Making the leap to live with someone is exciting, but it’s also a big step that deserves some thought.
Whether it’s a friend or partner, sharing your space changes the dynamics of any relationship. Here are some important things to think about before packing those boxes, giving up your flat or house, and deciding to share a living space with someone.
1. Money management and bill splitting
Money matters need sorting before moving day arrives. Talk about how you’ll split the rent, bills, and groceries. Some people prefer splitting everything down the middle, while others divide expenses based on income. Getting clear about this early prevents awkward conversations later. Setting up a shared spreadsheet or using a bill-splitting app can make tracking expenses simple and transparent.
2. Cleaning habits and expectations
One person’s tidy might be another’s messy. Chat about cleaning habits, from doing the dishes to hoovering schedules. Knowing what you both expect helps avoid those little frustrations that can build up over dirty mugs left in the sink or unswept floors. Creating a cleaning rota with clear responsibilities gives structure to household maintenance.
3. Sleep schedules and morning routines
Early birds and night owls can live together happily, but it takes planning. Discuss typical schedules and how you’ll manage different routines. Simple courtesies like using headphones or having a quiet morning routine can make a big difference. Setting up designated quiet zones or times helps everyone get the rest they need.
4. Guest policies and social boundaries
Some people love having friends over constantly, while others need their space. Talk about your expectations for visitors, overnight guests, and parties. Setting ground rules about notice and frequency helps everyone feel comfortable in their home. Discussing specific guidelines about guest duration and frequency prevents misunderstandings.
5. Temperature preferences and comfort levels
It might seem trivial, but thermostat settings can cause real tension. If one of you needs tropical warmth while the other prefers it cool, you’ll need to find a middle ground or work out a compromise that keeps you both comfortable. Consider investing in personal fans or heaters for individual rooms to maintain harmony.
6. Kitchen rules and food sharing
Source: Unsplash Cooking arrangements need sorting early. Will you share food or keep things separate? Do you cook together or prefer different mealtimes? Understanding kitchen expectations prevents arguments over eaten leftovers or unwashed pans. Setting specific shelves or areas for personal items helps maintain order in shared cooking spaces.
7. Personal boundaries and habits
We all have little things that drive us mad. Being upfront about these helps your housemate understand your boundaries. Whether it’s leaving lights on or doors open, knowing these preferences helps create a happier home. Writing down house rules together ensures everyone understands and agrees to the living arrangements.
8. Downtime and relaxation needs
Home should be a place where everyone can relax. Talk about how you each decompress after a long day. Some need quiet time, others want to chat about their day. Understanding these needs helps create a space where you both feel at peace. Creating designated quiet spaces allows everyone to unwind in their own way.
9. Shared items and borrowing boundaries
Source: Unsplash From washing-up liquid to Netflix accounts, decide what you’re sharing and what stays personal. Clear boundaries about borrowing clothes, using appliances, or sharing food makes life smoother for everyone. Making a list of shared and personal items prevents confusion about what’s available for common use.
10. Maintenance responsibilities
Someone needs to call the landlord or plumber when things go wrong. Discuss who handles household tasks and how you’ll split unexpected costs. Having a plan prevents stress when the boiler breaks down. Creating an emergency fund for repairs helps manage unexpected household expenses.
11. Social media boundaries
Living together means appearing in each other’s home life posts. Chat about boundaries regarding shared photos and social media tagging. Some people are private, others share everything — finding middle ground matters. Establishing clear guidelines about posting home-related content respects everyone’s privacy preferences.
12. Stress management styles
Everyone manages difficult days differently. Understanding how your housemate copes with stress helps you support them better and gives them space when needed. It’s about creating a home where you both feel safe expressing emotions. Discussing stress signals helps roommates recognise when to offer support or space.
13. Bathroom scheduling
Bathroom schedules and morning rituals need coordinating. Knowing who needs the shower first or who makes the coffee helps mornings run smoothly. Little courtesies like these make sharing space much easier. Creating a rough timeline for morning routines helps prevent bathroom traffic jams.
14. Storage space allocation
Storage space often causes tension in shared homes. Talk about closet space, kitchen cupboards, and bathroom storage before moving in. Having clear zones for your belongings prevents future disagreements. Regular decluttering sessions help maintain organised shared spaces.
15. Agreement on moving out terms
Nobody likes thinking about things not working out, but having a plan helps everyone feel secure. Discuss notice periods, deposit returns, and how you’d handle one person moving out early. It’s better to have these conversations while you’re both excited rather than stressed. Writing down these agreements provides clarity and protection for everyone involved.
