Roommates aren’t just for students or young adults anymore. Lots of sensible adults like me are choosing to house share with friends for all kinds of reasons; it can help you to save on the bills and also means your home has built-in company if you’re both single. Sharing a home can be wonderful, but like any roommate situation, it can come with some challenges.
Communicate.
Remember that you’re both adults, and that your roommate isn’t a mind reader. If any irritations do come up, don’t seethe silently. Instead, have a frank, adult chat about the problem, whether you’re annoyed that they make too much noise when they come home late or that they leave their shoes in the lounge. I’m sure I have habits that annoy my roommate, but by talking about them, we can fix the annoyance before it grows into a real problem.
Combine belongings fairly.
If you’re moving into a house that one of you was already living in, make sure there is room for you both. Mix together both your belongings and furniture so you can both feel like you live there. If there’s anything you need to move out but want to keep, stash it in self-storage until you have a space for it.
Allow each other to have space.
My roommate and I are great friends, but like anyone, we do need time apart sometimes. Remember that just because you share a home, you don’t have to spend all your time together. See other friends, go out separately and spend some evenings at home doing your own thing, at least occasionally. If you like in each others pockets, you’ll only feel suffocated.
Talk about sharing.
The best way to keep things smooth is to discuss clearly what you will and won’t share. Will you buy your own food and cook separately, or will you share the groceries and cook together? How will you arrange buying the essentials you’ll both use like cleaning products and toilet paper? By agreeing this early on, you can save arguments later.
Share emergency information.
If you’re living with someone, make sure they know what they should do for you in an emergency. Make and exchange lists of any allergies or medications that you need and any emergency contact information so you know to call if something happens.
Manage expectations.
We all have our own quirks about how we like to do things at home (I know I do!), so share these with your roommate to save disagreements. If you know that you like the dishes stacked a certain way, tell them. In the same vein, if they have a specific way they like the bathroom cleaned, be willing to compromise and learn their ways. By respecting each others quirks, you can avoid arguments and make home a more harmonious place to be.
I’ve found that the trick to living with someone else, whether a roommate or a romantic partner, is open communication and respect.
