The most important things to consider when scoping out your solo pad

So you’ve done some careful thinking and decided to throw it all in and unleash your inner Carrie Bradshaw.

Living alone certainly has its perks – walking around naked, for example, or eating dinner naked, or singing at the top of your lungs naked. But it’s not all fun in the nude. Unless you’re an extreme introvert (and most of us aren’t), you will need to think of ways to combat the loneliness you’re bound to feel at times.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the right solo pad for you.

1. Does it allow pets?

Pets can deliver the goods in the companionship department. They are almost like house guests, but in some ways more self-sufficient (which means they’re not going to come home and whinge about their day), and in other ways much more dependent (great for when you need to feel needed). Dogs make excellent running buddies, while cats love to cuddle on the couch. Get one of each if you can.

2. How close is it to shops, gyms, etc.?

The notion of community will take on a whole new meaning – especially if you work from home or have a job that’s not particularly social. If you don’t get involved in your local surrounds, you might find that a few days pass without you speaking to another living soul. And the truth is that you’ll probably end up eating more take away than you think – after all, it’s often just as expensive to cook for one.

3. Will there be room for guests to stay?

On the occasions when you want to have sleepovers, you’re either going to need a fold-out couch or a couch big and comfy enough to accommodate human beings of various shapes and sizes.

4. Can you really deal with living in a studio?

Just because there’s only one of you doesn’t necessarily mean you can live in a total shoebox. If you’re like me, the idea of living in a teeny-weeny apartment holds some kind of bizarre romantic appeal (probably born of a childhood love of hiding in nooks), but in reality, do you need separation from your work space and your bedroom? Or your kitchen and your living space?

5. Is the internet connection good?

As well as keeping you entertained via with the power of Netflix, the world wide web is responsible for connecting you to the outside world. If you live regionally, good phone reception is a non-negotiable.

6. Is the bathroom nice?

There is nothing lonelier or more self pity-inducing than an old, unappealing bathroom. You want to feel cosy and comfortable.

7. Is there adequate security?

This point is boring but relevant. Suss the outdoor lighting and front-door lock situation. If you come across a place in an apartment block (or better yet, a gated community), go for it. You don’t want to be lying awake worrying about things that go bump in the night.

8. Are there some elderly neighbours nearby that you can befriend?

In fact, everyone should try to seek out elderly neighbours, whether you live alone or not. They are fountains of information, have good listening ears, great stories to tell, and make you feel at home, rather than rushing past you on the street.

9. Is there space for dinner parties?

You may be happy eating at the breakfast banquette or coffee table, but consider the possibility that you might like to sometimes play host. Of course, maybe your decision to live alone was motivated by the desire to be alone, in which case, go for the place with the banquette (again: nook appeal).