow, cool information :) I didn’t know that, thanks!
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u/BlatantConservative Sep 05 '26
Terrifying information to be clear, but I want you to know you can feel better, and genuinely proud. I always see people over like, 23, being ashamed of living at home or receiving help from their parents, but that's basically everyone nowadays.
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u/PossibleJazzlike2804 Sep 05 '26
The only timeline that matters if your own. Nice wood floors. The best meal I ever had was a fresh move on the ground in the center of the living room.
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u/C2S76 Sep 05 '26
When my wife and I got out first house almost 20 years ago, before we had any inside furniture, we had takeout on lawn chairs the first night. 🙂
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u/PossibleJazzlike2804 Sep 05 '26
Something about that move in meal makes it so much better. Lawn chairs are a classic.
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u/HappyGirl90292 Sep 05 '26
Fantastic! Enjoy setting it up just the way you like it!
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u/hoheyhi Sep 05 '26
Thank you, so excited to decorate!
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u/aleksmack Sep 05 '26
Ugh, it’s such a good feeling to do whatever you want! I’m so excited for you!! 🥰 it’s so wonderful to feel cozy, safe, and surrounded by “you” things! ♥️
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u/CompetitiveNumber840 Sep 05 '26
Congratulations!!! Beautiful home! I didn’t move out by myself until I was 30 either! Then I truly learned to take care of myself, got sober, and fell in love with myself! I stayed in my place for a decade with no washer and dryer or dishwasher.
There is no timeline! We do what we WANT!!!
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u/hoheyhi Sep 05 '26
So true! I’ve been on my sobriety journey for 4 years now and I wouldn’t be able to do this without it!
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u/PrematureBackdraft Sep 05 '26
I just did the same thing at 36, first time alone in my very own apartment. Everyone has their own timelines in life, just have to enjoy yours.
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u/lavender_girl15 Sep 05 '26
Congratulations and I hope you get to enjoy your space to the fullest.
I’m 34 and still living at home and understand where you’re coming from.
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u/Marsupialize Sep 05 '26
Salut!
I don’t think I had my own apartment till later than that, always had roommates
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u/Local-Dish-5695 Sep 05 '26
You have achieved so much so fast!! Be proud, you earned that
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u/literall_bastard Sep 05 '26
There is no typical timeline. Comparison is the thief of joy. You’re awesome. Congrats
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u/ThrownAway17Years Sep 05 '26
Congrats! Make sure you go and take pictures of everything. Any minor cosmetic things you find, take pictures. Assuming you’re renting.
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u/Gurtyboi Sep 05 '26
Take lots of pictures on upon moving in. In case landlord blames you for any existing damages. Just a precaution
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u/DarkElfBard Sep 05 '26
Came here to say the same comment as everyone else.
Nothing is typical. There is no start line, finish line, or pacer. There is not even a path you have to follow. Everyone goes a different way, and takes different times, it has never been a race. Proud of you!
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u/No_Communication1557 Sep 05 '26
Congrats. Me and the Mrs are in the same boat, we are finally moving into our first house and getting away from renting. Tad later than you, we are both 45. Exciting times!
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u/Medical_Poem_8653 Sep 05 '26
No timeline ❤️ my first place ever (as in my name on the lease and no landlord) was when I was 39. Congratulations 🌺
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u/dmh165638 Sep 05 '26
There is no typical timeline. Whatever timeline you are on is the right one. Enjoy the new freedom.
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u/Organic_Programmer51 Sep 05 '26
Why do you feel the need to downplay your accomplishment? You bought a house. That means you have a solid reliable source of income, a disciplined approach to managing finances, and a long term plan. You did it at 31. That is pretty darn young to have achieved all that. Be proud without reservations. Love yourself.
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u/Lost-Boysenberry-302 Sep 06 '26
So happy for you! One of my proudest adult memories was laying on the floor in my (very tiny) apartment with no furniture and feeling SO FREE
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u/_Mithrandir691 Sep 05 '26
We all are on our own timelines. Congratulations and stay blessed!
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u/HydraKirby Sep 05 '26
Good for you OP. Sounds like you've made loads of right choices to get to this point. Happy for you!
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u/BloodBeard721 Sep 05 '26
There is no timeline. Whatever works for you guys s best. Good luck
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u/deltarefund Sep 05 '26
Congrats! It looks amazing! I had a light bright apt like that once and it was the absolute best. Enjoy it!!
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u/Ambitious_Hand_2861 Sep 05 '26
My guy we all live at a different pace. You got this when the time was right for you and I'm super happy for you.
