Moving in with a roommate for the first time can be a big change. From on-campus dorm rooms or cheap post-grad apartments to new homes and beyond, roommate relationships can take place in just about every stage of life.
Moving in with roommates for the first time can be exciting yet scary. Especially if you go from living with your family where they help you with everything.
Now that you are splitting bills and sharing spaces in the house or apartment, you will need to start considering that you are not the only person who lives in the house and your actions can affect your roommate’s sanity. Even if you are friends with the person you’re living with, you both still need to be considerate of one another.
Depending on what stage of life you’re in, the first few months of living with roommates can look different for everyone. But we’re here to help you prepare to conquer Atlanta’s shared housing market so you and your roommate can live in harmony.
Reach out to your network
Before you try to find someone you don’t know, reach out to your network of friends. Send an email or post on social media telling people you’re looking for a new roommate. The key is to be very specific with what area you are looking to live in when you want to move, and some key things you’re looking for in a roommate. Also, make it clear that they should pass it along to anyone that they might know who is also looking.
Once you find someone who may be compatible, set up a time to talk, this will allow you to get to know each other better and you can ask additional questions before deciding to live together.
Communicate bills before you move in
Setting up new accounts, splitting responsibilities, and paying rent every month are among the necessary tasks that keep a household afloat. Now that you will be splitting bills, you’ll need to discuss a budget, who will be setting up the different accounts, and how the bills will be split.
Typically you split rent as well as utilities like water, electric, internet, gas, etc. Will it be split 50/50? Will you pay less rent if you get the smaller bedroom? Discussing this before you move in will help in the long run.
It is also important that you pay your bills on time. If a bill is coming out of your roommate’s account make sure you send them the money before so it doesn’t cause any unnecessary stress for them. Don’t be shy in discussing money, it’s a major factor in most roommate relationships and can be a big stressor if not addressed.
Address conflicts immediately
If there is a conflict between roommates it’s better to address it sooner rather than later. Sometimes it may mean taking the high road, especially if this is a close friend that you are living with. Petty arguments often lead to larger arguments so it’s best to talk it out right away. This helps prevent harboring resentment and allows for more harmony in the home. The worst thing would be that you feel uncomfortable in your own home if you and your roommate are arguing and you cross paths.
Because let’s be honest, arguments will happen, and learning to apologize and communicate after a fight is a major part of maintaining positive relationships. It may be uncomfortable, but it’s better to face the situation head-on and clear the air rather than walk on eggshells around each other. Take the time to talk things out, you’ll feel better if you do.
Learn your roommate’s schedule/Be courteous
Learning your schedules is an easy way to avoid problems in the home. Are they night owls or a morning person? Do they like to cook dinner or order out? How do they feel about having guests over?
These are questions you should ask each other so you don’t disturb one another. Knowing these can help you be mindful of what happens in your home. For example, if one likes to cook but the other doesn’t be sure to clean up your dishes when you’re done so it doesn’t bother the other to look at them in the sink.
Clean up after yourself
One of the most common things roommates argue about is keeping the apartment clean. Sometimes even who is doing a majority of the chores and who isn’t. If you’ve lived without roommates for a while, you may be used to cleaning up whenever you get around to it, since the only person bothered by it would be you.
Adjusting to life with a new roommate means learning to clean up clutter around the house.
No one likes to walk into a messy kitchen or living room. Frequently leaving these messes around the house can strain a relationship between roommates.
Sometimes the other roommate may feel like they have to clean up after you and that can cause tension. But on the occasions where you simply don’t have time to clean right away all you have to do is communicate that to your roommate and let them know when you plan on cleaning it up. Being clean is a big part of being a courteous roommate.
Hang out together but also respect their space
It’s great if you and your roommate are getting along and hanging out builds stronger relationships. The more you get to know each other will help you and your roommate be more in sync. However, you also need to know when to give them space, you don’t want to get sick of each other. Spending time apart will allow you and your roommate to decompress and broaden your circle.
Another thing to consider is that you and your roommate may not become best friends and that’s okay. It’s just always important to focus on being kind and courteous to maintain a positive living environment for everyone.
Moving to a new place and with a new roommate can be exciting and nerve-wracking. Hopefully, with these tips, you can adjust to this new way of living in your new Atlanta place! Contact us to schedule your move for you and your roommate.
