How to Survive Living with a Roommate

Getting along with another person you are living with can prove to be quite the task when you aren’t used to it. You have to micromanage your day and your routines around another person. Especially if you don’t know the other person well, this can be awkward at first. This article will highlight some ways to make co-living a peaceful thing.

The first thing you should do is become acquainted with your new roommate. If you don’t already know each other, you should get to know how the other person lives. You don’t want to co-habitat with a person who has a cat if you absolutely despise cats. Getting to know what your deal breakers are is important in figuring out if they are even a right fit. You should feel comfortable in your home and not on edge.

After you get familiar with your roommate it is important to set some boundaries. What are the time periods that you need quiet time? Do you allow the roommate to bring strangers over without approval from you? Who is in charge of what with cleaning, cooking times, and using the main living spaces? It is vital that you discuss these logistics before assuming the answer to any of those questions.

One of the biggest causes for disagreements in the household comes to cleanliness. You should always be mindful of your messes that you make and ensure that you are tidying up after yourself. This so important because no one wants to live in someone else’s mess!

Keep the communication flowing. This is important so that you don’t have to feel like you are walking on eggshells around your roommate. If something is bothering you, you should bring it up in a kind and respectful way. Likewise, if you are doing something that your roommate does not approve of, be open to their feedback. You deserve to make yourself at home in your space but not at the cost of your roommate’s comfortability.

You can plan a weekly (or monthly) dinner, where you can set aside what is working in the household and what can use some adjusting. Consistently checking in can do wonders on how your home environment feels.  Keeping tensions and irritations low will make your time at home relaxing and enjoyable.

It’s important to remain patient during this process.  Moving in with another person can have its stressful moments. However, with the economy in the state that it has been in, a roommate can greatly alleviate the cost of housing. Learning to accommodate your roommate without sacrificing your own needs is key to a peaceful home.