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u/Larrynemesis Sep 05 '26
31 next week and I couldn’t do it without my boyfriend! I think it’s a perfectly reasonable timeline:) congrats❤️
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u/jayhawkjoey65 Sep 05 '26
It's going to be SO MUCH FUN! I remember my first place - setting up the kitchen, cooking my first meal. Enjoy!
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u/reset_them_all Sep 05 '26
It ain't easy to move out on your own these days. You're doing great! :) I hope you enjoy your new place.
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u/scootypuffjr_ Sep 05 '26
I was in that boat too. I'm so excited for you to experience how amazing it feels to just be free and have your own space. Congrats!
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u/clvrusernombre Sep 05 '26
Hell yeah. Congratulations. Your place looks great, lots of natural light
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u/Sabiba98 Sep 05 '26
Everyone reaches milestones at their own pace, be proud of where you are and where you’ve come from. Congratulations, OP!
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u/idesofmarch_44 Sep 05 '26
Keep it locked in to what you to accomplish and screw the timeline. Congratulations on this next chapter!
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u/LadyVioletLuna Sep 05 '26
The “timeline” was thrown out the window for most of us. You did this in the right amount of time for you. And congratulations on such a major step!
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u/LumpkinsPotatoCat Sep 05 '26
I'm so genuinely excited for this chapter for you! Living alone fosters so much self discovery, growth, independence, healthy boundaries and above all - peace.
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u/namethatuzer Sep 05 '26
I was 33!! The timeline is fluid!! I loooove your place!! Those closet doors are super cute!!!
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u/yomommasbathwater Sep 05 '26
I didn’t move into my own first place until I was 33 and that was a cheat code because I inherited some money. I didn’t really move into my own place that I earned myself until I was 38. The timeline is what you make of it.
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u/Whitw816 Sep 05 '26
Enjoy! Living alone is amazing. The freedom is glorious, especially when you haven’t experienced it
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u/Mystepchildsucksass Sep 05 '26
Massive congrats 👏
It is NEVER too late to improve your life.
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u/Greekspartan226 Sep 05 '26
Looks like there'll be plenty of sunshine for your plant.
Congrats on the achievement!! And Goodluck on the journey ahead!! 🫡
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u/hoheyhi Sep 05 '26
Thank you! And yes I think she will be happy there and I can get her some friends now lol!
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u/Cobalt-Balls Sep 05 '26
Congratulations very nice, you will remember your first night in your very own place, for the rest of your life, mine was February 28, 1998 today I own the entire apartment complex 10units
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u/Morronga66 Sep 05 '26
I applaud you ..you'll do fine!!!! My first place at 20yo was mostly furnished with crates and concrete blocks..honest!
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u/jasonlampa Sep 05 '26
I’m almost 30 and just got approved for a lease yesterday for my own place too! It’s tiny but it’s my own, couldn’t be happier.
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u/Grebble99 Sep 05 '26
Brilliant. Congrats. Timeline is perfect. If you’re getting your first place in your 20s then you’re most likely a tradie. Early 30s is a solid achievement.
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u/Saboten-Trying Sep 05 '26
Man. You just gave this 30 year old hope.
Congrats on this huge milestone!! I hope you enjoy every minute of having your own place :)
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u/northeaster17 Sep 05 '26
Whatever works for you. I just want to say that there is no time on don't pay attention to that stuff
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u/spangles69x Sep 05 '26
Congratulations...Well done on this achievement may you have many happy years in your new home x
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u/No_Criticism5659 Sep 05 '26
Still works!! Congrats! Still saving for ours. 36 here, lol. Looks amazing! Enjoy :)
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u/LookAtMyUnderbite Sep 05 '26
I did it around 29. There is no timeline for achievements and it’s never too late. Congrats!
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u/Rareu Sep 05 '26
I’ll be honest. I was kicked out of home and barely ready for it. I got stuck at a shitty job that took my happiness and health. I was stuck. I felt stuck. Any movement away from my comfort zone felt like I’d be homeless or hungry. But if I could somehow tell 23 year old me to just do it, screw the risk, screw the fear…then maybe I’d have just been homeless but not deaf. I kept letting others make choices for me and put me into unsafe work environments…I look back and there were so many times I could have changed something. But maybe I couldn’t because I was kicked out so young, and that built fear and habit designed to keep things stable. Moral of my story is you left when you were ready and that’s a good thing.
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u/Obscurebones Sep 05 '26
Good for you !!! Not all trees bear fruit at the same time enjoy the journey
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u/PuzzleheadedYou5295 Sep 05 '26
Congratulations! You will have so much fun making this space your own. Woohoo!!!
