25 Essential Life Skills for Adults You Should Master by Age 30

Adulthood! Whether or not you’re officially there or still dipping your toes in, there are certain life skills that all of us—no matter our marital or homeownership status—should strive to attain. Simple things like recalling a name the very first time you’ve been introduced to someone or sending a thank-you note in the mail really do make all the difference. So, what are the most important life skills for adults that we think you should master before you hit the big 3-0? Read on to find out.

Keeping a Calendar of Your Commitments

As we get older, our brains become increasingly crowded with things we need to remember. Do yourself the favor (and those you’ve made plans with) of keeping a calendar that you actually look at regularly.

Timely Gift-Giving

Not a week later, certainly not a month later. We know, we know. You’re searching for the perfect piece. Start your search earlier and arrive to that birthday party, housewarming, or gathering you’re attending gift-in-hand.

Wrapping Said Gifts

Wrap your gifts. Throw a bow on it. Add a card. Keep a small stash of wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift tags in a closet or drawer so you always have something on hand when you need it.

Making Dinner Reservations in Advance

Don’t wait till Friday night to browse OpenTable. Keep an eye on approaching dates and get everything sorted in advance so you’re not scrambling last-minute when you want a great meal or a guest is in town.

Sending Thank-You Cards

No, a text or email does not qualify. Having a set of blank thank-you notes for a variety of occasions (and stamps!) is majorly adult.

Handling Your Healthcare Properly

Prescriptions, doctor appointments, reimbursements, oh my! Scheduling your own meetings and managing your finances kind of means you have arrived at adulthood. 

Remembering Names the First Time Around

Is anything more surprising than when someone who you’ve only met once recalls your name? Try repeating a new acquaintance’s name back to him or her or thinking of a funny story about the name to help you remember.

Tipping Properly

Whether you’re dining out or getting a blowout at the local salon, make sure you give an appropriate tip. Tipping varies depending on service, but 10% to 20% is a good rule of thumb for most industries. When in doubt, ask.

Taking Care of Your Clothes

Iron the clothes that need to be ironed. Get clothes dry-cleaned whose tags call for it. Hang the correct items to dry. They’ll last longer, and you’ll look better, we promise.

Saying “No”

Turning down all of those “shoulds” will help you focus on the things that really matter. 

Being on Time, Consistently

By now you should know if you have a bad case of chronic tardiness. Stop using it as a crutch and learn what it takes for you to arrive on time.

Having Business Cards in Your Wallet

You never know who you’ll meet! It’s often the connections we make out and about in the real world that yield amazing opportunities.

Exercising Self-Control

Whether it’s resisting impulse buys or one drink too many on a work night, being able to rein it in when necessary is a good idea if you want to behave more like an adult.

Keeping, and Sticking to, Your To-Do Lists

Your adult to-do list is more than just a place for you to scribble down all of the things you need to get done. You actually have to do them.

Paying Bills on Time

Another thing to add to that old planner! Bonus skill: having enough money to automate the paying of said bills.

Staying on Budget 

There are countless personal financing apps out there to help you stay on track with this. Download them. Stick to them. Save yourself the stress and hardship.

Having at Least the Basics in Your Kitchen at All Times

A refrigerator with some fresh fruit and vegetables, plus the dry-goods basics, will ensure you are not eating cereal in bed every night. Goals, we know.

Following Through

Have set plans? Told a friend you’ll help with something? Don’t flake! An important facet of this one is simply not over-committing yourself so you don’t have to flake on your commitments.

Taking Care of Small Home Projects

Installing curtain rods, hanging shelves, and knowing what tools to use to ensure they don’t come crashing down are things we should all strive for. Yes, we live in the age of Task Rabbit, but we should still try and learn.

Paying Your Taxes on Time

Even if you’re a total amateur in the world of taxes, there’s no time like the present time to start learning. Learn the basic terminology, get organized, stay on schedule, and seek the necessary help well before April 15.

Planning for Your Financial Future

Are you adding money to your 401(k)? What about investing? You should be! Start saving in your 20s and you’ll be way better off further down the line.

Sticking to Whatever Type of Exercise Works for You

By now you’ve probably suspended, cycled, and plié’d your way through enough classes that you hopefully know whether you’re a classic “going for a run” kind of person or are down to try something new every other weekend. Pick what works and stick with it.

Exercising Basic Culinary Techniques

From grilling a delicious steak to making the perfect go-to vinaigrette, mastering the essentials will give you the tools you’ll need to kill it in the kitchen for years to come.

Impressing With a Few Signature Dishes

You should have a handful of signature dishes that work well for group gatherings, intimate dinners, and solo feasts and are reliably delicious. These dishes don’t have to be anything fancy—they’re meant to be effortless and versatile!

Being Ready for Last-Minute Drop-in Guests

Guest bedroom or not, having the necessary fixings for last-minute guests and being able to set them up for a comfortable stay kind of feels like cushy adulthood to us.