Now What? First-Time Freedoms: Cooking & Cleaning

Easy cooking and cleaning tips for adulthood

If you’re a recent grad (or remember that season), you might be facing your Now What? moment.

• I’ve completed my degree. Now what?

• I’m moving to a new city. Now what?

• I started a new job. Now what?

• I’m living in an apartment for the first time. Now what?

• I don’t have homework on the weekend. Now what?

• I’m tired of eating fast food but don’t know how to cook for myself. Now what?

We’ve all been there—that strange moment when adulthood sets in, and suddenly you’re longing for your parents’ house, where meals magically appeared and laundry got folded for you.

Adulthood is supposed to be exciting, right? No more curfew, no homework, no one reminding you to clean your room. You can stay out as late as you want and sleep in on Saturdays.

Yes—but also:You’re learning how to enroll in health insurance.You’re wondering if you should open a 401k.You’re Googling “easy recipes for one” and figuring out how to clean a bathroom.

This season is full of growth, but the “Now What?” feeling can hit hard. So let’s start simple, with two areas that bring structure, comfort, and confidence: Cooking and Cleaning.

Cooking for the First Time

First: Know yourself. Do you like to cook—or would you rather grab Taco Bell on the way home?

If cooking sounds fun, this season gives you the freedom to experiment. You're only cooking for yourself—no picky roommates, no dinner guests with opinions.

If cooking feels like a chore, then let meal prep be your new best friend.Here’s how to simplify:

Start with 30 minutes on Sunday:

• Plan your meals for the week

• Make your grocery list

• Check your calendar: How many meals will you need to prepare?

• Don’t forget breakfast, lunch, and snacks

Typically, one recipe = 3–4 meals for one person.

Choose 2–3 proteins to rotate:

• Ground beef (tacos or pasta)

• Chicken (grilled, baked, or shredded for salads, wraps, or bowls)

• Salmon (bowls or roasted)

• Italian sausage (sheet pan dinners)

• Shrimp (pasta or stir fry)

Stock your pantry:

• Spices (start with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, cumin, Italian seasoning)

• Olive oil & vinegar

• Pasta & rice

• Broths

• Canned beans & tomatoes

• Milk or milk alternatives

• Butter or ghee

That way, you’re not buying everything for every recipe.

Need recipe ideas?

• The Defined Dish

• Half Baked Harvest: Super Simple

• Skinnytaste Meal Prep

• Huckle & Goose (great for seasonal ideas)

You don’t need a five-star kitchen or a bunch of fancy tools. Chop your veggies on Sunday, cook in bulk, and make grab-and-go meals easy. The more convenient your meals are, the more likely you’ll stick with it.

Cleaning as Self-Care

Cooking and cleaning are the rhythms that quietly hold your life together. You don’t have to be spotless or live on a Pinterest board—but some structure can really help.

A tidy space helps your nervous system settle. It reminds you: I’m safe, grounded, and in charge of my environment.

Keep It Simple: My Cleaning Rhythm

Daily (5–15 minutes):

• Make your bed

• Put dirty clothes in the hamper

• Load and run the dishwasher before bed

• Wipe kitchen counters

• Tidy the living space (fluff pillows, straighten blankets, put away clutter)

Weekly (choose a set day):

• Vacuum or sweep floors

• Wipe bathroom counters and mirrors

• Clean the toilet

• Wash and change your sheets

• Do 1–2 loads of laundry (don’t let it pile up!)

• Take out the trash and recycling

Monthly:

• Deep clean your shower and tub

• Wipe down the stovetop and inside the microwave

• Clean out the fridge (toss expired food, wipe shelves)

• Wash your duvet cover or throw blankets

• Dust baseboards, ceiling fans, and windowsills

Every Few Months:

• Clean your dishwasher filter (look it up—it's easy!)

• Wipe down your washing machine (inside and out)

• Declutter one drawer or shelf that’s gotten chaotic

• Vacuum under your bed or couch

Tools That Make It Easier:

• A good vacuum or cordless stick vac

• Microfiber cloths (way better than paper towels)

• All-purpose spray

• Scrub brush + toilet brush

• Dish soap + sponge or scrubber

• A laundry basket you can actually carry

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a punishment. Think of it as an act of care—for your space and your mind. Light a candle, play a playlist or podcast, and knock out a few things. You’ll feel better afterward, guaranteed.

Final Thoughts

This season comes with a mix of chaos and freedom. You’re figuring out who you are, where you belong, and how to take care of yourself in new ways.

Cooking and cleaning might feel small, but they’re foundational. They build confidence, create comfort, and remind you: You’re capable. One step at a time.