If you’ve ever lived with roommates, you understand the need to balance your living space carefully. And since the number of millennials living with housemates is skyrocketing, chances are you are, have or will in the future. It can be tricky to ensure everyone has their own space and comfort while keeping harmony within the shared household. But don’t worry — it is possible to coexist with your roommates happily. From moving in with the right bedroom essentials to understanding responsibilities, boundaries and limits, here are our tips to help you get along with your roommates:
Choose Your Roommates Carefully
Choosing your roommates carefully is a key step in ensuring that your living space is the best it can be for everyone. If you can, try to live with someone you know or have mutual friends and family with, as this can help create a sense of comfort and familiarity when moving in together. Alternatively, if it’s not possible to live with someone you know, consider arranging some kind of “roommate interview” to get an insight into potential roommate matches.
These interactions will give everyone involved more insight into each other’s lifestyles, preferences and expectations, making it easier to find someone compatible. But, at the end of the day, remember that no matter what type of situation you’re entering — whether it’s already existing roommates or asking someone to join a room — you’ll likely be living together for at least a year, so take the time to get to know each other before making any commitments!
Agree on Responsibilities
It is wise to agree on ground rules to ensure everyone coexists happily and peacefully. One of the most important areas to discuss and come to an agreement upon is responsibilities such as chores and rent payments. According to psychologists, when it comes to the psychology of expectations, expecting something to happen will not make it happen.
That’s why it’s important for all roommates to commit to taking some ownership of the shared living space. Discussing and establishing expectations right at the beginning is key to avoiding future friction between roommates. It will help create a happier living environment. Everyone should feel secure in knowing their efforts will be matched by those they live with, leading to a more harmonious coexistence. Ensure that any necessary agreements are written down, signed and placed somewhere visible so everyone can reference them if a problem arises or clarification is needed. Remember that open communication is vital for successful roommate relationships.
Respect Each Other’s Boundaries
Living in close quarters with roommates can be a unique experience. To ensure harmony between everyone in the household, respecting each other’s boundaries is paramount. Establishing specific rules about noise levels and privacy will go a long way toward ensuring comfortable living for everyone involved.
Each roommate should have their own designated space where they are free to relax or study without interruption or interference from the others. Each person’s boundaries must be respected so all parties involved can coexist happily in the same space. Communication is vital in ensuring that everyone knows what constitutes respectful behavior in the shared living environment. If needed, set up an agreed-upon schedule during which all roommates must observe quiet time. This will help create an atmosphere of comfort and understanding, leading to a more peaceful cohabitation between all household members.
Invest in Quality Beds and Mattresses
Speaking of personal and private living spaces, it is essential that when living with roommates, everyone has access to a comfortable bed and mattress. This may involve considering the number of people living in the house and their individual preferences when selecting beds and mattresses. For example, if two or more people are sharing a bedroom but aren’t sleep partners, bunk beds may be a good option as it allows them to have separate sleeping areas without taking up too much floor space.
It is also important to consider the quality of the bed and mattress chosen. Investing in one that is of higher quality can provide more comfort while sleeping and help create a more conducive environment for restful nights. When shopping for beds and mattresses, researching different sources may help find the best value for money on available options. Bed-in-a-box mattress options have come a long way in providing comfort and support while being easy to order, deliver and set up. Having an inviting bed setup can go a long way to making a space feel like a home, which is great for everyone living there.
Create Shared Communal Areas
Designating communal areas like the living room and kitchen encourages communal activities like movie nights, game nights and dinner parties, which can help foster relationships between roommates. Creating these shared areas also gives everyone a place to relax and unwind in a social setting without feeling like they infringe on someone else’s private space. In addition, these comfortable spaces enable roommates to get to know each other better while casually chatting or having interesting conversations.
Shared areas also provide everyone with a place to store items used for shared activities like board games or kitchenware. Additionally, this helps to keep the shared living space clear of clutter and allows all roommates to feel that they have an equal stake in how the area looks and feels.
Being Roommates Doesn’t Equal Being Best Friends
Last, it’s important to remember that even though you live with roommates, it doesn’t necessarily mean you all have to be best friends. Roommates can still be friendly and polite to each other without getting into deeper relationships of trust and loyalty. Yes, you should get to know your roommates better by discussing things other than just the apartment rules and regulations.
However, knowing how to respectfully coexist in a shared living environment is far more important than trying to force a bond between everyone living under the same roof. After all, it’s important to remember that each individual is still their own person with separate interests and needs and should be treated as such.
Final Thoughts
Making a home with roommates can be an exciting experience. Investing in quality beds and mattresses for everyone’s comfort, respecting each other’s boundaries and creating communal areas are all important steps to ensure that the living arrangement is harmonious for everyone involved. However, with a bit of care and effort, there’s no reason why living with roommates can’t be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all.