By: Amy Corman
Moving in, or letting someaone move into a new apartment can be an exciting time for both parties involved. While exciting, having a roommate for the first time can be very frustrating, especially when the only interaction you might have had with them is email, Facebook, or a phone call.
Below are a few tips to help ease the transition of having a roommate, regardless of how easy or difficult the person may be.
Things To Keep in Mind:
Setting Boundaries
Moving in with a new roommate can be fun and exciting, especially when it’s someone you really get along with. Often when living in close quarters in a squished apartment, the lines of personal space can be blurred, which is why it’s crucial to set the proper boundaries and make compromises. When two adults are sharing a living space, there is bound to be some level of conflict, even if it’s only minor. It is important to set boundaries and be clear on what is yours, what is theirs and what is shared.
Dining Preferences
City apartments can be small, and kitchens even smaller. If both of you like to order in, no problem. If you both like to cook, prepare to share the kitchen space and storage. Maybe share spices and try to avoid doubling up on certain items by keeping a communal grocery list. Try to get to know your roommate’s preferences early on and create a shopping system so no-one has to come home to an empty fridge. Split up who makes dinner what night, and even cook together sometimes to bond and connect with them.
Cleaning Duties
Living with someone, means you live with all parts of them. The good, bad and the messy. Cleanliness and tidiness can be one of the biggest causes for apartment conflict. Try setting a cleaning schedule and opening a dialogue early and often about what chore to delegate based on preference or ease. Not only will this keep the house clean, but also help set boundaries and put off future problems concerning the dishes, vacuuming, taking out the trash, etc.
Friends and Company
Asking about the comings and goings of a potential roommate is a touchy subject to bring up, but it is one of the most important and essential boundaries to be set early on. Remember, the house is to be shared, and when one person is studying, and the other partying, there can be tension and conflict. Try having an early notice policy, or plan a schedule about who is visiting and when. This is most beneficial for overnight or frequent guests. Good questions are often the most simple “do you plan on having any parties here?” or “Is anyone coming over tonight?” instead of downright banning them. This is a non-confrontational way to bring up the subject, and still gives you time to make compromises and set boundaries if need be.
Sleeping Habits
Night owls don’t really get along with the early to bed, early to rise crowd. It’s important to figure out what they’re overall sleeping patterns and preferences are, and what they’re work schedule is as well. If your roommate is a student or someone with a busy schedule who needs a clear line between set sleep time, wake-up time, or any other scheduling issue, make sure to be open and listen to what they really need. Open conversation is important when it comes you and your roommate’s sleep schedule.
Don’t be too picky!
The list before this might sound quite picky, but I assure you, these suggestions are strictly cautionary. Finding a roommate is a transaction, and common mistake is to push off conflict and not be confrontational, but it is really best to bite the bullet and set those boundaries and have those talks, in order to ensure for the best roommate experience. Not every quirk or habit is a deal breaker, and who knows, maybe you’ll actually make a life long friend.