Living alone can be a massive allure for those independence-seekers and privacy-hunters. The thought of transitioning from shared accommodation to a single person dwelling can sound dreamy but it often comes wrapped up in a bundle of fears.

Is the luxury of walking around naked worth $1,000 a month? Yes.

Will your whole life revolve around responsibility?  Maybe – but it will anyway.

Will the loneliness make you actually miss having someone else’s dirty dishes in the kitchen? Definitely not.

The primary concern about renting solo is usually the price. Bachelor apartments in Toronto rent out for around $1,064 while 1-bedroom apartments run for $1,270 (for more info on average rent in Toronto, check out this infographic). If this is within your means, then you have already overcome the biggest hurdle. Way to go, champ! All that remains are groundless fears and there is no reason why these should stop you from living the way you feel called.

Usually, the next biggest fear people talk about is a fear of loneliness. Cities can be isolating if you don’t make an effort to connect with people outside of work. The thought of returning home to an empty apartment can feel hallow for people. Remember that this is one projection and you don’t have to identify with this story. The reality of living alone can be totally different. Simply fill your space with life! Get some plants and try to keep them alive. Everyone with a green thumb knows that plants are actually friends disguised as little green creatures. Awesome, a cactus roommate! You may as well get a cat while you’re at it. At least this species is a little more dynamic and full of personality.

Sleeping alone in an apartment still seems freaky. So what if you’re in your 30s and still feel this way? It is a legitimate concern! Fact is, this feeling usually lingers until a new apartment starts to feel like home. The first few nights but be strange with the new smells, sounds, and bizarre feeling to the air, but once you get settled in then this fear naturally dissolves. To get through those first few nights, burn a bay leaf or boil some cedar to make the apartment feel more relaxed and you’ll be good to go.

Whatever your concerns, realize that living alone has so many perks. You will get to live your life more independently than ever before. Not only that, but arguably the best part about renting a 1-bedroom or bachelor apartment is that you get to decorate exactly as you like! Time to explode your creativity all over the walls. Don’t pass this up for groundless fears and instead enjoy the luxury and comfort of your own space!