Sharing a home with a roommate can be an amazing experience – or a stressful one, depending on how well you prepare. Finding someone to split rent with is only one part of the equation. The real challenge lies in living harmoniously with another person. That starts with a good conversation.
Here are ten important things to discuss before moving in with a roommate.
10 Things to Discuss Before Moving in with a Roommate
1. Cleanliness Habits
Everyone has a different standard of cleanliness. Some people like their space spotless, while others are more relaxed. Discuss expectations around chores and tidiness. Will you have a rotating schedule for cleaning? Are there shared responsibilities like taking out the trash or cleaning the bathroom? Getting on the same page about cleanliness can prevent a lot of tension.
2. Guest Policies
Friends, family, or partners might drop by regularly, but how often is too often? Decide ahead of time how you’ll handle overnight guests, parties, or frequent visitors. Discuss how much notice should be given and what times guests are acceptable. Clear rules help protect everyone’s privacy and comfort.
3. Rent and Bills
It might seem obvious, but it’s essential to have a detailed chat about finances. Who will be responsible for paying which bills? Will everything be split evenly? What happens if one person is late with rent? Set expectations around shared expenses like internet, electricity, and household supplies.
4. Work and Sleep Schedules
You might be an early riser while your roommate works late-night shifts. Conflicting schedules can cause accidental disruptions if you’re not careful. Talk about your routines and how to be respectful of each other’s quiet hours, especially during sleeping or working times.
5. Food and Kitchen Rules
Will you be sharing groceries or keeping everything separate? Some roommates love cooking and eating together, while others prefer their independence. Decide how to label food, handle shared spices, and divide fridge and pantry space. It’s also helpful to agree on a policy for dishes. After all, no one wants a sink full of dirty plates.
6. Shared vs. Personal Items
What items will be communal, and what will be off-limits? This includes things like cleaning supplies, kitchen gadgets, toiletries, and streaming accounts. Setting these boundaries early on helps avoid misunderstandings.
7. Noise Levels and Entertainment
Everyone has a different tolerance for noise. If your roommate loves loud music and late-night TV, but you’re a light sleeper, that can become a problem. Discuss your noise preferences and agree on quiet hours. You might also want to check whether headphones are a must for gaming or movie marathons.
8. Pets and Allergies
Planning to bring a furry friend along? Or maybe you’re allergic to cats or terrified of snakes. Be upfront about pets, including any plans to adopt one. If you’re both pet lovers, establish rules for care, cleaning, and where pets are allowed in the home.
9. Communication Styles
Living together means conflicts may arise. What matters is how you handle them. Talk about how you’d like to address issues. Would you prefer a weekly check-in or texting about minor concerns? Knowing how to communicate can keep small issues from becoming major rifts.
10. Lease Agreement and Move-Out Plans
Finally, it’s essential to go over the lease. Are you both on the lease, or is one person subletting? What happens if someone needs to move out early? Clarifying the legal and logistical parts of living together ensures you’re both protected.
Finding the Right Roommate
Having these conversations is a lot easier when you’ve found someone you feel comfortable with – and that’s where platforms like spareroom.com come in. Every three minutes, someone finds a roommate on SpareRoom. As the #1 roommate finder, it’s the go-to platform for matching with the right person.
SpareRoom prioritizes your safety with a team of moderators reviewing ads seven days a week. You can search based on the criteria that matter to you, from budget and location to lifestyle preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quiet professional or a social extrovert, their search tools help you find your ideal match.
It only takes a few clicks to post an ad or browse listings, and their apps and mobile site make searching easy while on the move. Unlike many other platforms, SpareRoom makes getting in touch simple. Their customer service team answers phone calls within three rings and emails within 24 hours. No hidden contact details or frustrating delays.
Conclusion
Choosing to live with a roommate can make life more affordable and even more fun, but only if you set clear expectations from the start. By discussing the ten topics above, you lay the groundwork for a peaceful and respectful shared home.
