Roommates can be a great way to save money and make new friends. Before you hit up Craigslist or start browsing your Facebook friends list, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to remember that being a good roommate is about more than just sharing a space. It’s about working together to create a happy home environment. Below are helpful tips for being the best roommate you can be.
Communication Is Key
Communication is one of the most important things to remember when living with someone. You need to be able to talk openly and honestly with your roommate about everything—from how often you want them to vacuum to when you’re going to be home late. That way, there won’t be any surprises, and no one will feel like they’re stepping on anyone’s toes.
Establish Ground Rules Early
When you first move in with your roommate, it’s essential to establish some ground rules. For example, maybe you’re both okay with someone coming over to watch TV, but you don’t want them sleeping over. Draw up a list of rules, post them on the fridge, or send them in a group text. That way, there’s no confusion about what’s okay and what’s not.
Keep Things Clean
Keeping things clean when living with someone else means taking out the trash, cleaning up your messes, and ensuring the common areas are neat. It can be tough to stay on top of things all the time, but it’s worth it in the end. Not only will you be making your roommate’s life a lot easier, but you’ll also be creating a more pleasant living environment for yourself.
Be Respectful of Personal Space
Give your roommate their space. Don’t interrupt your roommate if they’re working on a project or need some downtime. Additionally, don’t touch their stuff without asking first.
Don’t Be a Hoarder
You may think you’re doing your roommate a favor by holding onto that extra chair or table, but the truth is, you’re just making life harder for both of you. It’s great to have a little extra storage space, but you’ve crossed the line when it starts taking over the apartment’s common areas. Additionally, learn to let go of some of your excess stuff.
Be Considerate of Noise Levels
Here are a few tips for keeping the noise levels down in your shared space:
- Invest in some good earplugs. Blocking out noise can be conducive when you need sleep.
- Talk to your roommates about what time of day is “quiet time.” Try and keep the noise down from 9 pm–10 am.
- Let your roommates know if you’re having a party or hosting guests. That way, they can plan accordingly.
- Always remember that everyone’s different. What might be perfectly quiet to you might be too loud for someone else.
Conclusion
Living with someone can be challenging, but it’s doable if you both go into it with the right attitude. Hopefully, these tips will help you live harmoniously with your roommate. Follow them, and you’ll be on your way to a stress-free living situation.