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u/Lordjacus Sep 05 '26
I bought apartment at 30, renovated until I was 31 and now living happily! We rock :)
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u/Humble_Diner32 Sep 05 '26
The only timeline that matters is your timeline. Congratulations on the upward trajectory of life.
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u/MyvaJynaherz Sep 05 '26
As a guy being moved out of my 2nd place at 37, looks nice.
Just hope you don't work nights, lol.
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u/Complete_Amoeba_2718 Sep 05 '26
Stay frugal Needs not wants and you’ll continue to feel financially comfortable and confident! Enjoy your new home.
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u/Big_Nerve133 Sep 05 '26
I’m happy for you! A lot of kids your age are not doing this. It’s good to be proud of yourself, it just keeps you going to do better in your life. It’s kind of a work in progress. I’m 78 years old, I work on myself every day, to be the best I can be. Have a nice day.
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u/Sohiacci Sep 05 '26
I'm so happy for you!!! Sometimes I feel like a girlfailure for still living under my old parents at 27 but time just changed and the economy is shit, so we should normalize that struggle. Good luck on your new life!!!
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u/potter_pro Sep 05 '26
Congrats. Your own place is like your bat cave or villain’s lair. Yours to choose its style and beholding to no other. My only advice is keep it spotlessly clean, you’ll enjoy it more when it’s clean and tidy.
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u/445323 Sep 05 '26
If there is one advice I’d give, enjoy it to the fullest. The feeling of moving out from your parents for the first time is a feeling you will never ever get back. When I got my own house, I kept going crazy in every room like wtf I am now entrusted with my own house how is that possible
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u/Wolfman513 Sep 05 '26
I got my own place by myself for the first time at 31 last summer OP, congrats! It's such a nice feeling having the whole space all to yourself all of the time lol
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u/a-passing-crustacean Sep 05 '26
Screw the "timeline" babe! I was 31 when I bought my first place. Housing is a nightmare right now. Its worth celebrating that you were able to buy at all! CONGRATULATIONS 🎊
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u/Agitated_Culture3428 Sep 05 '26
Congrats! I’ve learned that timelines mean nothing. Go on your own timeline :)
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u/Afro_Dynasty Sep 05 '26
Late bloomer here, you’re not alone OP. 😊 It took me a long time to realize our society glamorizes and underestimates the amount of time it actually takes to get to that point of life. Let alone to feel like you got “everything figured out”. Progress is progress no matter when it happens
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u/mono__no___aware Sep 05 '26
You didn’t miss the timeline. You made your own. Congratulations on your new home! ❤️
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u/srslytho1979 Sep 05 '26
This looks like an apartment I used to have. I loved it there, and I hope you enjoy yours, too. 💐
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u/InstructionFinal5190 Sep 05 '26
Hell, I've lived on my own since I was 18 (43 now) and Im contemplating moving back in with my mom. My rent has gone up 300% in 10 years.
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u/Piggy-Lil-Pig Sep 05 '26
Congratulations! This is a great accomplishment. Savor the moment.
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u/EnthuZiast_Z33 Sep 05 '26
Congrats, doesn't matter whatever age in life, this is a big achievement and you should be proud
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u/Ketopop90 Sep 05 '26
Congratulations! I'm 36 and I still haven't done that. You can't live by the previous generations idea of when you should move out they had it easier in a lot of ways
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u/luxafelicity Sep 05 '26
Such a cute little place! Getting your own space for the first time is a great feeling. I wish you continued prosperity and quiet, polite neighbors.
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u/Specialist_House8608 Sep 05 '26
Congrats and proud of you. There is no typical timeline and it looks like you nailed it! Well done.
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u/Sumthin-Sumthin44692 Sep 05 '26
Timelines can be helpful but are NEVER mandatory. Run your own race. You’re doing great!
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u/DJMTBguy Sep 05 '26
I’m also a later in life getter together. This makes me happy to see someone accomplish. Beautiful place btw, looks peaceful with a nice view. I’m excited w you!
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u/Mountain-Blue Sep 05 '26
Congrats to you! And wood floors to boot. Enjoy this chapter in life, OP
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u/Beaufort_The_Cat Sep 05 '26
The best timeline is the one that works for you, congrats on the new place! I’m a big fan of the large windows, lots of natural light
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u/AJfriedRICE Sep 05 '26
I feel like you’re implying this is late in life for this to happen…at this point, you’re early bud. Congrats.
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